Watch Today’s Film Festivals: Best of STUDENT Shorts. & Best of ASIAN Filmmakers Shorts

Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 – Best of STUDENT Shorts:

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/student-april-29th

See the Full Lineup of Films:

THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS, 24min., USA
Directed by Chaya Gurkov
An Orthodox Jewish girl struggled with her mothers expectations for an arranged marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/reelworks

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-shidduch-crisis-review

LOVE LETTERS, 13min., USA
Directed by Abigayle Burch
When Margaret gets accepted to college, her older sister Charlotte comes face to face with a new reality that she is not ready to accept. Charlotte bargains for her sister to stay, and Margaret resorts to good, ole-fashioned subterfuge to get a nagging sister off her back.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/love-letters-review

Festival #2 – Best of ASIAN Filmmakers Shorts

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/asian-filmmakers-april-29th

See the Full Lineup of Films:

SUBAH (AWAKENING), 20min,. USA
Directed by Arnav Magla
The main character is Jai, a 17-year-old runner who is dealing with the recent loss of his mother in a car accident while constantly being pushed for an upcoming, crucial race by his disciplinarian father/coach. Due to Jai’s grief, his sense of time is distorted, further aggravated by his seemingly unaffected younger brother and recurring apparitions of his mother.

https://www.arnavmangla.xyz/all-work/subah
https://www.instagram.com/filmfhrer/

DAEBU (Godfather), 18min., USA
Directed by Al Chang
6 years removed from his once violent life, an ex-mob boss is pulled back in for one night to tie up loose ends, for good.

https://www.instagram.com/4lcfilm

MY BLUE FLEW AWAY, 16min,. China
Directed by Yufei Li, Xuekai Ge
A lost blue crayon, a phone that no one answers, arouses curiosity as a child explores the truth. Chenchen misses his maternal grandmother.I always ask my mom. Where’s my grandmother?The answer is always as far away as the sea.The more the mother suppresses, the more curious the child becomes.That day, Chenchen went alone and conspired to get to the bottom of the matter.On this day,Chenchen went alone and conspired to get to the bottom of the matter.That’s how the door to truth opened.It was not my grandmother who opened the door, but a lie.Chenchen and his mother stand at both ends of the lie.

50K, 14min., Vietnam
Directed by Nguyen Phan Thai Vu
Following the journey of a 50.000 VN? as it changes hands in society, the currency becomes a witness to surprising events and stories, connecting people in unexpected ways.

https://www.facebook.com/StrawberryFieldsForeverrrrrr/
https://letterboxd.com/film/50k-2023/

CYCLE, 3min., India
Directed by Rajendra Ray
Despite his son’s persistent requests, a father had to decline buying a bicycle due to financial constraints caused by monthly EMIs. This situation highlights the difficult choices many families face, balancing the desire to fulfill their children’s wishes with the need to manage finances responsibly. The father’s decision reflects his commitment to fulfilling his financial obligations while also prioritizing his family’s long-term financial stability.

U, 7min., Japan
Directed by SHOGO SAWADA
Everyday information is complicated, but there are many people who do not have their own opinions. Don’t you resonate with the opinion of those who say beautiful words on TV and SNS “similar to yourself”? In art, I think that “the attitude of trying to understand for yourself” also increases the value of the work. From the above, the theme is “Don’t quit thinking”. Since it’s a student film, I can’t find any information about it. Even if it comes out, it’s only my SNS. This work pursues the “possibilities” that only student films can create. Please find your own answer.

MAKOTO, 7min., USA
Directed by Fumi Matsuura

DETO YETI, 20min., Russia
Directed by Aydar Sharipov
The ethnobotanist girl went into the wild in search of a rare plant. According to legend, this plant brings good luck to the locals. She does not even suspect that along the way she will have to break off co-dependent relationships and look at the world in an adult way.

Feature Film Review: SURVIVING TO THRIVING. Directed by Karin Isabelle Ochsner

As a fearless explorer with a disability, surfer and surf coach Karin Ochsner immerses herself in the raw beauty of nature. Her remarkable healing journey unfolds in the face of adversity.

http://www.surfingtosurvive.com/film2

https://www.instagram.com/surfingtosurvive/

Review by Andie Karvelis:

Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of a pity party? I know I have. Most humans can get bogged down feeling sorry for themselves, especially in this technological age. Life is hard.

We struggle, we whine ( I’m so guilty here ), sometimes we even say “Forget it” and throw the towel in on something that’s just too difficult. There are times we just need inspiration and times we need a good swift kick in the…

Karin Ochsner is both inspiring and a refreshing kick in the pants. This documentary is an incredible tale of endurance, bravery and the unyielding spirit of a woman who wasn’t going to give up. You see Karin has a very rare immune system illness that makes her allergic to, well, everything. Imagine being allergic to almost everything in your house that you have to sleep outside. Salt water is the only water you can tolerate, and even when you think you have it under control, your allergies change.


