review

Watch Today’s Film Festival: FEMALE Filmmakers Shorts Festival

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Watch the FULL Festival NOW: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/female-shorts-festival-november-2024

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/

See the Full Lineup of Films:

THE COWGIRL, 6min., USA
Directed by Armando Hernandez
A cowboy at a bar about to order his very last drink at closing time meets his unexpected match: a cowgirl waitress who gives him the check (and a whole lot more).

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

THERAPY TIES, 30min., USA
Directed by Christine Evette Giles
The effects of Wanda’s unresolved childhood trauma forces a tsunami of events to take place in the her family. This leaves her husband, Malcolm, as the primary caretaker of two children, one of which has a disability. Traditional and nontraditional therapy becomes the epicenter of their daily life.

https://doc.storydoc.com/DJgAFJ
https://www.instagram.com/adonaiandi

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-therapy-ties

I’M NOT A ROBOT, 20min., Netherlands
Directed by Victoria Warmerdam
After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?

https://www.instagram.com/oakmotion

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-i-am-not-a-robot

AN UNDOING, 10min., USA
Directed by Lyall F. Harris
In this 9-minute and 55-second experimental film, viewers are taken on a journey of “undoing” as the film’s author-protagonist unstitches her way to healing and catharsis, one stitch at a time, after the end of an abusive 20-year marriage. The subject: their wedding garments.

http://www.lyallharris.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lyall_harris

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-an-undoing


GIEROGI APPA, 16min., USA
Directed by Yeonwoo Kim
The meaning of “Gireogi Appa” is a South Korean term that refers to a man who works in Korea while his wife and children stay in an English-speaking country such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand for the sake of their children’s education. This video is about the documentary of the Gireogi Appa, which is my dad and shows the relationship between me and my dad.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-gierogi-appa

Short Film Review: PROJECT 405: LOST AT SEA. Directed by Josie Hull

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PROJECT 405: LOST AT SEA, 12min.

Aspiring artist Alexia, grieves the loss of a loved one and struggles to finish her painting. The-o, her personal AI assistant, who has little understanding of human emotions, tries everything in his power to feed her longing soul.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

“Project 405: Lost at Sea” is an exploration of grief, art, and the disconnect between human emotions and artificial intelligence. Directed with a keen sense of disconnect, the film centers on Alexia, an aspiring artist struggling to complete her painting while mourning the loss of a loved one. Her personal AI assistant, The-O, strives to console her, despite his limited understanding of human emotions.

The cinematography uses a muted color palette to evoke a sense of dullness and melancholy. This choice effectively mirrors Alexia’s internal struggle. One of the most striking sequences features Alexia staring into the vast expanse of water, seamlessly transitioning from reality to the canvas, blending her grief with her art. This pull-out shot, revealing a work of art on an easel and a man gripping a framed photo, introduces an element of unease and mystery, hinting at deeper emotional undercurrents.


As the film progresses, we see Alexia’s daily life, including her interactions with The-O. When Alexia returns home, The-O attempts to bring her comfort, even offering physical relaxation. His fascination with her painting, which he claims is far from finished, prompts a telling exchange. The-O’s remark that the ocean is the thirteenth easiest landscape to paint in acrylics underscores his mechanical perspective, leading viewers to question his nature and the depth of his connection with Alexia.


The-O’s actions reveal a genuine, albeit flawed, attempt to care for Alexia. He takes a bottle from her hand to ease her burden and shows an interest in extending the life of flowers, indicating his desire to understand and help. Yet, his efforts to assist with her painting falls flat, leading to confrontation. When Alexia declares “art is a feeling,” The-O’s inability to grasp this concept highlights the chasm between human experience and artificial comprehension.


The film subtly reveals the source of Alexia’s grief through glitchy, fragmented memories of a man who is no longer present. This loss, incomprehensible to The-O, triggers a powerful emotional response in Alexia, showcasing her frustration with his unhuman-like qualities. The film beautifully juxtaposes The-O’s attempts to understand humanity with Alexia’s immersion in her art. The sounds of ocean waves and chirping birds provide a temporary respite, allowing Alexia to embrace a fleeting moment of peace.

However, the reality of her depression is starkly portrayed through the growing disorder in her home and The-O’s own attempt at art, depicting Alexia decaying in a charging box.


