So, Why Do You Love BIFF?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trb6py9TBXQ
BIFF Cinema Café
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK7QysDw7PE
Volunteers – Janesville Venue
Dear BIFF/Film/Community Lovers~
I am currently looking to fill the volunteer slots for our Janesville venue at The Metropolitan. For each showing, George Hannah, the owner of The Metropolitan, will be offering delightful specials, so attendees can enjoy some incredible food and beverage while immersing themselves in the fabulous line-up of films! In order to ensure that everyone has their food before the film starts, we’ll need to encourage folks to arrive early… an hour at most, 30 minutes at the least.
For each showing, we will need two volunteers at the registration table, and one volunteer to roam the venue to welcome guests, etc. and to announce the film (script will be provided).
Please let me know if you have a special request for a certain time and/or duty, and I will do my best to honor your request. I will schedule the requests as they come in, so I’ll let you know if a slot has been filled. As a special “thank you,” you will receive a total of four (4) free movie passes for volunteering. Remember, the fun of a film festival is in seeing a variety of movies that you might not otherwise see; so sign up now and use your four (4) free passes to see other movies over the weekend!
If you have friends or family members who might be interested in volunteering, please forward this information. I can’t thank you enough for taking part in this spectacular event. You’ll find that BIFF is kinda like Lay’s potato chips… you won’t be able to stop at just one film. ;>)
Sincerely,
Laurie Huml Eckert
The Canned Film Competition – Official Rules
(and other tidbits you may find helpful.)
The following guidelines govern submissions for 2011’s Canned Film Competition scheduled for Kick Off January 28th at the Beloit Inn in Beloit WI. Please read these guidelines carefully and follow all directions for submission.
______________________________________________
The Canned Film Competition officially begins at 7 PM Friday January 28th in the lobby of The Beloit Inn Beloit Wisconsin and concludes at 9 PM Sunday January 30th in the same location – with the lobby of the Beloit Inn being the official drop off location.
- Film must be completed within 50 hours – from 7pm Friday night (January 28,
- 2011) till 9pm Sunday night (January 30, 2011).
- All entries must be received in person at the Beloit INN by 9 PM January 30th.
- Film Entrees must be submitted on a DVD.
- Films must be a maximum of 7 minutes in length, or under.
- Film genre will be picked live at Kickoff.
“The Can” is an element that creates continuity for the Canned Film Competition, but is not an intended prop or element to drive your film’s story or suggest your film end up being about opening “The Can.” How you use this competition’s element is your creative choice and discretion, albeit “The Can” must be opened and contents revealed in any part of your film. This concept is designed to help create a fun, unique moment in your film but not drive the story line, but it can.
Judges have the right to disqualify any films in which “The Can” has appeared to be opened prior to the original take. This concept will make a great organic moment in your film – don’t cheat and open “The Can” off-film, as this action may disqualify your film from the competition.
Panel of judges will determine winners based on the following:
- Most Creative Film
- Best use of can and content
Entry fee is $50.00 per filmmaking team – due at time of registration. Accepted forms of payment are Check or Money Order (made to Get REEL) or cash.
There are no limits as to the size of the team.
All approved films will be shown at Beloit International Film Festival’s Launch and Laurels party at the Eclipse Center on February 17 in Beloit as part of BIFF. Films will also be included during the general screenings throughout the Festival.
Filmmakers and their teams will receive tickets to attend the Launch and Laurels party on February 17. Additional tickets will be priced based on BIFF screenings ticket prices.
All Rights Reserved / Canned Film Competition / Dubuque, IA
Sixteen Forty-Nine 16:49
Rated: PG
Director: Ruben Burgos
Length: 38 min
Documentary | Drama
USA
Friday: 7:30 pm – Eclipse Center 
Sunday: 2:00pm – Pontiac Convention Center
2809 North Pontiac Drive Janesville, WI
Website: Sixteen Forty-Nine
Panel Discussion will follow film presentation.
Led byDiane Hendricks
“The sixteen hours and forty-nine minutes between school ending one day, and starting the next, for some kids, are the longest hours of their entire lives..” —Robin Stuht
Honest, candid interviews with three Beloit Memorial High School students, including heart-felt accounts of other unaccompanied youth in our area, reveal the struggle homeless students face at the high school level. Insight from both educational and community leaders sheds light on how we may be a part of the solution.
It’s not political, it’s not religious—it’s simply, “How do we love these kids?”