I cannot imagine what Karin has gone through but I do know she never once threw herself a pity party. She adapted constantly. The interviews with Karin, her friends, co-workers, and doctors were all a testament to this wonderful woman’s spirit.

The cinematography alone in this film is absolutely stunning. That is thanks to Andy Bowles and several other talented Directors of Photography. Andy Bowles and Karin Ochsner produced this inspiring film together and they make a fantastic team.

Next time I start to whinge about my paltry issues, I am going to think about Karin and find the motivation to overcome my obstacles.

Deadline Today: TORONTO COMEDY Film & Screenplay Festival

Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of COMEDY Directors, Producers, Writers, and Actors at the festival in Toronto.

The Toronto Comedy Festival occurs every single month.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Various options to submit to the Festival. A HYBRID model. Cinema screenings for audience feedback video (not an online festival). Blog and podcast interviews. And bonus Virtual screening (optional!) geared to create community over distance, PLUS, get your film seen by the right people.

For FILMS:

– Submit your short or feature film.
– NEW OPTION for guaranteed submission.

For SCREENPLAYS:

– Submit your screenplay (feature, TV, short) and get full feedback no matter what from the industry. Winners get their script performed by professional actors.

– Also option to submit a 1 page script (guaranteed winner).

– Another option is to submit your screenplay for a 10 day or less turnaround for your feedback.

Get your Short Film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get a audience video.
– Offers filmmakers to get their works showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Then the filmmaker will receive and audience reaction video on their film.

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Comedy Festival.
– 0ffers screenwriters, novelists and storytellers at all levels the fantastic opportunity to hear their stories read aloud using TOP PROFESSIONAL ACTORS.

Deadline Today: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film & Screenplay Festival

FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream now and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in fantasy/sci-fi are a gigantic multi-billion dollar market. This portion of the Film & Writing Festival serves the Fantasy and Sci-Fi filmmakers and writers from all over the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festiva (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Watch Today’s Film Festivals: LATINO Filmmakers Shorts & EUROPEAN Festival Feature Film

Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 – EUROPEAN Feature Film
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/28th-astral

ASTRAL, 71min,. Spain
Directed by Miguel Angel Mengó
Isabela is found in the middle of the forest after days missing. One night, Isabela had dreamed of crossing the barriers of space and time, where a girl exactly like her, Daniela, returned her gaze.

https://www.miguelangelmengo.com/instant%C3%A1neas/
https://www.facebook.com/Instant%C3%A1neas-890634344397316/
https://www.instagram.com/mv.audiovisuales/

Festival #2 – LATINO Filmmakers Shorts Festival
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-28-latino

See the Full Lineup of Films:

AL REVES, 3min., Venezuela,
Directed by Luis Figeuredo
A music video by Human Productions featuring Danny Pryp and Pat Gales. ‘Al Revés’ is an original song performed by Danny Pryp.

Danny Pryp


https://facebook.com/dannypryp
https://instagram.com/dannypryp

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/al-reves-review

OJUE, 13min,. USA
Directed by Fernando Alberto Broce
A panamanian fashion designer living in the US, who is embarrassed about her culture, is forced to bring her dad with dementia (who is convinced that he is still in Panama) to her most important exhibition.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/ojue-review

AMARA & VANESA, 4min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Jose A Rodriguez Mazzini
Two university students meet at the Río Piedras Market to talk about whatever comes up. Then the unexpected happens.

https://instagram.com/amara_y_vanesa

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/amara-vanesa-review

ÑUÑUYACHIY: BREASTFEEDING WITH AFFECTION AND CARE, 23min., Spain
Directed by Jose Miguel Soriano, Ricardo Macian
In early 2009, the establishment of the first breast milk bank in Lima, Peru, began to take shape. This initiative involved the collaboration of researchers and healthcare professionals from the National Institute of Maternal Perinatal Health in Lima and the University of Valencia. This documentary showcases the individuals who made it possible and provides a firsthand account of the experiences that enabled the implementation of this top-notch healthcare project. The initiative has significantly contributed to enhancing maternal and perinatal health, ultimately improving the quality of life for Peruvian families and their infants

https://www.facebook.com/61553328459626
https://www.instagram.com/documental_banco_leche_materna

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/nunuyachiy-review

FILM OF THE DAY: SPIRIT OF SWEETNESS, Poland, Family Animation

WATCH Film on the Daily Film Festival Platform:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/watch-spirit-of-sweetness

My dear children, this is the sweetest, most colorful and at the same time the truest of all fairy tales ever created and which you will hear in a moment. Do not believe adults when they say that fairy tales lie also do not believe that grandfather and grandmother get bored on autumn-winter evenings and come up with uncreated stories that they later tell their children.

Yes, my dear Marzipan Dog, magic mountains do exist and there are seven of them. Magical rivers flow and there are seven of them. They’ve got also fairies, sorcerers, mages, creatures and other monsters. Nice and a little bit less nice. There are them, let me count them for a moment – 1, 2, 3, 4… – countless. And at least so much that neither I nor my marzipan dog can count. There is also a gingerbread hut, chocolate roof and snow in the form of whipped cream. And all this exists thanks to our imagination in the fairy tale world.

https://www.facebook.com/animacjenakolacje
https://www.facebook.com/malgosiaszyszka

Directed by Malgorzata Szyszka, Małgorzata Arszennik

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1175 – DANIEL RODRIGUES CORREIA (YUGO MANCHESTER)

YUGO MANCHESTER, 13min., Netherlands
Directed by Daniel Rodrigues Correia
“MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” is a captivating dance short-film that takes the audience on an immersive journey through the evolution of the city’s industry, rise, and fall in Maribor (Slovenia) during the 20th century. Through mesmerizing choreography and powerful storytelling, the film unravels the transformation of Maribor from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural gem. Each dance sequence illuminates key historical events that shaped the city’s identity, celebrating its triumphs, resilience, and exploring the impact of the changing industrial landscape. Seamlessly blending history and artistry, “MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” invites audiences to experience the beauty and power of dance as it brings Maribor’s captivating story to life.

https://www.instagram.com/maribor_yugo_manchester/

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1175-filmmaker-daniel-rodrigues-correia-yugo-manchester

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1175-filmmaker-daniel-rodrigues-correia-yugo-manchester/id1406973270?i=1000651833527

Get to know the filmmaker:
The goal of this short dance film was to show the journey through the legacy of development, rise and fall of industry in Maribor in the 20th century. We wanted to show, through choreography, the transformation of the city, which was once considered the Yugoslav “Manchester City”.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at http://www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/
https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Deadline Today: UNDER 5 Minute Film Festival

Submit your short film that’s 5 minutes or less and get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Short Film Festivals in Los Angeles and Toronto. A monthly film festival event!

Submit via FilmFreeway:

(NEW: Also accepting smartphone made films.)

ALSO submit a short screenplay that’s 5 pages or under and get it performed by professional actors at the Writing Festival. FULL FEEDBACK on all entries.

Festival occurs 10 times a year! And gives accepted films multiple options to showcase and promote your film.

1) Screening #1 where you will also obtain your audience feedback video (private screenings).
2) Screening #2 virtually on the streaming service WILDsound TV
3) Podcast interview at Film Festival Radio on ITunes
4) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

(Note; If your film is not formally accepted to the festival, please email the festival if you like to receive the committee’s notes.)

Watch Today’s Film Festivals – Spain Feature Film Day

Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 – ACTION/ADVENTURE – I’LL CRUSH Y’ALL, 92min., Spain
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/27th-i-ll-crush-y-all


Directed by Kike Narcea
Nuthead is getting finally free from jail, so he wants to become a good cityzen. Suddenly his father dies and leaves him alone, leading to a short period of time where a bunch of different people arrives to Nuthead´s home with bizarre intentions. He has the same willing for each one, to crush´em all.

https://www.instagram.com/kikenarcea

Festival #2 – DRAMA – SNAPSHOTS, 85min., Spain

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/27th-snapshots


Directed by Miguel Ángel Mengó
Snapshots reflects twelve dialogues without beginning or end, held between twenty-four characters, inhabitants of the outskirts of a city, at some point in their lives, always marked by incommunication and time lost in the era of access to information and immediacy.

https://www.miguelangelmengo.com/instant%C3%A1neas/
https://www.facebook.com/Instant%C3%A1neas-890634344397316/
https://www.instagram.com/mv.audiovisuales

Short Film Review: DISMISSING THE ENVELOPE. Directed by Steven Wright Clarkson

Synopsis:

A young girl enters the painting world of four prominent artists

Review by Andy Karvelis:

“Curiouser and curiouser” cried Alice “Now I’m opening out like the largest telescope that ever was!” Dismissing the Envelope reminds me so much of Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole and ending up in Wonderland where nonsense is the most sense and only sense there is.

Completely A.I. driven, this film takes you on a morphfully, twisting journey into a kaleidoscope world of art. It’s impressive how seamless the computer generated images and motion tracking follow this winding pathway from one painting into another and another and another and..you get the idea. Our Alice, (who I think) is the likeness of Shreyas Iyer, is not only the person we are following through Wonderland, but the only one listed in the credits. Hmmm…curiouser and curiouser.

The music added another layer of trippiness to the film because it had this dissonance that never really resolved. It was unclear if the music was A.I. generated as well but it definitely was a unique choice for a unique film.