music

Short Film Review: Staunch Moderates Experience.

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Directed by Meshach T Maldonado Lewis
Written by Gregory T Simmons

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Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

The “Staunch Moderates Experience” is an experimental music video short film that captures the essence of current events and pop culture through an eclectic mix of home-style video and green screen visual effects. This film is a clear expression of activism, as the rap artists behind DJ Staunch and The Bigfoots use their platform to send powerful messages about pressing social issues. References from Palestine to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the lyrics highlight the artists’ commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change. The presence of the Sasquatch as the lead rapper adds a layer of humor and charm, making the overall tone uplifting and peaceful.


The “Staunch Moderates Experience” radiates a sense of love and light, reflecting the artists’ desire to spread positivity and consciousness. The energy of the performance is palpable, and the artists successfully convey their message in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The use of the Sasquatch costume itself symbolizes the ability to tackle difficult topics in a manner that is accessible and entertaining, allowing viewers to explore complex issues through the artistic medium of music and humor combined.


Musically, the film is a blend of multi genres, more noticeably on accounts of rap and rock n’ roll, evoking a vibe reminiscent of Willie Nelson meeting Notorious B.I.G. This experimental and eclectic mix sets the film apart, making it a standout piece. Although this might not be the typical genre one gravitates towards, the underlying messages and creative presentation make it a compelling watch. The visuals, ranging from Bill Maher footage to archival clips of Wall Street or people dancing, effectively complement the music and enhance the overall experience.


Produced and created by Gregory T. Simmons (rapper DJ Staunch), Clemmie Garad (rapper Casanova Ace), Darrelle Owens (rapper Shorty Mack), and Meshach Lewis (Editor and Music Supervisor), the “Staunch Moderates Experience” takes us on a journey through the history and achievements of the Staunch Moderates movement. This film, with its multi-genre compilation of music videos from three albums, offers a distinctive and impactful experience that leaves a lasting bright impression.

Interview with the Band CAPTAIN DANGER (Keith “E-Day” Eaddy, Roger “Joose” Benford, Aaron Steinberg)

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HOLLY BY CAPTAIN DANGER, 5min., USA
Directed by Aaron Steinberg
Captain Danger soundtracks interstellar misadventures.

https://www.captaindanger.com/
https://www.facebook.com/captaindangermusic
https://twitter.com/captdanger
https://www.instagram.com/captaindangermusic

Get to know the band CAPTAIN DANGER

Keith “E-Day” Eaddy – bass
Roger “Joose” Benford – drums
Aaron Steinberg – guitar, “Holly” music video director

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Our band Captain Danger needed a music video to accompany our single entitled “Holly.” Our goals included making something fun that pointed to our sense of adventure as a group, musically and otherwise. Along the way, we were super-fortunate to enlist (Emmy-nominated) Dane Lawing as Director of Photography, who was keen on capturing a look for the live band sequences that could somehow complement the overall Sci Fi concept. We were striving to create something that could nod to our appreciation for weirdness and humor while also supporting the song’s underlying, more earthbound themes, which explore missed connections and a sense of alienation.

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

It was wrapped up in about a month. (Fortunately! ‘Cause you never know.)

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

Melodious Misadventures

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

Helping out our Director of Photography Dane Lawing transport his absurdly gigantic lighting rig. (Maybe next time he’ll just use an aircraft carrier?)

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

Smiles all around! What fun. And thank you guys again. We were thrilled with how all of your audience members enjoyed and fully understood what we were going for and dug all the various elements at play.

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

Aaron: Very young actually! (Hard to imagine not wanting to try it out, if there was a way.) My early experiments included Super 8 cameras, believe it or not!

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

Keith: Coming To America

Joose: Goodfellas

Aaron: Planet Of The Apes (original 1968)

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

Your feedback concept is excellent and fresh – we appreciate it! We’ll give it some thought in terms of suggestions . . . maybe there are ways to further engage even casual film buffs to want to get more into the act. (Why should official “film critics” have all the fun? Regular people don’t use typically words like “seminal” which is refreshing. Ha!)

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

Film Freeway works well!

10. What is your favorite meal?

BBQ? Indian? Cuban? Mexican? Whaddaya got?

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

Up next is a new music video for our next release! Stay tuned to http://www.captaindanger.com and to our socials for what particular form that may take. At present we’re exploring animated concepts!

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival:

Music Video Review: HOLLY by CAPTAIN DANGER

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Synopsis:

Captain Danger soundtracks interstellar misadventures.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The music video HOLLY by CAPTAIN DANGER is a fun and inventive film that gives off vibes of being familiar but legendary. It is something that sounds like it plays on the radio on the oldies station. It’s a unique music video that gives a vintage impression with the look and tune of the song aiding in creating a nostalgic feeling. 

It’s hard to determine whether the footage used for space and the scenes with Holly are stock footage or simply shot in a way that looks like the clips came from the past. The scenes of Holly on a beach and the Spaceman pining for her affections seem familiar, almost as if they are from something we’ve seen before only the mind cannot place where as it is possibly combined clips or shots compiled for this particular music video. 

The tune is catchy, with the feeling as if Captain Danger fits into the boy bands of the 1970s and 1980s. It’s upbeat, repetitive chorus makes it very familiar. The nostalgic tone and look of this film feels out of place within this era, which makes it refreshing as it is a song that many people would enjoy as they take a trip to the past. 

The band fizzling in and out of the video to television static is a mark of genius. It compliments the vintage tone of the entire music video. The lyrics give into a familiar trope that a man will do anything to receive the affections of a woman, even going to space. It reflects a simpler time when people could enjoy music without forceful messages and pleasing visuals within the music video. 

Directed by  Aaron Steinberg

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Short Film Review: HOLE PUNCHED EAR. Directed by Alan Yammin, Ben Tull

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HOLE PUNCHED EAR, 8min., USA

Directed by Alan Yammin, Ben Tull

In a dystopian Chicago, a poet, bound by a strange countdown clock, struggles to finish a poem as her sister tries to free her.

https://holepunchedearfilm.wixsite.com/home

https://instagram.com/hole_punched_ear/

Review by Victoria Angelique

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. 

Short Film Review: Scherazade’s Clock, Italian Fashion Film

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Synopsis:

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.

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Film Review: JOY! BLUE MOON, (USA, Animation/Music)

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This bright, happy musical number is full of starlight and technology. Literally. When the city goes to sleep, the technology that monitors the heavens comes to life. This three minute animated comedy is joyful romp through music and memory. Coming to us from the USA, the piece follows observatories, satellite dishes and radio towers all joining in harmony to the song “Blue Moon.” All bookkended by some very confused evening crew monitoring the event at their seats in the station.

There are many charming things about JOY BLUE MOON. One is that is uses a dated song and blends it with moderns technology, creating a lovely blend of old-and-new to create something lively and entertaining. Another, is that the animation somehow manages to capture a feeling a joy within the context of the technological pieces it uses as actors. The “actors”, the observatory, the satellite dishes, don’t have mouths, or even animate in a human-like way, yet they use what moveable parts they do have to give the impression that they are not only singing, but engaging in a chorus all their own. Away from humanity they sing to each other and for each other- a secret world of music under the stars.

Fun, fantastical and full of light hearted musical effervescence, JOY BLUE MOON is not to miss.

Review by Kierston Drier

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

JOY! BLUE MOON, 3min., USA, Animation/Music 
Directed by John VollmerMusic and images intertwine for a joyful experience.

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