The Pontiac Convention Center – Janesville
Viewer Ratings:
Welcome from Jack Bennett
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKWj4aJyv4&feature
Bass Ackwards
Rated: R
Director: Linas Phillips Producer: Thomas Woodrow & Jack Bennett
Length: 103 min
Adventure | Comedy | Drama
USA
Thursday: 7:30pm – The Metropolitan
Friday: 10:00pm – Nikki’s Cafe
Saturday: 7:30p – Bushel & Peck’s
Website: Bass Ackwards
Yes, in Bass Ackwards, a man drives a 76 Volkswagen van across America. No, the film isn’t mired with the tired mechanics of a typical road movie. This utterly original, lyrical, and visually exciting adventure has such a light touch that it quietly sneaks up and tugs you into an overpowering appreciation of being human.
When humble Linas, kicked off of his friends couch and spurned by his lover, finds a forgotten van on a llama farm outside Seattle, he begins lurching east with nothing to lose. Slowly, the road eases him out of his relentless longing and into the moment. As his encounters with enigmatic characters take on subtly transcendent qualities, his shame and discomfort at being alone gradually give way to self-acceptance and connection. The dented, off-kilter vehicle, which valiantly, amazingly endures the journey, becomes a colorful metaphor for the human condition—our tenacity and hopefulness always tinged with imperfection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no0xelIuBG0
Viewer Ratings:
BIFF Merchandise – Now On Sale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLlWOaNIFro
New this year – The Canned Film Competition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-L8WTzHYoEThe Beloit International Film Festival is proud to announce the exciting new Canned Film Competition as part of the 2011 BIFF schedule. Presented in cooperation with the producers of The Get Reel Student Film Competition in Dubuque, Iowa, this is a unique and highly rewarding new film challenge, the results of which will be screened on the opening night of BIFF following the annual Launch and Laurels Party at the Eclipse Center, Feb. 17.
Debut & Awards Presentation:
Thursday, 7:30 pm, Eclipse Center (following the Launch & Laurels Party)
- NOTE: The debut and awards presentation is in conjunction with the Launch & Laurels event and included in the Launch & Laurels ticket.
(5:00 start)
- If you only want to attend the competition debut and awards presentation and not L&L also you may do this.
2nd Showing:
3rd Showing:
Participants will have two days and two hours to make movie magic. Teams of filmmakers from throughout the region will get their directions on Friday, January 28th and go to work. They will be given a genre and a mystery object to include in the film and will have 50 hours to produce a film—to “plan it, cram it and can it.” The completed films will be submitted on Sunday, January 30 and the judges will then make their decisions. The official entries and selected winners will be announced at the screening following the opening festivities. The selected films will then become part of the film fare of the BIFF event and will be shown again in Beloit.
There is a $50 entrance fee for each team. Details regarding the competition can be found at www.cannedfilmcompetition.com and at www.beloitfilmfest.com.
The 50 hour Canned Film Competition is part of a “Sister Cities in Film” partnership engaging Dubuque and Beloit in movie making and viewing activities. BIFF 2011 is sponsored by The Hendricks Group of Beloit in association with Beloit College and with a grant from Visit Beloit. This marks the sixth year for the independent film festival. Approximately 140 films will be shown during the four day event, Feb 17-20. Information is available at www.beloitfilmfest.org.
Competition Registration:
Friday January 28th, The Beloit Inn (500 Pleasant St. Beloit WI) 5:00 pm
$50/teamSubmission:
Sunday January 30th
The Official Rules:
And other tidbits you may find helpful.
More Information:
Check out the Canned Film website. Contact Christophe Kulovitz or Michael Coty
Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 1
Thursday: 5:00pm – Bagels & More
Friday: 12:00pm – Angel Museum
Saturday: 2:30pm – Rotary River Center
Films
The Dark Room
Hope
Ode to a Post-it Note
No Pity
Ragman
Son of None
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The Dark Room
Rated: PG
Director: Z. Eric Yang
Length: 25 min
Short | Drama | Family
USA
John, a divorced, old-school photographer, who has spent his life dedicated to the discipline of his darkroom and art of photography, finds himself fighting for his craft and ultimately his livelihood. When his young manager gives him an ultimatum, he is faced with a decision that will define him not only as an artist, but also as a father.
Website: The Dark Room
http://vimeo.com/10192947
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Hope
Rated: G
Director: Roman Jirnih
Length: 5 min
Short | Drama | War
Russian Federation
*subtitled*
Website: Roman Jirnih
A window into a life of an old Russian woman who sent her family and friends off to war and to this day prays and awaits for their return.
