review

Watch WILDsound DOCS Festival – April 21/22 event

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-21-docs

See the Full Lineup of Films:

TEAM OCEAN, 40min., USA
Directed by Bethany Teague
10 nonprofits along both U.S. coasts fight for a better future for our one ocean, and therefore our world. Team Ocean is a celebration of how each organization’s talents, expertise and passions weave together a beautiful tapestry of teamwork from every sector – fisheries, species protection, food security, arts, education, recreation and more.

https://clickandpledge.com/project-ocean/
https://www.facebook.com/clickandpledge
https://twitter.com/clickandpledge
https://www.instagram.com/clickandpledge/

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

TOLLERMANIA, 27min,. Canada
Directed by Karen Lang
In this film, Ukrainian-Canadian ceramic artist, Natalia Laluq, interprets the life and work of Canadian world champion figure skater and artist, Toller Cranston, through a stop-motion installation of individually crafted ceramic plates. The art project itself was almost 2 years in the making. The show took place at Toller Cranston’s studio in Mexico in 2014, the year before Toller died. This documentary shows the work from initial concept through process and completion. It is one artist interpretation of another artist’s work and life.

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

HOSPITAL ART, 2min., USA
Directed by Ethan Knecht
A short aesthetic review of Westchester Medical Center’s art.

https://www.instagram.com/knechtions

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

SWISS CHEESE HOLES, 20min., USA
Directed by Ethan Knecht
Covertly filmed in Disney World, Swiss Cheese Holes is a multi-layered documentary that explores the timeless question: How do you make a film about your father’s mental breakdown in Disney World?

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.instagram.com/knechtions

Short Film Review: GLIESE. Directed by Jorge Guimerá

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Synopsis:

Nacho awakens on the advanced planet Gliese. He is there by mistake and discovers that death does not exist. He must decide whether to remain on Gliese accepting his new condition or return to Earth with his needy younger brother and end the conspiracy forever.

Review by Victoria Angelique

The science fiction narrative short film, GLIESE, is a very nuanced story with compelling, well-developed characters. It utilizes several expert filmmaking techniques that make it hard to look away from this masterful work. The story is captivating with mystery and intrigue as it tells a story of brothers, Nacho and David. 

Director Jorge Guimerà is brilliant through the use of sound, effects and lighting to display the differences between Earth and Gliese. Earth has natural lighting, whereas Gliese has blue or bright white tones making it feel ethereal. The graphics start out strong in the very beginning of the film, coupling with special effects, this continues throughout the film with inventive gadgets that are beyond our world. It is ironic that the Gliese people have such advanced technology such as spirit removal, yet are using firearms to kill. 

Strong themes take the storytelling to the next level as the film isn’t focused on just one as many short films do, but multiple motifs. The first is that Gliese is not simply an extraterrestrial planet, but a metaphor for the afterlife where immortality resides and people cannot return to life on Earth. It certainly doesn’t appear to be Heaven or Hell, as Nacho is killed by the Gliese beings and abducted. His mind seems to torture him with the desire to protect his brother to the point he struggles to find peace within his new existence. The film also seems to allude to the idea of fate, as Nacho saw clues leading up to his death while still fighting the inevitable. 

This is a heartwarming film not only about the love of brothers, but poses the question that if given the chance to say goodbye once a loved one passes on, would someone do what Nacho does and do anything to have the chance to say farewell or would they accept their fate as the majority of the Gliese and learn how to adjust to the afterlife.    

Watch the DOCUMENTARY Shorts Festival – Apri 18/19 event

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-18-documentary-shorts

See the Full Lineup of Films:

TARARUA S-K, 22min., New Zealand
Directed by Andy Carruthers
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to push your limits in the wild, facing the ultimate physical challenge? The Tararua SK Traverse is waiting for you.

Tararua S-K Film


https://www.facebook.com/TararuaSK
https://www.instagram.com/tararuask_film/

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/tarakua-s-k-review

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE, 18min., UK
Directed by Genevieve Sulway
When a group of triathletes set out on their morning training session, one decision changes everything.

http://www.whenworldscollidefilm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064117771149

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/when-worlds-collide-review

WAITING FOR JUSTICE, 18min., Canada
Directed by Matt LeMay
In this poignant 18-minute documentary, viewers are taken on a journey into the dark history of the Isle a la Cross Residential School. This institution was part of the Canadian government’s policy of forced assimilation of Indigenous children. Survivors of the school bravely step forward to share their harrowing stories of physical and sexual abuse, cultural suppression, and the profound loss of their language and identity.

http://www.indigenousgeographic.ca/

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/waiting-for-justice-review

BURTON ROCKS CALLING, 30min., USA
Directed by Burton Rocks
Burton Rocks’ health left him isolated. So, he started calling some of America’s biggest stars. They answered. Forty years later, Burton shares his fascinating collection of interviews for the first time.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/burton-rocks-calling-review

POLITICAL Festival (April 11-17) Today’s Festival: NORTH AMERICAN Shorts

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-17-political-north-america

See the Full Lineup of Films:

PROJECT “M”, 12min., Canada
Directed by Aneil Contractor
1. Canadian Residential School were innocent small children were killed (genocide) in the Residential School.
2. It’s a dark secrete of Canada! where innocent children were killed (genocide) from year 1867 – 2000 and many dead bodies to be found in future…

HOME


https://www.facebook.com/contraproductions

https://www.instagram.com/aneilcontractor

THE RESUME, 13min,. USA
Directed by Jon Kubina
Brock and Niko are two college grads who turn to a short-lived life of crime to pay off their student loans.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7607968

DREAM BIG FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN, 15min., USA
Directed by Peter Vordenberg
To better succeed in our efforts to combat climate change we need to talk less and listen more. That’s what Bill Barron set out to do. 750 miles by bike to have conversations about climate change across rural Utah.

AN AMERICAN CHILDHOOD, 15min., USA
Directed by Ryan Alan Petti
Collin is a 9 year old boy living a typical american childhood until his life is forever changed by an increasingly common act of violence against a family member. His story further adds to the national dialogue on racial profiling and discrimination.

http://www.anamericanchildhood.com/
https://facebook.com/anamericanchildhoodmovie.com
https://twitter.com/anamericanchildhood
https://instagram.com/anamericanchildhood

LIMITED SLIP, 16min,. USA
Directed by Clint Calvert, Caleb Johnson
Driver has a last job to pull off, or is it? A broken daughter is in direct conflict.

https://www.facebook.com/Limited-Slip-Movie-103411568915474

THE HYPOCRITE, 26min,. USA
Directed by Amie Noel Engerbretson
“The Hypocrite” delves into a critical discourse that is resonating with individuals across various spheres. In the context of climate advocacy, the film examines the inherent contradiction between personal actions and systemic efforts. The story is masterfully woven through the perspective of a professional skier, confronting the complex interplay between advocating for change and relying on fossil fuels for athletic pursuits. The film aspires to foster unity and collaboration within the outdoor community, transcending perceived hypocrisy and feelings of not fitting in. It aims to dismantle the culture of individual blame and guilt, focusing instead on the systemic shifts required to pave the way for a sustainable future. By erasing the boundaries that label individuals as hypocrites, the narrative invites viewers to recognize the urgent need for collective action and change.

EL ALELUYA, 30min., USA
Directed by Juan Diego Ramirez
Antonio Moreno’s world is disrupted when a controversy sparks a protest against his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers invited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their LGBTQ+ night, a group that dresses as Catholic Nuns, and as a result a backlash from the Catholic community sprung against the Dodgers. Now, Antonio, must decided whether to continue to support his team or stay true to his faith and stand against his religion being mocked.

Watch Today’s Festival (April 15th) – Female Directors Festival

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-15-female-directors

See the Lineup of Films:

IN HOT WATER, 25min,. USA
Directed by Christie Nicholls Nittrouer, Ed Ballart
IN HOT WATER is a sketch comedy short starring Christie Nicholls as an 85-year-old Jane Fonda hosting a talk show in a hot tub. The project has won “Best Sketch Comedy Film” (Culver City Film Festival) and “Best Actress” (Sweden International Film Festival).

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/in-hot-water-review

HOTDOG, 17min., Switzerland
Directed by Anaëlle Morf
Tanja tries to get unconditional love from her old landlady, who only has eyes for her dog.

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

A SHATTERING, 20min., USA
Directed by Jan Jalenak
A carefully constructed marriage implodes when an unexpected call unleashes a fragility and pain that have been simmering for years.

http://babydollfilms.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JanJalenak
https://www.instagram.com/janjalenak

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

THE SLATE, 8min., USA
Directed by Katherine Connor Duff
A struggling actress attempts to film a self tape.

https://www.katherineconnorduff.com/

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

Short Film Review: SAUDADE. Horror / Thriller / Surrealist / Drama.

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Synopsis: A dancer faces a ghost of her past and has to come out victorious to find her true self once again.

Directed by: Josie Hull

Written by: Gica Pucca and Constantin Augustinus Sieve

Produced by: Diana Cody

Executive Produced by: Gica Pucca and Constantin Augustinus Sieve

Review by Victoria Angelique

The short dance film, SAUDADE, captures the attention of the audience immediately with the gorgeous cinematography that begins within the first frame. Director of Photographer, Christian Olsen, is incredibly gifted as he captures the smoke dancing across the screen and wrapping it’s way around the Female Dancer’s body. The director, Josie Hull, has the Dancer move into her memory as the smoke envelopes her body. 

The tattoos on the Dancer’s body, whether intentional or real, works with the film as a way of symbolizing the ribbon that weaves her to the Male Dancer. She is fighting to escape him, but the happy memories bring her back to him. She is fighting to cut the tie so that she live happily once again now that the relationship has ended. 

The score is this film is magnificent. It truly brings the film to life through going from intense notes to melancholy ones to bring the audience into the memory of the Female Dancer’s past. The music and the movements couple together to show the toxicity of the relationship, depicting how an abusive partner can keep hold of a person’s memory as she fights with herself to move on and learn to be happy once again in life.  The Male Dancer has limited movements, showing his power over the Female Dancer early on in their relationship. He still haunts her mind as she struggles to reclaim her own happiness long after the relationship has ended. The Female Dancer shows her own power as she forces him from her memory.

Dance films are rarely able to capture such powerful themes in such a short timeframe. SAUDADE is successful as it captures the mental anguish that an abusive relationship can have on a victim as the Female Dancer tries to escape her memory before she figures out how to overcome it and move on with her life. It takes time, but the feeling of relief when she is able to put her memories in the past and remember what makes her happy is something that will last with viewers.

Watch Film Festival TODAY Online:  FAMILY Shorts Showcase – March 25/26 even

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Sign up for the free 7 day trial at http://www.wildsound.ca to watch this festival and a new film festival every single day. Generally there are two festivals a day.

Watch the Festival using the direct link: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/mar-25-fam-show

See the Full Lineup of Films:

CLOWN CORNER, 15min., Australia
Directed by Stephen Richardson
A fun-filled ‘slice of life’ mockumentary that reveals the hidden world of the Clown People for the first time.

http://www.clowncorner.uk/

HOANG THE PAPER BOY, 10min,. USA
Directed by Ly Bolia
Hoang a country boy uses his paper folding skills to prove his worth to the Princess Thy Mai.

https://lrkvac.wixsite.com/my-site

ON SUNDAYS, 8min., Brazil
Directed by Olavo Junior
Domingos, an elderly man with fragile health, follows his solitary routine on a Sunday afternoon, until he receives a visit from a love from the past.

MIDWEST ICE AGE!, 8min,. USA
Directed by Douglas J. Corcoran
A Midwest man faces challenges as he realizes his dream of creating an ice carving company that produces spectacular art while helping to bring communities closer together.

MALCRIADA // IMPOLITE, 7min., Argentina
Directed by Florencia Calcagno
ESP// Magalí se sumerge en un viaje astral para aprender a valerse por sí misma. “Malcriada” forma parte de la trilogía “Amor Animal”, junto a “Otro Hermano” y “Reina”. En esta serie, se abordan distintas facetas del amor y la soledad encarnado en tres mujeres distintas, cada una representada por un animal totémico.

http://zoetropo.com.ar/
https://www.facebook.com/zoetropo
https://twitter.com/zoetropo
https://www.instagram.com/zoetropo_

DEAR DAUGHTER, 7min., USA
Directed by Rob Underhill, Vanessa Neff
A mother’s tribute to her daughter and a reflection on how the love for her evolved throughout the years.

WHO KILLED MR. MOSS?, 26min., Australia
Directed by Ben Whimpey
In a world of 10-13 year-old children, who all have cars, jobs, motives, fancy hats and handlebar moustaches, we meet Detective Donahue, a cool yet daring protagonist, who solves classic crimes of the jazz era. In this classic ‘who dun it?’ Donohue committed by a cast of dangerous bad guys. But Donahue isn’t a badge-wearing, donut-eating police detective. She’s a lock-picking, pipe-smoking private investigator. If the job pays, she’ll take it. In this episode Mr Moss has been murdered and she needs to work out who from all the suspicious subjects in the mansion did the dirty deed.

SOPIROCOS, CUCURINOS AND PIRICUACOS, 6min., Argentina
Directed by Ileana Andrea Gomez Gavinoser
SOPIROCOS, CUCURINOS AND PIRICUACOS COME AND GO

http://www.catalogodecineargentino.com/productoras/grupo-universo-de-arte/https://www.facebook.com/grupouniversodearte

FROM KHOVRINO, 8min,. Russia
Directed by Daria Elena Dashunina
At night in Moscow a little girl Dana is rushing home through dark alleyways. She’s being chased by a suspicious-looking man. hen he finally catches up with her, it turns out he wants to make a gift for a girl, about which she had dreamed of for many years. But their meeting prepares surprises. The thriller develops into a social drama and both become victims.

https://www.facebook.com/darya.elena
https://www.instagram.com/dariaelenadashunina

Watch the SOCIETY DOC Showcase Festival – March 24/25 event

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Sign up for the free 7 day trial at http://www.wildsound.ca to watch this festival and a new film festival every single day. Generally there are two festivals a day.

Watch the festival using the direct link:

https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/videos/mar-24-soc-doc

See the Full LIneup of FIlms:

THE HYPOCRITE, 27min., USA
Directed by Amie Noel Engerbretson
“The Hypocrite” delves into a critical discourse that is resonating with individuals across various spheres. In the context of climate advocacy, the film examines the inherent contradiction between personal actions and systemic efforts. The story is masterfully woven through the perspective of a professional skier, confronting the complex interplay between advocating for change and relying on fossil fuels for athletic pursuits. The film aspires to foster unity and collaboration within the outdoor community, transcending perceived hypocrisy and feelings of not fitting in. It aims to dismantle the culture of individual blame and guilt, focusing instead on the systemic shifts required to pave the way for a sustainable future. By erasing the boundaries that label individuals as hypocrites, the narrative invites viewers to recognize the urgent need for collective action and change.
amieenoel@me.com

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

SITTING IN THE FIRE, 78min., USA
Directed by Alec Goldberg, Boston Wang
‘Sitting in the Fire’ examines the spillover effect of rehabilitation programs in prison, on gun violence prevention in communities. Born and raised in Richmond, California to a single mother, Vaughn Miles fell into the dangers of his environment at an early age. After being sentenced to life in prison for murder at twenty years old, it took Vaughn Miles years before his transformation.
alec@decadelosangeles.com

http://www.sittinginthefirefilm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552656826765
https://instagram.com/sittinginthefire

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

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.

Project Links

Short Film Review: EAT YOUR YOUNG, Dance Film

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

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.