With half of the 22nd Annual HollyShorts Film Festival in the books, it’s time to focus on the home stretch, as there’s so much more to look forward to over the next several days. With some terrific genres on the screening schedule for today, it seems like a good time to highlight some of the films that will be featured. On the docket for today are Slice of Life films, those focused on Sports, on Music, on Parenthood and Action Films. All of these and the rest of the festival’s films can be seen in person at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeles, or online at BitPix after their screenings.
Slice Of Life
Never Give Up! – Tamás Yvan Topolánszky brings this heartbreaking but still inspiring film about a young boy who’s attempting to get into the United States from Mexico with his mother. During his travels, tragedy strikes and he’s left to fend for himself, finding inspiration to never give up from a source that no one would expect. Stars José Maria Gomez Mihucza and Ariana Lebrón are also excellent, with Gomez especially stealing the show.
Sports
The Colosseum – Vincent Cassel stars in this Nabil Kechouhen film about a youth basketball team that is minutes away from reaching their team goal but fumbling it in dramatic fashion. Co-starring Akram Naji as the young point guard with eyes on the NBA whose selfish play is bringing the rest of the team down, this is an incredible film about the value of teamwork and how putting the whole over the self can be the biggest benefit for all involved when it comes to team sports.
Music
Gorillaz: “The Mountain, The Moon Cave & The Sad God” – The directing team of Max Taylor, Tim McCourt and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett bring us this animated epic from the band, telling the story of each of their members (Noodle, 2D, Murdoc and Russel) as they travel across India. The short delves into themes of existence and bond, bringing a style reminiscent of the 1960’s Jungle Book era animation to the forefront in a way that is both a beautiful homage and something that feels fresh. The song is the signature epic sound of later Gorillaz songs, adding a backdrop that feels as wide as the world the animation in exploring. This is a band that is legendary for being able to push boundaries simply based on the fact that they’re a virtual band, lending their work to multiple styles and genres as they do here, leading to a wonderful journey that views should adore.
Parenthood
Desi Dad – Yoni Lamm co-directs this film with writer Mookie Thompson, and stars Sameer Naseem as a dad of young twins who is definitely not as ready as he should be to take care of them on his own. He obviously loves his kids, but his habits aren’t always what’s needed for parenting. That doesn’t matter as his wife Amanda (played by Amanda Naseem) has to go out of town, leaving graphic designer Sameer in charge of the kids while also trying to meet an album art deadline with musician Paris (Pasis Sashay). It’s a fun and ridiculous film, going from chaos to chaos with the children, his friend Gabe (Gabe Pacheco) who he enlists to help, and to Sameer himself as he tries to balance work and fatherhood all at once.
Action
La Lucha De Lucia – María Sofía Hernández brings the world of Mexican Lucha Libre to life, as young luchadora Lucia, whose ring name is ‘La Guerrera” (played brilliantly by Valeria Casillas), struggles after another defeat to prove herself in the ring and prove herself worthy of the family tradition of Lucha Libre. After getting disrespected by the much more proven ruda (female villain) ‘La Cuernuda’ (Renee Ortiz), Lucia decides that now is the time for a character change, going from ruda herself to technica, or female hero. This is despite her father and grandfather being rudos for their entire careers, this change unprecedented. But an opportunity presents itself, and Lucia takes it, attempting to get the crowd on board with her as a heroic character instead. It’s a great film, showing some of the more traditional Lucha practices and how big the sport is in Mexico, one of the bastions of professional wrestling.
As an additional treat, La Lucha De Lucia writer and director María Sofía Hernández was kind enough to sit down with us for a short interview! A big thanks to María for taking the time out to talk to us!
What inspired you to make films?
I was inspired to make films when I started writing “La Lucha de Lucia.” I had been acting in college and would find any chance to be on set even when I wasn’t acting because I loved seeing how a film was brought to life. But I didn’t think I’d be directing films, I was more interested in learning. I believed that as an actor I should understand all the different departments and moving parts in a film set. When I started writing “La Lucha de Lucia” I imagined I’d give it to someone else to direct it, but as I kept working on it I realized I saw the story very vividly and clearly in my head, I decided I had to give myself the chance to direct it. It was the best experience I’ve had and being on set is one of my favorite things to do.
What message were you trying to communicate with this film?
As more people watch the films I realized there are more messages than I thought in the film. But an important one for me, was that there is bravery in showing up as ourselves and being authentic to who we are.
One of the challenges while making “La Lucha de Lucia” was writing and directing the ending. There are many known “rules” in Lucha Libre and traditions that are widely known in Mexico. However, it’s not common knowledge everywhere else, so I wanted to find a way to tell the story in a realistic way, while following the guidelines of Lucha Libre, and making it clear for anyone who watched the film, even if they hadn’t watch a fight before. When we were filming the end I wrote something wasn’t working and I asked the actors, Valeria Casillas, who is a real luchadora (Valeria Blade), and Mario Tadeo, who acts as the father, to try different things. Then we finally landed in an ending that felt authentic to the characters and in line with a lucha libre match.
How does it feel to be a part of this year’s HollyShorts?
I am super excited to be part of HollyShorts this year and get to screen “La Lucha de Lucia” at the TCL Chinese Theater. I grew up visiting Hollywood, and never imagined coming back with a film I wrote and directed.
It feels meaningful to share it with an audience here, alongside so many incredible filmmakers. HollyShorts has put together an amazing line up this year, and I’m very grateful to be part of it.
What’s next for you?
There are a few exciting things in the works right now. I am continuing to develop projects behind and in front the camera. I am writing a feature I have been wanting to make for a while, and looking forward to this next chapter!
That’s all for today! Join us tomorrow for more of day 7 of this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival!
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