Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF) serves as a cinematic cultural template for emerging, talented filmmakers who wish to express their uniqueness through the lens of past excellence while exposing themselves to the latest innovative concepts in the arts. The Beverly Hills Film Festival’s objective is to merge today’s filmmaking pioneers with the wealth of cinematic heritage by edifying and developing the cinematic community.
Schedule of Events:
Block 1 at 1:00 PM:
Foolhardy Love:
Drama (6 min) United States
Directed By: Richard Eick
Written By: Richard Eick
Produced By: Richard Eick
Cast: Gabriella Gonzalez Biziou, Richard Eick
Synopsis: Foolhardy Love is the story of newlyweds, Ashley and Benny, on the night before Benny is leaving for a long term music gig. What starts as a charming evening together devolves into unexpected news and truths about each other’s plans for the foreseeable future.
Lacuna:
Drama (8 min) United States
Directed By: Hannah Colburn
Written By: Hannah Colburn
Produced By: Hannah Colburn
Cast: Sydney Ross Mitchell, Liam Clifton
Synopsis: Lacuna, a young woman, disillusioned by a fleeting romance, seeks solace in a radio ad promising companionship for lonely hearts. Her decision to respond leads her down a path that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, ultimately challenging her perception of intimacy and human connection.
No Matter What:
Drama (9 min) United States
Directed By: Christopher James Thompson
Written By: Jimmy Willden, Brian Cobos
Produced By: Jake Gonzales
Cast: Brian Cobos, Kelsey Pribilski-Ray, Eric Davis
Synopsis: An intimate exploration of mental health and its impact on a relationship
Tiny, Texas:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: David Lykes Keenan
Written By: David Lykes Keenan, AnnaClare Hicks
Produced By: AnnaClare Hicks, Tom Suhler, Jacob Ryan Hamilton
Cast: David Harrod, Jr., Chase Bolnick
Synopsis: In 1980s Texas, a star player and his coach face off on the basketball court where hard truths are revealed as the onion of their relationship is peeled back.
Chasing June:
Drama (14 min) United States
Directed By: Alana Areyzaga, Shelby Slager
Written By: Nathan L Slager & Shelby Slager
Produced By: Nathan L Slager, Shelby Slager
Cast: Sargon, Shelby Slager, Craig Ymson
Synopsis: Oliver, June, and Michael were inseparable until a terrible accident set them on separate paths. Now, after three years, Oliver is returning home, hoping to avoid his past. But June won’t let him.
Rumia:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Anthony Vazquez
Written By: Anthony Vazquez, Sofia Di Bíasio
Produced By: Anthony Vazquez, Ben Weinswig, Jolene Mendes
Cast: Sofia Di Biasio, Francisco Martos, Angels Rates
Synopsis: Sofi, a young, ambitious, immigrant dance teacher has always been clear about one thing: she will not have children. Even after finally meeting a man who loves her the way she’s always dreamed of, her stance remains firm. When the relationship suddenly comes to an end and she begins to show early signs of pregnancy, her world is turned upside down. Grappling with her new reality, Sofi questions and reevaluates her core values as she attempts to make the right decision.
Fin:
Drama (16 min) United States
Directed By: Cely Riva
Written By: Cintia Ballbe
Produced By: Bárbara Bloemink
Cast: Cely Riva, Cintia Ballbe, Betty Cutie, Yannick Weermeijer, Barbara Bloemink
Synopsis: Two lovers reunite in Amsterdam, Netherlands where their love will be put to a test. Upon consulting with a psychic in her dreams, Martina is on her way to figure out whether to stay with her partner or go back to New York.
Block 2 at 1:15 PM:
Nagaatti:
Drama (5 min) United States
Directed By: Barento Taha
Written By: Barento Taha
Produced By: Khana Tillman
Cast: Biniam Bizuneh, Martha Woldu, Aayden William
Beneath the Camouflage:
Drama (6 min) United States
Directed By: Joshua Bowen
Written By: Joshua Bowen
Produced By: Julia Safrin
Cast: Steve Aaron, Vincent Amiel
Synopsis: Joseph takes his son Aaron hunting, hoping for a shot at fixing their relationship and saying goodbye to his own father.
Farewell:
Drama (6 min) United States
Directed By: Samuel Benitez
Written By: Samuel Benitez
Produced By: Pierce Thomas
Cast: Ashlee Weber, Cameron Diskin, Carter Nelson
Synopsis: Jackie is trying to cope with the loss of her son by her love of cooking, but she can’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s fantasy anymore.
Virago:
Drama (9 min) United States
Directed By: Aida Gevorgyan
Written By: Aida Gevorgyan
Produced By: Carly Rogers
Cast: Anastasia Antonia, Benjamin Irving
Synopsis: A nomad mother fights to bring new life into the world
P.E.:
Drama (10 min) United States
Directed By: Daniel Colella
Written By: Daniel Colella
Produced By: Briauna Draper, Dallas Garcia
Cast: Patrick Whiteside (“Ben” – lead), Ruben “Speedy’ Valente (“Jason” – Supporting), Mary Pumper (“Ms. Holmes” – Supporting)
Synopsis: A heavy-set teenager braves the nightmare of P.E. swim class.