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Ode to a Post-it Note
Rated: G
Director: Jeff Chiba Stearns Producer: Jeff Chiba Stearns
Length: 6 min
Animation | Short | Adventure
Canada
On a cluttered office desk plastered with Post-it Note ‘to do’ lists, one little Post-it Note escapes on an incredible journey of self-discovery to find his ‘father’.
Website: Meditating Bunny Studio Inc.
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No Pity
Rated: G
Director: Drew Goldsmith Producer: Drew Goldsmith
Length: 19 min
Documentary | Short | History
USA
A poignant exposé of pity-based fundraising, as revealed through a disabled pre-teen’s heartfelt appeal for respect and dignity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIjE_s7eaSA
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Ragman
Rated: G
Director: Dale Ward Producer: Dale Ward
Length: 19 min
Short
USA
A ragman from another time and place visits a modern city, offering to trade his new rags for the old ones of the people he meets.
Website: Ragman Film News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sem0oFQTa8M
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Son of None
Rated: G
Director: Todd Looby
Length: 16 min
Short | Drama
Liberia
Website: Obrigado Productions
Joshua is a seven-year old Liberian war orphan who is constantly disheveled, falling behind, and failing at school. When the orphanage’s goat goes missing, Joshua comforts the one thing more vulnerable than he.
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 2 – Mature Audiences
Thursday: 5:00 pm – Hendricks Arts Center 2
Friday: 12:00 pm – Rotary River Center
Saturday: 5:00 pm – Hendricks Arts Center 2
Films
Our Condolences
Me or the Porn
Bathing & the Single Girl
Black Coffee
An Affair with Dolls (Leka med dockor)
Good Bot, Bad Bot!
When Night Fa11s
Atlas
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Our Condolences
Rated: R
Director: Edwin Herod Producer: Edwin Herod
Length: 22 min
Short | Drama
USA
Victoria Ross, a delusional corporate executive, is on a quest to get her gourmet coffee… at the expense of her dwindling staff. When a young college grad comes looking for a job–a way to cease his mounting debt–he will force Victoria to see beyond the bottom line. She just might discover something more awakening than a triple grande, non-fat hazelnut latte, sugar-free.
View trailer 
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Me or the Porn
Rated: R
Director: Ryan Mains Producer: Ryan Mains
Length: 6 min
Short | Comedy | Romance
Canada
A man must choose between his beloved girlfriend and his equally beloved porn collection.
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Bathing & the Single Girl
Rated: R
Director: Christine Elise McCarthy
Length: 11 min
Short | Comedy | Romance
USA
A comedic look at the unspoken horrors of dating – and bathing with – younger men.
Website: Bathing and the Single Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTUy5ogT6Sw
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Black Coffee
Rated: R
Director: Bao Tran Producer: Liza Keckler
Length: 10 min
Short | Crime | Romance
USA
Someone has found out about David’s affair and is blackmailing him. David plans to make the payment to spare his political career, but he’s about to find out he’s been double-crossed.
Website: Persistence Of Vision Films
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-FWIBKA_E8
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An Affair with Dolls (Leka med dockor)
Rated: R
Director: Hans Montelius
Length: 12 min
Short | Drama | Horror
Sweden
*subtitled*
A woman plays with dolls because her boyfriend wants her to. But the game takes a serious turn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RolvgSIwdU8
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Good Bot, Bad Bot!
Rated: G
Director: Marcus Ng
Length: 4 min
Animation | Short | Comedy
USA
A suspected toaster killer is interrogated by the robot police and an unplanned ‘good cop, bad cop’ routine ensues. Will justice prevail?
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When Night Fa11s
Rated: PG13
Director: Derrick Lui
Length: 20 min
Short | Drama | Romance
Singapore
*subtitled*
Working with a theme of isolation and dislocation with a striking visual aesthetic, it depicts the forlorn love story of Eternity (??) and Wei Wei (??). Eternity and Wei Wei are two people who are in love, but with vastly different personalities and lifestyles. In addition, both of them have a different understanding and expectation of what this relationship entails.
A work of visual poetry, the story laments how seemingly minor issues can snowball, to understand our loved ones, and cherish that “special moment in time”.
Website: When night Fa11s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yRJl4J6yk
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Atlas
Rated: R
Director: Jack Bennett
Length: 6 min
Short
USA
Atlas the film, takes us into the life of Atlas the man, as he travels the city collecting sounds for a symphony to be performed for a very special audience of one. Atlas is a unique look at the nature of sound and our use and understanding of it.
