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.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Since I moved to Los Angeles two years ago, I have felt a great nostalgia for my country, Panama. I wanted to tell a story whose characters would reflect this. I wanted to tell a story that would serve as a collage of the things I miss most about my country.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about three months writing it, four months of pre-production, 7 days of filming, and four months of post-production. In total, almost a year.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Panama, identity.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The last two minutes of the short film were definitely the most challenging. Replicate a festival like the “Thousand Skirts”, with more than thirty women arranged with the Panamanian skirt, shooting inside the lock in the Panama Canal, shooting with a band of more than seventy members. Undoubtedly, that final montage was challenging but the best thing that could happen to the short film.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very happy that even though this is a story with Panama in the middle, the feeling was effectively transmitted to the audience of this festival, despite the fact that they were from other parts of the world.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was little I watched an astronaut movie and spent a month wanting to be an astronaut. Then I saw one about writers and I wanted to be a writer. Then about lawyers, about doctors, etc. at the age of 13 I realized, that what I wanted was to make movies.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Her, The Swiss Army Man, Interstellar.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
To have the recording of the audience reacting was more than enough. The more spaces we have to see and talk about the reactions of our work, the better.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Very easy and smooth!
10. What is your favorite meal?
Octopus ceviche.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently writing my first feature film as writter and director. Also working daily as an editor and production designer
DISMISSAL TIME, 29min,. USA Directed by Andre Joseph When a black high school student in a reputable prep school becomes the victim of a vicious form of cyberbullying, his history teacher makes it her mission to bring those responsible to task when the administration fails to act. Inspired by true events.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I experienced racially-motivated bullying as a high school freshman where I was one of the few black students in my class. For years, I tried to suppress the trauma privately even though there were times I was uncomfortable in my skin. When the murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a national reckoning on race relations in America, I felt motivated to speak about my experience through film and I began to write Dismissal Time that summer inspired by my history.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It was roughly one year of rewrites plus fundraising through the non-profit organization Fractured Atlas. Once it was cast and the crew was assembled, we shot 4 days in October 2021 in locations around Philadelphia and South Jersey. Then it was 6 months of post-production work.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Social responsibility.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Filming during the pandemic. It created some limitations as far as the amount of student extras we could have on set among other factors. Luckily, everyone played it safe by taking precautions and following COVID protocols in all locations.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
For the most part, I felt the audience members who spoke gave a fair assessment of the film. The most important part of their feedback was how they could relate to the situation at hand and saw the importance of taking a stand when an injustice gets swept under the rug.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Probably at 10 years old when I used to play with my cousins at our grandmother’s Brooklyn apartment and begged our late uncle to use his video camera. It motivated me to write a wish list of ideas I wanted to make as movies until I finally owned a camera at age 14.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Great question! There are so many to choose from! If I had to choose at least one, it might be the original RoboCop. The effects and the story themes still hold up today.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
More networking opportunities and helping filmmakers find ways to raise funds as well as educating us on successful distribution outlets.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s generally good from the standpoint of keeping all submission materials streamlined and reviews help to separate legit festivals from bad ones. Though FilmFreeway could do better on weeding out illegitimate festivals that aim to rip off the filmmakers financially.
10. What is your favorite meal?
A nice grilled sirloin steak with extra veggies.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m in post-production on my next feature THE LAST VENDETTA which is the third and final entry of my trilogy that began with DISHONORABLE VENDETTA and VENDETTA GAMES which you can find on Amazon as well as Tubi. Additionally, I’m reworking a Western idea I have into a web series and a few other scripts I’m currently preparing.
The remarkable, dystopian film HOLE PUNCHED EAR, employs cinematic filmmaking techniques that make the audience long for more from this short narrative. The story begins strong, with heavy rain pouring over a skyscraper that is later revealed to be a prison. Something bad is about to happen, the score and graphics set the stage to the point that if everything turned out okay, it would be a surprise. Fortunately the filmmakers, Alan Yammin and Ben Tull, do not disappoint.
