Category: Uncategorized

Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.

Audience Award Winners:

Best Short Film: THE PARTY
Best Direction: CHOLO
Best Performances: AFTER
Best Documentary: CROSSING WOMEN -THE INVISIBLE SUPPORT OF THE BORDER
Best Story: DEFENSELESS
Best Student Film: NEBULA
Best Cinematography: FLORES & CIENFUEGOS

See the full lineup of films:

THE PARTY, 24min., Brazil
Directed by Maria Maya
Adapted from the theatrical play “A festa” by Italian playwright Spiro Scimone, the short film portrays the misconnections and unsatisfied affections of an ordinary, less affluent family consisting of a father, a mother, and a son, isolated within a kitchen. The dramatic situation revolves around the preparations for the parents’ wedding anniversary. In an atmosphere that blends comedy, melancholy, suggestive silences, and mundane phrases filled with double meanings, they react in various ways to the celebration of the marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/maria_maya/

CHOLO, 10min., USA
Directed by Joe Saldana, Aaron HuisenFeldt
Set in 2005, thugs rob a factory where Cholo’s sister works. After they realize there’s not much cash, they kidnap, rape and murder Cholo’s sister. Cholo, who was very close with his sister, becomes a drug addict after her murder and spends his life looking for those responsible for her death.

AFTER, 10min., USA
Directed by Joe Saldana, Aaron huisenfeldt, Yonash Breneman
A disturbing conversation between two friends takes a turn for the worst. The discovery of a loved one’s death creates new paths when the horrific truth is revealed.

CROSSING WOMEN -THE INVISIBLE SUPPORT OF THE BORDER, 30min., Argentina
Directed by Pablo Mardones Charlone, Javier Astudillo
Through the wandering, life and work of women in the Andean Triple-Border (Bolivia, Chile and Peru), and the Paraná Triple-Border (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) we know a story of female invisibility and vulnerability. Through a voice-over that personifies them, we understand that, despite precarious working conditions, the tasks of caring for and maintaining the family have always rested on them. It will be a chain of (trans) border sorority that will allow, despite the adversities, that they invisibly sustain the rhythm of these borders.

DEFENSELESS, 16min., USA Directed by Javier Augusto Nunez
After years of being the victim of domestic violence, Dolores gathers the courage to conquer her fears.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12308620/
https://www.instagram.com/marobpro

NEBULA, 14min., Mexico
Directed by Valentina Hernandez
After surviving a kidnapping, Isabel and Clara find comfort and connection in the midst of trauma. As their bond strengthens, they confront their own emotional demons and discover the sacrifices necessary to heal.

https://instagram.com/stardust_stud

FLORES & CIENFUEGOS, 15min., Mexico
Directed by Henry Bedwell
A couple of rusted-old fashioned-middle aged police investigators got themselves stuck in an old parking lot with a blood-thirsty creature, wondering their next move in order to escape this supernatural experience.

https://www.instagram.com/henrybedwell/?hl=en

Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.

Audience Award Winners:

Best Short Film: LOSING FAITH
Best Direction: MECHANICAL THEOLOGY

MECHANICAL THEOLOGY, 4min., USA
Directed by Andrew Montiveo
An immigrant’s meditation on the joy, pain, and uncertainty that goes into resurrecting old motorcycles and searching for the American Dream.

https://www.instagram.com/countofmontyveo/

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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LOSING FAITH, 19min., USA
Directed by Allan Wasserman
Gil, the detective who helped capture Richard Ramirez, now in his 70s, reflects on the events from the 80’s to his priest as he now questions his faith. “How could God let this happen?”. Michael J. Gonzales plays both Richard the Killer and Gil the detective.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.

Audience Award Winners:

Best Short Film: PARADISO
Best Direction: BEYOND, a R.Evolucion Latina
Best Performances: BITTER SILENCE
Best Documentary: SITTING ON CHROME
Best Sound & Music: ONE MAN SHORT

Watch the Audience Feedback Video for each film:

BITTER SILENCE, 20min., Panama
Directed by FREDDY D ‘ ELIA
FEDERICO, a ten years old boy is a member of a dysfunctional middle -class family, the product of a adulterous and abusive father, ANTONIO, 40 years old, and a permissive and devoted wife before mother, ANASTASIA, 43 years old. Federico lives and discover situations and he keeps quiet about so as not to worsen his parent’s marital relationship, which turns into a bitter silence.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092965954053
https://www.instagram.com/deliafccscortoamargosilencio

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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PARADISO, 12min., USA
Directed by Jonna Volz
Paradiso is a glimpse of a day in the life of an unhoused couple looking for shelter for the evening. As they find paradise in a vacant apartment they start dreaming big with possibility, until they are caught.

https://www.instagram.com/paradiso_short_film/

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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SITTING ON CHROME, 14min., USA
Directed by Shannon Morzov
Discover the inspirations and influences that drive artists Mario Ayala, rafa esparza, and Guadalupe Rosales in this short documentary film accompanying their collaborative exhibition, Sitting on Chrome, on view at SFMOMA August 5, 2023–January 7, 2024. Embark on a trip to Los Angeles and experience behind-the-scenes footage of the artists’ studios while listening to their insights on how lowrider car culture and queer cruising come together in this immersive exhibition.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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ONE MAN SHORT, 11min., Argentina
Directed by IGNACIO LOIZEAU
Obsessed by winning the tournament, a wealthy young boy embarks on a journey in search of his soccer team’s star player, uncovering the harsh reality that exists beyond his privileged bubble.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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BEYOND, a R.Evolucion Latina, 23min,. USA
Directed by Claudia Mulet
“Beyond” is a Documentary inspired by the Beyond Workshop Series, an adult training program created for young latinx performers in New York City. The documentary follows five young performers looking to develop their skills in order to “make it” to the Broadway Stage and understand the importance of their presence in the theater world for a more inclusive future.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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TAKING FLIGHT, 11min., USA
Directed by Will Chehab
In an area where traditional education fails students, one Mayan woman starts her own school in order to rebuild her community from the ground up. Through er integral education, which includes meals for students and workshops for their parents, Ingrid Villasenor strengthens her home of Panajachel one step at a time.

Get to know the filmmaker. Interview by Matthew Toffolo

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My motivation to make this film came from my desire to learn how to tell a good story through documentary. I’m currently a senior at the University of Michigan, and when looking for what to do over the summer, I saw an email from the department about making a documentary in Guatemala with Actuality Abroad. I signed up, interviewed, and was lucky enough to get in. Actuality Abroad set us (the crew) up with Tejiendo Futuros. What motivated me to tell Ingrid’s story specifically was the fact that she dedicates herself to her people, to her country, after her country’s government kidnapped her father whom she never saw again. The fact that Ingrid services her community after what happened to her family is powerful and incredible, and I knew right away that this was a story to tell. I really wanted to make sure that I did everything I possibly could to tell it right, and to be honest, there’s so much more to the story I want to explore and highlight because it is much more incredible than what we were able to capture in our four weeks in Guatemala.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This film took us four weeks and a few days from start to finish. Actuality Abroad is a four week program where we find the story, shoot the documentary, and edit it. After the program ended and we had our first cut, I spent a few days back home in Evanston, Illinois finishing the edit to finalize the film.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Inspiring, awakening!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle our team faced was the span of time to tell this story. There’s truly so much to it, and so much we had to cut from the documentary in order to keep it around 10 minutes, but really to tell a coherent story that highlights Ingrid, who she is, and what she does. Our whole crew kept saying that we wish we had more time to tell the full story, and I hope one day we soon find ourselves back in Panajachel making the feature length version of this documentary.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I truly cannot believe that not only was the time taken out of their day for the audience to watch this film, but for them to record their reactions and share it. It fills my heart with gratitude and joy that people really care about this film we made over the summer. I’m still a 21 year old student, I never thought at this point I would have people care this much about the movies I make, the stories I tell. It’s surreal, and it motivates me to continue making an impact with my movies. I can’t thank everyone enough who reacted.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I knew for sure at around age 8 that this is what I wanted to do, when I took my parents flip video camera and recorded action movies with my little brother and our friends in the park across the street. I’m lucky I found my passion so young, because it’s really allowed me to give my all and to learn so much so early in my life.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Trading Places. My family watches it every year during the holidays. After that, I think it’s Rushmore, my favorite movie.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
This festival has done a ton, so first off thank you. The one thing that I think could be helpful is connecting directors, producers, cinematographers, anyone involved in making these films with each other, so we can make new connections and if we’re lucky, team up to tell even greater stories.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Abby, the producer of the film, did all the submissions, and said they were easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?
A grilled whole lobster, a side of perfectly cooked vegetables, an ear of corn with butter, and ice cream for dessert.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m currently working on a senior independent study film at the University of Michigan about a Jewish student who falls for a Palestinian student on campus.

Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.

Audience Award Winners:

Best Feature FilM: BALL AND THE CITY
Best Short Film: DULCE
Best Sound & Music: GUMMIES
Best Direction: TAKING FLIGHT

Watch the Audience Feedback Video for each film:

DULCE, 4min., USA
Directed by Aleyda Ortiz
Dulce is a short 3D animated film that explores the loving relationship between mother and daughter while balancing the heavy concept of death.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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GUMMIES, 5min., USA
Directed by Renetta G. Amador
A tomboy transforms the gender trappings of her room to show her cruel mother how sugar and spice don’t equal nice.

http://www.mexecutionerproductions.com/https://www.instagram.com/mexecutionerproductions/

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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TAKING FLIGHT, 11min., USA
Directed by Will Chehab
In an area where traditional education fails students, one Mayan woman starts her own school in order to rebuild her community from the ground up. Through er integral education, which includes meals for students and workshops for their parents, Ingrid Villasenor strengthens her home of Panajachel one step at a time.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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BALL AND THE CITY, 60min., Canada
Directed by Filbert Wong
There is no other country in the world that has lived the saying ball is life more than the Philippines. Since the game of Basketball was first exposed to Filipinos, it has been adopted as a way of life. From the slums to the most elite collages, the game of basketball has always been ingrained deeply in Filipino culture.

https://ballandthecity.com/

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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When a naive D.A.C.A. single young father gets unexpectedly deported to a country he’s never been, he must at all costs journey back illegally despite crooks and cartels and a desolate rugged desert to reunite with his estranged daughter before his family is ultimately separated.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Hannah Ehman
Alex: Shawn Devlin
Sean: Sean Ballantyne
Deputy #1: Geoff Mays
Deputy #2: Kyana Teresa

Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.

Audience Award Winners:
Best Short Form Short Film: MI NINA/MY LITTLE GIRL
Best Long Form Short Film: THE EXCHANGE
Best Cinematography: VELA
Best Sound & Music: THE TUNNEL: INTERVIEW WITH A MONSTER
Best Direction: THE OAXACAN FIGHTER
Best Performances: MARIMACHA

Watch the Audience Feedback Video for each film:

VELA, 15min., Canada, Drama/Horror
Directed by Esteban Powell
Young Xime hopes to restore her family by arranging a Día de Los Muertos altar – meanwhile a looming presence closes in.

https://www.instagram.com/vela_shortfilm/

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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MI NINA/MY LITTLE GIRL, 7min., USA, Experimental
Directed by Emanuel Loarca
Laura takes us by the hand on a moving journey through time with her mother. You experience how love overcomes suffering and builds lasting memories that give meaning to life and strengthen the soul.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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MARIMACHA, 10min., USA, Drama
Directed by Cami Cruz Thomas
When an illicit pic outs the daughter of two conservative Black/Afro-Panamanians on their way to a family wedding they must finally confront the elephant in the room and decide who gets to dictate the terms of love in and outside the family.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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THE OAXACAN FIGHTER, 16min., USA
Directed by Edwin G Li
We follow the Journey of a Oaxacan MMA fighter as he prepares to enter the cage.

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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THE TUNNEL: INTERVIEW WITH A MONSTER, 24min., USA
Directed by David Llauger Meiselman
Dr. Larry Levin, a convicted serial killer is brought to a black ops rendition site where he is to be “interviewed” by two government agents for his past crimes only to realize that some chupacabras have come to join them.

http://www.boricuafilms.com/https://www.instagram.com/boricuafilms

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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THE EXCHANGE, 24min,. Puerto Rico, Drama
Directed by Marco Berger
Mateo and Lucas, best friends, go out to party in a hot summer night. Mateo meets Lucia, and Lucia commits an act that will change their lives. From there, Mateo and Lucas will begin a search, both physical and personal.

http://elintercambio.movie/
https://facebook.com/elintercambiofilm
https://twitter.com/el_inter_cambio
https://instagram.com/elintercambiofilm

WATCH HERE – The audience feedback video of the film!

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