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Viewer Ratings:
Kids @ BIFF – 5th Grade Workshops
The Beloit International Film Festival, in partnership withKid’s First, is presenting film-critiquing workshops with area 5th grade students. Students will join us at the Eclipse Center in Beloit to learn about reviewing films in an effort to develop more educated and discerning film viewers in our area youth. Our goal is to enhance the students’ enjoyment and understanding of film media and give them a skill they can continue to develop and enjoy the rest of their film viewing lives.
DATE: Thursday Feb 17th
TIMES: Two sessions, morning (9:00 – 10:15), afternoon (12:45 – 2:00).
LOCATION: The Eclipse Center
WHO: Beloit School District 5th Graders
ADMISSION: FREE!NOTE: Students will be picked up by bus from their school and brought to the Eclipse Center.
INFORMATION: Melissa Badger, School District of Beloit – Community & School Relations 608-361-4100, mbadger(at)sdb.k12.wi.us
Students are bussed to the Eclipse Center with the expenses generously covered by a grant from the Stateline Community Foundation. Once the students arrive, the various facilitators, trained by Kids First, begin by reviewing the major components of a film. Topics such as character development, sets music, costumes and much more are discussed to help prepare the students for their reviews. Also, the importance of why films are reviewed and how film makers use the information is covered.
We then watch a selection of short films that provide a variety of styles and content so students can see how the different components are used to make a film. The films are most likely productions the students will not have seen before. After the viewing is completed, the students pick the film they want to review most and complete a worksheet review. After the reviews are completed, there will be discussion about the films and group participation activities to allow the students to interact and share their reviews with others.
We thank Kids Fist for their partnership and support in helping us present these workshops, providing materials and putting the completed reviews into the hands of the film makers. We thank the Stateline Community Foundation for helping with the transportation needs and presentation of this program. Lastly, we thank all the teachers and parents that allow us some time with their precious film viewers.
They’ll be in good hands.
Thank you to the School District of Beloit Gifted and Talented Department! They are the ones who developed the curriculum for this field trip and are leading the discussions with the students.
Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 3
Thursday: 5:00pm – Nikki’s Café
Friday: 12:00pm – Bushel & Peck’s
Saturday: 7:30pm – Beloit Library
Films
Endgame
Siren
Lucky Break
KnockDown GragOut
Back Portrait
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Endgame
Rated: PG-13
Director: John Ruby Producer:Joanna Chong
Length: 29 min
Short | Drama
USA
Endgame tells the story of Bennett Dale, an unemployed, engaged man, who is struggling to find meaning in life. With no job prospects and constant fighting with his girlfriend, Bennett’s at the end of his rope. But when, through a chance encounter, he befriends a chess player in the park, things start to change. This new friend teaches Bennett not only the right moves to make on the chess board, but also, the right moves in life. A cross between The Shawshank Redemption and Searching for Bobby Fischer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKOpc8-C0O4
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Siren
Rated: PG-13
Director: Andras Novak Producer:Andras Novak
Length: 11 min
Short | Drama
Hungary
*subtitled*
A story about a young Hungarian boy and his fatal acquaintance with a Russian soldier during the 1956 Revolution in Budapest, which leads to an unusual trip down memory lane.
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=s4w_EDY14mE
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Lucky Break
Rated: PG-13
Director: Mark Bauer Producer:Carlos Miranda
Length: 20 min
Short | Adventure | Drama
USA
Travis begins seeing unique messages inside of fortune cookies. The fortunes help Travis at first, they turn his life around, give him the confidence he never had. But all is not what it seems. The fortunes have ulterior motives and soon turn menacing, asking Travis do do things he would never dream of doing. Now Travis must do as the fortunes ask, or risk the consequences.
http://vimeo.com/14014469
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KnockDown DragOut
Rated: PG-13
Director: Clint Hudson Producer: Clint Hudson
Length: 14 min
Short | Drama | Western
USA
A former outlaw, turned family man, has a decision to make. He must choose between his outlaw past with his brother and the future of his family. Ethan and Abby want the best for young Madison and realize the time is now, to move on and raise their family. Ethan and his brother Duke are small time outlaws in the Old West and have taken on two young outlaws, Jeremiah and Elijah, for one last hoorah. Ethan faces pressure, from Duke and Abby, forcing him to make a decision.
