comedy

Filmmaker Cory Wexler Grant (SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER)

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SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER, 2 hours, USA
Directed by Cory Wexler Grant
SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER is a gay, coming-of-age comedy that follows Julien Rosdahl, his best friend Cary, and their outcast friends through high school in the 1990’s. The only thing Julien dreams of is having a show on the high school radio station, but his brand of comedy is very… weird.

http://www.screamsfromthetower.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

After finishing my first feature, PAINTER, which is a dark, brooding, psychosexual drama, making a coming-of-age comedy about a couple of closeted gay boys growing up in the 90’s, felt like nice change of pace. And I’d never seen a gay film quite like SCREAMS. It’s also a love letter to an old friend, who formed me, and shaped the way I saw the world.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

4 years. Is that fast? I have no idea. It felt fast. I had what I thought was a whimsical idea. I handed the script to my producer and friend, Alex Wenger, and the moment Covid restrictions were lifted, we were shooting in the midwestern suburbs of Chicago. Post production took too damn long, but I love post production. I think we were very, very lucky – timing, financing, casting… This film was like a very determined unborn baby who just had to exist.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Boys. Wigs.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Time is the obstacle. Money, of course. All the usual stuff. And our brilliant DP, Sarah Whelden, rightfully won’t shoot at high noon, “Unless you want it to look ugly.” That’s an obstacle. But in truth, nothing was going to stop me from completing the film. I’m always going to complete the film.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Well, it’s nerve wracking watching people talk about your film. Especially when you’re not in conversation with them. It’s just terrifying. But, they seemed to like it. And that was quite nice. Thank you.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve always wanted to make movies. I don’t know what else to do.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

“PeeWee’s Big Adventure”. Also, David Fincher’s “Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. And of course, “The Shining”. There’s a relationship there. But I have no idea what it is.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I suck at making industry connections. And we are all looking for sales agents and distributors. So anything you can do to help filmmakers along in that regard is always deeply appreciated.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It’s a great site. Incredibly efficient.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Bucatini Amatriciana. Fresh Red Vines too.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Always a new film. A New York City black comedy. I write fast. I have a dozen scripts burning a hole in my laptop. Some stories really bug you, keep nagging you to become real. This next one has been bugging the shit out of me. I can’t wait to make it.

Watch Today’s Film Festival (April 17th): DOC Feature Film: BUSTER KEATON: HOME. April 17/18 event

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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/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/buster-keaton-home-festival-april-17th

BUSTER KEATON: HOME, 83min., USA
Directed by Jim Schaub
Buster Keaton: Home is a documentary that tells the story of Buster’s early life on the road as a child vaudeville star and how he found his home along the shores of Lake Michigan. Illustrated with rare images of family photos, datebooks and Buster’s personal autograph book, the film delves into the personal life of Buster and his family as they traveled the country as a successful vaudeville act.

Home


https://www.facebook.com/busterkeatonhome/

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

Short Film Review: Dante, el prisionero de la torre. Directed by Frank Reyes

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Synopsis:

Dante, the prisoner of the tower, is a movie about the human condition. It appears to be the story of two young vampires, Dante and Sol. Dante has concealed himself in a tower in complete isolation from the outside world. Sol is coming to help him to find out an exit and confront the world of the “humans”. This movie is something more than the story of two youngsters trying to find a place of their own. This film is about our own efforts to leave “the tower” we live in, our confort zone, in order to find a new meaning, a more friendly place in a world that is not made for vampires or humans. Like Dante you have to take a step forward even with the risk of being burned by the sunlight. In this context Sol, the girl, acts as a simbol of that challenge. She may be a girl friend, but also, using the words of master Jodorowski, she becomes your own inner strengh urging you to take a step into the void and make a change in your life.

40 minute short film. Written & Directed by Frank Reyes

Project Links

Review by Andie Karvelis:

There’s something so fascinating about Vampires, or perhaps that’s just me. To my delight, the genre has grown in popularity with films like Underworld, Blade, The Lost Boys, Interview with a Vampire, Castlevania and of course Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Even Twilight has found a place in pop culture.


Writer, Director and Producer Frank Reyes has found a new twist on the Vampire tale. As a young boy, Dante finds refuge from humans killing his kind in an abandoned tower. His sanctuary turns into a prison after centuries of fear and isolation. He will have to face his fears when Sol stumbles onto his hiding place.


The visual landscape is absolutely stunning, and Cristobal Reyes did an amazing job with the cinematography. The music, in-camera special effects, makeup and wardrobe all immersed you into Dante’s world. What’s incredibly unique is this is a story about stepping outside of your comfort zone, taking a risk in spite of your fears and growing as a person…or vampire.

Film Review: TOO SOON? (UK, Comedy)

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 A sharp witty comedy coming out of the UK, TOO SOON, directed by Natalie Neagle and Sally Samad, is a fun and political romp down the rabbit hole of politically correct law breaking.

When a young shopkeeper stops an Egyptian woman from shoplifting, the tables are turned with the rule-breaking breaks into a passionate breakdown of who really owns the bread. Is it the European store, or the country the bread came from- this lady’s country, she might add.

Humorously uncomfortable, gritty, witty and bright, TOO SOON must be commended on several key points. It boasts dazzling comedic performances from both actresses, has a smooth, glossy visual appeal and strikes very current in our modern age.

Perhaps another element of story that must be noted, is the efficiency of story. With one scene, approximately two shots and only three minutes, a full story is generated, complete with conflict, dramatic tension, comedy and a killer twist.

Well done, TOO SOON. A delight and savvy comic romp.

PLAYED at the January 2018 Comedy/Drama Festival. 

Review by Kierston Drier

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

TOO SOON?, 3min., UK, Comedy
Directed by Natalie Neagle & Sally Samad

In this short, we see an awkward encounter in a supermarket car park as a new comedy duo take a satirical swipe at imperialism.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

 

Film Reivew: HEDDA NEEDS HELP, USA, Comedy 

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Director Lisa Baron delivers us a comic gem on a silver platter in the form the HEDDA NEEDS HELP. Enter Hedda- a sweet and wide-eyed innocent with the good-natured optimism of a classic buffoon. Bent on being a poet, she thinks she’s found a foothold in when she agrees to dog sit the dog of a famous poet while he goes on vacation with his wife. Sadly, her plan to wiggle into his good graces goes awry when she finds the dog dead in the apartment. Thus begins an uncomfortable but undeniable comedic escalation of circumstance while Hedda attempts to cover-up (and then dispose of) his mistakes.

 

You will laugh afresh with each new antic and despite the increasing severity of the events, you cannot stop yourself from loving Hedda. She personifies the endearingly eager and earnest hope for success that so many do- and the lack of foresight that some are also equally guilty of. A charming and at times befuddling romp through a comic wonderland, HEDDA NEEDS HELP is bright, charmingly, excellently cast and most importantly- hilarious.

Review by Kierston Drier

HEDDA NEEDS HELP, 14min, USA, Comedy 
Directed by Lisa Baron

Hedda Needs Help tells the tale of Hedda, an aspiring poet and undying optimist, tasked with watching the most prized possession of Manhattan’s acclaimed poet, Albert Stein: his dog. But when Hedda accidentally kills her big break we find that no one fails quite like Hedda, as she carries the weight of her problems around Manhattan in this all too real comedy gone awry.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: FIRM WITH PURPOSE, USA, Comedy 

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This raucous five minute comedy is a sharp, witty romp through a devoted mother and an emotional human-resources specialists on a job interview. FIRM WITH PURPOSE is bright, sparkling with humor and dazzling with situational comedy that very well may have you thinking “I think I know someone just like this.” When a supportive mother goes to an interview in place of her daughter to interview in her stead, she locks into an emotional climb up a comical staircase with the employer, leading to some surprising twists and turns.

 

Directors Tia Ayers and Shannon Ayers Swanson have done an excellent job with this work. A simple story that packs a powerfully effective comic punch, FIRM WITH PURPOSE is sure to please baby-boomers and millennials alike.

Review by Kierston Drier

Under 5min. Film: DAN, 1min, UK, Comedy

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Played at the Under 5 Minute June 2017 Film Festival

DAN, 1min, UK, Comedy
Directed by Uzo OlehDan and Steve are identical twins that live together. Steve is fed up with being guilted into covering for Dan’s frequent “sick” days from work. So Steve decides to get himself (as Dan) fired.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Review by Kierston Drier

Stunningly short and still marvelously funny, this one minute UK comedy is laugh-a-minute brilliance. An twin begs his identical brother to take his place at his office job so he can have a day off. But his fed-up twin decides to wreak havoc instead. Bright, tight and witty, this piece is seamlessly efficient, colorful, fun and even sports a great twist. It has breathless pacing and delivers its comedy at lighting face speed.

