Archives

Drama, Suspense

We’re Desperate (Get Used To It)

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This episode includes:

Checkmate by Navarro Aydemir
Northeast Front by Angela Torres Camarena
A Doctor’s Job by Julio Ramos

Checkmate
England
Jan learns that staying in an asylum can make anyone crazy. He challenges his evaluator to a game of chess to prove that he should be released. The stakes could not be higher in this tense battle of wills. Written, edited, and directed by Navarro Aydemir. Principal cast: Gergo Danka, Shakyra Dowling, Daniel Wiltshire, Sibel Unver, Alex Murphy, and Adam Cunningham.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Northeast Front
Mexico/USA
In a city held hostage by drug cartels, a hard-working single mother supports her kids all on her own. Her son has gotten in trouble and as a result she must to pay off his debt to a drug dealer. Suddenly up against an unthinkable threat, she does everything in her power to keep her family safe and alive in this heart-stopping true story. Written, edited, and directed by Angela Torres Camarena. Principal cast: Evangelina Sosa, Luis Felipe Tovar, Edgar Orozco, and Octavio Lowry.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

A Doctor’s Job
Peru/USA
In order to make ends meet, a stubborn but caring emergency room physician has to moonlight as a taxi driver. His pride and ethics are challenged everyday. He is used to life and death situations in the hospital, but when they bleed over into his taxi job, things get really hairy. Will this be his worst day on the job or the answer to all of his prayers? Written and directed by Julio Ramos. Principal cast: Miguel Iza, Luis Menezes, and Christian Ojeda.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker, go to manhattanshort.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Checkmate again:

Checkmate from Navarro Aydemir on Vimeo.

Drama

School Days

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This episode includes:

First Match by Olivia Newman
Public by Jeannie Donohoe

First Match
USA
In the testosterone-fueled sport of wrestling, Mo faces one of her toughest battles preparing for her first match on the boys team. Her father, a former outstanding wrestler himself, doesn’t think a girl has what it takes to wrestle. Not only does Mo have to battle for the respect of her male teammates, but also for the respect of her father. Written and directed by Olivia Newman. Principal cast: Nyasa Bakker, Anslem Richardson, Zach Lombardo, and Juan Freire.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film visit firstmatchfilm.com.
– To watch an interview with the filmmaker, go to vimeo.com.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker, go to nj.com/hobokennowl.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Public
USA
When Sharde is forced to show up for Mrs. Harrington’s after school program, the lessons become personal. Image is everything in high school. Teenagers can be cruel and rumors spread like wildfire in the hallways. Their adversarial relationship takes on a new light when each one has surprising secrets revealed during detention. Can they trust each other to keep each others secret? Written and directed by Jeannie Donohoe. Principal cast: Anne Sorce, Shanice Spencer, Stanley Rodriguez, and Phyllis Johnson.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch See You again:

Drama

Last Flight

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This episode includes:

North Atlantic by Bernardo Nascimento
Yuri Lennon’s Landing on Alpha 46 by Anthony Vouardoux

North Atlantic
Portugal/England
Golf-Tango-Tango … is anybody out there? A surprised air traffic controller on a remote island receives a transatlantic call for help from a lost plane. As the night and events unfold, it is clear that their new-found friendship will not last through the night. Their conversation is one the air traffic controller won’t ever forget. Written, directed and produced by Bernardo Nascimento. Principal cast: Francesco Tavares and Clive Russell.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film visit northatlanticshortfilm.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Yuri Lennon’s Landing on Alpha 46
Germany/Switzerland
Undocked from the mother ship, cosmonaut Yuri Lennon begins his harrowing journey through space. His journey takes him out to the far reaches of space to investigate mysterious transmissions emanating from Alpha 46. He is confronted with an extraordinary paradox, which may lead to the end of the world as we know it. An amazing movie done in one shot capturing the claustrophobic feeling, the extreme isolation and danger of spaceflight. Written and directed by Anthony Vouardoux. Principal cast: Marc Hosemann.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch North Atlantic again:

Drama

Innocence Lost

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This episode includes:

Crossing Salween by Brian O’Malley
Fences by Tim Dean

Crossing Salween
Ireland
Along the Thailand border in Eastern Burma, nine-year-old Ko Reh finds herself orphaned after the massacre of her village and family by the military junta. She must now make the arduous journey with the help of a mysterious stranger to the Salween River that separates the horrors of Burma from the safety of Thailand. Will her late father’s enduring love and promise of assistance from a forest spirit be enough to shepherd her across the river where so many others have fallen? Written and directed by Brian O’Malley and based on a short story by Gary Moore. Principal cast: Ronnachai Wijitto, Thanawut Kedsaro, and Danai Thiengtham. The little girl (Ronnachai) is a refugee. What is also amazing is the she had never acted before and beat out many trained actors for the role.
– To learn more about the film, go to livingfilms.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Fences
Australia
Eight-year-old Lucas’ father is a forensic crime scene detective. He argues with his ex-wife to look after Lucas while called to a crime scene, but she’s too busy. Forced to take the boy, will Lucas stay put in the car or will he discover what his daddy does for a living? Directed by Tim Dean. Principal cast: Trent Heath, Brett Swain, Nicole Nabout, and Victoria Eagger.
– To learn more about the film, go to timdeandirector.com and smh.com.au.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.
– Watch Fences again:

Comedy, Drama

Love Comes Crashing Down

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This episode includes:

Sorry, Destiny by Neda Morfova
Separations Agency by Shane Morton
The Screamers by Roberto Perez Toledo
Crazy Glue by Elizabeth Orne
Connection by Jennifer Leacey

Sorry, Destiny
Bulgaria
You have a feeling in your bones. After countless failed connections and dashed hopes, your heart is telling you this could be the day you meet your soul mate. There’s just one little problem … what if your soul mate doesn’t speak the same language as you? Directed by Neda Morfova. The infectious song is “Sitting on the Fence” by Bulgarian pop star Milenita. Principal cast: Radina Kardjilova and Dimitar Nedelchev.
– Watch the film again, below.

Separations Agency
Ireland
Breaking up is hard to do. A guy wakes up one morning to find out his girlfriend has dumped him, with the news being delivered in the strangest possible way. A singing barbershop quartet’s smooth and professional delivery does nothing to soften the blow. Directed and written by Shane Morton. Principal cast: Oddie Braddell, Vincent Fegan, and The Jolly Sunbeams.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

The Screamers
Spain
There are times in all our lives when you just want to scream. There are other times that are filled with awkward silences. Some situations contain both. This is one of them. Written, produced, edited, and directed by Roberto Perez Toledo. Principal cast: Fran Rodriguez Castillo and Ruth Armas.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Crazy Glue
USA
A simple story about love and glue, but not just any glue. This special glue has extraordinary bonding properties for a husband and wife whose relationship has lost its magic. Produced, edited, and directed by Elizabeth Orne. Principal cast: Will Brill and Katya Campbell.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To watch the film again, go to nds.shootonline.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Connection
Australia
After Dan and Natalie meet on a dating website they decide to go a step further and have a video date. Romance seems destined, but fate has other plans. The modern day fable exposes the disadvantages of matchmaking using the latest technology. Written and directed by Jennifer Leacey. Principal cast: James Mackay, Kate Mulvany, and Dan Krige.
– Watch the film again, below.

Watch Sorry, Destiny again:

Watch Separations Agency again:

Watch The Screamers again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rVZMFC1Wh4

Watch Crazy Glue again:

Watch Connection again:

Comedy, Drama

Modern Times

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This episode includes:

Das Tub by James Cunningham
Watching by Max Myers
Above the Knee by Greg Atkins

Das Tub
New Zealand
Lost in the frozen depths of the ocean, a German submarine crew find themselves encountering objects stranger than they can fathom. The truth turns their world topsy-turvy leaving them literally and figuratively in over their heads. A satiric homage to the classic German feature Das Boot. Directed by James Cunningham.
– To learn more about the film and how they did the amazing special effects, go to dastub.com.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watching
England
A young man sits alone in a café spying on the cute waitress not knowing that he himself is being watched. When a stranger approaches him and strikes up a conversation, he is given an opportunity that could change his life forever. Opportunities present themselves for the briefest of moments. If you miss them they don’t come back, but is the risk worth it? Directed by Max Myers. Principal cast: Ian Hart, Charlie Cattrall, and Susannah Fielding.
– Visit the film’s website at watchingshortfilm.com.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker, go to msfilmfest.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Above the Knee
Canada
Jack’s restrictive suit and tie career has never been a good fit for him. His home and love life is also in a rut. A radical shake up is in order. When he breaks the mold at work by dressing differently, all of his relationships miraculously improve and actually sets his colleagues free to also express themselves. Director, writer, and producer Greg Atkins tackles sexual politics and the tyranny of gender conformity with a wry comedic touch. Principal cast: Stephen Bogeart, Naomi Sniekus, Allen Altman, and Victoria Adilman.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Das Tub again:

Suspense

Psycho Killer

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This episode includes:

Interview by Sebastian Marka
The Piano Tuner by Olivier Treiner

Interview
Germany
An ambitious reporter might have the scoop of his life in an interview with a possible serial killer named Tillmann. What motivates the killer to do what he does? Just as important of a question — what motivates the reporter to ask the question? An even more important question — what’s inside the box Tillmann brought to the interview? An intense face-to-face thriller unravels more than one dark secret on both sides. Edited and directed by Sebastian Marka. Principal cast: Antje Widdra, Stephan Grossman, and Florian Panzer.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

The Piano Tuner
France
A piano prodigy shuns his career after a horrible audition and becomes a piano tuner, pretending to be blind to get better business. He becomes exposed to the intimate details of his clients’ lives unbeknownst to them. One day he finds himself welcomed into a crime scene, and his charade becomes an edge-of-your-seat game of life and death. Written and directed by Olivier Treiner. The film won the French equivalent of the Academy Award for best short French film in 2012. Principal cast: Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet, Gregory Gadebois, and Daniele Lebrun.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Comedy, Drama

That’s Just Love Sneakin’ Up On You

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This episode includes:

Table 7 by Marko Slavnic and Andrew McDonald
Cataplexy by John Salcido
Crossword by Vincent Gallagher

Table 7
USA
A couple with relationship issues has an intimate conversation in an Asian restaurant, unaware that their every word is secretly being monitored. Directed by Marko Slavnic and Andrew McDonald. Principal cast: Ray Rosales, Stephanie Lozos and Isaac Kim.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Cataplexy
USA
Sidney suffers from cataplexy, an unusual medical condition where he becomes literally paralyzed when he is overcome with emotion. Rather than take that chance, he relies on impersonal sexual encounters to meet his physical needs. One night he is embarrassed to discover the call girl at his front door is an old friend from high school. The film was done as part of a competition where the film went from concept to screen in just 72 hours. Directed by John Salcido. Principal cast: Dave Tenenbaum and Michelle Noh.
– To watch a preview of the film, go to vimeo.com.
– To watch an interview with the filmmaker, go to youtube.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.
– To purchase this film, go to iTunes.

Crossword
Ireland
Heather is single with very few friends except for the barmaid in the pub she frequents after work everyday. Her favorite pastime is doing crossword puzzles. On the eve of her 40th birthday, she has a strange experience when all the answers to the day’s crossword seem to be around her. Is it magic, coincidence or something else? In a crossword — just like in life — when lines meet and paths converge it is not a matter of luck, but rather part of a greater plan. The film was directed by Vincent Gallagher. Principle cast: Louise Lewis, Mark O’Shaughnessy, Maire Hastings, Andrew Bennett, and Kevin McDonough.
– To learn more about the film, go to irishfilm.wordpress.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Table 7 again:

Drama, Suspense

The Company of Men

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This episode includes:

Break a Leg by Jesse Shamata
The Candidate by David Karlak

Break a Leg
Canada
Are you a folder or a crumpler? While eating breakfast in a café, a hit man asks his next victim this unusual question. The tightly wound assassin simultaneously threatens and regales his companion about his startling beliefs about human behavior. Only when he gives his ultimatum do we learn the shocking identity of his next casualty. Written and directed by Jesse Shamata. Principal cast: Chuck Shamata, Gage Munroe and Conrad Bereschneider.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film, go to importedartists.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

The Candidate
USA
A man’s worth can be judged by the caliber of his enemies. In the cutthroat world of big business, no truer words have been spoken. Burton Grunzer, a hyper-aggressive and confident dealmaker, lives in the pressure cooker of a Fortune 500 company. A bumbling co-worker is protected by someone high up and his blunders in the board room are damaging Burton’s reputation. As luck would have it, Burton is contacted by a secret organization called the Society for United Action. Intrigued, he agrees to meet with a representative from the society with an interesting proposition. If you could kill off your most aggravating co-worker and get away with it, would you? Directed by David Karlak. Principal cast: Tom Gulager, Thomas F. Duffy, Robert Picardo, Meghan Markle, and Vyto Ruginis.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Break a Leg again:

Watch The Candidate again:

Animation, Drama

Mind Benders

Quote

This episode includes:

Colour Bleed by Peter Szewczyk
West of the Moon by Brent Bonacorso
Egg Breakers by Emanuel Strixner

Colour Bleed
England/Poland
A young creative and idealistic girl dreams of brighter days in a dim Eastern European city. Her fate is inextricably sealed when she crosses paths with a scheming and enigmatic old woman, who harbors a dark secret. A cold act of cruelty will fracture the very foundations of a city. Directed, written, produced, and edited by Peter Szewczyk. Peter has contributed his talents to the feature films Harry Potter, Shrek, Star Wars, Ice Age and Avatar. This is his directorial debut. Principal cast: Anna Barry and Milla Karkkainen.
– Visit the film’s website at colourbleed.com.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

West of the Moon
USA
The memory of a long lost love triggers an old man to recall the odd set of circumstances that led to his having a grenade as a heart and a monkey inside his head. A wildly inventive and visually amazing film inviting comparisons to the work of Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton. The film is directed by Brent Bonacorso and based on the book of children’s essays entitled The Colored Monster Has No Mouth by Roger Omar. Principal cast: Jacob Whitkin, Michael Garbe, Amber Noelle, and Christopher Tomafelli. West of the Moon won the top prize at five film festivals in 2011.
– Watch the film again, below.
– Visit the film’s web site at westofthemoonthefilm.com.
– To purchase this film, go to iTunes.
– To learn more about the film, go to filmmakermagazine.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Egg Breakers
Germany
A game of one-upmanship gets out of hand. In a surreal landscape two creatures learn that if eyelids were lips at the same time, they would also be able to lay eggs … say what?! Animated by Emanuel Strixner.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film, go to emanuelstrixner.com.

Watch Colour Bleed again:

Watch West of the Moon again:

Watch Egg Breakers again:

Drama

Color My World

Quote

This episode includes:

Nullabor by Alister Lockhart and Patrick Sarell
Maximall by Axelle Cheriet, Hadrien Ledieu, Nawel Rahal, and Axel Tillement
Graffitiger by Libor Pixa

Nullabor
Australia
A brash young punk and a laid back old codger travel across Australia’s Nullabor — the longest stretch of straight road in the world — perfect for passing that slow motorist beside you. But in this vast and barren landscape, sometimes all you’re left with is each other. So, be careful what you wish for. Directed by Alister Lockhart and Patrick Sarell.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– To purchase this film, go to iTunes.

Maximall
France
A young worker is the last to leave his work at the big box retailer. What he doesn’t realize is every evening the shopping carts release their pent up anger after a day’s worth of abuse from annoying customers. Unfortunately, he will face the brunt of their wrath. He learns the hard way that materialism will trap us all. Animated by Axelle Cheriet, Hadrien Ledieu, Nawel Rahal, and Axel Tillement.
– Watch the film again, below.

Graffitiger
Czech Republic
A lonely graffiti tiger prowls the streets of the urban jungle looking for his lost mate. On his journey he learns the city is full of dirty streets with walls covered with dangerous graffiti. Libor Pixa’s witty and creative film blends 2D drawn animation with live action. The film was nominated for a Student Academy Award.
– Visit the film’s website at graffitiger.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Nullabor again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaS1zT87waY

Watch Maximall again:

Comedy, Drama

Love Is Complicated

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This episode includes:

After the Credits by Josh Lawson
Anything for You by Laura Belsey

After the Credits
Australia
Love means never having to say you’re sorry … yeah, RIGHT! We’ve seen it a hundred times before — boy meets girl and they live happily ever after. What all those Hollywood romantic comedies don’t show you is what happens after the movie credits end. We all know it’s a completely different story. Real love means having to say you’re sorry over and over and over. Written and directed by Josh Lawson. Josh makes a cameo in the film as the rude passenger. Principal cast: Toby Schmitz and Robin McLeavy.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Anything for You
USA
What starts out as a simple lunch date, ends with two women revealing their deepest secrets. Lynette can’t help fantasizing about cheating on her husband and believes she has found the perfect solution to her dilemma. Shocked and dismayed, her best friend Gail is forced to drop a bombshell of her own, one that will change their friendship forever. Produced and directed by Laura Belsey. Principal cast: Kathleen McElfresh and Corena Chase.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Animation, Drama

The Golden Years

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This episode includes:

The Birthday Circle by Philip Lepherd
Love at First Sight by Michael Davies
Danny & Annie by Mike and Tim Rauch

The Birthday Circle
England
Two young children defiantly claim independence in their own home, but are implored by their frustrated elders to consider external care. This unique film places mature dialogue literally in the mouths of babes making for an uncomfortable, but illuminating look at the cruel irony of aging. What results is a role reversal dark comedy of brutal honesty. Directed and produced by Philip Lepherd. Principal cast: Matthew Marsh, Orson Lepherd, Rafe Lepherd, and Rosemary Smith.
– To learn more about the film, go to thechronicle.com.au.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Love at First Sight
England
It’s not everyday you fall in love, but in 70-year-old Arthur’s case he can and does. When he spots Ruth in the retirement home, he knows in his heart he has finally found his soul mate. Directed by Michael Davies, the short film shows that you are never too old to fall in love. Principal cast: John Hurt, Phyllida Law, and Barry McCarthy. Love at First Sight won the top prize at six film festivals and was shortlisted for a 2012 Academy Award.
– Visit the film’s website at loveatfirstsightshortfilm.com.
– To read interviews with the director, go to thisisbristol.co.uk and latimesblogs.latimes.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Danny & Annie
USA
In a simple analogy, the old Brooklynite Danny Perasa says that marriage is like color TV. Once you have it, you never want to go back to black and white. He has been married to Annie for 25 years. The couple recounts their life together from their first date (on which Danny proposed) to Danny’s final days with terminal cancer. This remarkable couple personifies the eloquence, grace, and poetry that can be found in the voices of everyday people. Directed and animated by brothers Mike and Tim Rauch.
– To learn more about the film, go to npr.org and rauchbrothers.com.
– To watch more Storycorps animations, go to storycorps.org.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.
– Watch Danny & Annie again:

Drama

All American Shorts

Quote

This episode includes:

God of Love by Luke Matheny
Blue Boy by Alex Jablonski
Chicken Heads by Bassam Ali Jarbawi
Bunny by Robert Snow

God of Love
USA
Meet Raymond Goodfellow, a multi-talented artist who combines lounge singing with his champion dart throwing ability. He has fallen head over heels for his bass player, but she’s in love with the guitarist. His prayers are answered, or so he thinks, when he receives a package of passion-inducing darts. Writer/Director Luke Matheny’s film won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. Principal cast: Luke Matheny, Marian Brock, Christopher Hirsh, Emily Young and Miguel Rosales.
– To learn more about the film, go to lukemathenyfilms.com.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker, go to thefilmyap.com.

Blue Boy
USA
Every summer morning 17-year old Kenny rides his bike to the wealthier part of town to his job as a lifeguard. Invisible to the moneyed moms and socialite girls who populate the country club, Kenny spends his work hours stoned and fantasizing about the women around him. One in particular has caught his eye. After an act of heroism brings them together, he finds himself at her house and he decides to act on his daydreams. Based on a short story by Kevin Canty. Directed by UCLA film student Alex Jablonski. Principal cast: Jordan Thompson and Simone Kessell.
– To learn more about the film, go to blueboyfilm.com.

Chicken Heads
USA/Palestine
A prized sheep goes missing from a poor farmer’s land. His 11 year old son is the only one who knows what happened. Young Yousef learns a harsh lesson when he tries to cover up the truth. Written and directed by Bassam Ali Jarbawi. Principal cast: Qusai Abu-Eid, Mohammad Abu-Eid, Atef Al-Akhras and Hussein Nakhleh.
– To learn more about the filmmaker, go to bassamjarbawi.com.
– Watch an interview with the filmmaker, below.

Bunny
USA
A naïve young boy ventures into a rough part of town to retrieve his stolen pet bunny. Understanding and forgiveness are big words when you’re a little child. Writer/director Robert Snow offers a gritty, touching and uncompromising look at class differences in a tough Philadelphia suburb. Based on a true story. When the filmmaker was 8-years old, someone stole his rabbit. Principal cast: John Barbieri, Scott Clark, Griffin Hyde, Brooke Hoover and Natalie Toth.