We’re back for the second day in the 10th anniversary of the HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival, where the best in comedic short films come to show off their talents. Day one was an incredible display of skill and talent, and day two will be no different, with highlights of another ten films over four blocks being given a spotlight from today’s proceedings. Tickets for the in-person screening will be available, with the LOOK! Dine-In Cinemas in Glendale providing a physical space to view all of the comedic glory on display. Those unable to attend can also look to BitPix for the films, to be posted sometime after their screenings conclude. So let’s get to the films!
WEB SERIES/TV EPISODIC
Actors Anonymous – Megan Heyn does it all in this film that sees her play an actress who is sick of losing out on jobs, deciding on a wild plan to go to AA to get the validation she seeks. Heyn is insane in this film, a descriptor only meant to be a compliment as she really takes over from moment one as a ridiculous disaster of a person, which is hysterical on screen.
Step-Friend – Selyna Warren and Marissa Read write, direct and star in this sitcom send-up that sees Scout (Read) and Darby (Warren), two best friends throughout the years who have a sudden falling out when Darby falls in love with and marries Scout’s dad Vince (Jim O’Heir), driving a wedge in between them. This is only exacerbated by the old comedy trope of Vince being up for a promotion and his boss coming over for dinner to see his family dynamic, the unconventional nature of which causes Darby and Scout to band together once again in an attempt to pull of a far too complicated ruse in order to hide the way that Vince and Darby met and fell in love. A bit meta and played up to the highest degree, everything about this film works as a pastiche of the older sitcom format, adding some strange modernity to it.
The Human, Will – Edward Bursch directs and writes this film (alongside Dave Neiboda) that sees Will Sterbenz as himself in name only, playing a depressed insurance adjuster that decided he needs to live his life more freely after a rogue bullet flies through his wondow, grazing him but killing his beloved goldfish Frodo. Narrated by the most soothing voice in comedy, Joe Pera, this film is introspective, funny and poignant in unexpected but delightful ways.
STUDENT
FCBK – A very dark dramedy, this film takes place inside an abortion clinic, with Tati Reyas (Cady Mariano), resident star medical assistant, going through and training a new member to her team, the aspiring doctor Kucera (Hau’oli Carr). When questions begin to reveal Kucera’s ambitions and background, Tato begins to feel insecure towards her new co-worker, only exacerbated by the political and potentially harmful threats that abortion clinics face on a regular basis Heartfelt but painful, this is a powerful and difficult film that says a lot about this service and those who perform it, as well as the challenges that those within it face.
Raccoon Soup – Janie Gentry’s short about a rebellious young waitress in 1973 Arkansas is an emotional journey through the eyes of Lori (Megan Wilcox), who is attempting to gain sponsorship to a knife throwing championship after winning the county competition as the first woman to do so. What results is a mix of sexism, wild customers and a difficult boss, leading Lori to take drastic measures. It’s a delightful roller coaster of a film that goes in unexpected but hilarious directions.
SPOOFS & CRINGE
Fuck You, Dolphins – Charlotte Swett stars in a Philomena Cunk-esque film about how dolphins, despite their popularity and praise from the general population, are actually huge jerks who should be told to stay away from everyone. Written by Max Dufrechou, and directed by Dufrechou and Devin O’Neill, it’s a scathing review of the dolphin, and not one that is inaccurate. The film is highlghted by some terrifically funny cutaways and Swett’s deadpan delivery, making it as hilarious as it is serious.
See You Next Tuesday – Whitney Moore writes, co-directs and stars in this film alongside Steve Zaragoza that sees Moore play Anne, an angry woman whose one solace is getting ice cream on the pier every week. But when Giuseppe, a busking puppeteer arrives to perform, it begins a rivalry that will see them both need to grow, change and fight. Moore is amazing in this, really showing some incredible range of emotions. Zaragoza is equally brilliant, capturing both confidence and vulnerability.
DARK COMEDY II
Proud Dad – Directed by Kyle Jon Shepard and written by Alex Smith, this film is a short but darkly funny film about two parents (Hugh Dennis and Adie Mueller) whose son has gone missing. Speaking at a press conference, the mother gushes about her son, while the father is pretty nonplussed about his son, shrugging off details, making belittling corrections and seeming overall not very concerned. It ends of a wild note, really capping off a short but satisfying film that is sure to leave the audience with a reaction.
Or Give Me Death – Blake Moran writes and directs this film that sees a couple (Natalie Orsi and James Carter Montgomery) make a pact that is Donald Trump wins the 2024 election, they’ll kill themselves. When the nightmare scenario happens, one goes through with it, while the other hesitates when the pill he intends to take to end his life falls onto the floor, leading to a fight as one waits for it to kick in and end her life while the other begins making plans, despite the promise to end things together. It’s absurd, hysterical and delightful, with both Orsi and Montgomery delivering incredible performances.
I Never Give You My Pillow – Jonathan Hurtado writes and directs this film starring Tay Dicker and Rigo Saldivar that sees a man fighting with his wife on the phone encountering a young man laying in the middle of the driveway, insisting that while he doesn’t know what he did, he knows his girlfriend is mad enough at him that she’s said she’s going to run him over with her car. Despite this being an obvious miscommunication, it seems the naïve young man can’t be convinced otherwise, leading to a wild twist that comes out of nowhere to really give a hilarious shock.
That’ll wrap up our highlights from this year’s HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival! A big thanks and congratulations go out to all the participants who had films in this year’s festivities. We’ll see everyone next year for another installment! Be on the lookout for more in the best of short films!
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