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
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.
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.
Trapped in a closed time-like curve, our duo is learning to cooperate by running through a paradox inside of an infinite hotel. By doing so, they seek an escape from the loop and meaning in a quantum multiverse.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase:
Created by Michele Reilly - Directed by Audrey Kezzyn
Stag Hunt, a sci-fi fantasy short film, takes its audience on a mind-bending journey through the intricacies of time travel and the mysteries that lie behind the quantum multiverse. At its core, Stag Hunt explores the dynamics of friendship and collaboration as the duo, reminiscent of an iconic pair such as Marty and Doc from Back to the Future, embarks on a quest to explore a closed time-like curve within an infinite hotel. The film presents the butterfly effect of their time-traveling endeavors, showcasing the myriad outcomes stemming from a single choice or action.
The narrative begins with an eclectic yet memorable opening shot, focusing on our lead character putting gum behind her ear, offering subtle insights into their daily lives. However, the film occasionally struggles with maintaining a balance between scripted dialogue and natural human expression, creating a sense of detachment from the immersive world it aims to build.
The tone, at times monotone, adds to this feeling of disbelief and disconnect.
The universe of Stag Hunt is intricately crafted through elements like rotary phones, a metal soldering gun, electrical cords across a desk, and vintage costumes, complemented by wire-framed glasses on our leading man. The characters, while distinctly created, delve into scientific jargon that might be overwhelming, yet intriguing, for viewers. The inclusion of the Netflix symbol and commentary on sirens adds a contemporary twist to the otherwise scientific narrative.
The film artfully navigates through the complexities of time travel, exploring hypotheses and theories within the realm of science. The montage of trial and error as the characters work on their time-traveling device is a beautifully executed build-up, leading to a captivating scene of silence where the rules of science and the universe take center stage.
Stag Hunt culminates in a visually stunning credit sequence, leaving a lasting impact as it pans out to reveal thousands of different outcomes. Michele Reilly and Seth Lloyd deliver commendable performances, despite occasional struggles with dialogue delivery. Vasili Ivanov’s cinematography captures the essence of the film’s unique universe.
Stag Hunt is a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, science, and the consequences of our choices, wrapped in the captivating cloak of time travel and the quantum multiverse. While the film faces challenges in maintaining a seamless blend of script and humanization, its visual appeal and thematic depth make it a compelling watch for fans of the sci-fi genre
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.
With a title like “Eat Your Young” anyone would be a little skeptical at first, but then you hear these glorious harmonies. I’m such a sucker for A Cappella harmonies that have a smidge of dissonance and then it resolves. You might as well have told me I won a trip to Disney World, that’s how excited I get. Eat Your Young did not disappoint me. As the vocalists continued to impress me, as well as make me a little jealous if I am honest, the camera pans to a stunning room with dancers all decked in white dresses.
Since I was so entranced by the music I almost missed how the filmmakers used one continuous shot for the first minute. One. Continuous. Shot. I immediately started the film again and yep, there it was! They did this so seamlessly and the camera work was beyond incredible that my eargasm had to wait. The fluidity of the dancers was a sight to behold and the choreography was sheer perfection. The dancers’ movements accented areas of the music and vice versa, it was bliss.
Without having such fantastic cinematography, that harmony between A Cappella music and dancers would have been lost, but the filmmakers made sure that would never happen. I’m very grateful to them because this entire film was powerful, emotional and just gorgeous. Every moment of this film was done with such precision and it totally pays off with how sensational it is.
By the end, we are left with only these words “Inlight – 10”. Wha??? That’s it? But, but, but…I want to be able to gush about how incredible each individual is. I can’t do that if you leave me with a mystery. I feel I know more about Banksy that I do about the illusive Inlight – 10. All I can say is, you all have outdone yourselves on such an amazing film.
The body of a dying old woman lies in a bed in stillness, while her soul is dancing on the magic stage she dreamt to be all her life. The blinding lights and the clapping of an imaginary audience, accompany her to the final curtain call. In this poetic piece, life and death blend in a metaphoric farewell dance.
Review by Andie Karvelis:
Writer/Director Flaminia Graziadei has delivered a poignant and beautiful film about life transitioning to death. Those precious final moments where the soul breaks free of its mortal bindings.
There are so many things I truly appreciated about this film. It felt like Flaminia Graziadei knew exactly how to take each aspect (music, narrative, dancers, lighting, cinematography, etc, etc) and have them seamlessly fit together to make an exceptional piece of art. The cinematography from Marina Kissopulos was spectacular. Each shot was crafted with an expert eye that flowed gorgeously with the score by Silvia Leonetti. The choreography and dancers Paola Maffoletti and Caterina Genta were an absolute joy to watch.
The story is told through the dance but also through this amazing narrative by Karin Geigerich. Her cadence, inflection and emotion really capture your attention and you can’t help but relate to each word.
Yours is a wonderful film worth watching more than once
Anyone born after the 1980’s is likely to conjure up the classic warm-and-fuzzy nostalgia at hearing the word “Nickelodeon”. The image likely involves Saturday morning cartoons, flannel feet pajamas, and sugar-crusted cereal. But the history and origin of this family-friendly word trails back long before the TV network used it to brand their franchise. Believe it or not, the word Nickelodeon travels back to the 1880’s, and, diving even deeper, into Ancient Greece. Surprised? Don’t be. Today on Film word of the Week we will break this down.
Nickelodeon can trace its base root word “odeon” from “Melodeon” which means ‘Music hall.” The root of that word can be linked to the Greek work “Oideion” which loosely means “building for musical performances.” This is likely based on the ritual practice of community-wide attendance at theatrical performances. A practice that was viewed by the Greek civilization of as a form of society-wide catharsis. Centuries later, when the jukebox was in its’ infancy, the word “Nickelodeon” would come into existence in relation to it, as the machine would offer a round of songs for a nickel.
When the development of commercial cinema led to the creation of theatre houses, admission prices were low to attract the masses, averaging around five cents. This low admission price, coupled with the long-running variety of short cinema reels and often serialized pieces, led to high popularity among the growing middle class. The word “Nickelodeon” began being associated with the movie theatre, and the jukebox became…well, the jukebox.
In 1979, when Parent Company Warner Cable was an opportunity in creating commercial-free children’ programming under the name, to give them an edge over competitors, they launched the channel, as the first ever all children’s network. Although it struggled at first and failed to gain widespread excitement, after some rebranding the channel would take off. In the mid-1980’s Nickelodeon went from a day-time children’s’ programming channel to a 24-hour channel when it launched “Nick-at-Nite” and later, created an educational preschool programming section called “Nick Jr.” From Pinwheel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nickelodeon has had notable success as the first children’s programming channel.
While Nickelodeon may have shaped many-a-childhood, the origins of this film word stretch out all the way back to Ancient Greece. Who’d have thought? Just one more cocktail fact to throw around at your next film-related party.
Festival Reviews 