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Back Portrait
Rated: PG-13
Director: Vojin Vasovic Producer: Dejan Petrociv
Length: 15 min
Documentary | Short | Biography
Serbia and Montenegro
*subtitled*
This guerrilla project was shot in a remote town in post communist, developing, and xenophobic
Serbia. Researching the theme of tolerance, dozens of people were interviewed about social and political changes, fear, boundaries, experiences on repression, and religious views in connection to accepting innovations. Back Portrait is a great overview of struggle between tolerating and accepting differences in opinion; political and personal.
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 4 – Mature Audiences
Friday: 10:00pm – La Casa Grande
Saturday: 10:00pm – Bagels & More
Films
Not Worth a Bullet
Joan & Jonas
Make Me
The Appointment
Separation
The Sheets Must Be Silk
The Violinist
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Not Worth a Bullet
Rated: R
Director: Markus F. Adrian Producer: Marco J. Riedl
Length: 25 min
Short | Crime | Drama
Germany
Website: MJM Pictures
The old tobacco store owner, Walter Bukowski, and his beloved wife Maggie are victims of a brutal and cold-blooded robbery…so it seems. Just before the face off with the five potential suspects, Walter receives a deeply disturbing phone call. Now with his back to the wall and the knowledge of only having caught a glimpse of the villain in a fuzzy mirror, he identifies one of the suspects. Lt. Carter, however, won’t give him any credence on account of the obvious afflictions of old age, nor does Det. Todd who remains unimpressed while pursuing the happenings. Off his own bat, and with the wisdom and patience of an aged man, Walter personally sees to it that the man responsible gets his just desserts. The journey begins…the clock is ticking…doubts, moments of angst, and bruised pride just ride along in Walter’s search for justice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5RT8XPxhJ0
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Joan & Jonas
Rated: R
Director: Lucas Madigan Producer: Samantha Swan
Length: 10 min
Short | Crime
Canada
They’re young and in love. Don’t let them in your home.
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Make Me
Rated: R
Director: John Ma Producer: John Ma
Length: 7 min
Short | Action | Drama
Australia
A kidnapped man is presented with a loved one’s token, before being set free. The threat to her life is confirmed when the man returns to an empty home and finds a ‘package’ to deliver. He realizes that great forces are at work when the authorities arrive without being called. Knowing their involvement could jeopardize her life, he eludes their pursuit and makes the drop. But he encounters a violent figure in the shadows and comes face-to-face with his own fate.
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The Appointment
Rated: MA
Director: Ryan Mains Producer: Ryan Mains
Length: 8 min
Short | Comedy
Canada
A man suffering from an embarrassing ailment, gets some suspect advice from his new doctor.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Separation
Rated: PG13
Director: Andras Novak Producer: Andras Novak
Length: 4 min
Short | Crime | Drama
Hungary
A story about the change of fortune followed by a sudden stroke of good luck and the dramatic changes it brings into the life of a man – in the reflection of past, present and future.
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The Sheets Must Be Silk
Rated: R
Director: Ben Andrews Producer: Lucian Flynn
Length: 15 min
Short | Biography | Drama
USA
New York, 1961. Young photographer Dario Massimo lands the assignment of his career – to photograph Hollywood celebrity Marian Moore for a famous magazine. But when the two meet, an irresistible connection forms that will change the course of their lives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZO1q1zTKw
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The Violinist
Rated: R
Director: Carlo Besasie
Length: 20 min
Short | Comedy | Horror
USA
When a charming, world famous concert violinist comes to town for a concert series, a lonely bag boy attempts to impersonate him in an attempt to improve his love life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJRo4hnL8YM
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 5
Thursday: 7:30 pm – Nikki’s Café
Friday: 12:00pm – Beloit Library
Films
Lastrain
Qua
Katie’s Dad
Imaginary Friend Practical Manual
Kidnap
The Day I Thought I Died
Sunset to Sunset
Wind (Vento)
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Lastrain
Rated: PG
Director: Tony Lopez Producer: Raul Alvarez
Length: 20 min
Short | Fantasy | Romance
Spain
*subtitled*
He arrives in a discotheque confused and without so much conviction. Suddenly, he sees Irene. He realizes that while he observes her he experiences unique and indescribable feelings. The young guy will predict a succession of events which will gradually become true, intriguing each time more Irene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK6pOzOZfag
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Qua
Rated: G
Director: Andres Vidal Alarcon Producer: Mar Muro
Length: 10 min
Short | Action | Fantasy
Spain
*subtitled*
“At the beginning of time, our world was a desert illuminated by two suns where the mankind barely could keep alive and the night was unknown. Meanwhile one sun provides life, the other one provides a sure death. Then, the change started…”
http://vimeo.com/6547015
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Katie’s Dad
Rated: G
Director: Deanna Dewey Producer: Terry Wookey
Length: 9 min
Short | Drama | Family
United Kingdom
An absent father, a daughter left behind. Magical happenings lest we forget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcZXoLQj458
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Imaginary Friend Practical Manual
Rated: G
Director: Ciro Altabas Producer: Ciro Altabas
Length: 19 min
Short | Drama | Family
Spain
*subtitled*
Fernando is a shy 27 year old man with an imaginary friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tBudqsYYDI
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Kidnap
Rated: G
Director: Sijia Luo
Length: 4 min
Animation | Comedy
USA
Cute student animation for children.
