Short Film Movie Review

Film Review: SUNLIGHT OVER WATER, Canada, LGBT/Drama

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With bold cinematic choices and a strong narrative voice, SUNLIGHT OVER WATER tells the story of the tumultuous friendships between high schoolers Merit and Julien. Their friendship already heavily laced with sexual tension, Julien makes a sexual overture to Merit, who accepts, but is then confused when Julien is distant, cold and even aggressive afterwards.

 

Painfully relatable and authentic, this piece captures the fragile rollercoaster that is adolescence, offset by the compounded pain of loving in vain.  A fascinating dive into the world of young, confusing love, where tempers burn and passion paves the way for dramatic self discovery, SUNLIGHT OVER WATER offers no easy answers to the problems growing up creates. Perhaps that is what makes this film so appealing- it takes you into Merit’s world, while leaving Juliens’ unknowable- the way Julien appears to Merit. A compelling look into young love and the experiences that shape us into the people we become, SUNLIGHT OVER WATER is a beautiful and intense short.  

by Kierston Drier

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video: 

SUNLIGHT OVER WATER, 15min., Canada, LGBT/Drama
Directed by Jesse Gotfrit

High-schooler Merit discovers his sexuality through a tumultuous relationship with his friend Julien.

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

Film Review: CHRISTINE, USA, LGBT/Coming of Age

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Gorgeously shot with exceptional casting, CHRISTINE is the poignant story of precious young Christine who can’t beat her friend in an arm wrestling match, her friend decides to help her. At her request, he cuts her hair and shares his clothes with her, and in a few meaningful but speedy moments Christinee completely transforms- at least, almost. She still can’t seem to best her friend in arm wrestling- something deeply distressing to her.

The beauty of this film is that it accomplishes so much with so little dialogue. There is an excellence in this piece with its simplicity and yet profundity of meaning. Without over burdening the scenes with expositio the meaning behind the film is still perfectly conveyed- the testament of character is far more than skin deep. Christine’s friendship with her male counterpart has the almost tangible feeling of being founded within childhood and yet extending through it and into adolescence. With the nostalgic anachronistic feeling of a youthful summer day, this film captures the early moment of coming-of-age for Christine and she begins the journey of independence and self discovery. A film about knowing yourself, even amidst finding out who you are, CHRISTINE is a film will touch your heart while it makes you think.

by Kierston Drier

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CHRISTINE, 10min, USA, LGBT/Coming of Age
Directed by Jessica Adler

With the help of her best friend, Christine redefines her perception of strength and what it means to be herself.

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Film Review: ALAN WILLIAMS METAL ARTIST, UK, Documentary/Art 

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ALAN WILLIAMS METAL ARTIST is a spectacular piece of cinematic documentary storytelling. Shining with incredible images from every frame and with fantastical creations waiting to leap out in every corner, Alan Williams carries us, the audience, along with him while he turns seemingly useless scrap metal in to utterly stunning works of mastery.

 

At seven minutes, to see so much in so small a time is an ambitious feat, but director Ben Cox is able to put together a brilliant documentary in that impressively small time frame. A film that sparks as much passion as the artist himself clearly has for his work, ALAN WILLIAMS METAL ARTIST is a captivating visual journey of art and beauty. A delight for the eyes and the artists’ heart.

 

by Kierston Drier

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ALAN WILLIAMS METAL ARTIST, 7min., UK, Documentary/Art 
Directed by Ben CoxAlan Williams: Creatures of the Deep offers an insight into the mind and work of the immensely talented Brighton sculptor Alan Williams, who turns scrap metal into amazing animal figures

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

Film Review: MISSING PEACE, USA, Documentary/Drama 

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A deeply controversial and highly moving film, MISSING PEACE follows two people, Chloe and Jeremy,  who suffer from Body integrity Identity Disorder- a disorder that compels them to deeply believe their sense of self is more actualized if they were differently abled. In Chloe’s case, all her life she has struggled with a deep desire to be unable to use her legs. In Jeremys’ case, (and he has hidden his identity for fear of backlash for his feelings) he has always longed to be hands-free.

For someone without BIID, wrapping the mind around the condition may be difficult, even concerning, due to the stigma attached to being differently-abled, but for Chloe and Jeremy, this condition goes much deeper than the surface. For our two heroes, the body they feel they belong in is one that is, respectively, missing hands or unable to walk. The body they currently have feels as though they should not be in it.

 

MISSING PEACE does what every documentary aims to do- open up and explore an area of life that may not be known or understood by the “everyman”. It attempts, with remarkable sensitivity, to capture the difficult and trying world of a human being at odds with society and its’ view on their own sense of self. Perhaps another reason why this film rings so powerful is that it attempts to rid itself of subjectivity. MISSING PEACE allows its focus to be the journey’s of the heroes, not any potential judgements that may be held by the filmmaker. Instead the audience is asked to makeup their own opinion. We see the damage and pain caused to our heroes because of the world they live in, while the viewer may still struggle to understand the reality the heroes live in. Ultimately the choice is up the viewer, but the story is no less important, no less meaningful- no less necessary to be heard. A film not for the faint of heart, it speaks to the bravery of Chloe, Jeremy and director Jenna Gartlan, to take on such a deep and emotional topic. Well done to all.

 

by Kierston Drier

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video: 

MISSING PEACE, 17min., USA, Documentary/Drama 
Directed by Jenna Gartlan

Missing Peace follows Chloe Jennings-White and Jeremy as they struggle with Body Integrity Identity Disorder. Chloe wishes to be paraplegic, and Jeremy wants to cut off his hands.

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

Film Review: PLAYGROUND, USA, Documentary/Society 

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A heart wrenching story of a community reeling after the death of a preteen boy, shot by a police officer in a local park, PLAYGROUND is a seventeen minute short that showcases how one community copes with loss by banding together.

 

Strong and poignant, PLAYGROUND follows Brick City Community Theatre near the Lakeview Terrace public housing project in Cleveland. The community around the theatre puts on productions about the local life, involving both youth and senior community members. PLAYGROUND follows one such production, an original created around the recent death and uses the trauma to empower and support the community members.

 

A deeply touching and moving piece, with excellent composition and execution, PLAYGROUND will remind us all of our fundamental similarities, are basic need for human connection and the transformative and healing power of the arts. A bow of credit to the directors Drew Dickler and Jakob Hochendoner.

 

by Kierston Drier

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PLAYGROUND, 17min., USA, Documentary/Society 
Directed by Drew Dickler

Afternoons at 4, residents from Lakeview Terrace, a public housing project in Cleveland, gather at their community center to transform their life stories into art and their grief into understanding.

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

Film Review: COSPLAY: BEHIND THE MASK, USA, Documentary/Sci-Fi

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Enter that incredible, rich, vibrant world of COSPLAY: BEHIND THE MASK. Directed by Hendricksen Armand, this movie dives into the tapestry of talent behind Cosplay. Cosplay involves dressing up like a well known character from a book and TV show, usually (But not exclusively) found within the anime media community. Think Sailor Moon, DragonBall and Pokemon- and those are just major well known shows. Other shows or movies  including well known action heroes are often included as well.  Conventions that create hubs for fans of the shows often have attendees that dress the part of their favorite characters. What is incredible about this is that the costumes are largely created by attendees. Often elaborate and time consuming, the creative lengths attendees go to to create larger-than-life costumes and true adherence to character is inspiration.

 

Such incredible works and labors of love are not without issue, however. COSPLAY: BEHIND THE MASK follows a handful of dedicated and talented cosplayers as they discuss making their costumes, but also some of the concerns that follow them at conventions. They are often mistaken at conventions as paid performers, touched or groped without their consent and made to feel uncomfortable, often because their work is so believable. Our talented cosplayers also discuss the sexual overtones and undertones often associated with their work. Since the outfits of their characters are often sexualized, it is difficult to dress the part without facing the same reaction.

COSPLAY: BEHInd THE MASK must be commended on it’s open and honest portrayal of cosplay, with all its’ joys and concerns. Bright, colorful and fun, while still being deep, meaningful and thought-provoking, this is layered and fascinating film. A special shout out must be given to the key cast, as they are all instantly loveable, and all remarkably gifted both as creators and performers. A film to see!

by Kierston Drier

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video: 

COSPLAY: BEHIND THE MASK, 20min., USA, Documentary/Sci-Fi 
Directed by Hendricksen Armand

A look into the life of cosplayers who try to shatter the boundaries of reality by transforming themselves into characters from comic books, TV shows, and movies.

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

Film Review: LEAD THE PARADE, USA, Documentary/Society 

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A sharp, but compassionate look at the world of disenfranchised youth, LEAD THE PARADE is a fifteen minute short coming to us from director Omino Gardezi. Packed with meaning in every frame and brimming with the emotional reality that is life for the underprivileged, LEAD THE PARADE showcases groups like New York’s Partnership with Children, a community organization that works with children to help lift them out of otherwise difficult situations.

 

One cornerstone of this piece is the concept of poverty equalling trauma. With massive numbers of children in urban settings living within poverty-stricken conditions a generation is at risk.

 

LEAD THE PARADE is a film that approaches these difficult concepts with sensitivity and faces the complex problems with openness. There is, in fact, a remedy for the trauma caused by poverty: Healthy and positive relationships with adults. LEAD THE PARADE is a strong film, filled with hope, compassion and positivity, but beyond that, it is a film with an uplifting message; Change is possible. It starts with us.

by Kierston Drier

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video: 

LEAD THE PARADE, 15min., USA, Documentary/Society 
Directed by Omino Gardezi

In Lead the parade, The filmmakers embark on an intimate? ?conversation with Neuroscientist, mental health Specialists Social workers, Economist, Government and thought leaders to explore the impact a child’s early environment on their cognitive, social and emotional development, it will be? ?premiered on the Martin Luther King Jr. day and will be available for viewing at Lead the Parade.org

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

Film Review: OCEANIC ALIENS, USA, Documentary/Wildlife

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This classical-style documentary weaves wonderous thoughts and images in its short six minute time-slot. Set against the inky-dark world under the ocean, OCEANIC ALIENS follows a handful of rarely seen bioluminescent aquatic creatures.

 

A piece that explores the whole new world of bright and colorful life under the waves, OCEANIC ALIENS is a compelling watch. In true documentary style, it offers simple and direct information about each creature, and weaves a near-magical picture of the ocean as so much deeper, richer and teaming with life than we may have before believed.

 

Of specific note, is the exceptional footage. It is incredible difficult to film underwater and the images captured of these incredible and beautiful life forms is well worth that watch. A film for information lovers and film lovers alike.

by Kierston Drier

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OCEANIC ALIENS, 6min., USA, Documentary/Wildlife
Directed by Mike Johnson

Oceanic Aliens is an internationally award winning short documentary that explores one aspect of how little we truly know about planet earth. More is known about outer space than our very own oceans. This short documentary illustrates just one example of a little known class of marine species and their amazing attributes.

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

Film Review: FELL, USA, Drama/Supernatural

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This five minute American short wraps up fable, myth and supernatural suspense in a quick and dramatic tale. A woman sits beside a fire and listens to two small children tell her a fairy tale of two wolves who have puppies. The puppies however, are turned into children by unknowable forces. Mysteriously moved by the children’s tale, our heroine remarks that the fairy-tale’s children must be very well loved. When she leaves the campfire to get more wood, she is alarmed to  hear dogs barking in the distance.

 

FELL is one of those alluring, almost chilling films that leaves just enough unanswered for the viewer to want to watch it again and again. Meaningful natural symbology gentle lace there way through the film like cobwebs. Special note must be given to the excellent performances of both children, as well as the lead- as so much emotion is conveyed in such a short amount of amount of time, and with such simple dialogue.

 

At times eerie, and often unknowable, there is something indescribably captivating about FELL, something magical and ethereal that may make you want to watch it again and again.

Review by Kierston Drier

FELL, 5min, USA, Drama/Supernatural, 
Directed by Holly Voges

A cautionary tale about man’s possessive relationship with nature, as told by two children over a campfire.

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

Film Reivew: HEDDA NEEDS HELP, USA, Comedy 

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Director Lisa Baron delivers us a comic gem on a silver platter in the form the HEDDA NEEDS HELP. Enter Hedda- a sweet and wide-eyed innocent with the good-natured optimism of a classic buffoon. Bent on being a poet, she thinks she’s found a foothold in when she agrees to dog sit the dog of a famous poet while he goes on vacation with his wife. Sadly, her plan to wiggle into his good graces goes awry when she finds the dog dead in the apartment. Thus begins an uncomfortable but undeniable comedic escalation of circumstance while Hedda attempts to cover-up (and then dispose of) his mistakes.

 

You will laugh afresh with each new antic and despite the increasing severity of the events, you cannot stop yourself from loving Hedda. She personifies the endearingly eager and earnest hope for success that so many do- and the lack of foresight that some are also equally guilty of. A charming and at times befuddling romp through a comic wonderland, HEDDA NEEDS HELP is bright, charmingly, excellently cast and most importantly- hilarious.

Review by Kierston Drier

HEDDA NEEDS HELP, 14min, USA, Comedy 
Directed by Lisa Baron

Hedda Needs Help tells the tale of Hedda, an aspiring poet and undying optimist, tasked with watching the most prized possession of Manhattan’s acclaimed poet, Albert Stein: his dog. But when Hedda accidentally kills her big break we find that no one fails quite like Hedda, as she carries the weight of her problems around Manhattan in this all too real comedy gone awry.

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