We’re on to day 7, and still have so many wonderful films to screen during today’s slate. With Dark Comedies, Coming of Age stories and Web Series in store for today, there is a lot to enjoy. The following are a few of the highlights from today’s films, as well as an interview with one of the highlighted filmmakers. Everything from today’s screenings can be seen on BitPix, and any tickets for the rest of the screenings for the HollyShorts Film Festival can be found through HollyShorts. Thanks for joining us today!
Shark – Nash Edgerton, who writes, directs and stars alongside Rose Byrne in this film that shows Jack, a noble prankster, trying to enjoy love again after his previous relationships met with unfortunate ends. Sofie, his new wife, is also someone who loves pranks and seems to be on par with Jack. This dark comedy brings some shameful (in the best way) laughs and amazing performances from Byrne and Edgerton, making it a unique and fantastic film.
Censor Of Dreams – This French film is an interesting glimpse into the surreal as the film from writer/directors Léo Berne and Raphaël Rodriguez show the story of a group that watches and edits the dreams of Yoko, a woman whose life may be much different than she perceives it to be, especially inside her subconscious. It’s a hard film to describe, but one that is visually stunning and a incredibly engrossing watch. Stars Damien Bonnard, Yoko Higashi, Sylvain Katan and Alexis Rodney are all stellar as this film goes on a strange but satisfying path.
Urritjara – This Australian film from Tim Georgeson focuses on Derik Lynch as they perform on Lake Bumbunga, a salt lake in Southern Australia, this movement based performance takes the sights and sounds of this area, it focuses on the traditions of Lynch’s Finke people, who have a community in Central Australia. It’s a beautiful performance, allowing the audience to see Lynch meld with the world around them in the tradition of dance.
Frida – Aleksandra Odić brings us this tense and fascinating film starring Vicky Krieps, Aenne Schwarz, Geno Lechner, and Horst Günter Marx. It focuses on Frida, a young patient and her nurse. As time goes on, their relationship grows and withdraws, building into this very engrossing dynamic between the two as the nurse has to balance her desire to be close with her need to maintain a professional distance. The actors are wonderful, and the somber tone really brings a sense of realism and beauty to the piece.
Tank Fairy – Erich Rettstadt delivers on one of the most fun and extravagant films of the festival with Tank Fairy, a Taiwanese film that focuses on a young boy named JoJo and the “song wa si de”, workers who provide gas tanks to vendors and residential buildings. The Tank Fairy, however, does her job in her most fantastic ways, with glitter, attitude and the most authentic of selves. With her help, Jojo, who wants nothing more than to live their true selves, gets that opportunity as they get be express their truth and be who they truly are. It’s a beautiful mess full of silliness, slapstick and heartfelt expression with an excellent cast lead by Marian Mesula, Ryan Lin, and Danielle Yen.
Our interview today is with Urritjara director Tim Georgeson. A wonderful expression of culture and movement, the film takes place in Australia and features Derik Lynch. Thanks to Tim for taking the time to talk!
Q: Tell us more about your film. How did it come to be?
A fierce synergy of sound, earth and movement starring Finke performer Derik Lynch Filmed across Lake Bumbunga, a salt lake located in South Australia, Urritjara, starring actor and performer Derik Lynch, is a gripping portrait of the synergy between sound, earth and movement. Urritjara is the term for ‘movement’ in Yankunytjatjara language — the language native to Lynch’s father’s family.
This film literally came out of my frustration of being stuck in a hotel room for covid Quarantine for 14 days in Sydney in March 2021.
I came across Derik the performer while looking at some work of the cinematographer Andrew Gough and I’d been approached by Nowness to make a film in Australia. So it all came together very organically and I made contact with Derik about directing a dance / performance about his connection to the country.
Q: What was your budget?
Around $5000.00
Q: What was the biggest takeaway from making the film?
Being taken deeply into Deriks world and vision + being introduced to the musical genius of indigenous musician and composer William Barton and Veronique Serret who loved the film and generously allowed me to license an existing track they composed called “Kalkani”.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in making this film?
Not much really, just a few logistical reasons, it’s quite a long trip from Sydney and in a remote location
Q: What is next for you?
I’m in development for a new feature doc about Indigenous Fire culture laws in Australia.
I have just had my first solo museum show opening in July with a new body of work called “The Hidden” which is an immersive multi channel film and sound environment. Indigenous musician and composer William Barton partnered with me to create an original soundscape with my films.
That’s it for today! Be sure to check back in tomorrow for coverage of more of the festival! Thanks to everyone involved in creating this incredible event!
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