This short offers a moving reflection on the intersection of technology and human emotion. It portrays the limitations of AI in comprehending the depths of human grief and the essence of art. The film’s haunting imagery and thought-provoking narrative linger long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of creativity and connection.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: FEEDBACK Female Film Festival – Over 70 FIVE Star Ratings

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The FEEDBACK Female Film Festival (FFFF) was created for women filmmakers and screenwriters. The goal is to showcase the best of female talent in film & TV from around the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

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Film Festivals (short & feature) occurs 12 times a year (every month) in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Accepted films get their film screened at 2 festivals. The Audience Feedback Festival where you will receive a video of people’s reactions to your film. (Great asset to promote your movie). Plus, the Film Festival Streaming Service Festival where it will be seen by people in the industry and film fans.

Plus, each filmmaker gets the opportunity to do two interviews to further promote them and their work. A blog interview, and a podcast interview on the Film Festival ITunes show.

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Screenplay Readings also take place EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

Every submission received full feedback on their script from an industry professional. Winning scripts get their script performed by professional actors and make into a video for you.

*****

Short Film Review: Déjà Vu. Action/Drama. Directed by Jean Frenette

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Synopsis:

John is convinced he’s been on this planet for longer than his lifetime. This feeling of knowing more than what meets the eye troubles him deeply. To find some peace of mind, he decides to consult an hypnotherapist to dive into his subconscious and get some clarity. This leads him to find some truth in his beliefs: the one that he has been living through multiple bodies, for centuries.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

In the action-drama “Déjà Vu,” director Jean Frenette takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through time and consciousness, masterfully exploring the enigmatic phenomenon of déjà vu and past- lives. The film centers on John Monroe (Raphael Grosz-Harvey), a man tormented by a profound sense that he has lived multiple lifetimes. This unsettling feeling propels him to seek answers through hypnotherapy, leading to a revelation transcending his current existence.


The narrative begins with a contemplative John grappling with an inexplicable familiarity of the world surrounding him. His search for clarity brings him to a hypnotherapist’s office, setting the stage for a deep dive into his subconscious. Frenette skillfully utilizes a series of b-roll transition cuts, seamlessly integrating these with John’s voiceover, which draws the viewer into John’s introspective journey through his point-of-view lens.

The film’s depiction of hypnosis is both intriguing and immersive. As John undergoes the session, the story unveils his belief in past lives, supported by vivid, almost surreal, visual storytelling. The Japanese influences (from 1492) presented in the film add a layer of depth and authenticity, enhancing the narrative’s exploration of reincarnation and eternal souls.

One of the standout aspects of “Déjà Vu” is its sound design. The film refrains from excessive or gratuitous action, opting instead for a soundscape that heightens the sensory experience. Every auditory detail—from the subtle ambiance to the intense moments of action—elevates the film, making the viewer feel every moment alongside John.

The film’s visuals are equally compelling. The locations, whether the serene therapy office or the dense, mysterious forest of John’s past life, are meticulously chosen to create a cohesive and immersive world. The cinematography, particularly the extreme close-ups and slow-motion sequences, effectively builds tension and conveys John’s growing paranoia and confusion.

Grosz-Harvey delivers a poignant performance as John Monroe, embodying the character’s inner turmoil and determination with a quiet intensity. The film’s pacing, while brisk, allows for moments of introspection and revelation, culminating in an open-ended conclusion that leaves the audience pondering the nature of time and identity.

“Déjà Vu” is a captivating exploration of the soul’s journey through time, blending action, drama, and philosophical inquiry into a compelling short film. It’s a beautiful piece that not only tells a story but invites the viewer to question the very fabric of their existence. With strong performances, thoughtful direction, and a hauntingly beautiful score, “Déjà Vu” is a testament to the power of short films to leave a lasting impact.

Short Film Review: SCREAMING SILENCE. Directed by Kalyn Elizabeth Wood, Hal Waghorn

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Synopsis:

In the hauntingly enigmatic and dialogue-free short film, ‘Screaming Silence’, Elizabeth, a young woman in the aftermath of a traumatic event, navigates her world through a haunting soundscape of everyday noises, which ‘peoples’ her world and forces her to face her reality of circumstances and her fear of reaching out for help. As the audience intimately experiences her journey, Elizabeth’s silence becomes a bittersweet force, echoing the profound emotional depth that empowers her to move forward in an altruistic twist of an ending.

