We’re now in the second month of the new year, and after last month’s successful screening, it seems as good a time as any to continue the tradition, with this month’s screening featuring another slate of incredible films from some very talented creators. With over a dozen to share this month, it’ll be a wonderful showcase of the skills these filmmakers have developed, and their ability to tell the kinds of stories that only they can. The screening will be held in person at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeles on February 27th (tickets available here), with the virtual screening going from the 27th through March 2nd, only on BitPix. With that, let’s get on with showcasing these terrific films.
Feeling Blessed – Mark Stewart Iverson directs, Joseph Nybyk writes and stars in this film that was also co-written and produced by Joseph Neibich and sees Mac (Nybyk) trying to log into his social media account for a quick #blessed status update, only for the CAPTCHA to give him no end of trouble. From symbols in other languages to ones that don’t look as though they exist, Mac attempts and reattempts to get into his account to post, only for him to continue to struggle. It’s silly and simple, but executed perfectly, with Nybyk really showing off some great skills as a patient but tested Mac, who just wants the world to know how he’s feeling.
Anemoia – Making its return to the HollyShorts Monthly Screenings after being featured in our December slate, Hannah Aline’s visually brilliant and challenging film about mental health and imbalance is back and just as impactful as the first time it was shown. Jamie Neumann stars as Danielle, a woman suffering with mental health issues who develops an unhealthy relationship with an exercise bike she buys from an infomercial. Using the bike to assert some sort of control in her normally uneven life, Danielle’s love of the 1950’s television aesthetic and her fixation on the Rose (Tyner Rushing), the woman who hosts the informercial, leads Danielle down a deeper and deeper rabbit hole of her own making. Her combined efforts transport her to a mental paradise that reflects her love of the 1950’s visuals, causing her to take longer and more grueling rides on the bike in order to stay in her mental escape. It’s a fascinating and, at time, unsettling film that is well worth a second watch for those who tuned in at the end of last year, and a terrific first time watch for all others.
When Life Gives You Oranges – Writer/director Shaili Bhambhani delivers this short and sweet film about a young girl who sneaks into her neighbors yard to help herself to some oranges, only to find a delightful swing in the yard, along with the attention of he neighbor. After getting permission to use it, the swing breaks due to the actions of the girl, and she must find a way to fix it before her neighbor finds out. It’s an adorable film, and the performances are great in this bite-sized piece, with stars Alynah Nathen and Suni M! both doing great work.
Terms And Conditions – Patrick Coleman Duncan and Ursula Rudorfer team up for this incredible film that sees Tori (Chauncey Trask), an AI chat companion who is meant to help keep the user company, but sometimes, that’s not exactly what the users have in mind. With the emergence of AI and AI chat programs in recent years, ore and more apps have come into the public eye with realistic communication, though it’s up to the person chatting with them as to where that goes, with many in the film showing that their use of the app is an outlet for working through their own issues through the eyes and responses of Tori. This film walks that line between treating a virtual companion like a lifeless being, or whether giving it a realistic human personality is meant to treat it more like you would a person, and what is says about the people who use it for more sinister means. Trask is brilliant in this, with Rudorfer carefully guiding the performance behind the camera to curate the build of this experience from a bit silly to deeply unsettling.
Hey Man – James Oxyer’s dark comedy is an interesting two man show, as sitting outside the bonfire of a late night party are Trevor (Michael Warker) and Cole (Alex Gagliardi), two friends whose idle chatter about the best season of The Sopranos turns on its head as Trevor tries to get something personal off his chest, attempting to unburden himself to his buddy, only for Cole to reveal something much darker. It’s funny, in a bleak sort of way, with outlandish claims and tense moments really blurring the line between ominous and silly.
Grandma Bruce – A delightful film about culture, being queer and ghosts who backseat drive, Brooke Stern Sebold’s short is heartwarming, fun, and silly in all the best ways. Laura Chirinos plays Brooke, a non-binary queer dealing with finding their identity and being accepted by the parents of their partner Sofia (Fernanda Urrejola), who are coming to visit. Still driving the Lexus that was once belonged to a family member, they’re visited by the spirit of the their grandmother (Monica Piper), who can now appear in the car that was once hers to give some advice to their grandchild. What follows is a touching conversation between family, even if only one of them is still living, as Brooke lets go of the one physical thing they had left of the person they loved so much and move on as the person they know they are.
Thank You Kindly – Evan Elise Owens’ 1970′ s noir is a fun romp through the era as Gloria Darling (Deborah Lee Smith) is looking to make her 6th marriage like all the rest as she comes up with a plan to make her husband Leo (Dean Shortland) pay. With the unwitting assistance of Willard (Josh Mancuso), some clever disguises, a bank robbery and her mother, Gloria is putting together the perfect con to really leave her mark. It’s fun, a bit silly, and a totally fitting blend of both 40’s noir and 70’s aesthetics that make it both unique and interesting.
Lola – Grace Hanna directs and co-writes this short (alongside Duke Yang and Derek Manansala as co-writers) in this film about a young science prodigy Tessie (Jovie Leigh) who creates a device to allow her access to the deteriorating mind of her grandmother, who she calls Lola, (played by Ren Hanami) in order to preserve a memory of the two of them while the grandmother’s mind beings to shunt them from existence due to her mental debilitations. It’s a heartwarming and fantastical film as we see most of it take place in the mental library of Lola’s mind as it slowly begins to lose the parts of herself that allow her to recognize the people she loves. It’s sad but also hopeful at points, and wonderfully shot as we see into the mind palace of Lola as the two of them work to save her memories.
This Is Not Life – Leo Pfeifer directs this short documentary about Pedro Moreno, a man who is serving a life sentence for the nonviolent crimes of money laundering and marijuana distribution (one of only a dozen people with such a lengthy sentence for nonviolent crimes), told mostly through the lens of the effect it had on his daughter, Alejandra Lopez, now that she’s an adult. It’s a heartbreaking and infuriating story of a man who did commit a wrong and admits that, but with his main crime now legal in most states for recreational purposes, his serving further time is a difficult look at the way the legal system can and does unjustly punish those for crimes, continuing to do so even in the wake of social change and acceptance. It’s an incredible story, and one that needs more attention as so many face similar fates, locked in prisons for distributing a drug that was illegal then, but is within walking distance to buy like you would a bottle of water in so many places in America.
Vanilla – Chase Pearson’s fun sexual comedy puts Clark (Aaron Latta-Morris) in an unusual situation after a date with Helen (Melanie Rains) goes particularly well, but wants to get intimate in an uncommon way. Wanting to practice a form of consensual non-consent (a way of acting out potentially dangerous and traumatic sexual experiences in a way that allows the person experiencing it to control it in a way that can be gratifying), Helen convinces Clark to give it a shot, and he’s game, despite reservations. When Helen’s partner Leonard (Daniel Victor) comes home unexpectedly, it adds a whole new twist to the sexual escapade. It’s a fun film that has a great twist, really making it one of the most fun films in this month’s screening.
Sam & Emma – Vanessa Leigh writes, directs and stars in this film, alongside Hattie Smith, and tells the story of Sam and Emma, a couple whose problems have grown to the point where their relationship is no longer viable. Set to the song “Work” by Charlotte Day Wilson (a pairing that is incredibly powerful and brilliantly executed), the film is a mostly wordless piece that, once the song hits, is a visual exploration and look back into their relationship, from the first time they met to the moment they decide they’re ready to call it quits, and everything in between. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful piece, with Leigh and Smith doing absolutely incredible work as they take us through the life and Sam and Emma, all the ups and down, health scares and monumental moments, and to the moment where all the love and work they put in seems to not be enough. This is a film that will fill your heart with joy and sorrow, and definitely fill your eyes with tears for all sorts of reasons.
Little Issues – Jerah Milligan directs this fantastic short that was written by Jana Miley, who also stars. Alongside Jelani Adams, Sam Cass and Amanda Mikhail, Miley and Milligan’s film tells the story of Andy, a young woman who has a new man in her life, much to the amusement and support of her friends Michael and Kyla (Adams and Miley). After getting past the foreplay and into intimacy, Andy discovers a small flaw in the seemingly perfect Jamie (Cass), which causes her to doubt all of the good things going with her new relationship and immediately panic, with her friends trying to convince her to look past the issue and see Jamie for the great guy he is. It’s a light-hearted and supportive film that is both fun and heartfelt, with the cast doing an excellent job of having what looks like a great time.
Nothing Special – Ruth Farhi and Maylin Malenio star in this film that mixed several styles; including live action, animation and the feel of documentary filmmaking. Based on a conversation with Malenio, it focuses on her and Ruth, with Ruth an aging woman waiting for her life to come to its end, and Maylin, her caregiver, waiting for the next phase of her life to begin. The film is visually stunning, blending the animation, live action and recorded conversation seamlessly, with director Efrat Berger doing excellent work with both concept and presentation, showing a glimpse into the lives of both of these women in a way that is both unique and fascinating.
Step Buddies – An Easterseals Disability Challenge Film, it stars Geoffrey Goldstein and Vincent Rutley as an unlikely combination as Rutley plays Melvin Dean, a successful family counselor who is making his way to Las Vegas for a grant proposal hearing. After missing his flight, he attempts to get a ride from his mother, who instead sends his stepfather Jeffrey (Goldstein), a man whose relationship with Melvin is complex. The road trip becomes contentious when several major calamities happen, but despite all of that, the two bond on the long drive, showing how family bonds can go far beyond blood relation. It’s a delightful film that was directed by Angel Ruiz, and co-written by Keely Bright and Rutley.
First Base – Also an entry from the Easterseals Disability Challenge, this film follows Noah (Jake Getman), a young autistic boy who is enlisting the help of his friend Brandon (Isaiah C Morgan) to get the promposal he wants to deliver to crush Ava (Tida Lane). Also putting himself into the situation to help is Ben (BJ Lange), Noah’s dad and enthusiastic helper. It’s funny and a bit goofy, with the cast doing an excellent job and the creative forces behind the film in writer/director Michelle Kaufer and co-writer Arlene Getman bringing an amazing project to life.
The Fool – Jonathan ‘Primo’ Ruiz brings us a film that focuses on an interracial relationship during a time when that was not only looked down upon, but actively abhorred. A rising black musician (played by Mark Anthony Howard) and white film starlet (Jordan Meeler) go meet in secret to celebrate their live in a world that wants nothing more than to keep the segregated status quo. When that world comes crashing down on them in the guise of a threat to those who know about their relationship in Mickey (Kenny Johnston), it has to be decided whether or not his love affair is worth the potential fallout for both him and his starlet. The use of a black and white film style mixed with color during tense moments is a genius choice, really suddenly changing the tone in a way to ramp up the tension. The film ends on a beautiful performance by Howard, whose talent is on full display on this film.
Don’t Bring Empanadas – Salvatore Sutera writes and directs this film that stars Lisann Valentin, Alec Ruiz, Patricia Mauceri, Troy Tripicchio and Sal Redino. It focuses on Maria and Eddie, two siblings who have a challenging conversation with their mother, who no longer thinks her kids need her. All of this stems from a conversation with Maria’s oldest son, a conversation which causes a massive chain reaction between all of the family members. While played for laughs and taken way out of proportion, it show the ways that family dynamics can be affected in a way that is both relatable and hilarious.
Two Roads – Michael Trevino and Ian Fisher’s film about the choices you make in life and how they affect things down the line is a beautiful and thoughtful film that sees Michael Malarkey playing two different versions of Marlon, who is either a burgeoning musician on the precipice of hitting it big, or a dutiful father and tax preparer who lives a life of simplicity and family values, despite his lingering thoughts of the music career he pursued when he was younger. Marlon spends most of his time either with Jess (Grasie Mercedes), who is his companion during his musical journey, or his friend Todd (Fisher), who used to be in a band with him when they were younger, and who he reminisces with. It’s an interesting film, as they don’t really do anything to separate the two versions of Marlon aside from scene changes, which takes a moment to get used to but is very effective once you see what they’re doing. The original music from Malarkey as well is gorgeous, really showing off the breadth of his talent.
Boy Band – Making its return after appearing last October, Benedict Chu’s terrific horror film about the pressures of being in a boy band and adds even more intensity. Jay Lee plays Jung, a member of the incredibly popular K-Pop group QT7, who at the highest point in the group’s career, gets into an auto accident that requires the star to undergo facial surgery to reconstruct the damage. It’s exaggerated, but this film shows the intense scrutiny the young men of these groups undergo, with the pressures of their popularity causing people to do some wild things to maintain it. It’s a terrific and uncomfortable film, but in all the best ways.
From The Story Of Elin – Louise Parker, Marianne Rendon and Bruce McKenzie star in this film about a Swedish immigrant in 1900s Northern Minnesota, who is one the run and rescued by a woman, only for Elin to have to come to her rescue later on. Written and directed by Parker and Louis Heilbronn, it’s a harrowing but powerful film that really feels like it’s a small part of a greater whole.
Clot – Haley Demar stars with writer, director and costar Tess Goldwyn, and focuses on two women who have just discovered each other’s existence as Amelia (DeMar) suddenly finds out she has a long lost sister, who now has access to the home left to Amelia by her mother, with the caveat being that if Emily stays there for 48 hours, she then has access to the home for seven days each month. This is difficult for many reasons, but also because Emily is extremely peppy and frustrating, making this whole situation much harder for Amelia. This is an interesting film that leaves a lot to be said for later on down the line, with the implication being that the two of them need to learn to get along to adhere to the wishes of Amelia’s mother, despite the situation and their differences.
Goodbye Jeremy – Josh Covitt delivers a film directed and co-written by him, alongside star Adam Harrington in this supernatural dark comedy that sees a group of friends have to say goodbye to one of their own, and by that they mean sacrifice him in a ritual to prevent a demonic force from breaking through and destroying the world. Harrington’s co-stars (Erin Marsz, Eden Marryshow, Willy Appelman and Davin Anderson) have excellent chemistry as the film starts as what looks like a memorial for a lost friend, only for it to be revealed that Jeremy isn’t exactly dead. At least, not yet, as the group ahs to go through a complex ceremony to stop a vague evil from entering the world through their friend. It’s a very fun few minutes as the twist comes and we go from mournful wake to thrilling supernatural horror in what is an incredibly smooth transition.
The Woman From Hamburg – Written and directed by Michael Masarof and based on the short work by Hanna Krall, this film depicts the story of Regina (Einat Holland), a Jewish woman who, after losing her family, is rescued by Jan (Timothy Sekk) and Barbra (Casey Killoran). Jan and Barbra are a childless couple in 1943 Poland, and over time, both Regina and Barbra must make difficult choices in order to ensure their survival, one of those choices is for Regina to have a child. That child, Helusia (Samantha Sherman), is given a task in her adulthood to find her real mother, in what is a challenging and touching story of family, sacrifice and survival as Helusia uncovers her true family history.
That’ll do it for this month! Please feel free to check out any of these amazing films, either virtually or in-person, and come back next month for another incredible slate of films!
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