Perhaps what sets this piece apart is that is is exactly the length it needs to be. True craftsmanship and professionalism can be found in a piece that knows when to stop- because it leaves you wanting more. And you will want more when you watch DAN?

Movie Review: MASC ONLY (USA) LGBT, Comedy

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Played at the June 2017 LGBT Toronto Film Festival

Directed by Drew Droege

Gay best friends, Tommy and Wesley, unwittingly venture to an intimidating party hosted by the gay elite. 

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Review by Kierston Drier

This racus American Comic short is a delight to the senses. Tommy is a young gay man living in New York and frustrated with his life. Why? Because he lives in the classic cliche of his community. His friends, even his best friend Wesley, are vain, superficial, sassy and larger-than-life. Acquaintances and potential lovers distill him down to a walking stereotype and it’s getting on his nerves.

Yet when Wesley invites Tommy to a party hosted by upper class gay elite, Wesley goes- looking for love, lust, a good time? He’s not sure, but something fun has to happen, right?

What is brilliant about MASC ONLY is that our character it butting against the bubble he’s been put in, while still having to actively engage in it. And this deeper social commentary is hidden within the piece, covered over by layers and layers of raucous, laugh-a-minute comedy. The piece has no bad lines, no dead air and no dull moments. It escalates higher and higher with physical and visual comedy, while still sparkling with wit. The performances are fantastic! You will laugh at every turn, but you will leave the theatre thinking.

This piece looks like a comedy and acts like a comedy, but within it beats the heart of deep social satire. A worthy watch indeed. To director Drew Droege, well done.

 

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Film Review: HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, 12min, USA, Comedy

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Played at the April 2017 LA FEEDBACK Film Festival.

MOVIE POSTERHAVE A LITTLE FAITH, 12min, USA, Comedy
Directed by Ashton Avila

A rebellious teenager is determined to get kicked out of her new Christian High School and teach the new boy she meets there what it really means to “have a little Faith”.

Review by Kierston Drier:

We all remember that one person in high school. They walked in a shook up your world- they oozed coolness or bravado. For Thomas, that girl is new student Faith, who wanders into his Christian prep school with her skirt hiked high, blowing bubble gum in his face. A manic-pixie-dream-girl with attitude. Enter offbeat comic gem that is Have A Little Faith directed by Ashton Avila.

Fresh, bright and funny, this is a charmingly little coming-of-age story. When Faith offers to have sex with Thomas he doesn’t actually seem to believe it- but then it happens! What keeps this story fresh and unique, is that it shows the honest, awkward and, yet- sweet moments that these two share while the try to get it on in the school auditorium.

Another great thing in this piece, is the performances. Faith is a rebellious, irresponsible troublemaker who is impossible not to like, and Thomas is a good boy bitten by the craziness that is adolescence. This piece also has some of the best closing music for it’s ending sequence. It is sometimes refreshing to take a step back into youth, when experiences were new and aching to be seized. Have A Little Faith will refresh you, for sure.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

Film Review: WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN, 9min, UK, Comedy

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Played at the March 2017 COMEDY Film Festival

MOVIE POSTERWHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN, 9min, UK, Comedy
Directed by Charlie Francis

Amanda is pulled away from a one-night stand to rescue her best friend Nick. The young gay man’s mother is on her way. Will out-and-proud gay women Amanda bury her pride and act as girlfriend?

Review by Kierston Drier:

This UK comedy from Charlie Francis is a gem that is worthy of copious replays. There is nothing but the deepest platonic affection that would propel Amanda to ditch her sexy one-night stand to save her gay-best friend.

Why does he need saving? His mother is visiting and doesn’t know he’s gay. She needs to be the beard.

What transpires is part slapstick, part wit and all genius. Every frame is full of visual comedy and ever line crackles with character in this laugh-a-second joy ride. Best of all, it has a heart-stoppingly hilarious twist ending.

When A Man Loves A Woman will show you the lengths we will sometimes go for our friends and the lesson we learn- like honesty being the best policy. With actors boasting exceptional comic timing and a great concept full of fun, this is a piece you’ll want to watch over and over again.

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK VIDEO. Moderated by Matthew Toffolo: