As sad as it is to say, we’re finally on the closing day of the 19th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival. With over 400 films at this year’s gathering, it’s been an incredibly journey that started just over a week ago. And while our coverage is coming to an end, it would be a misstep not to celebrate the last few batches of film on the agenda. More Midnight Madness, a block from Canadian filmmakers, films shot on 16mm, more comedies, student films and a special spotlight block will round out this year’s festival. There will also be a fantastic interview with Conor Dooley, whose film Gold and Mud will be screening today.
To The Death – Rose McIver’s dark comedy about diversity casting in American entertainment is a beautiful and ridiculous story of two Australian actresses of South Asian descent who must fight to the death for a role, since, of course, there can only be one actress of that background who can be in any role. Yasmin Kasim and Menik Gooneratne, who star and wrote the film, are delightful in this, with McIver playing a supporting role.
Forgiving Johnny – Ben Proudfoot’s documentary about the mentally disabled being sent into the prison system, and a California law that helped them appeal for treatment instead of prison time. Seeing this in action is both a relief and a matter that is infuriating, as we see the system placed in America as one that doesn’t consider the mental disabilities of others in their law enforcement. Noah Cox, the attorney fighting for the rights of people in this situation, should be commended for not only reckoning with this flawed system, but also with his own past in this piece that is sure to get a lot of attention at this year’s festival.
Gold And Mud – This film, written and directed by Conor Dooley, tells the story of life through the years as seen by one face: Doctor Ana Fabrega, who lives, loves and loses throughout her storied career. It’s funny, in a very dark way that really helps keep interest. Fabrega is the star and the driving force behind the film, really bringing a performance that only she could.
Last Days Of The Lab – Maria Alvarez, who co-wrote the film almost with Ethan Newmyer, delivers this film about a family’s old photo studio closing down, and a mother and daughter looking through the old memories contained within. Alex Felix, Arianna Ortiz and Juan Francisco Villa are all fantastic in this film that is a really engrossing drama.
Storm – Lena Tsodykovskaya’s film, written by Taylor Sardoni is a excellent thriller that plays on many old horror film tropes, but it a totally new and creative way. Isabelle (Tara Raani) and Malcom (Justin Tanks) are a couple who are awoken by noises during a storm, only to find themselves with an unwelcomed guest that is terrifying and unique. Leaving the twist for the viewing, this was one of the most interesting thrillers of the entire festival, with great performances and a brilliant concept.
A big thanks again to Conor for taking the time to speak with us. The interview will be below:
What inspired you to start making films?
I saw Labyrinth in the theater when I was a little kid and became quite obsessed. After seeing some behind-the-scenes footage from the production, something just clicked in my brain that if I could imagine something, it could be turned into a movie. No matter how fantastical or surreal the idea was. That was a really magical thought to me at the time. I guess it still is!
Were there any challenges in making this project?
I think any film that gets made is some form of a miracle. But our crew met the hundreds of obstacles with hundreds of solutions and I’m so extremely grateful to everyone who worked like crazy to make this thing exist. Also, many thanks to the weather gods and to our financiers.
Is there any type of message or emotion that you hope the viewer takes away from watching this film?
I certainly hope they laugh. But I also hope they feel something under the funny and absurd bits that runs a bit deeper. This film touches on a lot of fears and anxieties I have about my own life and my loved ones, about life in general, about death and memory and time and reality. It’s sort of an exercise in laughing at the scary things, so they lose their teeth a bit.
How does it feel to be able to screen the film at HollyShorts?
It’s an honor! I haven’t played HollyShorts before, but I’ve heard really great things and I’m always just so happy to share the film with an audience.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I have a couple features I’d love to put out into the world. And a show that I think would be very fun. But something with a bit more heft than a short, hopefully, as much as I love shorts (and much to the chagrin of all my unproduced short scripts, patiently waiting their turn).
We really appreciate Conor speaking with us. You can see their film and many others at the HollyShorts Film Festival, which runs from August 10th-19th in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese Theater. Tickets for the festival, as well as the screening schedule, can be found here. They can also be viewed digitally, with tickets available on BitPix.
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