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The Day I Thought I Died
Rated: G
Director: David McCallum Producer: Aeschylus Poulos
Length: 10 min
Documentary | Short | Drama
Canada
A 10 minute personal narrative about the possible meaning of one’s own death. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful song “18” by Moby, and using a combination of home-movie footage and dramatic re-creation, the short film explores the greater meaning of our lives, and the impact that the loss of that life has on both ourselves and those around us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er6Y89tOlWQ
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Sunset to Sunset
Rated: G
Director: Kent Hayward Producer: Kent Hayward
Length: 3 min
Documentary | Animation | Short
USA
In a city known for its love of cars, one pedestrian with a Super 8 camera walks across Los Angeles, coming face to face with the metropolis instead of watching it blur by through a windshield.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UzUQO4sR4A
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Wind (Vento)
Rated: G
Director: Marcio Salem Producer: Marcio Salem
Length: 15 min
Short | Drama | Fantasy
Brazil
*subtitled*
A small isolated town in Brazil becomes windless. The local population is beginning to act strange, with no hope and no optimism. And in the middle of all of this, a boy wants to change his life and pursue his dreams.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KNS5WtDNZY
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Viewer Ratings:
Burning Memories
Rated: n/a
Director: Sritharan Someetharan
Length: 45 min
Documentary
India
Saturday: 2:30pm – Hendricks Art Center 1
Sunday: 2:30pm – Bagels & More
*subtitled*
Part 1 of Double Feature – Goddesses
Part 2 of Double Feature – Burning Memories (NOTE: tickets for this double feature sold on Goddesses page)
One of the most traumatic events of the early stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka that has been raging for more than 25 years is the burning of Jaffna Public Library, which housed more than 97,000 books and irreplaceable palm leaf manuscripts, the wanton burning of the most important library of the Tamils was a major loss to the cultural heritage.
This film attempts to document the war-scarred life of the library and the socio-political violence connected with it. The Jaffna Public Library was the major repository of literary source materials of the Tamil people and Tamil language. By 1981, it had over 97,000 books and rare, old manuscripts and papers. It was a place of historic and symbolic importance to the local minority Sri Lankan Tamil people. In 1981, Sinhalese policemen and government sponsored thugs set fire to the Jaffna Public Library, thus destroying it completely.
The film narrates the entire history of the library, since its inception in 1933, by juxtaposing voiceover and interviews of the former employees of the library. Mr Sabaratnam, who had been the member of the library since 1948. The archival video footage (1981) of the interview of Mr Rasa Viswanathan, Mayor of Jaffna at the time, recollects the entire incident including the involvement of armed constabulary in the devastation.
This documentary film focuses on the cultural tragedy during the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BposIze1w_g
Goddesses
Rated: n/a
Director: Leena Manimekalai
Length: 45 min
Documentary
India
Saturday: 2:30pm – Hendricks Art Center 1
Sunday: 2:30pm – Bagels & More
*subtitled*
Note: One ticket is for both films
Part 1 of Double Feature – Goddesses
Part 2 of Double Feature – Burning Memories
Website: Goddesses the Film
The Indian film is one of the best documentaries seen in years. Director Leena Manimekalai may be an engineer by profession, but she has worked in the media and knows all about the creative aspects of digital filmmaking, production and editing.
This is no ordinary film. Filmed in HD in 2007, it runs for only 42 minutes and still jolts you, interests you and, above all, enlightens you on what women in India can achieve in spite of the bare minimum they have to live on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Hyb9BVjXw
Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 6
Friday: 10:00 pm – Bagels & More
Saturday: 10:00 pm – Domenico’s
Films
Painter of the Skies
Sunday Punch
Into the Gloom
The Lift
Playland
Clemency
Shadowpuppet
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Painter of the Skies
Rated: R
Director: Jorge Morais Valle Producer:Jorge Morais Valle
Length: 20 min
Animation | Short | Drama
Spain
*subtitled*
From the darkness of the lost cliffs, a crazy painter, marked by his past, and his faithul assistant try to find a solution against perpetual storms. Sea is destroying their home. A magic boiler and some tormented ghosts will help them to find the light.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZTHPYdudMY
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Sunday Punch
Rated: R
Director: Dennis Hauck Producer: Dennis Hauck
Length: 19 min
Short | Crime
USA
After one too many bad nights, a ring girl decides it’s high time to get out from under the thumb of a local gangster, and burn every bridge she can on the way out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvRSc8zZan4
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Into the Gloom
Rated: PG13
Director: Giacomo Arrigoni Producer: Giacomo Arrigoni
Length: 4 min
Short | Drama
Italy
*subtitled*
Lara spends her days into the gloom, prisoner of the fables she tells herself to hide her life of sorrows: dominated by her husband and hostage of his violence, she’s not able to react and waits for the arrival of a savior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGz_-2j8IbQ
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The Lift
Rated: PG13
Director: Robert Kohr Producer: Robert Kohr
Length: 6 min
Animation | Action | Comedy
USA
Everyone has been guilty of small misdeeds at one point or another. The Lift explores the consequences of one all too common act of not holding the elevator door open for someone eager to get on or worse, pushing the “close” button. An elevator interaction goes wrong, prompting a young woman to learn about being insensitive and to never make the same mistake again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FF0nZYQliA
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Playland
Rated: PG13
Director: Colleen Halloran Producer: Colleen Halloran
Length: 11 min
Short | Drama
USA
Competition in the Heartland. How does one continue to feed the hunger for competition? A rural family has a hard time quelling their desire to compete and win.
http://vimeo.com/12687606
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Clemency
Rated: R
Director: Joseph Albanese
Length: 19 min
Short | Thriller
USA
Arthur Poe (Cris D’Annunzio) is a sadistic killer who likes to torture his victims. In 1993, he was captured and subsequently convicted by the state of Virginia for several gruesome murders. Poe received a sentence of death. Years later and days before his execution, the newly elected governor granted Poe clemency based on the testimony of a forensic psychologist at Poe’s murder trial. The testimony convinced the governor that Poe deserved psychiatric care rather than death. Many are outraged by the governor’s act of leniency. A reporter (Maury Morgan) confronts Poe in an interview seeking to shed light on the emotionally charged topic. What she learns can never be forgotten.
Website: Clemency the movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8njbgK3lDIk
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Shadowpuppet
Rated: PG13
Director: Michael McCallum
Length: 8 min
Short | Thriller
USA
A couple is on the run from a killer. Money is missing and only they know where it is. Will they get to it before the hired gun gets to them?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj1OfwHePas
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 8
Friday: 2:30pm – La Casa Grande
Friday: 10:00pm – Angel Museum
Saturday: 5:00pm – Nikki’s Café
Films
The Broken Heart of Gnocchi Bolognese
The Danger of Secrets
The Absence
Becoming Bergdwarf
Unknown Spectre
The Bear and the Rabbit
Stalker
Gold Digger
Telephone
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The Broken Heart of Gnocchi Bolognese
Rated: PG
Director: Katherine Vondy Producer: William Kwok
Length: 19 min
Short
USA
Website: Gnocchi Movie
Gnocchi Bolognese has never known her father, the chef whose signature dish she was named for. As the stage manager of a local theater, she pines from the wings for the troupe’s star actor. And with her 25th birthday around the corner, Gnocchi decides it’s time to act on her infatuation – but the pursuit of romance leads her down a tragicomic road to the origins of her unusual name.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxnQW9ZPAaM
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The Danger of Secrets
Rated: PG13
Director: Christopher Comrie Producer: Samantha Swan
Length: 3 min
Short | Comedy
Canada
Website: Ardent Pictures
This was inspired by U.S. “mental hygiene” propaganda films of the 50’s. We love DV’s versatility and saw this as a chance to make new colour DV look like old scratched and spliced black and white high-contrast film. It satirizes the resurgence of 50’s Cold War style paranoia in the world’s culture of fear.
by-the-way…
If you saw the Charlie Chaplin BIFF promo produced by Ardent Pictures… that’s Phil Luzi playing Charlie. You can see him again here in The Danger of Secrets.
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The Absence
Rated: PG
Director: Kristóf Novák
Length: 7 min
Short
Hungary
This short about what a teeneger does when he is absent from school.