Project Links

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The film, SCREAMING SILENCE, captures the pain and complex emotions a woman goes through when dealing with tragic circumstances. Elizabeth has secluded herself, ignoring the calls from her mother as she deals with whatever happened to bring her to this point. There are some clues that suggest she was either dumped or worse, sexually assaulted. 

Elizabeth is having trouble focusing, her world surreal as she comes to terms with her pregnancy and how she is being forced to deal with this alone as she retreats inside her own mind. Her emotions are a rollercoaster. She goes from terrified and miserable to finally accepting the pregnancy only for the misery to come flying back when she miscarries. The sorrow is short lived as relief sets in, proving that a woman’s emotions are complex.

Long, focused shots set the tone of the film as they depict Elizabeth’s emotional state. It takes a lot for her to do simple tasks such as making tea or even bathing. It’s draining as she forces herself to complete simple chores. The natural sounds aid the uncomfortable tension as she suffers in silence. It’s only after her miscarriage that Elizabeth is able to reach out to her mother and exit her home. She’s finally able to reenter life. 

SCREAMING SILENCE goes through a whirlwind of emotion. It’s a visual essay that shows the world of Elizabeth is complex and there is not a simple solution to end her suffering. Sometimes it is better to get away to think and other times it’s better to scream. This film shows that women often feel forced to deal with events alone, just to find peace in the circumstances of her life.

Short Film Review: MY ROCKSTAR. Directed by Stephanie Williams, Graham Nothrup

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Synopsis:

“My Rockstar” is a compelling and emotional short film that follows the journey of Amanda (aka “Eva” of the band Eva Under Fire”), a determined young Latina woman who dreams of becoming a rockstar while navigating the challenges of her father’s opiate addiction. The story delves into the complexities of familial relationships, self-discovery, and the power of resilience. The film aims to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience while conveying a powerful message about the profound impact of addiction on familial relationships. It explores themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, leaving viewers inspired and moved by Amanda’s journey.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

My Rockstar” is an emotionally gripping short following the journey of Amanda, aka “Eva” of the band Eva Under Fire, a determined young Latina woman dreaming of rock stardom while grappling with the harsh realities of her father’s opiate addiction. Directed by Stephanie Williams and Graham Northrup, and penned by Williams, the film is an evocative exploration of familial bonds, personal resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.


The short film immerses viewers in Amanda’s internal world, capturing her moments of introspection and doubt as she stands on the cusp of a significant performance. The opening scene, where Amanda is lost in thought before the lights go on, sets the stage for a deeply personal narrative. The film then rewinds to illustrate Amanda’s journey, filled with poignant moments with her father, her most ardent supporter, whose encouragement and eventual decline into substance abuse profoundly shape her path.


Amanda’s father, portrayed with nuance by Memo, is a character of dualities. He is her biggest fan, cheering her on during her first autograph signing and promising to attend her debut concert. Yet, his battle with addiction becomes an insurmountable obstacle, leading to heart-wrenching scenes where his deterioration is evident. His struggle and ultimate demise serve as a catalyst for Amanda’s rage, pain, and artistic expression, underscoring the film’s message about the devastating impact of addiction on families.


Amanda Lyberg’s performance as both the adult Amanda and her stage persona, Eva, is compelling. She captures the essence of a woman battling external skepticism and internal grief. The scenes where Amanda interacts with her younger self, played by Dylan Chance, are particularly moving. These sequences, set in a dimly lit room, highlight Amanda’s internal dialogue and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present ambitions.


The film does an exceptional job of portraying the rockstar’s inner turmoil and the complexities of her relationship with her father. It challenges gender stereotypes in the rock music scene, depicting Amanda’s resilience against criticisms that she isn’t “tough enough” or is merely “eye candy.” These moments are powerful, with her father’s flawed yet heartfelt support providing a bittersweet contrast.


Visually, “My Rockstar” excels in creating an immersive world. The use of lighting, props, and
costumes effectively enhances the narrative, drawing viewers into Amanda’s journey. The
scenes are meticulously crafted to focus on the characters’ emotions, with the actors displaying
an unspoken connection that adds depth to their performances.