The futuristic setting is apparent within the first minute of the film, when Zorina’s arm displays a timer counting down that is imbedded into her skin. It’s not quite clear how this is possible, but it feels normal within this universe to the point that writing with a pencil and paper feels out of place. This gives the feeling that Zorina is very much out of her element within the prison as she awaits execution for a crime that in not revealed within the film.
This film could easily be turned into a feature film as the narration and visual cues leave the feeling of Faye desiring justice for her sister. It feels as if more is yet to come, while also being complete as a short film. It gives a cinematic feel with fantastic direction and acting. The beginning to the end makes this film intriguing, peaking curiosity with the desire to explore more of this particular universe.
Yammin and Tull were able to tackle the premise of leaving the audience wanting more of this story. The set up of the universe is almost at an expert level, with stellar graphics and wardrobe to contrast the old world that Zorina is from despite the fact that she is about to be executed in this futuristic, dystopian society that is hell-bent on controlling people.
A typical suburban neighborhood is plunged into a nightmare as an invisible, monstrous force begins picking the neighbors off, one by one. The terror outside the house is no match to the terror that forms inside the house where survival, isolation, and hunger all play tricks of the mind for a man, an expectant wife, and their unborn child. The film begs the big question and the great reveal – What is eating the neighbors?
“Sparrow Street” takes bold strides in the eerie footsteps of Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!” by transcending unconventional horror tropes and delving into a narrative rich with allegorical depth. Directed by Billy Jack, the film invites audiences to navigate a world where horror extends beyond the supernatural, into the intricacies of human existence in the dark side of nature.
At the heart of the film lies a compelling gluttonous metaphor, encapsulated by the theme of aggressive eating and discussions about the poisoned state of our food supply. The script artfully explores questions about what defines a healthy diet and the reflections of our dietary choices to our very identity. In a suburban neighborhood where the wind becomes an antagonist, forcing people indoors, the movie builds a mysterious universe where something is in the air, leading to the demise of neighbors.
The initial gluttonous perception of food, the sustenance of our bodies, creates a sense of urgency and desperation among the characters. The narrative follows a couple expecting a child, emphasizing the consequences of their gluttonous choices that push them into perilous territory. The film takes a grim turn when heinous situations unfold within the confines of their home, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of the wife and the harrowing delivery of the baby from her corpse.
“Sparrow Street” masterfully portrays the theme of sacrifice when faced with the bleak reality of having nothing left to live for. The protagonist’s journey reflects the resilience to keep going despite overwhelming despair. A pivotal moment of salvation arises as an apple lies at the end of the bed, challenging conventional perceptions of perishables in an apocalyptic setting. The temptation of the apple, stolen by another, foreshadows the characters demise, drawing a poignant parallel to the biblical story of Eve eating the forbidden fruit.
The film expertly weaves a sense of refuge into its narrative, evolving into an anxiety-driven environment years later. The passage of time provides a glimpse into the future for the main characters, now navigating a world where their baby has grown, walks, and receives an education even. The palpable weight of anxiety in the air resonates, mirroring the real-world experiences of a society emerging back into function from a pandemic. “Sparrow Street” subtly encapsulates the emotions and challenges faced collectively without explicitly stating the parallel to our shared community experiences.
“Sparrow Street” is a thought-provoking cinematic exploration transcending the horror genre, blending allegory with suspenseful storytelling. Billy Jack’s direction, coupled with a poignant script, delivers a film that not only chills but also prompts reflection on the complexities of human choices and the enduring effects of societal upheaval.
A showcase of the best new movies and their respective trailers from around the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:
Best Story: CANEPA´S ROAD BRIDE Best Editing: WAIT Best Direction: THE MEMORY OF MY HEART Dance Trailer: THE TIDES Student Trailer: DEAR FORGIVENESS Music Video Trailer: FEARLESS Thriller/Suspense Trailer: THE BATON ROUGE SERIAL KILLER Crime/Mystery Trailer: THE D WORD Comedy Trailer: OMG! THE CAPTAIN IS HERE Mockumentary Trailer: THE END OF DAYS Sci-Fi Trailer: BLACK HOLE Mythological Trailer: SICK TWISTED FAIRIES Supernatural Trailer: DELUSIONAL STATE Documentary Trailer: DREAM BIG FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN Horror Trailer: ABHORRENT
See the Full Lineup of Films:
THE TIDES, 2min., Directed by Sophia Williams The beginnings of a movement to amplify the under-heard voices of dance. Created and directed by female Cypriot/New Zealander artistic director, Sophia Williams, and choreographed by Leiland Charles on the Artists of Pointeworks.
