It’s amazing to think that the year is nearly half over already, and that we’ve already seen so many amazing short films throughout the last several months. But here we are yet again with another slate of films from some incredibly talented filmmakers, including a selection of films that come from a collaboration with the Armenian Film Society in the first block of the night. All of these films can be seen on May 22nd at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeles, or on BitPix from the 22nd, to May 26th for those unable to attend in person.
The first block is the films that are being screened with the help of the Armenian Film Society, and it’s such an honor to have these film included and spotlighted on this stage. A big congrats and a thank you to everyone who made this possible.
Nowhere – A visually stunning film by Garin Hovannisian, this film focuses on the lives of shadows, as they go about their days without the connection of what they are usually attached to. Almost entirely silent except for sound effects, music and a bit of overheard dialog, this film is simply arresting to watch. With beautiful changes in scale and size due to the nature of shadows, and given it was shot in black and white, everything is just pops a bit more under that style of filming. It has some heart-breaking moments, but in the simplest terms, this is absolutely breathtaking film to watch, thanks to the ways in which it can tell stories by using just sound and shadow.
Back To Ashtarak – Tigran Nersisian’s short documentary is a beautiful one, as he travels back to where he came from to relive his memories from childhood. Growing up in the Armenian city of Ashtarak, Tigran visits family, wanders through the city, and takes the audience on the journey of showing why he loves this place that he once called home. It’s a love letter to the city, and an obvious work of passion and homage from Nersisian.
It Takes A Village… – Ophelia Harutyunyan’s film about an Armenian village that is without men in its borders is one that is hard to describe. Not because of anything that was actually in the film, but because the version I was able to watch was in Armenian, without subtitles. While that’s not any kind of issue, I don’t speak Armenian, and so had to use some creative methods to follow the film. Apologies in advance, prior to my review, for anything I might get wrong due to that circumstance.
That being said, the film is gorgeously shot, and the story, as much of it as I could follow and find doing research, follows Miriam, a woman in an Armenian village that has no men. On her birthday, Miriam wishes to reunite her family, only for something else, her friend’s foray into motherhood, as Anush goes into labor. I enjoyed this film a lot for what I was able to understand of it through the acting and the visual. It’s just beautiful, as far as location, and the acting felt real and casual in a way that makes it feel like you’re just viewing the events of people’s lives, and not just watching something on-screen. Nanor Petrosyan, Ani Khachikyan and Liana Vardanyan star in this film, and all seem to be doing excellent work in it.
Echoes Of Kef Time – This short documentary by Avo John Kambourian follows a family tradition, as the last in the lineage of Armenian-American folk musicians does all they can to keep the family legacy alive in the modern day. A wonderful look back at the origins of this family’s musical prowess, the efforts made to keep it going, and a loving trek back through the generations, this film celebrates family, music and tradition in a beautiful way. Also, the music is amazing, which only serves to make this even more enjoyable.
Those were some incredible films! A big shoutout to the support given from the Armenian Film Society. For our next block, we take a look at some equally talented filmmakers who we’re honored to have in our second block of films!
Good Filipino Kids – Andrew Acedo’s film about fitting in within your culture is a fascinating look at how people from different upbringings can lead to conflict. Starring Anaïs Noveras and Reden Magtira, it focuses on Francis and Ashley, a couple who tend to be looked at quite differently in the eyes of traditional Filipino parents. Francis is a good boy who goes to church and is beloved by his parents and family, whereas Ashley is seen as a bit of an outsider, despite her obvious love for Francis, and his love for her. On a foray to church, the couple struggles to handle the clash in how their viewed as they look to work through this crossroads together. It’s a beautiful film that is rich in interactions and insights when it comes to Filipino culture, at least when it comes from the ways in which Filipino people can interact in social situations. It’s also incredibly intimate, with Francis and Ashley’s relationship on full display in a way that is emotional in so many different ways.
They Come From The Sky – Juliana Aidén Martinez, Ames O’Connor and Katherine Waddell star in this short that is an excellent glimpse into a world that could and should be much bigger. We get a small glimpse into this world as we see two sisters, one who falls ill, inside a forest. While they’re attempting to find a cure, they are hunted by mysterious pursuers while strange objects are seen coming from the sky. It’s a beautiful film with a world that feels like there is so much more to explore. Director Andre Pilli and writer A.B. Allen have given us a glimpse into something special, and I only hope there is more to come.
Vexed – Gene Blalock directs this Rachel Amanda Bryant written film, that stars Bryant and Tiffany Sutton as two women who meet at a bar and strike up a fast connection. Penelope (Bryant) and Molly (Sutton) find themselves quickly enjoying one another’s company, drinking and flirting a bit as they close down the bar, only to make their way to Penelope’s for a bit more time together. This is where the film turns, going from romantic meet-cute to something much more sinister as its revealed that Penelope isn’t exactly who she seems to be. It’s a fun story, and the twist is well done, with it coming out of nowhere in the best way, having been obvious once you’re looking for it, but only really in hindsight. Everyone is doing great work in this, and it’s a fun addition to the genre of thriller/horror short films.
The Toms – Written and directed by Thomas Verdi (which seems pretty convenient, given the name of the film), this film, starring Barry Anderson, focuses on Tim, a man living in a world of Tom’s, ostracized from the world. When he can’t get into a club to see superstar comedy duo The Toms (because he’s a Tim, not a Tom, and just simply would not understand the nuances of Tom humor), Tim attempts to forge an ID, only for that to cause even more complications. This is a fantastic premise, bolstered by repeated little jokes that make the world seem sillier, but more lived-in. There’s a bit of a creep factor in here too, with dead-eyed Toms all making the same movements in robotic, stilted ways that really adds to the world-building, but is also very funny. This is just a weird, goofy film that hits all the right marks for what it’s trying to do.
Bleed, Don’t Die – Vitória Vasconcellos is a powerhouse in this film, writing, directing and starring in this film that is an incredible love letter to the powers of healing, community and of womanhood. The title, referencing the old adage about there being one creature (those who menstruate) in the animal kingdom that will constantly bleed but never die, bringing that thought into a world that is full of suffering and pain. In this apocalypse, sisters Ana (Vasconcellos) and Rooney (Zein Khleif) deal with the world around them, the wounds of the past, and a kind of rebirth, both of their relationship and of their environment. As an allegory for the quest for support, the freedom from judgement and healing the past, this film does an incredible job of bringing those themes into a narrative and having all of it come through perfectly.
Ethnic Slut – This Chris Blanco film (in which he writes, directs and stars) is a unique and hilarious look at cultural identity, especially among those who like to think themselves progressive in that regard. Laz, a Cuban-American born in the United States, has always seemed to struggle with his place in the world, especially at a time where racial diversity and a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community are centerstage when it comes to dating. Never feeling like enough of one or the other when it comes to his identity, Laz finds himself attempting to navigate his own sexuality and cultural identity by doing the obvious: hooking up with a white couple who have a fetish for people of color when it comes to sex. Thinking this might be a way to find himself, the attempted threesome doesn’t exactly go off without a hitch, leading to some absolutely incredible moments that were hilarious and, at times, a bit cringe-worthy. Blanco is fantastic in this, really bringing out the struggle that so many feel when it comes to fitting in, whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, or any combination therein.
Blindspot – Michael Konti, alongside co-writer Tony Revolori, explore world of professional racing and what can happen when the sands of time and the toll a professional sport can take combine. Revolori stars in the film as Alvaro, a driver who is now in his dressing room after a collision that he was involved in possibly put the other driver’s life at risk due to the severity of the crash. As he deals with this new reality, it sets in that he has another secret: that his vision has been deteriorating for months, and only a select few are aware of it. Hoping to hide it so he can keep racing, this crash, which Alvaro believes he is at fault for due to his condition, shakes his world, forcing him to deal with what’s happening to him and the risk he’s putting not only himself, but everyone at the track in when he gets behind the wheel. It’s a tense, powerful film, and Revolori is simply excellent in this. His performance is filled with emotion, passion and a frantic energy as he deals with the consequences of what’s happened on the track. It’s an impressive film to watch, thanks to everyone involved.
Animals – Jordan Paul’s eye-opening film about the flaws in the United States policing system is one that is tense and to those who were already aware of the message, a kind of terrifying that cannot be found in any other type of story. David McLain Jr. plays Jordan, a young man who just moved to Los Angeles and is spending time with his new roommate. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, his being an American citizen seem not to matter quite as much as his skin color, made obvious by the confrontation that happens with police after he and the friend are stopped by officers while just kind of milling about. The friend, Tyler (Vinney Pugliese), is a white man who doesn’t even hesitate to be confrontational with the police. While Tyler seems to not be intimidated by the police, Jordan seems to not quite get just how dangerous this can be, obeying the police but being very casual in a situation thar should be approached bet cautiously. The reactions from the officers involved (Officer Phillips, played by Colin Ward and Officer Miller, played by Dallis Seeker) show just how far policing has come, and not in a way that benefits their original mottos and dedications. Paul’s message is one that, while obvious, needs to be shouted from the rooftops as often as possible, and this film does just that.
Bottom Feeder – Joanna Fang stars in this three minute experimental film by Vito Trabucco that is an incredible attempt at showing things from a different perspective. Shot in 16mm and in a 4:3 visual format, this black and white film shows what it looks like from the perspective of those lower lifeforms that are constantly being watched or left in a single location. Creatures like pet fish come to mind when watching this film, as how we must look to them is something along the lines of a massive, looming nightmare watching them at all times and able to do anything to them in an instant. It’s a powerful topic to explore, and it’s done in such an imaginative way with this film.
That will do it for this month! A big thanks to all the filmmakers for allowing us to see their films, and for all of those who are attending or plan to attend, both in person and virtually. These films will be available from May 22nd to May 26th, only on BitPix!
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