We’re now just ending the second month of 2024, and we’ve already had some wonderful films to share with everyone. And with this slate, we have over a dozen more to add to that list. There are legends of the film industry, and legends in the making, all scattered throughout this screening, and we’re very excited to share the films with everyone. Please make sure to check them out on February 28th at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles if you’re able to attend (tickets are available here), or on BitPix from the 28th to March 3rd! Enjoy our selections for this month! We certainly did.
Dear Ernie – Director and writer M.D. Walton brings us the beautiful film that tells the story of the love and life of Barbra and Ernie Walton. The story takes place from he perspective of Walton’s mother, the day after his father’s passing. A story about grief, loss, healing and being able to show the story of his family to his own family one day. It’s personal, deep, heartfelt, and beautiful, and both Walton and his family should be proud of the story that’s been told.
Nobody – Marcela Jacobina’s somber and engaging film focuses on a young woman who does virtual sex work, living a life on anonymity as she hides behind her persona, Nobody. She does the difficult work of speaking with clients, giving them pleasure and being the person the client needs, all the while dealing with her own struggles. It’s a great look at the person behind the persona for those who do sex work this way, and despite the obvious struggles, it helps to show sex work as work, with all the pitfalls and obstacles that can come with it, including loneliness and isolation, which is not just something the client feels at times. Carloto Cotta join Jacobina in a supporting role, bringing a lot of empathy and humanity not only to himself as he plays a client, but to Jacobina as well.
Reverie – Directed by the trio of Chase Chambers, Jules Dameron and Justin Jackerson (the latter two also penning the script), this film focuses on Jason (Jackerson), a man in deep grief after the loss of his partner, Cody (Dameron). Comforted only by his sister Logan (Krissy Lemon), the film jumps between happy memories that are tainted by the loss in Jason’s mind. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking, showing how even the best memories can be tainted, and how hard grief can be on a person when the loss is someone they loved so much. Wonderful job by the entire cast and crew on this. While not long, it leaves a lasting impact.
Sign To Me – This very touching story focuses on two people who meet in a library. Both deaf, they communicate and grow their relationship through the use of sticky notes, eventually forming a romance as they flirt and deepen their connection. It’s a sweet and wonderful story of people finding the good in another person, regardless of their disability. Stars Michael Agyin (who also wrote the film) and Felicia Fairley (who directed) are both wonderful in this short, really showing that love can transcend all other things.
Bad Luck Mike – Ian Elrick writes, directs and stars in this strangely fun film about Mike, a guy who just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to work. Bosses just inherently don’t like him, which might explain his multitude of jobs over a short period. What unfolds at his current job working at a factory that produces microchips is quite the change, as MIke continues to get hounded by his boss, but Mike finally takes action himself. There is a wild twist in the story as well, as Mike breaks free of his dreaded working life into something entirely different. It’s a hard film to describe, but this is one that shouldn’t be missed as it’s funny, odd, and utterly engrossing.
Alice Jacobs Is Dead – The cult favorite horror film returns to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary during this screening! Starring horror icon Adrienne Barbeau and John La Zar, this film is one of the most introspective zombie films that have graced the screen. La Zar plays a scientist, who is responsible for saving millions of lives with a serum that can counteract the effects of a sudden zombie outbreak, something that already ravaged the country and took many lives, including the life of his wife, Alice. Or so he claims, as we find her at home, seemingly fine, taking his injections to stave off the plague that threatens to overtake her at any moment. Living in secret, the couple try to maintain a healthy and normal life, despite the circumstances. This all changes of course, as it wouldn’t be a horror film otherwise, with everything falling apart quite quickly in a way that takes this somber and heartbreaking concept and injects a heavy dose of suspense into it. There’s a reason this film is a classic of the genre, with La Zar and Barbeau both giving incredible performances of this Alex Horwitz written and directed piece. It’s a joy to know that audiences will be able to see this on the big screen, as it’s always a delight.
Oddities – Written and directed by Tyler Savage, this is the second of our films this month featuring the iconic Adrienne Barbeau. Also starring Ariela Barer and Logan Miller, this film is a fun supernatural thriller, that sees two young people as they attempt to steal an item from a cluttered antiques shop. As they attempt the heist, things take a turn, and the two are left dealing with the consequences of their actions. All three stars do an excellent job, and the special effects on this film are terrific, making it the perfect combination of suspense, supernatural horror and simply dynamic filmmaking.
Kryptonite – This Easterseals Disability Challenge film focuses on former lovers Imani (Shanice) and Alex (Ryan Lane) as they reconnect after a long time away. During this time, they catch up a bit, Imani gives Alex some startling news that will change his life forever. This was a wonderful film, and it’s something that should be commended that they show someone with a disability just living their life, their disability a part of them but not something that’s holding them back. Alex being deaf is just part of who he is, and the acceptance of who he is feels really heartening. Directed by Cameron S. Mitchell, who also co-wrote the script alongside Crystal Wilson, Penni Wilson, Joshua Friedman and David Zimmerman.
Hello No One – Penned by Malachi Marlan and directed by Sonny Louis, this story unravels the life of Olivia (Angie Jho Lee), a fraudster who specialized in identity theft and gets their comeuppance in the form of the Buddhist spirit of the Wrathful Deities, a Tibetan legend of vengeful spirits that erase the self. It’s a delightful horror/thriller that is really enhanced by Lee, who really aces this bottle film, delivering an impressive performance while mostly acting on her own. Conceptually, this is a terrifying idea as sense of self is such a crux to a person’s feeling of individualism and identity, and breaking down the walls of this really ramps up the tension. A well written and well-executed film by everyone involved.
Zai – Razzy Schlosser’s personal and endearing film about a young mother and her daughter as they prepare to go to the young girl’s ballet recital is one of those films that completely keep focus, despite the fact that what’s happening is a relatively mundane task. This complete slice of life film is one that spends its entirety on the two actresses, but manages to hold the attention due to the dynamic and nuanced performances of Kira Jancova and Vera Kurnev, who play the daughter, Sasha, and her mother respectively as we being to watch their how they relate to one another and interact, slowly unveiling the mother/daughter relationship. Adding to this is the fact that Schlosser shot the film on 16mm film, giving it a lived in, grainy vibe that really brings an additional layer to the way the film looks and how personal it feels, which is a terrific touch.
Grill – Jade Hærem Aksnes writes and directs this Norwegian film that stars Birgitte Larsen and Issaka Sawadoggo and focuses on Tara (Larsen), a woman who is broke as hell and only going through more and more. With her power cut off and her energy assistance funds not coming through, Tara has to take some drastic measures to get herself into a position when she can just survive. It’s suggested that she get a grill to cook on, and goes on a journey to procure one, having to make some dubious moves in order to do so in a way that won’t further break her financially. It’s a great film that really shows the failures of the welfare system, and of governments in general when it comes to taking care of those in lower income brackets and those who are struggling. Larsen is great in this, and this is a charged but engaging film that really should be seen.
Avon Lady – A wonderfully sweet and silly story from Carolina Espiro, this film stars Elena Espiro as Rosa, an Avon salesperson who is using the job to not only make money, but improve her skills in speaking English as a way to further herself. Her self-confidence and demeanor seem to be holding her back however, and her struggles continue until she meets a kindly man whose infectious positivity and support unlock the true salesperson in her. Espiro is delightful in this film, with all of the awards and nominations coming her way for this performance well earned. Michael Mullin, who plays Matty, the deeply helpful gay man who sets Rosa on her journey to her best self, should also get a ton of praise for delivering an excellent performance as Rosa’s catalyst. This is a deeply fun film that is sure to leave a smile on your face.
Witching Hour – Roshan Ruprai’s music video, directed by Sasha Dulerayn, is the story of grief as a young man attends a pagan ritual. The esoteric narrative, combined with the nearly monotone delivery makes for something ethereal and haunting, with powerful imagery and impressive lyrics. It’s a wildly interesting video that combines with an absolutely engrossing song that gives the whole experience an emotional, and almost primal feel that fits together perfectly.
Polyphony – Directed by Harold Hall Jr., with a story by Tal Anderson and a script by Maya Patel, this film starring Anderson and Anthony Purnell was created for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and is a sweet and beautiful short that sees two neighbors who love the end credits theme for the same romantic film, and on Valentine’s Day, find themselves performing an impromptu duet that causes a meet-cute of their own. Both actors are wonderful in this, and the music is an endearing and emphatic celebration of love and romance that really adds to the story in a wonderful way.
How To Make A Ghost – Writer and director Jared Hogan brings this tense, jarring horror film starring Damian Young to life as the audience follows Frank (Young) as he goes through the night from hell after a young child (Samuel Goergen) attempts to prank him by hiding in his backseat. When the prank goes awry, Frank’s life is turned upside down as he spirals through crisis after crisis in an attempt to cover up what happened and get through a night that will change him forever. The music and camera cuts really ramp up the tension in this film to the Max, and despite really only having one line, Young is mesmerizing as he brings such life and panic to this role. It’s a fantastic Halloween-centric horror film that has no shortage of moments that are sure to make audiences gasp.
The Uniform – Dylan Gary delivers on a deeply complicated film that focuses on a woman (Jammie Patton) who has completely been lost in the world, her mental health in tatters and very few around to give her any care or support. In search of this, she goes to extreme lengths to connect and feel wanted by others. Seeing someone suffer and do whatever it took to soothe their need for interaction is at times hard to watch, but very important. It’s necessary to be aware of how people with mental illness and who are struggling are treated, and what needs to change to help them and get them what they need.
The Space Western Of The Southwest – Eric Patrick Cameron’s documentary film focuses on Star Wars and it’s impact, particularly on Southwest Ireland, where tourism and the film industry as a whole boomed after the legendary franchise shot on location in the region. Cameron speaks with locals, crew members, and even includes moments with The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson himself, encompassing not only the impact of the franchise, but what it did for the region of Southwest Ireland and the city of Dingle where it was filmed. It’s a gorgeous love letter to Star Wars, Ireland, and the joy a franchise like that can bring, not only to fans, but to those who are able to show off the beauty of their homeland.
That will do it here for this month! Please continue to check back in for more incredible films each month from BitPix and the HollyShorts Film Festival! As a reminder, you can see these incredible films in person on February 28th at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, with tickets available here. If you’re unable to attend, virtual tickets can be found on BitPix, with the screening running from February 28th to March 3rd. Until next time!
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