DEAR FORGIVENESS, 2min., Directed by Lawrence Dumas Jr. A young and successful entrepreneur is about to launch one of the biggest deals of his life. This deal will put him in the top 1% of the business world. He is striving to honor his mother Sunshine Sandison who passed a year ago. Jaden deals with grief and resentment towards his father Brian who left during Sunshine’s sickness. This is hindering Jaden from completely locking in on the upcoming brand launch.
FEARLESS, 30 seconds Directed by Asel Suluu Our project is a celebration of women’s empowerment, uniqueness, and freedom. It revolves around a fearless female persona who boldly embraces her freedom and refuses to be constrained by boundaries, prejudices, or stereotypes. Her belief is simple but powerful: YOU are in charge of your life, do what you love, and be fearless.
THE BATON ROUGE SERIAL KILLER, 3min., DIrected by Bishop Stevens This film unravels the haunting true story of the first African American serial killer, Derrick Todd Lee, whose chilling reign of terror spanned from 1993 to 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The film exposes a dark chapter in history where racial bias shields a cunning predator, challenging investigators and the community.
OMG! THE CAPTAIN IS HERE. Part 2, 1min. Directed by Anaëlle Morf, Cristina Müller A TikToker explores a haunted boat. Part 2. anaelle.morf@gmail.com
THE END OF DAYS, 1min., DIrected by Jonathan Christopher Martin-Ives In this mock trailer, a British teenager, gifted with clairvoyancy seeks to warn anyone who will listen to her about an impending alien attack. She falls on deaf ears.
BLACK HOLE, 3min., Directed by Jim Territo A Space Probe reflects on all it’s learned and lost as it drifts into oblivion; a “Space Cowboy Ballad”. Michael-Leon Wooley, vocals. Proof-of concept for a full-length animated feature.
WAIT, 1min., Directed by Jared Jacobsen, Lorena Diaz A man and a woman suddenly find themselves alone in a vacant lot and neither can remember how they got there.
KUINERRAQ, 4min., Directed by Magnus Shipe A young seventh grader explores the heritage of his maternal grandma through this glance at a Yu’pik village and his Native Alaskan roots.
IF HUMANS WERE PLASTIC BOTTLES, 2min., Directed by Muhammad Wafri Zaidani Telling the feelings of a plastic bottle if it was a human.The film becomes a powerful allegory for environmental sustainability, urging viewers to reflect on their own habits and consider the long-term consequences of a throwaway culture. “If humans were plastic bottles” delivers a poignant message about the importance of individual responsibility, collective action, and the need for a more sustainable way of living.
SICK TWISTED FAIRIES, 3min., Directed by Marisa L. Williams Original music from the motion picture “Demons Among Us” by Thorisaz, Joshua Brian Knight, and Ras Shomari; featuring Flying Veda and Morgan as dark fairies.
THE MEMORY OF MY HEART, 2min,. Directed by Marc Martinez In a quest for healing, a bereaved child psychologist uncovers a sinister secret buried within her patient’s new heart, leading to a dramatic crusade for justice amidst a backdrop of unspoken tensions.
GONE WITH THE WINDSHIELD, 2min., Directed by Lawrence Riggins Crash Test Dummies bust out of their car factory to rescue one of their own. From the Award Winning Screenplay.
CANEPA´S ROAD BRIDE, 2min., Directed by Victor LANGUASCO There is a popular legend “The bride of Canepa’s Road” which was spread among the northern towns in Argentina a long time ago, similar to a Latin American legend called “The Moaning”.
Músika, 4min., Directed by Alberto Herrera A delightfully harmonic tale of the origin of music
ROBOT ASTEROID, 1min., Directed by Paul May A trailer for my sci/fi horror screenplay.
DELUSIONAL STATE, 3min., Directed by Trelanda Lowe Following a near-fatal accident at a party, Ryan McDillon must resolve his issues within thirty days according to Angel and Mr. Grim over a work-related bet the two have together. Ryan must make amends among the people in his life. He must maneuver through his dysfunctional family, a pregnant girlfriend, hiding his boyfriend from his girlfriend, dealing with his long-time best “friend” who only wants to keep Ryan in the party world for selfish reasons, navigating painful PTSD memories from his childhood pastor, and battling sobriety.
DREAM BIG FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN, 3min., Directed by Peter Vordenberg The trailer for Dream Big, a documentary about listening rather than talking in order to make progress in our fight against climate change.
ABHORRENT, 1min. Directed by Anthony Buziak A smalltown deputy must discover the source of a recent slew of animal attacks
A showcase of the best new movies and their respective trailers from around the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:
MOVIE TRAILER: Red Dog & Bates
EDITED TRAILER: Wallie’s Gals
FEATURE FILM TRAILER: Dante
DOCUMENTARY TRAILER: Water
COMEDY TRAILER: Attack of the Killer Refridgerator 2
EXPERIMENTAL TRAILER: Q 1
ACTION TRAILER: Hard Ride
LGBTQ+ TRAILER: Skin Show / Live
SCI-FI TRAILER: Celeste
MOCK TRAILER: The End of Days
HORROR TRAILER: Goodbye God, I’ve Gone to Bodie
STUDENT FILM TRAILER: Wrong Girl
DRAMA TRAILER: Son-Of-A-Preacher-Man
ANIMATION TRAILER: The Scarlet Knight: Defender of the Block
See the Full Lineup of Films:
WATER TRAILER, 10min., USA
Directed by Gary Beeber
“WATER” is a feature documentary film by Gary Beeber that focuses on Ohio’s source of water and what’s being done to protect it for future generations.
DANTE, 1min.
Directed by Frank Reyes
This is the trailer of this middle lengh film. In here you will find a hint of the story and some of the awards and selections the movie has collected so far.
ATTACK OF THE KILLER REFRIGERATOR 2, 1min., USA
Directed by Michael Savino
During a high school house party, the refrigerator is plugged in and turns the students into sliced meats. A group of survivors battle to save their lives and stop the wrath of the Killer Refrigerator.
Q 1, 1min,. Croatia
Directed by Silvano Perozic
Moving mandala what I started with a simple circle .
HARD RIDE, 3min., Australia
Directed by Rod Power
Three ex-military men set off on a motorcycle Ride .. their journey gets caught up in a Biker Gangster War all over a sexy pole dancer and will see the bikers who want their girl back and gangsters their drugs however the three riders are unaware .. this leads to the final battle Bikers & Gangsters against trained WAR vets
SKIN SHOW / LIVE, 2min,. USA
Directed by Richard Daniels
This is a short trailer for the film SKIN SHOW / LIVE, the paintings of Dan Romer by Richard Daniels.
PSAs, 2min., USA
Directed by Lisa Spencer
Midle school students make two minute long PSAs against drinking alcohol.
CELESTE, 3min., China
Directed by ?? ?
In the fifth century of human interstellar colonization, an artist traversed across galaxies in exploration of the true colors of human civilization and emotions – the Celeste. Even though ultimately discovering the profound mystery of civilization’s essence, there was no power to save humanity.
INVADER FROM PLANET X, 1min.
Directed by Jonathan Christopher Martin-Ives
THE END OF DAYS, 1min., USA
Directed by Jonathan Christopher Martin-Ives
In this mock trailer, a British teenager, gifted with clairvoyancy seeks to warn anyone who will listen to her about an imbedding alien attack. She falls on deaf ears.
GOODBYE GOD, I’VE GONE TO BODIE, 30 seconds, USA
Directed by Kirby Wright
Teaser Trailer for Animated Series set in a Wild West ghost town in California. Here we have our Ghost Gurl narrator providing an overview of the concept.
LOVE DON’T BULLY, 1min., USA
Directed by Ilysa Spencer
SEE HOW THAT JIGGLES, 1min., USA
Directed by Ilysa Spencer
Just a lil ride around the farm on this old fashioned bike.
WRONG GIRL, 1min., USA
Directed by Caitlyn Melton
Steven, a human trafficker is looking for his next victim. He comes across Heather, your average waitress, but soon finds out she isn’t as innocent as she seems.
RED DOG & BATES, 3min., USA
Directed by Xochi Blymyer
In 1958, Red Dog & Bates decided to walk from Los Angeles to Mexico City. 2300 miles, 12 pairs of shoes, 7 months and 1 extraordinary adventure!
FULL THROTTLE, 6min., France
Directed by Gabriel Boyer
A young man gets into a gleaming Porsche and rushes at breakneck speed through the streets of Toulouse.
SON-OF-A-PREACHER MAN, 2min., USA
Directed by Brandon M Glover
A promising young executive involuntarily falls in love with a young gambler who ultimately ruins her career, and finds himself looking for redemption, while she has to start over.
THE SCARLET KNIGHT: DEFENDER OF THE BLOCK, 2min,. USA
Directed by Juaquan Herron
Scarlet Knight: Defender of the Block” unfolds a mesmerizing tale of two cousins, raised by their grandparents and aspiring to become emergency room doctors in their hometown. Their lives take an extraordinary turn when they stumble upon Merlin’s magical gem, thrusting them into the roles of modern-day knights. As the gem triggers medieval chaos, transforming others into creatures, the cousins find themselves in a heated family feud, torn between using force or alternative methods to save their community. This thrilling fantasy adventure explores the intersection of magic, family ties, and the struggle to protect what matters most.
WALLIE’S GALS, 3min., USA
Directed by Mary C. Ferrara
The official trailer for the upcoming feature comedy, “Wallie’s Gals.” About a group of women who worked at a clothing store back in the ’80s. 30 years later they reunite, wackier than ever.
WORDLOTTO, 2min., USA
Written by Tom Lop
As ‘alternative facts’ began to overrun every corner of free speech, Western Civilization found itself divided like never before. Shouting replaced listening. Each side was utterly convinced of its rightness. Spoken words gushed forth, regardless of law or propriety. Citizens saw a verbal Civil War on the horizon and demanded something be done. Welcome to the world of the WordMeter, where every utterance is not only counted but also granted at the discretion of the higher powers. Everyone agrees this is a generous system because allotments of words can be replenished simply by scratching a winning ticket in the WordLotto.
A prince called Kalendar falls in love with a prostitute, Scherazade, who’s under the protection of an evil witch. Thanks to his friends and the help of a goddess, he frees Scherazade.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase:
Michele Stella’s “Scherazade’s Cloak” is an enchanting journey into a world of love, dreams, and the magical threads binding them together. Set against this extravagant backdrop of biblical and mystical folklore elements, the film tells the story of Prince Kalendar’s love for Scherazade, a prostitute protected by an evil witch, and the extraordinary lengths he goes to free them with the help of his brothers and a goddess.
The film begins by inviting the audience to gaze up into the clouds, as if we’re at heaven’s gates, leading us into the realm of dreams. The narrative unfolds in acts like a dream within a dream, with Kalendar as the bringer of feast and the swan, tied to Scherazade by a magnificent cloak. The importance of friendship and familial bonds encourages viewers to see one another as family, with statements like “Let’s feel like brothers.” adds definitive layers to the visual experience.
The destruction of the cloak becomes a pivotal moment, but the dream aids the brave, and with the help of a gifted sewing needle, Kalendar and his friends craft a new cloak for Scherazade. The film beautifully explores the ephemeral nature of dreams, suggesting these fantastical elements “never were but always are.”
The film’s execution is beautiful and artistically compelling. The cinematography seamlessly blends individuals into the lens, creating a visual tapestry becoming a part of the art itself. The production design, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel, enhances the visual storytelling experience, with page master elements coming to life in the surrounding paintings. The costume design, hair and makeup, and production design collectively build a believable world in which effortlessly transports the audience into the heart of the story.
The narrator, with an expressive dialect, skillfully captures and allures the audience deeper into the unfolding narrative. Despite the witch’s opposition, viewers find themselves emotionally invested in the couple’s journey, especially as the torn cloak becomes a symbol of rebellion and resilience.
