We’ve finally reached the end of the year, and with it comes our last screening of 2024. There’s been so many great things this year, with incredible films, the 20th annual HollyShorts Film Festival and our monthly screening series. But just because it’s the last one of the calendar year, that doesn’t mean we don’t have some incredible creations to show off as we say goodbye to 2024. This screening will be available to watch in person, with many of the filmmakers in attendance at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeels on December 11th, and virtually from the 11th to December 15th, only on BitPix. There’s over a dozen films in our final monthly screening, with so much to still see and talk about. So let’s get underway!
On Paper – Arthur Helterbran Jr. brings us this film that stars Connie Ray and Mark Derwin, and sees Ray as Barbra, a recent retiree that is now living life with her partner, though it’s not always smooth sailing. This is further complicated by the fact that Connie has a bit of a secret, in that she’s been in an extra-marital affair, something her husband Phil (Derwin) was unaware of, until she reveals a retirement gift from her former lover, despite not knowing what’s inside the gift, having never opened it. It’s a very interesting and insightful film that gives sheds some light on the complexities of relationships, especially those in the long-term.
Thirteen – Allison Norlian and Jean Li bring us a film that shows a less covered part of faith, as a young Jewish woman who is disabled attempts to perform her Bat Mitzvah, despite the lacking of traditional ways to do so. Rena Strober plays Leah, her mother, with Naomi Rubin playing Yael, whose disability and terminal illness make time of the essence to perform this traditional ceremony. Despite initial protests from their Rabbi (David Pevsner), the mother and daughter duo show not only their desire but their dedication to their faith and to their ceremony as they attempt to perform a ceremony that, while outside of tradition, helps confirm their faith, and their relationships with their community.
Coping – A film written by Mary McDonnell and directed by Kaye Tuckerman, Coping is a fun and relatable film that stars Rebecca Knowles as Maggie, a young woman who does everything she can to get the career she wants, working long days, putting in extra effort and making every positive impression she can to get the job she’s been dreaming of, only to find that though she’s done everything well, sometimes, it doesn’t matter. And when her dream job falls through, it sends her on a spiral that is a sight to behold. It’s a film full of humor, great acting and a concept that should feel familiar for many.
Long Dance – Kenny Beckford’s coming of age film is one that many people should be able to relate to, as it focuses on Wayne (Dante Brown), an anxious young man who has yet to lose his virginity, making him incredibly awkward around not only his friends, who give him a teasing support about finally going through that life experience, but around his crush Sarah (Anecia Forbes), who isn’t entirely sure why Wayne is so anxious around her. This all comes to a head on the night of the school dance, an event that traditionally yields pretty good results in the losing one’s virginity department, where the very uncomfortable Wayne has to navigate the pressures of his friends, potential expectations of his date, and his own issues with becoming sexually active. Add in the soundtrack created by NCognita and Tundra, it’s a great film that really brings back the memories of being that age.
Dad Bod – Starring Taylor Hess, Drew Lewis, Ray Anthony Thomas and David Robert Moore, it sees Ray (Lewis) as a new Dad, who has to take care of his infant daughter after his wife (Hess) has to leave for the night. Under pressure to take care of his child in a way he hasn’t had to do alone before, Ray goes through a wild and expansive journey of self-discovery, overcoming fear and of finding out how capable you really are. It has a lot of heart, a lot of humor and is relatable for every parent who has had to take care of a newborn before, with all of it’s trials and tribulations. Writer and director Ben Altarescu does an excellent job of bringing so many of those feelings to life in this story.
ASHES – Olia Oparina directs this film that was written and produced by Stephanie Domini, who also stars in the film, alongside Billy Wirth, Eric Etebari and Travis Joe Dixon. A Western, it focuses on Ashleigh, a young woman who has been captured by a bounty hunter who looks to claim the ransom on her. As they spend time together, they realize that they might have a lot more in common than they think, and while those commonalities are found, things get much more complicated when two horse thieves sneak up on them, subduing Ash (Wirth) and taking Ashleigh (Domini) captive. It’s a really interesting, personal film that focuses on the interpersonal relationships in these unique circumstances. Coming from female creatives in the writer/star and director, it takes on a unique perspective, especially in this genre, which was a welcome change and provided for an interesting spin on stories like this.
Little Haiti, Miami, USA – XF Serrano’s film is a beautiful, bittersweet film about a Cuban woman who goes on a journey into the Miami neighborhood of Little Haiti on a journey to find a man in a painting done by her son. Not knowing who the man is or where to find him, Erma (Amarilys Nunez Barrios) goes on an adventure to see who they are and why their son took the time to immortalize him in a painting. It’s a gorgeous film that has so much emotional weight to it and is done so well by a fantastic cast.
Mutiny! – Matthew Gratzner’s film about a group of pirates that engage in a mutiny against their enigmatic captain. Starring Terence Rotolo, Robert Chapin, Christopher Halsted, Paul Anthony Scott, Peter Bisson and Angie Teodora Dick. Rotolo plays The Captain, whose progressive views and peaceful nature buck against the ethos of most pirates, who are more about pillaging than being respectful. This leads to Valentine (Chapin) staging a mutiny, which gets wonderfully wacky as it continues, leading to some swashbuckling hijinks as more and more about motive and persona get revealed throughout the course of the act of rebellion.
HEVEL – David Grace’s horror film has a really unique feel, with star Mor Cohen as the sole focus on this film about a devout Jewish woman experiencing a demonic presence during her Friday night Sabbath prayers. The way the camera is so close to Cohen, following her in moments of suspense, really adds to the building tension, these moments of true fear and terror, with the shield of unshakable faith the only thing to assist Cohen’s character, Edra. It’s a film in which the story is relatively common, but presented in a way that really gives it a unique spin.
Deep Cut – Michelle Farrah Huang is a dynamo in this film, writing, directing and starring in this film that sees an actress return to the status of a lead actor after a long time being out of the spotlight. Alongside Sugar Lyn Beard, Huang delivers on a great short horror film that sees Farrah (Huang) struggling in their return to prominence, not quite able to deliver on what is being asked of them, and seeming to have a bit of a crisis of confidence until they make fast friends with Jessie (Beard), a lesser credited actress on the set. After making friends, they go on a wild night of getting to know each other, bonding and getting closer, until things take a dramatic turn. It’s fantastic storytelling by Huang, really delivering on a great concept and making it exciting, engaging and very entertaining.
Be Specific – Thomas Archer writes and directs this film starring himself and Zach Tinker, and focuses on two people very carefully going over something they’re about to do. The back and forth between Archer and Tinker is excellent, and the slow reveal about the actual goings on is top-notch, as some simple notes about delivery and cadence leads to a much more sinister reality as the layers are peeled back.
Skunk – Derek Mari’s short, which stars Lander Eastland, Tanner Hagen, Will Hines and John Pirruccello. Set in 2008, under the backdrop of Obama’s historic election, the housing market crash and the attempt to ban same-sex marriage in California with the controversial Prop 8 amendment. The film focuses mostly on this world through the eyes of young Robbie (Easterland) as he tries to discover his place in the world. It’s a gripping, reflective piece that focuses on self-acceptance and trying to be who you are, even when you’re told who you are is wrong. Beautifully done by Mari and the entire cast.
Brownies – Aisha Ford brings an ensemble cast of young actors to this film that sees a group of young African-American girls who are part of a Brownie troop hear another group of girls use a racial slur in relation to them, causing the group to enact a revenge plot. This plan doesn’t exactly go as expected for the girls, but it does bring about an interesting story for the film, which helps explore racial dynamics, especially in younger children, helping to bring awareness and sensitivity to these topics. The film is a satisfying emotional rollercoaster, going from righteous injustice to that feeling when you’re young and you realize you don’t always have the right answers. It’s gotten a huge reception from festivals all over, and with good reason. Brownies is a terrific romp that should appeal to people of all ages and races, thanks to brilliant storytelling and fantastic acting.
White Elephant – This Ko Massiah film has a great ensemble cast that really works to deliver a fun experience during an experience that most people will be familiar with: a White Elephant gift exchange. As guests talk about diets, mysticism, helicopter parent childcare, crypto and finance, each gift opened gets a massive focus thanks to an uninvited guest that takes their cue from a classic film. It’s an interesting concept, executed well by the cast, and by Massiah as the leader at the helm.
Lucy The Lion – Natalin Avci writes, produces and stars in this film that was directed by Kalman Apple and focuses on Lucy, a single mother who is doing her best to provide for her daughter, and is looking to improve that with a new job that could really help her care for her child. Only the child-care that she was so depending on to allow her to get to the interview has fallen through, causing her to have to make some tough decisions. It’s an excellent film that really shows the difficulties of working mothers, especially working single mothers, as they struggle to balance everything while also keeping themselves happy and healthy.
The Girlies – Natalie Couture writes, directs and stars alongside Alexis Adams and Hannah Fay Foligno in this very silly film that takes from old silent films and slapstick comedy to focus on three friends as they have to deal with the unexpected. It’s clever, funny and ridiculous, with an aesthetic that is all over the place in the best way. The physical acting from all three stars is as dynamic as it is ridiculous, all serving the film wonderfully.
Irma – This film, written and directed by Robert Torres is a heartbreaking but impactful film taken from familial memories. Based on an event between his mother and grandmother, Torres tells the story of Melissa (Maria Jimena Gastelum), whose mother Irma (Christina Mauro), who has had their share of mental health issues and instability, comes to Melissa’s home late one night looking to visit her and her daughter Lydia (Jazmene Valenzuela). The memories of Irma’s actions and the fear of putting her daughter’s safety at risk creates extreme tension for Melissa, who has to struggle against her desire to have her mother there and the need to protect her daughter from Irma should she be experiencing that instability. It’s raw, captivating and gut-wrenching, with the three stars all giving excellent performances that put that layer of realism in the story on full display.
Anemoia – Hannah Alline’s film about an unconventional relationship with an exercise bike is one that is visually stunning, wildly entertaining and incredibly engaging, as Danielle (Jamie Neumann) is dealing with mental health issues and disassociation, impulsively buying a stationary bike to help find a way to maintain some form of control in her life. Her interactions with the bike, combined with her love of 50’s television and a lack of mental well-being causes her to transport herself mentally into the perfect world of that era as she goes on long, grueling rides that send her deeper and deeper into her own mental rabbit hole. It’s a truly fascinating film that has moments of tension and discomfort, and sees Danielle fall further and further into the recesses of her unbalanced mind, with the host of the infomercial she bought it from, Rose (Tyner Rushing) as the main focal point.
That will do it for us! We hope you enjoyed this month’s screening, and our final one of 2024! We’ll be back next year with more incredible short films! As a reminder, these films will be available to watch in person at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeles on December 11th, and on BitPix from December 11th to the 15th. See you soon!
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