The time has come for another in our monthly screening series, this time with a group of films from the talented students at Florida State University. These up and coming filmmakers have already shown their incredible skills with these films, allowing us to get a glimpse at the way the next generation of creators see the world. With over a dozen films on display, it’s a treat to be able to see what this early look into what film could be over the next several years. We’re delighted to be able to screen these films, and for all of you to be able to see them. You can do so by coming and seeing them in person at the TCL Chinese theaters in Los Angeles on March 27th, or you can view them online with BitPix. With all that said, let’s get into the films!
Foundation – This Steven Hedrick Jr. film tells the story of a young woman who will go through any length to find the location of her girlfriend, who went missing at a high-rise hotel. With the help of the night manager, she enlists the help of the night manager to find a way to figure out where she went. Nancy Kimball stars in this film, alongside David Boldt, who both are excellent in this emotive, quiet and enthralling film.
Dead Presidents – Galen Howard and Blake Sheldon star in this Ryan Lilienfield film that focuses on two brothers who decide to follow in their father’s footsteps and rob a bank. As sober as they are forward thinking, the two stumble into a hostage situation as their robbery goes awry, resulting in one misstep after another as they attempt to crime their way into fortune. Both Howard and Sheldon are delightful as the hapless criminals, and this dark comedy really manages to tell the tale in an entertaining and ridiculous way.
The Dick Andy Show – This Will Andrews short shows both the on and off-screen ways that daytime talk shows can farm controversy through taboo topics. In the vein of Jerry Springer or Geraldo Rivera, Dick Andy is a show that uses the pain and secrets of others to garner ratings with the show. Jonathan Scherck stars as the titular host of the show as he navigates the underhanded ways shows like his work, while also trying to justify the work he does. It’s a brilliant look at the aura of those types of entertainment, which can serve as entertainment though trauma.
MARE – This deeply unsettling film by Luca Leggieri explores death, and the lengths people will go to feel like they’re still connected to the ones they lost. After getting handed a mysterious box by a woman in her support group, Ella (Lexi McCain) finds out that the stated ability to speak to your loved one again isn’t all it’s made out to be. It’s a film that is full of tension and heartbreak, and is executed incredibly well.
Neon Hereafter – Pacey Hansen’s dark and challenging film focuses on Cecelia, an addict with a past that continues to plague her present. After meeting a neon sign artisan, she finds herself fascinated by the art form, using this new interest as a way to shield herself from her addition, her past traumas and the visions that haunt her. Brittany Hoffner is incredible as Cecelia, bringing a true pathos to the role that allows her to feel like the truly realized person that the character should be. It’s bright and colorful as a plot device that juxtaposes itself against the darkness within Cecelia, and the film executes this so well. Great work all around.
Paloma – Brittany Alexia Young gives us a short film that shows firsthand the way that trauma and sexual assault can affect people. Here we see Paloma (Brianne Jackson) as she attempts to tell the principal at her school about the assault she suffered at the hands of a potential sexual partner. It highlights how hard it is for victims to come forward, to be believed, and to even recognize the trauma they’ve suffered, especially in the immediate aftermath of what they’ve gone through. It’s painful, but truly hits home as this kind of event is all too familiar, as is this type of response to sharing that trauma.
SAR: Search And Rescue – Tristan Owen’s documentary short focuses on the Colorado Search and Rescue volunteers, who dedicate their time to training and assisting those who visit the more dangerous parts of nature. When people need help on the paths and trails of the Rocky Mountains, these people jump into action, delivering the assistance needed to help keep people safe. It’s fascinating to see the way these people put so much of their time and energy to assisting others, and is something that should be honored and applauded.
On Point – Talia Webster and Alaina Surgener star in this Christian Schifano film that follows Natalie and Amy as they head downtown for a night out. It all seems pretty normal, if a bit busy and occasionally uncomfortable, but we get a deeper glimpse into the struggles people go through as Amy goes into a bodega to buy a vape for Natalie, and is subjected to another person’s breakdown, as an armed man has take things into his own hand in order to make himself feel heard. It’s a hard film at points, as we get a glimpse into the inherent dangers of city life where such a dense population means not everyone gets the help they need, and there is collateral damage to that. But that aspect of it makes it an important film as well, and one that should really make audiences think and empathize.
Tabloid – Indie DiMartino’s film is a bit of an outlier in terms of the other films being made, as it’s a bit more esoteric than most. While still incredibly entertaining, it doesn’t entirely follow a typical narrative. It sees a photographer (Kanise Williams) as they stalk a fashionista (Gabby Grodman), and delivers on a very interesting and compelling type of storytelling that is sure to leave viewers satisfied but still curious.
Zoe – Maggie Xiong’s heartbreaking film follows Zoe (Lilli Rose Rittner), a young girl who is forced to go live with the father she’s never met after losing her mother to terminal illness. It’s such a bittersweet watch, as we see the love and support from Zoe’s mother, knowing what’s happening and trying to comfort her daughter despite her own circumstances. The music and use of black and white visuals really helps to heighten the viewing experience, adding another level of emotion to an already beautifully shot film.
Give – Kenya Gillespie’s film is a beautiful one, as Adam (Bryan Mittdelstadt) attempt to relive and unwind the memories with his ex-boyfriend Patrick (Joel DeCandio). As he does, we get some gorgeous music and the fully realized life they once lived, all presented in an enthralling and bittersweet package. This is a lovely viewing, despite the tinge of sadness to it, and it’s just so well done, and well executed by all.
Say What?! – Directed by Sarah Beth Budd, and written by Budd, alongside Grant and Lee Cleaveland, this film is a fun take on the John Hughes film “Say Anything”, with the twist of the combination of noise and distance makes it hard to communicate. When Walter (Lee Cleaveland) begins to have trouble with his prosthetic arm, he makes a visit to his ex Rebecca (Elizabeth Kurkowski) to get some help. But things go a bit awry, making for this short but sweet film that is sure to get a few laughs.
Don’t Blink – James Ross’ terrifying horror short focuses on Travis (Samuel Isaiah Hunter), whose hookup with Reese (Tamara French) goes from a great night, to a bit odd, to utterly horrifying. A sleepwalker, Reese warns Travis about their condition, not quite explaining why in a way that makes a whole lot of sense. That tracks when later, we find out why, and what comes of this is an excellent exploration of supernatural horror that really strikes that chord of fear in those watching it. An excellent film all around, and one that should stick out from the rest.
The Last Two – Directed by Leah Castile and written by Kyle O’Neil and Angel Giuffria, this Easterseals Disability Film Challenge entry does a great take on a post-apocalyptic film, adding a hint of romance to it as two people, thinking they may be the only ones left, find each other and begin to explore the post-world together. This film brings a clever and unique take to making films with those with disabilities, as both the characters Jake and Lena (played by O’Neil and Giuffria, who also live their day to day lives with the disability) both have lost hands in both cannon, giving entertaining and surprising reasonings for the missing appendage.
Sam & Kiki – A horror film based on true events, this Mark Manson film tells the story of two friends who go on an adventure during their break from college. When they arrive at an ominous place to lay their heads for a few hours, their lives are upended by the terrifying events that befall them during their nighttime respite. This film kind of walks a line between campy and genuinely terrifying in a way that most other films can’t. The titular characters, played by Reese Antoinette and Danielle Beckmann, are oblivious and haphazard, especially Beckmann’s Sam, who seems to be completely over this entire excursion before it even really begins, and isn’t exactly up for dealing with any of the fallout. It’s funny in places, wild and horrific in others, and an very fun watch throughout.
Jelly – Anndi Jinelle Liggett’s film puts a focus on the way that people, especially children, focus on losing loved ones. Jelly Johnson, a young girl who mostly gets into trouble with her cousins and has a fascination with death. Narrated by Andre Holland and starring Khloe Bruno, this is a wonderful film that sees Jelly try to solve the case of a missing neighbor with her cousins, taking this event as a way to handle something much more personal. It’s well done on all levels, really delivering on a short but powerful story.
That will do it for this month’s films! Be sure to check them out in person on March 27th, or from the 27th to March 31st, only on BitPix!
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