We’re nearing the end of this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival, but we still have plenty of incredible films to screen for the viewing enjoyment of all the film fans out there. Those able to attend in person can do so in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese Theater, and those who are unable to be there in person can view the films on BitPix, as they’ll be uploaded shortly after their screening. Today’s blocks will feature Documentaries, Effects, Animation, Modern Times and Drama, all of which have groups of films from some extremely talented filmmakers. So let’s get on with today’s screenings!
Documentary
A Short Documentary About A Giant Pencil – Daniel Straub’s documentary is an excellent and fascinating look at taking tragedy and turning it into something special. Minneapolis couple John and Amy Higgins had a terrible incident happen. In 2017, their century-plus old tree, which has been a staple of their neighborhood for decades, was damaged heavily in a storm. With the tree nearly unrecognizable and the community needing something to bring them together after the murder of George Floyd and post-COVID pandemic, the Higgins’ had an idea. They partnered with chainsaw artist Curtis Ingvoldstad to turn the tree into a giant pencil sculpture. Not only that, they made it into living art by curating and hosting an event called “The Sharpening”, in which the continually sharpen the giant pencil sculpture, making it a finite piece that honors the goal of the Higgins’ to make it something that can bring the community together. It’s an incredibly heartwarming film about turning tragedy into art, allowing the Minneapolis communities and all that decide to visit the sculpture something special.
Effects
Infinite Rifts –Aquila Chase-Daniel’s film is a wild one that focuses on Jace (Mikey Brockmann), who is going through the dual losses of his relationship with Luna (Amya Stewart) and the loss of his uncle Issac (Elliot Masters). Issac, a failed sci-fi author, leaves a copy of his book to his nephew, Jace begins to feel the story his uncle wrote bleed into his own life, creating a reality bending journey on loss, memories, and what we leave behind when our lives end.
Animation
reTIRED – This spectacular animated film by Mari Jaye Blanchard feels like an exploration of a world that’s not only falling apart, but is not taking care of its aging population. In the near future, Millennials are now senior citizens, taking on a world that’s more refuse than populace. The focus of the film is on a town that’s flooded, a wall of trash separating it from the rest of the world. It’s not until some of its citizens climb the wall that they see what’s outside of their place in the world, and what lies beyond. It’s a gorgeous film, the animation style reminiscent of television shows like Common Side Effects, making it a visually stunning entry.
Modern Times
Laundry Day – Ben Sibulkin’s short film about isolation and loneliness is an absurd and surreal film that shows the lengths people will go to for some form of affection when they’re at their lowest. Lane (Joanna Kirk) is just doing laundry when she meets a stranger (Joseph Bushell) doing the same. Only this man has his own thing going on, putting on a chicken costume and offering comfort. It’s runtime is quite short, but it makes a much larger impact than its runtime suggests.
Drama
I’m Glad You’re Dead Now – Tawfeek Barhom is the driving force of this film, writing, starring and directing this short piece that features himself and Ashraf Barhom. The two play brothers Reda and Abu Rashid, who return to the island they were born and raised in after the death of their father. Abu Rashid, who is developmentally disabled, struggles with processing the news, leaving Reda to take care not only of the loss, but of his brother as well. With the film exploring their past, their bond and the things they dare not say, it’s an emotionally powerful film that should really leave an impact.
That’ll do it for us for today! But we’ll be back tomorrow with coverage of Day 9 of the 22nd Annual HollyShorts Film Festival!
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