“Scherazade’s Cloak” is a visually stunning short in which captivates with its embellished cinematography and expressive storytelling. The film successfully marries its artistic freedoms with classical storytelling elements, resulting in an overall visually enchanting experience.
An 8 year old girl adopted from China leads her father to a deeper understanding of what she faces in a new culture and what she longs for from her home country.
Review by Andie Karvelis:
This heartfelt film about an 8 year girl who was adopted from China was beautifully written by D. Andrew Hartfield and Tillie Hartfield. Just watching the bond between father and daughter will have you smiling but the direction the story took and how skillfully it was told will touch your heart.
The cast was phenomenal, Ming Xuan as Tillie, D. Andrew Hartfield as the Father and Sara Atkinson portraying the Mother. Each actor was so believable and you could see the rapport between them. Director Noelle P. Wilson did a wonderful job and creator D. Andrew Hartsfield also assisted in directing. The cinematography was beautiful thanks to Ben Enke and the score by Sean Turner, accentuated the emotion in the film.
One of my favorite parts was the game they played together. You could tell that D. Andrew Hartfield was writing from experience and it translated so perfectly on screen. Making this entire film an absolute joy to watch.
A showcase of the best new movies and their respective trailers from around the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:
MOVIE TRAILER of the MONTH: Don’t Die in Dubai EDITED TRAILER: Limited Slip MOCK TRAILER: The End of Days SCI-FI TRAILER: Staycation HORROR TRAILER: Appointment with the Plague Doctor, Lester Haywood COMEDY TRAILER: Naughty in Az CRIME/MYSTERY TRAILER: 27 LGBTQ+ TRAILER: Martinez, Margaritas and Murder! KIDS TRAILER: Robbie & Mollie ENVIRONMENTAL TRAILER: Water Star Medicine MYSTERY TRAILER: Wait DOCUMENTARY TRAILER: Anatolia Ancient Nature
See the Full Lineup of Films:
ANATOLIA ANCIENT NATURE, 2min. Turkey Directed by Burak Dogansoysal The Anatolian Ancient Nature documentary is a project that aims to create a visual inventory of the Anatolian geography, which contains species that are extremely important for the natural history heritage of our world. Our primary goal is to document little-known, iconic, endemic and endangered species in high quality and pass them on to future generations.
WAIT Trailer, 1min., Directed by Jared Jacobsen, Lorena Diaz A man and a woman suddenly find themselves alone in a vacant lot and neither can remember how they got there.
THE AMERICAN RIVIERA DETECTIVE AGENCY, 2min., Directed by Sidney Bailey Mike Durant, a private investigator working in Santa Barbara, specializes in high end divorce cases among the rich denizens of California’s American Riviera. Stepping outside his usual purview, Durant agrees to help a grieving widow, who suspects her husband’s death in a motorcycle accident is directly connected to the contents of a camera she discovered after his death which contains surveillance pictures and video clips of numerous people, associated with his place of work – Bristol Scott Engineering (BSE) – a developer of drone software for the US military. Durant’s investigation leads him into a minefield of corruption, betrayal and murder that very nearly ends with his own death at the hands of
SUNDOWN, 1min. Directed by Bob Brill Trailer for the short film “Sundown”
WATER STAR MEDICINE, 2min., Directed by Ilysa Spencer a PSA about water
ROBBIE & MOLLIE, 1min., Directed by KIDS ‘N TRICKS Robbie the seal and Mollie the seagull are living the good life by the sea. But dangers have been lurking on the beach and in the water for some time now. It’s not natural enemies that they now have to fear, it’s mainly plastic rubbish from humans that collects in the sea and threatens their habitat.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE, 3min., Directed by Kandis Heckler When a group of diverse and eclectic social workers with more dysfunction than the Homeless they serve, line up for services at a faith based agency they unwillingly work through their own prejudice, privilege and guilt.
MARTINEZ, MARGARITAS AND MURDER! Directed by James Helsing, Kirk Demorest As Freddy Martinez’s friends are murdered one by one, he is recruited by a private investigator to help set a trap for the killer responsible: The Bedroom Butcher.
27 trailer, 1min., Directed by Nino Pace Film trailer for the heist drama 27. The stresses of everyday life are causing too much anxiety for Max, he wants an easy way out. for his family. Would you do wrong to makes things right?
NAUGHTY IN AZ, 3min. Written by Christopher Harmon A shy divorcee reluctantly enters the world of nude dancing in mid 90’s Phoenix, as a fish out of water – but after numerous raucous and over the top … often dangerous, adventures — she achieves inner peace and transforms into a star.
LIMITED SLIP, 1min., Directed by Clint Calvert, Caleb Johnson Trailer for the short film Limited Slip
ECHO RHYME, 3min. Directed by Caleb Johnson, Jeff Johnson Trailer: for the feature film Echo Rhyme
APPOINTMENT WITH THE PLAGUE DOCTOR, LESTER HAYWOOD, 8min,. Directed by L.S. Strange
DELUSIONAL STATE, 3min., Directed by Trelanda Lowe
DOUBLE OR NUTIN’, 2min. Directed by Stewart Brodian A local actor tries to start a comedy variety show on public access TV using celebrity impersonators.
HUMAN GAME 2 – The Culling Of A King trailer, 1min. Directed by Nathan Waire Trailer for the sequel.
STAYCATION, 1min., Directed by Russell Emanuel Lead virologist Edward Bellows plays tête-a-tête with hard-hitting journalist Grace Baxter as the world collapses under the weight of a global pandemic. She holds nothing back as she fires question after question, seeking answers from the beleaguered professor. Meanwhile, Britt and Marnie, college roommates being forced to live together, must deal with their newfound realities of this global pandemic. And, a couple Matt and Cathy, stuck in lockdown and separated between continents, spend some belated quality time via webcam toasting to foreign brandy and reminiscing on the past.
THE END OF DAYS, 1min. Directed by Jonathan Christopher Martin-Ives In this mock trailer, a British teenager, gifted with clairvoyancy seeks to warn anyone who will listen to her about an imbedding alien attack. She falls on deaf ears.
MY SISTERS’ CUP, 3min. Directed by Cortez Mack An inspirational story about four sisters learning the value of sisterhood through the teachings and wisdom of their mother
DON’T DIE IN DUBAI, 4min., Written by Christopher Harmon A bad boy living, cannabis loving, Rap star is terrified about turning 50 and dying like his peers, so he travels to Dubai to find ‘magic bud’ that stops aging … while there to judge a Belly-Dancing contest — but underworld villains threaten his life and ruin his high. He struggles to survive long enough to appreciate his life, his friends and to blaze for another day.
A surreal experimental animated allegory of the cyclical rise, fall and evolution of social order.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase:
Epicycle, an experimental animated short film, takes audiences on a surreal journey through the cyclical nature of social order, using a mesmerizing blend of animation and allegory. This unique creation is an exploration of the rise, fall, and evolution of societal structures.
The film opens with gears in motion, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of ticking of a clock, creating a sensation of time itself slowing down. The close-up of interconnected gears gradually pulls back to reveal an entity on a hoverboard, adorned with a face reminiscent of a plague mask. This character traverses in what appears to be a museum or gallery, emphasizing the cyclical nature of human existence. The gears continue to persist as the film transitions to pawns on a chessboard, symbolizing an almost robotic cycle of life. The entities within the animation seem to be going through the motions, akin to the routine viewing of art in a gallery.
The ticking gears merge with the same tempo of a heartbeat, immersing the viewer to a reflective state of mind.
The film’s color palette adds onto the surreal and bilateral element, enhancing the overall immersive experience. The gears, noise, and surroundings create an allegorical ambiance, mirroring the way one can become absorbed in a museum. A quick zoom behind the eye offers a glimpse into the soul, shifting the gallery’s perspective and connecting the audience with the essence of human nature.
Epicycle is a visually captivating and thought-provoking journey through the cycles of social order. Its experimental nature, combined with allegorical storytelling and vibrant animation, makes it a unique and engaging viewing experience. The film successfully prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of humanity and the art that reflects our shared experiences.
Festival Reviews 