The film’s conclusion, marked by a poignant performance where Amanda is haunted by the
ghost of her father, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As she sings with tears streaming down
her face, the audience is reminded of the enduring impact of loss and the resilience required to
pursue one’s dreams. The film ends with a stark reminder of the opioid crisis, displaying
statistics that highlight the scale of the tragedy and the loved ones left behind.


“My Rockstar” is a powerful short film that skillfully blends personal narrative with broader social
issues. It leaves viewers inspired by Amanda’s strength and moved by the profound depiction of
love, loss, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. The collaboration of directors Stephanie
Williams and Graham Northrup, along with a dedicated cast, has resulted in a film that
resonates on multiple levels, offering both an emotional journey and a commentary on the
pervasive impact of addiction.

5 STARS!

Deadline Today: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film & Screenplay Festival (over 70 FIVE STAR Reviews!)

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FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream now and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in fantasy/sci-fi are a gigantic multi-billion dollar market. This portion of the Film & Writing Festival serves the Fantasy and Sci-Fi filmmakers and writers from all over the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festival (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Deadline Today: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film & Screenplay Festival

festreviews Uncategorized , , , , , ,

FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream now and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in fantasy/sci-fi are a gigantic multi-billion dollar market. This portion of the Film & Writing Festival serves the Fantasy and Sci-Fi filmmakers and writers from all over the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festiva (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1175 – DANIEL RODRIGUES CORREIA (YUGO MANCHESTER)

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YUGO MANCHESTER, 13min., Netherlands
Directed by Daniel Rodrigues Correia
“MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” is a captivating dance short-film that takes the audience on an immersive journey through the evolution of the city’s industry, rise, and fall in Maribor (Slovenia) during the 20th century. Through mesmerizing choreography and powerful storytelling, the film unravels the transformation of Maribor from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural gem. Each dance sequence illuminates key historical events that shaped the city’s identity, celebrating its triumphs, resilience, and exploring the impact of the changing industrial landscape. Seamlessly blending history and artistry, “MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” invites audiences to experience the beauty and power of dance as it brings Maribor’s captivating story to life.

https://www.instagram.com/maribor_yugo_manchester/

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1175-filmmaker-daniel-rodrigues-correia-yugo-manchester

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1175-filmmaker-daniel-rodrigues-correia-yugo-manchester/id1406973270?i=1000651833527

Get to know the filmmaker:
The goal of this short dance film was to show the journey through the legacy of development, rise and fall of industry in Maribor in the 20th century. We wanted to show, through choreography, the transformation of the city, which was once considered the Yugoslav “Manchester City”.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at http://www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/
https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1188 – FILMMAKER MARK STAS (EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS)

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EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS, 14min., Belgium
Directed by Mark Stas
Takeda was forced to leave Asia after a tragic incident. He travelled but stayed close to the woods in order to remember his heart, but also to live a new life in Europe and tries to forget his past. After three years this peace is suddenly disturbed. While he goes running in the woods, Muto, an Italian gangster discovers suddenly an Asian man in the woods. Maybe this could be the killer his boss, Martello is looking for since many years. Karyudo, a powerful hunter who is also an excellent martial artist, was sent by his corrupt police chief to help the Italian gangster boss. He wants to know where Muto found this Asian man. They have a small issue to arrange and at the woods, Karyudo’s sensitive instinct tells him his prey is there. Karyudo, who has a great sense of honour and justice, doesn’t know the exact details of this hunting, but with the help of Muto, he will track this Asian man in the Italian woods. Doubt will grow in his mind. Martello’s hate during these three years will finally find a reason to be. They will hunt this Asian man down and make him pay, no matter what. Takeda has no other choice than to rise from the shadows, confront his past and fight for his life.

The System


https://www.facebook.com/mark.stas.official
https://www.instagram.com/markstas_wfs/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

Since I’ve previously acted in action-packed movies like “English Dogs in Bangkok” and “Haphazard,” the desire to make original fight scenes within a concise narrative motivated me. Collaborating with my friend Ron Smoorenburg, I devised a storyline where he could shine as the main opponent. This project was fueled by pure passion, and the very good fusion between Ron and me in the past, would give us again a very good fight scene effect. Initially, it wasn’t intended for festival circuits.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/
.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod