Deadline Today to submit via FilmFreeway. 86 FIVE Star Reviews!
This festival was very supportive of my work. I enjoyed the interview a lot
I have nothing but positive things to say! LOVE getting the feedback videos; the audience members who are interviewed give well thought out and reasoned critiques and it’s so gratifying to hear the way your work is resonating with others. Plus the interview opportunities are a tremendous bonus. Thanks for screening BLOOD IS THICKER!
I love this festival because it offers so many opportunities for the director, it is really original like no other. Thank you for the award to our The finger and the moon, we are very happy. Thank you for the feedback and thanks to all the people who have spent words on our film. Great!!!
A very positive experience overall. I was delighted with some very insightful feedback on “The Birthday List” and love that this festival supports female writers. Highly recommend! Thank you.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was really wonderful getting the feedback. Nice to hear unfiltered responses to the work. The organizers are super on it, very communicative. It’s a cool experience.
Our team appreciate that such heart-warming festival does exist. The important thing is to get direct feedback from audiences, and the FFFF built this bridge, we heard a lot of encouraging words from our audiences and we are so grateful about that. Thank you FFFF 🙂
DANCE OF THE DAKINIS, 28min., USA, Documentary Directed by Lindsay Gilmour The film focuses on the empowerment of female monastics and the innovation of gender roles in Vajrayana Buddhism. The film has two frameworks: an outer framework that focuses on rising status of Tibetan nuns in previously male dominated religious structures, and an inner framework that focuses on the inner state of the dancer. The film delves into how ancient rituals adapt in shifting political and cultural landscapes and how the roles of women evolve and develop in this framework.
BENJAMIN FELIKSDAL, The Life Story of a Dutch Dance Master, 45min. Ballet Directed by Roland Gaedtgens, Robin Lionhar van Zutphen The inspiring journey of Benjamin Feliksdal began in a humble yet determined manner. At the tender age of just six, he discovered his calling in the world of dance. His talent quickly caught the attention of none other than Sonja Gaskell, an iconic figure in the Dutch dance scene. Under her tutelage, Benjamin blossomed into a talented dancer with a passion for expression and movement.
A showcase of the best short films in the world today.
AUDIENCE WINNERS: Best Action: VERTIGO SPRITZ Best Micro-Short: antisocial Best Adventure: AKASHIC SPHERES Best Story: THE CORNER ROOM Best Animation: SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL Best Direction: LAST TOUCH Best Performances: HAPPY PLACES
THE CORNER ROOM, 15min., USA Directed by Gita Farid An homage to the tragic ending of the Ann Frank story. It always saddened me that Ann Frank didn’t survive to see the Liberation although it was only months away. Two women hidden in an attic apartment in the Jewish Quarter in a town in Poland are joined by their younger brother, a fighter in the Resistance. There is a round-up…
SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL, 5min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendesv Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
antisocial, 2min., Germany Directed by Tobias Rothacker I am the hero, I’ll remain, See only me, push you away, Embrace destruction, face the pain, Transforming swiftly in my own domain!
Akashic Spheres, 11min., USA Directed by James Scott Mystical orbs hold the power to control the multiverse are being sought by dark forces who plan to use them for evil. Captain Everest must find them first to save mankind.
LAST TOUCH, 25min., Uzbekistan Directed by Gulnara Ivanova This is the story of a man trapped in a cycle of self-punishment, unable to break free from the torment of his own guilt. Each day, he finds new ways to inflict pain upon himself, believing it to be penance for his past mistakes. Blind to the damage he’s causing, he begins to destroy not only himself but also the world around him—relationships, opportunities, and dreams crumble under the weight of his relentless self-blame. It is only when he confronts the truth—that forgiveness must come from within—that he can hope to heal and rebuild the shattered pieces of his life.
HAPPY PLACES, 20min., USA Directed by Nich Frost A mysterious stranger interrupts the evening of a seemingly normal family to visit his childhood home. But his presence progresses towards a possibly ominous outcome.
A showcase of the best BLACK & WHITE films from around the world.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero Best Direction: We’re Nothing Best Story: Ice Cream Sidewalk Best Micro-Short: THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia
We’re Nothing, 4min, USA Directed by Kelly Hughes Music video collaboration between director Kelly Hughes and Italian Post-Metal band Postvorta. Hughes filmed most of the footage in Kitsap County in WA State (Port Orchard, Gorst, Sunnyslope, Bremerton, Suquamish) with a mostly local cast.
Ice Cream Sidewalk. 5min., USA Directed by Randy Zuniga
Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero, 28min., USA Directed by JZ Murdock Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero is a unique anti-war film blending historical documentary, visual poetry, and the haunting music of Maurice Ravel. Based on the poem by JZ Murdock, the film delves into Ravel’s time as a truck driver in World War I, reflecting on the profound impact of his music and the devastating effects of war.
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia, 3min., Italy Directed by Samantha Comizzoli In a Sardinian’s village of Barbagia, a mother writes to her son in prison beacuse. She is to old to work the land, so she can’t makes the vegetable garden. The son finds an ingenious solution.
Head Over Heels, 12min., UK Directed by Ignacio Rodo When conventional therapy fails, it’s time for a crazy approach.
Hello, min., USA Directed by Lauren A. Poole A disaster brings three people into irritating proximity of each other.
Indyana Jones – End of the world, 25min., Finland Directed by Petri Puroano Sometimes filming a movie is not easy when people involved in the film-production have a different vision of the final product. Star wanna-be faces these challenges and struggles with motivation to move forward when dealing with the demands from the films director, producer and reacting to animals on set. All this dream-chasing moves “Indyana” into direction that was not planned. The film is a parody, almost like a mockumentary while trying to show respect towards the original movies which this one is based on. This shortfilm, fan film, is a prequel-film that launches season 5 for “We Sock” webseries & feature film.
A showcase of the best LGBTQ+ films in the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Astronaut’s Uniform Best Direction: Reflections of Us
Reflections of Us, 15min., USA Directed by Sanna Lexhed Anna wants to have a perfect relationship, devoid of any negativity. Her partner, Charlie, wants to have honest, difficult conversations about their feelings. When the two stumble upon an ice rink in the park, we see Anna at her best: spontaneous, fun, pushing Charlie out of her comfort zone. Later that night, Charlie receives devastating news from her mom over the phone. Instead of asking Charlie about it, Anna avoids Charlie and acts as if everything’s fine. As their relationship falls apart, Anna must overcome her fear of opening up if she wants to keep Charlie in her life.
A showcase of the best from the STYLE, EXPERIMENTAL, FASHION festival.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Micro-Short: NAKIELSKY Best Dance Film: HYPNAGOGIA Best Experimental: MX. Best Story: BLACK AND CATHIE Best Performances: SEEKING TRANQUILITY Best Direction: RIPPLES Best Visual Design: LAST LOVE Best Documentary: Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor Best Music Video: Maria Niklińska Marlen – make it
Mx., 5min., UK Directed by WWenen Lusa “Mx.” is a title used as a gender-neutral alternative to Mr. or Ms., reflecting inclusivity in gender identity. This film delves into the tension between gender identity and societal expectations, highlighting the quest for selfhood amidst oppression. Through the lens of diverse, non-binary lesbians, it showcases their struggles with physical acceptance, cultural pressures, and homophobia. The narrative emphasizes the symbolic power of costumes and dance as tools for inner awakening and liberation, illustrating the beauty and strength found in diverse identities. By following the journeys of these individuals, “Mx.” challenges societal norms and questions how the fashion industry can lead the way in accepting varied gender expressions, ultimately portraying the ongoing fight for identity acceptance and understanding.
BLAKE AND CATHIE, 8min., Argentina Directed by Ileana Gómez SHORT FICTION FILM ABOUT WILLIAM BLAKE, ENGLIH WRITER AND PAINTER.
Hypnagogia, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor Hypnagogia is the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. A sensation of semi-consciousness or trance where images float sometimes randomly, sometimes sequentially through our minds.
Seeking Tranquility, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor An improvised dance film in collaboration with dancer Aleth Berenice and composer Alberte Erantis. Filmed at Acosta Dance Centre, located in a historic building of the Woolwich Royal Arsenal in London.
Last Love, 18min., Russia Directed by Dmitri Frolov The musical and poetic composition “O my prophetic soul” on the verses of Fedor Ivanovich Tyutchev for the Reader, Pianist and String Orchestra of the composer Sergei Aleksandrovich Oskolkov served as a sound basis for the philosophical parable about the Love of the human and divine, about the cycle of life, about the decline of civilization, That the latter will be the first. The film is shot as a dream, and the use of the aesthetic series of experimental cinema only emphasizes this state. The universal sound gives him the poetry of Fedor Tyutchev (1803-1873), deeply played by Leonid Mozgovoy behind the scenes. The young actors Natalya Surkova and Vladimir Zolotar, who existed in the frame, had a difficult task to show the first people not burdened with the intellectual work of subsequent generations. It was necessary to abandon today’s problems and try to imagine themselves as original people, and then immediately move to the very end of time. The plot begins with them and ends with humanity. This author wanted to show continuity: the first love and the supposed last is an indivisible whole of one eternal Love.
Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor, 6min., USA Directed by Dominika Machel Tomasz Kwiecień is on a mission — to get as many people involved in blading as possible, not just kids but adults too. His passion for skating knows no limits — he even set a Guinness World Record by completing a full marathon… skating backwards! Blading in schools?
Nakielsky, 1min., Poland Directed by Dominika Machel This isn’t a story – it’s a collision of senses. Movement, sound, image – equal, sharp as glass, precise as a blade. Nothing leads, nothing follows. They coexist in tension, in a rhythm that doesn’t obey rules but rises from the clash of motion, sound, and visuals. Each sense holds its ground – sight never overshadows hearing, sound never silences the body. But everything penetrates everything else – without that, there’s no meaning. The layers merge, not in harmony, but in friction – and that friction sparks reaction.
Loved this festival! It was great to receive feedback on our short film 148: SNEEZE – something many festivals do not do. Also we were very happy to have won “Best Performances” too – thanks. Highly Recommend!
AIRBORNE ABYSS, 3min., Bangladesh Directed by Soumya Shah As the world suffocates, a helpless father fights desperately to keep his family breathing.
Together with ALS: a wife’s perspective, 25min., USA Directed by Kimber Leigh, Diane Dresback Dresback ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects thousands each year, but the true impact extends far beyond the diagnosis.
(French) Stories from my window, 4min., UK Directed by Marie Chiriac Super short poetry film about one possible end of the world and love. Contemplative perspective on what makes this world beautiful and worth saving is love, as this realm being the backdrop and anchor of a universal love story.
If I Were a Carpenter, 2min., Canada Directed by Elizabeth Lewis This hand drawn animated film is based on the classic song If I Were a Carpenter and sung by the great Bobby Darin. How can love conquer the social divide? This film is a tender slightly tongue in cheek story of how love can transform us and ultimately bridge our differences.
Wall unit, 10min., Poland Directed by Joanna Polak A ramshackle wall unit is a symbol of the monotonous life of a certain 40-year-old man living in a grey, dirty post-communist block of flats district. Right after his birthday, suffering from the midlife crisis, the man decides to change his dull and routine-based existence. Alas, his wife stands in the way
HOUSE, 6min., Afghanistan Directed by Zainab Entezar A female individual is actively seeking a residential property for rent within the Kabul region. However, despite her diligent efforts, she has not yet been able to secure a suitable dwelling for shelter.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Fantasy Film: Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension Best Sci-Fi Film: Aeolus 15 Best Thriller Film: DIMENSIONS: The Interrogation Best Student Film: Super Villain Coffee Best Story: Wukong Couriers Best Direction: Obsidian
Super Villain Coffee, 15min., USA Directed by Leonard Frank Smith “Supervillain Coffee” is a satirical comedy about Maximum “Chaos” Maxwell, a once-feared supervillain now slinging espresso in a hip downtown coffee shop. Max trades doomsday devices for latte art, grumbling about his past while perfecting milk foam with the precision of a mad scientist.
DIMENSIONS: The Interrogation, 8min., USA Directed by Robert James Harden Jr. During an interrogation for the murder of his mother, a man pleads for his release in fear of his life. Two special detectives grill him in order to solve their case. In the shadows of these men’s dimension, the answers to all their mysteries live.
Aeolus 15, 11min., USA Directed by Diego Ugalde Haunted by his past, an old man waits for a cosmic phenomenon that could let him communicate with a young astronaut from the past – that astronaut is himself.
Wukong Couriers, 15min., USA Directed by Peter Gabriel Gagnon An unwitting bicycle messenger is chosen as the mystical hero to save the city from an ancient horror.
Obsidian, 18min., Canada Directed by Sohil Chhabra David Smith, a deeply troubled detective grappling with a brutal murder case and the collapse of his personal life, finds himself spiraling into darkness-only to uncover a path to unexpected self-discovery.
Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension, 29min., UK Directed by Sofian Francis Dante, a regretful ex military contractor and his companion, his horse, search for his missing wife and daughter in the remnants of civilization decimated by thousands of malevolent entities known as ‘ Reapers ‘,
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