Uncategorized

Short Film Review: CHECKED BAGS. Directed by Mark Cline

festreviews Uncategorized

Synopsis:

A combat veteran is traveling by a civilian airline. The airline now requires all passengers to check their emotional baggage before boarding any flight. After checking his bags, the man experiences the serenity of becoming unburdened by the guilt and trauma that he carries inside all the time.

Review by Victoria Olson

Artificial intelligence is generating multiple conversations in the world today. The film CHECKED BAGS shows exactly what it looks like when it comes to filmmaking. The images are pristine as if an artist carefully designed every aspect of the frame. A soothing voice of a female British airline attendant opens the short narrative by explaining the process for her particular airline. This simple, but familiar voice instantly relaxes the viewer through the dialogue. 

The scene quickly changes to an artificially generated man who looks familiar, almost a blend of several popular actors, with a rough beard. The shots are rapid black and white images that represent the memories of this particular character. The quickness shows he is being forced to release his emotional baggage before the scene opens to a bright and colorful terminal. He is now relaxed and clean shaven, signifying that he has dropped his emotional baggage. 

The film is composed of still images giving the illusion of movement through the use of time-lapsed illustrations. This allows the film to progress rapidly in order to give an example of artificial intelligence to create a concept of what could eventually be a full film. The concept of using emotional baggage before being allowed to board a flight is unique, which makes this film almost a trailer for a longer film. The idea being presented is clear and could be made into a feature film that would leave the audience feeling relaxed by the end. The tone is already there in the brief concept that artificial intelligence created and it would be wonderful to have people take over a feature in order to bring the idea of checking emotional baggage to a longer film. 

CHECKED BAGS is a great film to see what artificial intelligence can do in regards to film without overstepping the boundaries of the need for human creations. It was designed using both AI and humans to create the short, showing how both can work together to create a concept while bringing up a dialogue about what the world would look like if people could check emotional baggage. 

Project Links

News & Reviews

Short Film Review: The Great Basin! Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Desert

festreviews Uncategorized

Synopsis:

The Great Basin! Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Desert is a film, book and print project that addresses climate change, the severe drought in the Western United States, gun culture, the military’s use of the basin and range of Nevada for atomic testing, cultural stereotypes, my own personal history, and my experiences in this mostly remote area. In the 15 minute short film I am creating complex collages of my still and motion captures made in Nevada with appropriated short clips from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, recent weather footage, The Lone Ranger, as well as John Wayne’s and other historic films, cartoons, and many other cultural artifacts, in order to speak to the place and its significance.

Review by Andie Karvelis

Filmmaker Eric Weeks takes you on a unique journey centering around his experience in the remote regions of the Western United States.


What intrigued me most about this film was the creative way Weeks used existing footage from the past to bring attention to present day issues. Climate change, the drought and the Nevada military Atomic testing areas to name a few.


You have super quick cuts of footage and dialogue ranging from the local news to The Lone Ranger and even some Davey & Goliath thrown in for good measure. It’s a creative way to drive your point home about these important issues. The moments of overlapping audio and repeating footage leaves you feeling helpless and confused, but I think that is exactly what you’re supposed to feel. Apathy won’t bring about change, we have to feel in order to act. .

Project Links

Directed by Eric Weeks

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

Short Film Review: FIRST SLOVAK PRIDE. 29min., Slovakia

festreviews Uncategorized

Synopsis:

What is PRIDE? How it came about in Slovakia? Was the 2010 PRIDE parade in Bratislava the first one in Slovakia? Activists from the 2010 PRIDE team as well as Hana Fabry, Jaroslav Gyurik, which where present in queer activism in the early 90s talk about important events which led to the creation of the first PRIDE parade in Slovakia.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase

“First Slovak Pride” is a poignant and inspiring documentary capturing a pivotal historical moment, shedding light on the long road this LGBTQ+ community travels towards true equality and acceptance. Roman Stráñai masterfully guides us through the journey of the first creation of Slovak Pride, providing an intimate glimpse into the struggles, triumphs, and heartfelt experiences of individuals fighting for their right to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Set against the backdrop starting in the early 90s, the film follows the remarkable journey of LGBTQ+ activists as they embark on the groundbreaking mission to establish a safe haven for public expressions of homosexuality and the forging of connections among like-minded souls. Through personal accounts and powerful imagery, the film delves into the complex and emotional process of coming out, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and compassion within a society who has long suppressed these voices.

The documentary’s standout moment is when two brides, adorned in rainbow veils, leave a trail of hope and symbolism through the rainy streets of Slovakia. As raindrops fall, a radiant rainbow emerges in a fountain – a timeless memory that encapsulates both the struggles and the inherent beauty of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for visibility.

“First Slovak Pride” doesn’t shy away from the challenges faced by the activists. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the difficulties they encountered in their bid to organize the Pride March, including the threat of extremist opposition and the eventual cancellation of the first event held. However, the film expertly shifts the focus to the silver linings, highlighting the accidental formation of a rainbow-flag-adorned human chain across a bridge, a testament to the resilience and unity of those pushing for change.

As the years progress, the documentary artfully illustrates the evolution of Slovak Pride from a human rights campaign to a vibrant week-long celebration. Stráñai takes us through the transformation, demonstrating that while progress is being made, the fight for equality is an ongoing battle, a marathon rather than a sprint.

Through compelling storytelling and a well-crafted narrative, “First Slovak Pride” emphasizes the importance of activism and community-building. It serves as a reminder even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to challenge societal norms, and gradually transform a nation’s perspective. The film underscores the significance of pride, not just as a colorful spectacle, but as a powerful force for social change and acceptance.

Roman Stráñai’s direction shines as he captures the emotional highs and lows of this inspiring journey. With an eye for detail, he guides the audience through the streets of Slovakia, effectively translating the atmosphere and emotions of the era onto the screen. The documentary’s culmination, an awe-inspiring shot of the expanding crowd overlooking the country, leaves a lasting impact, symbolizing the triumph of unity and the emergence of a brighter future.

“First Slovak Pride” is an extraordinary cinematic exploration of a crucial turning point in Slovak LGBTQ+ history. Through Stráñai’s lens, the film honors the bravery of those who dared to demand equality, celebrate diversity, and pave the way for a more inclusive society. This documentary is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, an eloquent call to action, and a vibrant tapestry of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of community.

Project Links

Directed by Roman Stráňai

Watch the Audience Feedback Video: