Best of DC Shorts Film Festival 08
Review By: Carolan Guernsey
Best of DC Shorts had a well-deserved packed house at the HD Theatre at the US Navy Memorial. Who knew what a jewel of a space was lurking at 701 Pennsylvania Ave.? Festival Director Jon Gann has done it again. This was an ideal venue in atmosphere, technical capabilities, and size. The showcase of the audience and panel awards from the September 2008 DC Shorts Festival selected out of 102 films showcased moved well and doubtless left Friday’s audience with an air of anticipation of the upcoming festival at the Landmark E Street Theatre and at the US Navy Memorial venue September 10-17 2009.
DC Shorts is making its mark internationally as a festival that promotes independent film in a unique way, supporting it through providing interactive experiences between the filmmakers and film audiences through vehicles such as moderated discussions, specific feedback for artists, and encouraging professional relationships. Audiences pack houses at DC Shorts annually to not just view the films, but to gain a greater understanding of them, and to actually visit with the filmmakers, learn from them and even grow with them on their journeys.
Audience Award: How My Dad Killed Dracula (2008)
U.S.A.
On Halloween night, a father recounts the harrowing tale of how he fought and killed Dracula.
Director: Sky Soleil
Writer: Sky Soleil
This film captures the screaming fun of Halloween night at its very best. Writer/Director Sky Soleil directs absolutely fantastic performances from not only veteran actor Daniel Roebuck as Dad, but a whole houseful of kids...a frightening task indeed.
Best Female Director: Nina Quebrada (2008)
U.S.A.
A teenage girl runs away from Mexico for the promise of better life, finds herself in the nightmarish world of child prostitution.
Director: Jen Kleiner
Writers: Danny Klein, Jen Kleiner, Diana Romero
On the surface, Jen Kleiner’s film explores the horror of child prostitution. We do not have to look much further to see a connection to the tragic world of the cycle of domestic abuse where one abusive relationship is often swapped out for another….and another. This director provokes a lot of thought in 23 short minutes.
Diversity Award: A Land Called Paradise (2008)
U.S.A.
In December 2007, over 2,000 American Muslims were asked what they would most wish to say to the rest of the world.
Director: Lena Khan
Music: Kareem Salama
In Lena Khan’s look at the humanity of American Muslims, I could see the unmistakeable influence of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” right away. How much more American can you get? She made her point as soon as she began. Some people may find this a bit cliché. But that’s American, too, isn’t it?
Audience Award: The Bad News Bearer (2008)
U.S.A.
A man delivers terrible news to people who don't want to hear it, on behalf of people who don't want to give it.
Director: Stephen Perron Guidry
Writers: Nick Barnicle, Jacqueline DeForge
In The Bad News Bearer, we realize that bad news really isn’t personal. Somehow, it takes the form of an actual person to see that. Here, Director Stephen Perron Guidry actually does something remarkable. He makes a film about bad news funny.
Best HD Film: La Tangente (2008)
France
A young man offers a woman a ride, and they set off on a journey with no plans and no direction.
Director: Vincent Vesco
Writers: Vlad Sprinceana, Vincent Vesco
As emotionally unstable as these characters are, the stunning visuals in La Tangente make one want to leap into the car and run away carelessly through France with them too. This lovely film that asks questions about the definitions of freedom and love must be seen if for nothing else the journey alone….
Best Cinematography: The List (2008)
U.S.A.
A five minute CIA action thriller. A young woman finds herself being interrogated for espionage. A case of mistaken identity? Or is it?
Director: Mikki Willis
Writer: Paris Tanaka
The List actually voices a strong wit with its cinematography. The female filmmakers at work behind this piece have produced something innovative that grows beyond its Matrix influence and takes it in compelling direction.
Audience Award: Speed Dating (2007)
U.S.A.
After accidentally hitting Mr. Hot Super-Attentive Guy with her car, Kate decides to take an aggressive plunge into the dating world.
Director: Crystal Liu
Writer: Crystal Liu
What works nicely about this dark comedy is how far Crystal Liu pushes it. We could never believe that Kate would actually decorate her back seat with curtains and a bottle of wine, so we feel safe having fun in this fantasy world, and being happy that she has re-entered the world of dating.
Festival Director's Choice: Bloom (2008)
U.S.A.
Love’s labor is lost on a used-car lot when misplaced affections lead to self-discovery and ultimately, tragedy.
Director: Lance Larson
Writer: David Edward Norman
Lance Larson’s masterfully executed Bloom takes us far in its short running time. Just as the characters jump to conclusions about where they think their glimpses of the actions of others lead, we do the same. When will any of us learn?
Best Local Film: Funniest Feds (2007)
U.S.A.
The stand-up comedy competition featured over 30 contestants — all of whom work as federal employees in the DC area.
The stand-up comedy competition featured over 30 contestants — all of whom work as federal employees in the DC area. Hopefully it will serve the dual purpose of building an audience for future competitions as well as future documentaries.
Director: Rob Rafferty
Audience Award: CU@Eds (2008)
U.S.A.
A couple, Tina and Tadd, two socially-challenged thirty-somethings, attempt a face-to-face at a coffee shop after meeting online... when things go from bad to worse.
Director: Casey Stangl
Writer: Drew Larimore
A fun, quirky film involving where we have come to in the world of internet communication and what it takes to break free, if that indeed is such a good thing….
Audience Award: Tortilla
Mexico
A man goes home to Mexico to visit his mother’s grave and realizes a truth that will influence his future journey.
This was easily an audience sentimental favorite. It is worth a look for its very clear message.
Director: Luis Ivan Garcia
Writer: Luis Ivan Garcia
Filmmaker's Favorite: PATH
U.S.A.
A Manhattanite must decide if it's worth staying in his relationship, even if it means traveling to New Jersey.
Director: Evan S. Frushtick
Writer: Evan S. Frushtick
If you see nothing else from DC Shorts 2008, be sure to see Bloom and PATH. In this delightful series of segments we fall in love with a New Jersey girl through her Manhattan boyfriend’s eyes. Upon closer examination, it is her male cameraderie qualities, such as winning a chicken eating contest and quoting Conan the Barbarian, that has him hooked… and her ultimate femininity that leads to his final decision. Writer/Director Evan S. Frushtick brings out two enchanting performances from Pamela McVeagh and Jack Moran that leaves us wanting more than a short film.
Audience Award: The Collinwood Campaign (2008)
Canada
Two bumbling junior advertising executives must deliver the pitch of a lifetime.
Director: Ryan Mains
Writers: Tom Carras, Doug Carter
Best 1st Time Director: Irish Twins (2008)
U.S.A.
Born within a year of each other, Michael and Seamus Sullivan have become very different men - just how much becomes apparent on the eve of their father's funeral.
Directors: Rider Strong, Shiloh Strong
Writers: Rider Strong, Shiloh Strong
In this thought-provoking first film by the Strong brothers (you may remember Rider from years on Boy Meets World), Irish twins Michael and Seamus couldn’t be more different. However, they must get in touch with one another’s worlds all too vividly as they reconnect following their father’s funeral, realizing just how important family loyalty is.