Rules are Made:
Drama (11 min) United States
Directed By: Juliet Lucas
Written By: Juliet Lucas
Produced By: Lydia Wills
Cast: Violet Kay, Grace Engels, Khan Nguyen, Bianka Lynn Garcia
Synopsis: A young girl struggles with the realities of exploring her sexual nature and history of self-harm and eating disorders while in the confines of a very fundamentalist church culture.
In a Foreign and Unknown Land:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: Ricardo Villanueva Avalos
Written By: Ricardo Villanueva Avalos, Hannah Broadbent, Emi Edwards
Produced By: Emi Edwards
Cast: Janis Guzman, Franco Acosta, Andrea Salinas, Carrigan Clark
Synopsis: A family who has recently moved from Mexico to Utah following a job opportunity struggles to adapt to their new circumstances. At the end of the day, they come together to share a burnt meal, but each is lost in their own reflections on the difficult day they’ve had.
In the Gray:
Drama (13 min) United States
Directed By: Alexandra Hensley
Written By: Alexandra Hensley
Produced By: Kelan Brown, Tricha Kumar
Cast: Emily Rhoads, Joy Cooper, James Bobo, Alison Walsh, Chris Quintos, Nicole Stubbs
Synopsis: When Tami, a 33-year-old wife of a pastor, becomes pregnant with what would be her sixth child. She realizes that another baby would be an impossible burden. With despair and the courage of her convictions, Tami makes the long and lonely drive to a clinic in order to terminate her pregnancy. Once inside, the fear and guilt overwhelm her. It is only through the strength and compassion of the other women that Tami is able to calm down, and for once in her life make a decision totally for herself.
On the Dying Grass:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Nicholas Grimaldi
Written By: Brendan Wendlandt
Produced By: Augustus Boettcher
Cast: Adrianne Washington, Christopher Pio, Casey Worthington
Synopsis: After a Hollywood agent suffers the loss of her closest friend and biggest client, she is asked to continue representing an AI version of the deceased actor.
Un Dia Más Un Dia Menos:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Audrey Saca
Written By: Audrey Saca
Produced By: Brittany Burkett, Ruben Fuentes Jr., Stephanie Ledesma
Cast: Valentin Guereque, Carlos Solorzano, Dan Lopecci, Anthony Calix, Iker Sanchez, Daisy Garcia, Christopher Alvarez
Synopsis: In 1960s rural Durango, Mexico, a young boy has his life change when he finds himself abandoned by his father on his uncle’s ranch. With nowhere to go, Leo grows up on his uncle’s ranch being exploited as a worker for over a decade. Soon Leo will discover the truth that his uncle has been hiding from him all these years, prompting him to finally escape the ranch and his uncle forever.
Block 3 at 1:30 PM:
109 Below:
Documentary (13 min) United States
Directed By: Nick Martini
Written By: Writer Name Here
Produced By: Sarah Stewart, Ben Osborne, Lex Hinson
Cast: Joe Lentini, Alexa Siegel, Hugh Herr, Paul Cormier
Synopsis: 109 Below tells a tale of resilience and grit. An attempted rescue on Mount Washington in 1982 changed not only the course of two climbers’ lives, but the lives of the rescuers who attempted to save them — and the future of prosthetics, forever.
Interception: Jayne Kennedy American Sportscaster:
Horror (15 min) United States
Directed By: Raphael Cosme
Written By: Raphael Cosme, Richard Manzo
Produced By: Raphael Cosme, Perla Cosme
Cast: Olivia Montalbano, Scot Scurlock, Anna Fleece, Ainslee Nipper
Synopsis: When Terry turns to garden gnomes to cope with a tragic accident, things start to go south when a pet fish is introduced.
Space for Art:
Documentary (15 min) United States
Directed By: Maclovia Martel
Written By: Maclovia Martel
Produced By: Michael Potter, Margaret McCarthy
Cast: Nicole Stott
Synopsis: Space for Art is an extraordinary documentary film on the power of hope, courage, and healing. Featuring astronatut and artist, Nicole Stott, the film follows her on perhaps her most important mission of uniting a planetary community of children through the awe and wonder of space exploration and the healing power of art.
I Was One Of Them:
Documentary (19 min) United States
Directed By: Carol Ciancutti
Written By: Carol Ciancutti
Produced By: Carol Ciancutti, Gary Sharfin
Cast: Cecilia Wanjiku Njoroge, Joyce Wanjiku Kiiru, Susan Kinyua, Jane Njeri Muchiri
Synopsis: The story of how the lives of three women were transformed through the work of one program. How mentoring, friendship and education are universal forces for the empowerment of women. The film is a slice of life portrait of three women in Kenya; Cecilia, Joyce and Jane. Through the guidance and education from a program called the Kianda Business Women Support Program, we see how each was given the chance to grow, thrive and empower those around them.
Space Coast:
Documentary (23 min) United States
Directed By: Justin Barber
Written By:
Produced By: Adrienne Hall, Elliot Feld
Cast: Mark Shimei, Sheetal Puri, Eliana Sheriff
Synopsis: People from around the world gather on the Space Coast to witness the launch of Artemis-1, the ‘World’s most powerful rocket.’ But Mark, a veteran of the Space Shuttle Program, doubts this ‘moondoggle’ will ever fly.
Block 4 at 2:40 PM:
For What I’m Not:
Drama (6 min) United States
Directed By: Cooper Roth
Written By: Cooper Roth
Produced By: Isabelle Leonard
Cast: Jacob Bertrand, Teresa Bascle
Synopsis: Calvin and Harley go through objects they want to put in a time capsule, uncovering insecurities and obstacles that could make or break their relationship.
Runaway:
Drama (8 min) United States
Directed By: Cesar Oyarzabal
Written By: Ellison Mann, Cesar Oyarzabal
Produced By: Chris Zilong Wang
Cast: Oona Yaffe, Ken Driesslein, Stephanie Van Vlack
Synopsis: For Alexia, you either face your fears or run away forever. She ran away but made sure no one else could escape their secrets anymore.
Courage:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: Ryan Gomes
Written By: Ryan Gomes
Produced By: John Dooley, Ryan Gomes, Jared Jorge, David-Mathew Barnes, Robert Cunniff
Cast: Ian Fidance, Ashley Ottesen, Christopher Riley
Synopsis: Luke, a quiet 6 year old, doesn’t get the love he needs, so he builds a relationship with his favorite superhero action figure, Captain Courage. He sees the world through the lens of this comic and uses it to cope with the world around him. Now Luke faces his biggest challenge, finding the courage to fight back against the scariest thing any kid has to deal with: His world falling apart.
Daffodils:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: Smahi Anand
Written By: Smahi Anand
Produced By: Smahi Anand, Shaily Sanghvi
Cast: Carly Roseman, David Lovio, Alyson Merki
Synopsis: Olivia is a 23 year old orphan who suffers from paralysis and a weakened immune system. She feels at peace when she visits a church, hence, she wants to be in a peaceful mindset because she does not know which day might be her last day. Olivia is at the church stairs, when a church janitor ,Mike who always cribs about his life and has disrupted relations with his family, sees her struggling and offers to help her. Her visits to the church become frequent and both of them start spending time together. One day, Olivia invites Mike to meet her sister Lindsey over dinner. Lindsey makes him uncomfortable by asking questions about his family which makes Olivia furious. Mike and Olivia talk about life and Olivia’s will to live which inspires him. Olivia makes him realise how blessed he is to have a family with whom he ruined his relations and how she would do anything to bring her dead parents back. When Olivia reveals to Mike that her recent diagnosis report has shown that her condition has worsened and she has to undergo surgery , Mike is unable to process this information as he is scared of losing her. He pays his respect to her by bringing a bouquet of daffodils which were her favourite flowers and were always given to her by her mother.
Split:
Drama (14 min) United States
Directed By: Vincent Essid
Written By: Zac Thurman
Produced By: David Willner, Camilla Papadopouo
Cast: Jeromy Ramos, Eddie Alfano, Dominique Star, BJ Wolf, Anna DeMaria
Synopsis: SPLIT is the story of a lonely teenager who discovers that the jukebox in his family’s bowling alley, sends him back to the glory days of it in the 1980s. With the bowling alley closing down and with limited chances to go back in time, he must choose between a shot at love in the past or healing the relationship with his father in the present.
Navel:
Drama (16 min) United States
Directed By: Elsa Xu
Written By: Elsa Xu
Produced By: Chris Zilong Wang , Jiaqi Zheng
Cast: Grace Schenkel , Flynn Jungbin Byun , Michael McClure , Michael C. Liu , Lane Jackson , Caroline Yan
Synopsis: Upon observing a young client’s desire to camouflage her C-section scar with a tattoo, Ann, a young tattooist, embarks on a journey of self-acceptance. This transformative experience involves a metaphysical trip through her eye, heart, stomach, and womb, ultimately leading her to embrace her own body.
The Butterflies of Love:
Drama (16 min) United States
Directed By: Aiden Glikmann
Written By: Aiden Glikmann
Produced By: Elizabeth Murphy
Cast: CJ Eldred, Jane Papageorge, Randall Kirby, Virginia Shannon, Rick Zieff, Leilani Smith
Synopsis: Two elderly musical stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood are given technology to make themselves young again. As they rekindle their love in the modern world, they discover their gift of youth carries the burden of a lifetime of pain and regret.
I’m Looking Forward to Joining You:
Drama (18 min) United States
Directed By: Sawyer Nicoll
Written By: Sawyer Nicoll
Produced By: Gabby Vile
Cast: Kirsten Hoj, Curran Seth, Sean O’Shea
Synopsis: In a world doomed by an impending solar flare, a young couple struggles to find purpose as they challenge their fate.
Block 5 at 3:20 PM:
It Came From Within:
Horror (5 min) United States
Directed By: Queenie Zhang
Written By: Queenie Zhang
Produced By: Ashayla Blakely
Cast: Samaya Perez, My Linh Tinnierella, Madison Beehner
Synopsis: Amelia is struggling to understand a new disease that only infects women and must regain control of her body before time runs out.
Slickback:
Mystery (10 min) United States
Directed By: Drew Rodgers
Written By: Drew Rodgers
Produced By: Yinka Akinlade
Cast: Jacques Pelletier, Sara Bunge
Synopsis: When an egotistical hopeless romantic known only as Slickback gets stranded at the house of his single-date ex, he gears up for a last ditch chance to win her over.
Ghost Goose:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: Seth Woodhouse
Written By: Seth Woodhouse, Norris Palmer
Produced By: Norris Palmer, Diana Postolache, Quinton Buxton
Cast: Sheila Daley, Cecilia Diamond, Maddox Simmons
Synopsis: Jill, Ella, and Graham move into a mansion after Jill’s divorce. Strange events unfold, with Ella discovering a mysterious Goose. Graham confronts Ella, realizing she’s possessed. Jill breaks the spell, reconciling with her children. They leave, hopeful for the future.
The Herald:
Drama (14 min) United States
Directed By: Ian Cardamone
Written By: Ian Cardamone
Produced By: Kathryn Steenburgh, Ian Cardamone
Cast: Nick Delzompo, Kathryn Steenburgh, Kanika Talwar, Joey Williams
Synopsis: Set in 1978, The Herald follows William, an aspiring college journalist who intends to publish a hit piece about an infamous commune. One night, while trying to convince fellow classmate Kate to join the independent publication that he runs out of his dorm room, two former members of the commune show up on his doorstep demanding information about one of William’s sources.
Blackberry:
Thriller (15 min) United States
Directed By: Katie O’Grady
Written By: Samantha Mei Paull
Produced By: Katie O’Grady, Jessica Barr, Jessica More
Cast: Samantha Mei Paull, Cassidy Vafi, Serena Audrey, Paloma Williams, Tala Fatemi
Synopsis: When a group of friends escapes their summer camp for an adventure, things take a mysterious turn as their return to camp reveals that the rest of the camp has vanished. All that remains are mystic markings and unsettling clues which point to secret lore and supernatural forces at play.
Gnomes:
Horror (15 min) United States
Directed By: Raphael Cosme
Written By: Raphael Cosme, Richard Manzo
Produced By: Raphael Cosme, Perla Cosme
Cast: Olivia Montalbano, Scot Scurlock, Anna Fleece, Ainslee Nipper
Synopsis: When Terry turns to garden gnomes to cope with a tragic accident, things start to go south when a pet fish is introduced.
Penance:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: R. Julian Tuttle
Written By: Lucas Brawner, Rohan Kumar
Produced By: Rohan Kumar
Cast: Jeremy Urann, Rob McCrea, Darren Cruz
Synopsis: An oil worker living under the radar in a small desert town is forced to uproot his life when someone from his violent past catches up to him.
Neon Hereafter:
Drama (16 min) United States
Directed By: Pacey Hansen
Written By: Pacey Hansen
Produced By: DeMori Hawkins
Cast: Brittany Hoffner, Spencer Makow, Finnegan Greisl
Synopsis: The hypnotic buzz and glow of neon engrosses Cecilia as she struggles to evade her addiction, disturbed past, and the nightmarish monster ceaselessly stalking her.
Block 6 at 3:30 PM:
The Last Dinner:
Drama (15 min) France
Directed By: Marie-Ange Casalta
Written By: Marie-Ange Casalta
Produced By: Romuald Boulanger, Marie-Ange Casalta
Cast: Roger Bart, Francois-Xavier Demaison, Sabine Crossen, Paul Spera
Synopsis: On a happy getaway weekend with his best friends, Simon finds out that there is going to be a nuclear attack in 20 minutes. He decides to not tell his friends so they can enjoy the last moments of their lives. But Simon is only human…
Document 56:
Comedy (31 min) Romania
Directed By: Christopher Landry
Written By: Christopher Landry, Doru Lupeanu
Produced By: Christopher Landry
Cast: Stefan Iancu, Alexandru Georgescu
Synopsis: Based on true events. In Cold War-era Romania, two Securitate officers intercept a letter from former US president Richard Nixon to Nicolae Ceausescu proposing a joint covert arrangement to finance Saddam Hussein and the army of Iraq. With 48 hours to prepare for the arrival of CIA operatives, the two agents race to determine the hidden agenda of the visit – and each other.
Block 7 at 4:30 PM:
Cathy’s Doll:
Drama (8 min) Australia
Directed By: Taylor Venter
Written By: Taylor Venter
Produced By: Taylor Venter
Cast: Evie Rose Bennett, Paul McKenzie, Helen O’Connor, Freyja Benjamin, Paul Talbot
Synopsis: A watchful little girl observes shades of grief at her father’s funeral, ultimately coming to terms with loss in her own unique way.
Pale:
Drama (9 min) Australia
Directed By: Andrew Gray
Written By: Andrew Gray & Billy Kayani
Produced By: Andrew Gray
Cast: Alex Botto, Tyneak Hellings, Melinda Fall, Franco Leo, Serkan Tokgoz, Andrew Gray
Synopsis: A young woman struggling with past trauma receives bad news regarding her father.
Room 57:
Drama (11 min) Canada
Directed By: Mazdak Taebi
Written By: Fedya Noorelahi, Mazdak Taebi
Produced By: Mazdak Taebi
Cast: Nikta Atapour, Yusef Kashefi, Solmaz Alizadeh
Synopsis: After getting arrested for dancing in the streets of Tehran, 22-year-old Lida is summoned to the Islamic Republic Judiciary for punishment.
The Choice:
Drama (13 min) United Kingdom
Directed By: Paul Hendy
Written By: Tim Whitnall
Produced By: Paul Hendy
Cast: Rita Simons, Alex MacQueen
Synopsis: The Choice is a haunting, psychological drama, which tells the story of a famous TV personality whose life and career implodes when a mysterious visitor comes to call.
Bottle Money:
Drama (14 min) New Zealand
Directed By: Rebekah Tyler
Written By: Rebekah Tyler
Produced By: Madison Smith, Emma Mortimer
Cast: Jack Tyler, Romy Hooper, Alice Richardson, Oskar Fee, Troy Kingi, Davida McKenzie, Tom Robson
Synopsis: As 16-year-old Nelson protects his siblings from the chaos of their unstable mum, he must decide: how much longer can he stand to love her?
The Dog - A Rapidly Condensed Guide to Treading Water:
Drama (14 min) Canada
Directed By: Michael Makaroff
Written By: Hugh Allen, Michael Makaroff
Produced By: Charlie Gudgeon, Michael Makaroff
Cast: Kevin McNulty, Kamantha Naidoo, Ryan Trieus
Synopsis: An underwriter recounts his career in body part insurance sales in an attempt to affirm his life choices.
Master of the House:
Drama (16 min) Canada
Directed By: Dylan Maranda
Written By: Dylan Maranda, Nick Balaz
Produced By: Spencer Foley
Cast: Brendan Meyer, Kira Doxtator, Matthew MacCaull, Jennifer McLean
Synopsis: A young sommelier struggles to balance friendship and ambition on the night an acclaimed restaurant critic dines at his work, a restaurant hyped on reinventing Indigenous cuisine.
Maestro’s Hand:
Drama (17 min) South Africa
Directed By: Khanyo O. Mjamba
Written By: Khanyo O. Mjamba
Produced By: Khosie Dali
Cast: Nkanyiso Ngcobo, Faca Khulu
Synopsis: Zwai, a welder supporting his dependent father, finds solace in playing jazz on his digital piano keyboard. Encouraged by Felicia, he auditions as a pianist but faces opposition from his father. A confrontation leads to Zwai breaking free, symbolized by his refusal to assist his father, marking a new beginning for both.
Block 8 at 4:45 PM:
Confessions from a War:
Documentary (38 min) Lebanon
Directed By: Shawn Thompson, Leon Shahabian
Written By: Shawn Thompson
Produced By: Jerome Gary, Denise Jabber, Leon Shahabian
Cast: Colette Tannous, Ziad Saab, Elie Abi Tayeh, Assad Chaftari
Synopsis: Confessions From A War is a feature documentary in the tradition of The Sorrow and the Pity about the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). It is not about what happened but about the emotional and psychological cost of war and the value of forgiveness and repentance. Finally, it is not just about this war; it is about all wars.
I Built A Ukrainian Inside Myself:
Documentary (60 min) United States
Directed By: David Van Hooser
Written By: David Van Hooser
Produced By: David Van Hooser, Christina Katrakis, Roman Kudlay
Cast: Christina Katrakis, Roman Kudlay
Synopsis: There is a war for humanity going on behind the bombs and bullets of Russia’s war against Ukraine. A journey to Ukraine following the Russian invasion reveals how everyday people quickly created ways to feed, house and serve the millions looking for sanctuary from the hostilities.
Block 9 at 5:30 PM:
Before the Oil:
Documentary (11 min)The Netherlands
Directed By: Roel Swierenga
Written By: Odd Kvinen
Produced By: Roel Swierenga, Martijn Heemstra
Cast: Odd Kvinen
Synopsis: In the remote mountains of southern Norway, Odd Kvinen operates a husky farm, showcasing Norway’s pre-oil era when the nation was economically challenged. His educational program explores the transition brought by the discovery of oil and the development of hydroelectric power, leading to prosperity. Kvinen’s teachings emphasize the energy shift, environmental stewardship, and the imperative of transitioning to renewable sources. The dilemma lies in the nation’s need for more energy while aiming to reduce reliance on oil. Are we ready to confront the realities and embrace cleaner energy alternatives?
The Shamans of Oaxaca:
Documentary (11 min) United States
Directed By: Vern Moen
Written By: Vern Moen
Produced By: David DeRothschild, Vern Moen
Synopsis: “Suffering is part of life, but we have to adapt, and those are the opportunities to grow.” Dia de los muertos is the most sacred time in Mexico. For the Shaman that are charged with both the ushering of the deceased through the portal of life and the preservation of a fading culture, it is a time of great significance and tradition. In a small town outside Oaxaca, a shaman abuelita reflects on the difficulties of life and teaches her daughter the importance of remembering their ancestors.
The Vessel:
Documentary (25 min) United States
Directed By: Brendan Garvey
Written By: Brendan Garvey
Produced By: Brendan Garvey, Henry Van Zytveld, Isaak Kimmel
Cast: Rodney Smith Jr, The town of Huntsville, Alabama
Synopsis: As a recent immigrant to the United States and Alabama, Rodney Smith Jr. was feeling lonely and without purpose. 7 years later, he has built a charity empire. “The Vessel” explores the story of how one man mowing his elderly neighbor’s lawn led to neighborhoods across the world feeling like home again.
Earthbound: Nzambi Matee:
Documentary (48 min) United States
Directed By: Farhoud Meybodi
Produced By: Sean Hobbs
Cast: Nzambi Matee
Synopsis: Earthbound: Nzambi Matee explores the life and achievements of Nzambi Matee, a Kenyan innovator and entrepreneur who is tackling the plastic waste epidemic in her hometown of Nairobi. Despite all the risks, Nzambi perseveres in her pursuit of pioneering technology that transforms plastic waste into paving bricks, eventually earning worldwide recognition as a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth.
Block 10 at 6:30 PM:
You’re Early:
Thriller (5 min) United States
Directed By: Will Maloney
Written By: Robert Bruinewoud
Produced By: Will Maloney
Cast: Taryn Manning, Michael Adrian Palermo, Hoyt Richards
Synopsis: When a struggling actress walks into a home invasion, she must put on the performance of a lifetime to save her husband.
Shrike:
Drama (13 min) United States
Directed By: Rebecca Lynne Loftin
Written By: Rebecca Lynne Loftin
Produced By: Rebecca Lynne Loftin, Russell Sheaffer, Hannah McSwiggen?, Madi Bready
Cast: Pedro Correa, Martha Ruby Clark
Synopsis: After a one-night stand, Carolyn, numb and unhappily engaged, will do almost anything to break the monotony of her life and connect with her new companion, John—including pushing him to his breaking point. SHRIKE is an exploration of female personhood through the lens of desire, rage, and the strangeness lurking just beneath the surface in all of us.
Beautiful Friend:
Mystery (80 min) United States
Directed By: Truman Kewley
Written By: Truman Kewley
Produced By: Ryan Hoang, Truman Kewley, Yoonie Kim, Nicole Wilson
Cast: Adam Jones, Alexandrea Meyer
Synopsis: In this gripping psychological thriller, a sociopathic incel spirals into obsession, kidnapping a woman to fulfill his warped fantasy of a perfect girlfriend. As their twisted relationship unfolds, a harrowing journey of self-discovery ensues, revealing dark truths and unleashing chilling consequences.
Block 11 at 7:00 PM:
Vaja - People Are People:
Action (4 min) United States
Directed By: Vaja
Written By: Vaja
Produced By: Vaja, Steve Horner, Michael W. Abbott, David Christopher Lee
Cast: Vaja, Max Ryan
Synopsis: As the video reaches its climax, the cityscape and desert transforms into a beautiful array of colors, symbolizing unity. Her mesmerizing performance and message becomes clear: “People Are People.” She strives to encourage humanity to reflect on the timeless message of this meaningful iconic song and the importance of acceptance in a world that often seems divided. Despite our differences, we are all, indeed, people. In the end, her meaningful journey captures the pure essence of her story.
Runaways:
Action (14 min) United States
Directed By: Jack Szarabajka
Written By: Joel Steiger, Carrie Wilson
Produced By: Emma Elizabeth Steiger, Diane Steiger, Cory Shanbom, Bix Giegerich, Jack Szarabjka, Harrison Richmond Schulman
Cast: Emma Elizabeth Steiger, Jessie Gill, Keith Szarabajka, Amy Benedict, Andres Londono, Russell Curry, Ames Miyako
Synopsis: Runaways is a mystery-thriller set in the US-Mexico border town of Nogales, Arizona; a town defined by its connection to the current border conflict debate. Our story follows polar-opposite sisters Rachel and Danielle who suddenly become fugitives, traveling with a caravan of migrants after being framed for the murder of their own mother by the their stepfather, Sheriff Frank McKay.
Overtime:
Action (17 min) United States
Directed By: Scout Pertofsky
Written By: Scout Pertofsky
Produced By: Gianfranco Svagelj
Cast: Lisa Jacqueline Starrett, Jeff DeGlow, Alicia Underwood, Doug Jeffery
Synopsis: A salary worker trapped in her office building after dark finds herself in a battle of wits and strength against a mysterious creature that not only wants her life but her job too.
Bareknuckle:
Action (18 min) United States
Directed By: Alex De Ocampo
Written By: Mark Labella, Alex De Ocampo, Roger Porter
Produced By: Kevin Kreider, Devon Diep, Anita Siraki
Cast: Jordan Mahr, Michae Naizu, Yvette Lu, Mark Labella, Dylan Santos, Jose Mataes, Devon Diep
Synopsis: In the unforgiving shadows of the criminal underworld, a conflicted hitman finds himself ensnared in a dangerous game of love and power with his toxic boss. As he confronts his deepest desires and struggles with his identity, he must navigate the treacherous paths of his profession. Determined to break free from his destructive entanglement, he embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery, seeking redemption and a chance to redefine his destiny.
Revv:
Action (18 min) United States
Directed By: Taylor Handley
Written By: Taylor Handley
Produced By: Joey Moran, Ben Brady, Send Dobson, Taylor Handley
Cast: Taylor Handley, Aynsley Bubbico, Marlene Forte, Sean O’Bryan, Samantha MacLachlan, Spenser Hindman, Marlowe Dobson, Emma Griffin, Laurence Handley, Jeff Wolfe.
Synopsis: Revv is a slow-burning revenge thriller that follows John “Revv” Revere on his last day on earth… or so he thinks. Upon his release from prison, Revv is a shotgun blast of raw emotion and determination as he sets out on the suicide mission he’s planned for seven years. With each step down memory lane, Revv gets closer to his ultimate goal while preparing for his final moments. However, unexpected encounters and circumstances make him question his murderous motivation when he finally confronts the man responsible for all his pain and suffering.
Cold as Ice:
Drama (24 min) United States
Directed By: Oliver Mack Calhoun
Written By: Oliver Mack Calhoun
Produced By: Oliver Mack Calhoun, Javier Montoya
Cast: Akil Thomas, Dylan Playfair, Max Williams, Jason Kurth, Tyler Scherer, Paul Dupree, Pierce Mayer, David Babbitt
Synopsis: In the hopes of boosting their professional draft stock, a rivalry is born as an injury plagued hockey player (King) and a hockey prodigy (Zane) attend a private workout for the head coach of the LA Captains, Coach Richards. They will all soon learn that the game they love is as cold as the ice they skate on.
Block 12 at 7:30 PM:
Relapse!:
Documentary (4 min) Ghana
Directed By: Arinzechukwu Patrick, Justyna Obasi
Written By: Arinzechukwu Patrick, Justyna Obasi
Produced By: Random Photo Journal Anorak Film
Cast: Lionel Mbila, Prince Naah, Julian Mihindou
Synopsis: Seen through the personal journey of Lionel, Relapse enters an exploration of Ghanaian youth culture, in life, addiction, love, and loneliness, told via the shared experience of friends and community, and the unwanted shadows that bond them. As he anticipates the arrival of his first child, Lionel’s reliance on substances is replaced by the need to be a reliable presence as a father, in a raw observation of street culture’s lesser-documented facets.
Nine Lives:
Documentary (8 min) United States
Directed By: Jessie Davidson
Written By:
Produced By: Daniel DeVorzon
Cast: Daniel DeVorzon, Barry DeVorzon, Jelinda DeVorzon, Arielle Feinberg, Michael Feinberg, John Fink, Jody Jones
Synopsis: Nine Lives is the heartwarming story of one free-spirited cat and all of the humans who love her. Despite a perilous start in life as a feral stray surviving in the Utah winter, this cat found her way to a neighborhood in Montecito, California. Alice (as she was originally named) began wandering into neighbors’ homes and many fell in love with her and each gave her a unique name like Snowpea, Daisy, and Butterscotch Swirl. Through interviews and actual cell phone footage and photos captured by the interviewees, Nine Lives illustrates how this cat weaves through their lives and teaches profound lessons about love, resilience, and the transformative power of unexpected connections.
Comedy on Rye: Katz’s First Comedy Show:
Documentary (23 min) United States
Directed By: Will DeVito
Written By:
Produced By: David Levine, Ethan Mansoor, Will DeVito, Alex Smithline, Beth Palomba
Cast: David Levine, Ethan Mansoor, Roy Wood Jr., Jessica Kirson, Matthew Arevalo, Chris Turner, David Manheim, Jake Dell, Michael Schulman
Synopsis: Two 24-year-old Manhattanites and childhood best friends embark on a unique quest: to host the first comedy show in New York’s iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. But when the duo only has one hour to transform the space and seat nearly 300 people, mayhem ensues in hopes of throwing a show as worthy as Katz’s pastrami.
Albert Pyun- King of Cult Movies:
Documentary (58 min) United States
Directed By: Lisa D’Apolito
Written By: Lisa D’Apolito, Andrea Lewis
Produced By: John Landolif, Lisa D’Apolito
Cast: Seth Green, Ice T , Christopher Lambert
Synopsis: Throughout cult film director Albert Pyun’s incredible 40-year career, his bizarre, fantastical films were often criticized and parodied but even now the incredible worlds he brought to life continue to captivate fans worldwide. Albert Pyun: King of Cult Movies tells the story of a rebel and his love for filmmaking, a free spirit who always did Hollywood his way while working with some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper, Charlie Sheen, Kris Kristopherson, Snoop Dog, Courteney Cox, and so many more. The documentary is comprised of interviews with the stars of his films including Christopher Lambert, Ice-T and Seth Green, with archival footage from his library of 50+ films, intimate conversations with the love of his life, and vérité scenes of Albert making Cyborg Overture: Bad *** Angels while fighting illness and dementia. It also showcases never-before-seen clips from Albert’s unfinished movie, Interstellar Civil War and Captain America.
Block 13 at 8:50 PM:
The Ballad of a Hustler:
Drama (103 min) United States
Directed By: Heitor Dhalia
Written By: Bernardo Barreto
Produced By: Bernardo Barreto, Jon Keeyes, Stefanie Coimbra
Cast: Bernardo Barreto, Robbie Johns, Emeraude Toubia, Andrea Beltrao, Frank Rodriguez, Drew Moerlein, Analisa Velez, Patricia Black, Brendan Dooling, Carme Boixadera, Robin Lord Taylor, Natalia Rodriguez, Dean Vasquez, Gino Vento, Kyle Klaus.
Synopsis: A Latino ex-con saddled with a six-year-old boy scours the underbelly of New York City trying to find the missing mother.
Block 14 at 9:00 PM:
Branded Tigers:
Drama (6 min) United States
Directed By: Ethan Hasse
Written By: Ethan Hasse
Produced By: Ethan Hasse, Polina Herman
Cast: Justin Landers, Jake Kelly, Retesh Gupta, Thomas Voltz, Ethan Harrington, Tanner Kurland, Jimmy Hernandez
Synopsis: After moving to a new school, a lonely student is recruited by a mysterious gang that rejects all technology – with nefarious intentions.
Buzz Cut:
Drama (11 min) United States
Directed By: Kiersten Villanueva
Written By: Kiersten Villanueva
Produced By: Chris Quintos Cathcart, Kiersten Villanueva, Byron Atienza, Leon Pierce Jr., Jon Jon Augustavo, Bernard Badion, Tara Aquino
Cast: EJ Neri, Carlin James, Alex Castillo
Synopsis: Union City, California 2013. EDWARD, a Filipino-American born and raised in the Bay Area, runs a barbershop. He’s finishing up with SAM, a regular. Outside, students are marching. They chant: “Know History, Know Self!” The march is about the renaming of a middle school after Filipino labor leaders Larry Itliong and Phillip Vera-Cruz. Sam downplays the efforts, claiming the funding raised could be better spent elsewhere. Edward is indifferent. He finishes up and Sam leaves. NICK, a Filipino transfer student, escapes his bullies by forcing his way into Edward’s shop for a place to hide. Edward reluctantly agrees after Nick asks for a haircut. The two learn more about each other. Nick, who was once a bright-eyed immigrant with hopes for a good life in America, realizes he doesn’t belong. Edward revisits a past trauma, recalling a time when he befriended another transfer student named LUIS. Through their conversation, they find a friend in each other and a desire for a fresh start. They part ways with a new outlook on their moral footing in America and the importance of community.
Chasing Shadows:
Drama (11 min) United States
Directed By: Attila Balazs Gyula
Written By: Erin Elizabeth Cook, Attila Balazs Gyula
Produced By: Erin Elizabeth Cook, Bryce Barfield, Chase Spivey, Attila Gyula Balazs, Garrett Sneed, Debbie Cook
Cast: Erin Elizabeth Cook, Kyle Pennington, Benji Van Katz, Miranda LoPresti, Mattea White, Brandon Elon Russell, Attila Gyula Balazs, Dale Niehaus, William Alyn Hill, Mary Kidd, Debbie Cook, Todd Wisdom
Synopsis: Kate, Randall, and Logan sneak Charlie out of the hospital to fulfill his dying wish, but as obstacles present on their final family road trip, Kate fears she won’t be able to keep her promise to her husband.
Specter:
Drama (12 min) United States
Directed By: Karlos Kuan
Written By: Karlos Kuan
Produced By: Karlos Kuan
Cast: Olivia Francis, Annika Johnson, Hiro Ortiz
Synopsis: A solitary twenty-something gets the news that her estranged mother is dying. Haunted by their troubled past, she must find the courage to let her resentment go and call her one last time.
2002:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Skyler Ehorn
Written By: Skyler Ehorn
Produced By: Producer Names here
Cast: Colton Craig, Jonny West, Benni Ola, Kameron Gaxiola, Jeremy Fletcher, David Bowman, Kianah McWilson, Adrian Vasquez
Synopsis: 2002 is focused on themes of early 2000’s youth in West Los Angeles. We follow a group of friends trying to sell pot as they bounce through different groups and reckless events unfold.
Francis Bacon:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Darcy Cagen
Written By: Darcy Cagen
Produced By: Sining Xiang
Cast: Madelyn Levine, Jennifer Estlin, Michael Joseph Mitchell, Adam Rebora, Croix Perkins
Synopsis: When a disillusioned young woman drops out of college, she wanders around Chicago searching for meaning and connection.
The Heart of Texas:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Gregory JM Kasunich
Written By: Gregory JM Kasunich, Lauren Noll
Produced By: Jordan Ochel, Sol Bautista, Gregory JM Kasunich, Lauren Noll
Cast: Lauren Noll, Carlos Cravioto
Synopsis: An aspiring country singer stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck grind, gets big news that she’s a radio contest finalist while finishing her overnight shift at a local diner in Waco, TX. She must race to the station to sing for hometown country music hero Harlan Thompson in hopes of winning the opening act spot on his upcoming tour. In a chaotic dash to the studio, she collides her car into Jesús, an undocumented worker who refuses medical care or police assistance out of fear of being discovered and deported. The two engage in a struggle, each in pursuit of their own American dreams. In the end, they do the only the thing they know how to do: fend for themselves.
The Snow Leopard:
Drama (15 min) United States
Directed By: Taylor Joshua Rankin
Written By: Taylor Joshua Rankin
Produced By: Anna G. Robertson, Caitlyn Durkin, Taylor Joshua Rankin
Cast: Serra Naiman, Julian Lopez-Morillas, Alexandra Simpson, Ivo Bokulic, Jenna Flohr, Elijah Lacin
Synopsis: A composer meets with her composition teacher to help put the final touches on a new piece she is writing for string quartet.
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