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Becoming Bergdwarf
Rated: PG13
Director: A.J. Winslow Producer:Adam Sherer
Length: 18 min
Short | Comedy | Drama
USA
A young adolescent, Sean Bergdwarf, saves and befriends a prostitute, challenging his overbearing mother’s morals. With encouragement from his quirky grandfather, Sean takes a step into manhood, and reconnects with his mother.
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Unknown Spectre
Rated: PG
Director: Stephen Pickering
Length: 6 min
Short | Sci-Fi
USA
Detective Jack Spencer is investigating several strange disappearances. His investigation brings him to question a local energy consultant, Dr. John Charles. Charles has been assisting the aliens in abducting humans for energy, expecting them to leave when they have enough, not knowing they will never be content.
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The Bear and the Rabbit
Rated: G
Director: Rob Ikegamie
Length: 12 min
Short | Drama
USA
An elderly hermit, along with his taxidermied dog, puts together a jigsaw puzzle, then must cope with the fact that it’s missing a piece.
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Stalker
Rated: PG
Director: Damien Patrik Producer:Damien Patrik
Length: 3 min
Short | Drama | Mystery
USA
A man is being stalked in downtown Denver….by himself.
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Gold Digger
Rated: G
Director: Karen Lindholm-Rynkiewicz
Length: 18 min
Short | Drama | Family
USA
5 sisters travel by train to stop their widowed father from remarrying
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Telephone
Rated: G
Director: Jeffrey Bliss
Length: 5 min
Short | Drama | Fantasy
USA
Two isolated individuals desperately search to make connections amidst mysterious gift boxes, rotary telephones and spinning dials.
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot 9
Friday: 10:00pm – Bushel & Peck’s
Saturday: 10:00pm – Rotary River Center
Films
Love , Processed
4 Pictures
Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns
Interview with the Vampire
Implants
Little Flowers
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Love , Processed
Rated: R
Director: Clementine Cayrol Producer:Clementine Cayrol
Length: 17 min
Documentary | Short | Comedy
USA
Have you ever wondered what goes on in your body & brain when you fall in love, or if there was a scientific explanation for what you think you feel ? Love, Processed is a fake documentary on love, based on real scientific facts…kind of. Narrated by a fake scientist and illustrated by a fake couple, this movie looks at love from a scientific point of view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCslHQe9PYQ
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4 Pictures
Rated: R
Director: Mike Madigan Producer:Matthew Peach
Length: 16 min
Short | Comedy | Drama
USA
Website: Five Clover Films
A personal narrative comedy that focuses on Kaitlin, living and documenting a simple day- to- day routine. Trying to avoid “change” whenever possible, an unexpected revelation causes her to rethink her closest relationships.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD0BbvkEvts
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Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns
Rated: PG13
Director: Pardis Parker
Length: 7 min
Short | Comedy
Canada
An unexpected visitor with odd news and an odder story interrupts a family’s quiet day at the farmhouse, sending it spiraling into a chaotic whirlwind of unfortunate misunderstandings.
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Interview with the Vampire
Rated: R
Director: Unoc Min Producer: Mihee Kim
Length: 31 min
Short | Drama | Fantasy
South Korea
*subtitled*
Story of a girl who is producer and become confused about her identity as a human being. She doubts if her nature is rather close to a vampire than human being as she interviews with living vampires.
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Implants
Rated: PG13
Director: Pardis Parker
Length: 2 min
Short | Comedy | Romance
Canada
A couple discusses the thought of using implants of the silicone variety.
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Little Flowers
Rated: PG13
Director: Vincent Biron Producer:Carolyne Goyette
Length: 18 min
Short | Comedy | Drama
Canada
*subtitled*
On one summer day, four children face themselves, and become a little older.
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Viewer Ratings:
Short Slot-10
Friday: 10:00pm – Domenico’s
Saturday: 7:30pm – Domenico’s
Films
Out of Place
The Tape
Soy Milk
Cupid’s Arrow
The Strange Rebirth of Andre Weil
Model
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Out of Place
Rated: G
Director: Rosario Fuentenebro Yubero Producer:Hussein Hassan Minum
Length: 17 min
Short | Drama | Family
Spain
*subtitled*
The intimate relationship established with Trini, a young, amusing and very enthusiastic girl, helps Emilio, an elder man in his seventies, to assume and bear his stay in the asylum his daughter has settled him in.
http://vimeo.com/3848869
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The Tape
Rated: PG
Director: Jorge M. Rodrigo Producer:Jorge M. Rodrigo
Length: 19 min
Short
Spain
Should you find a tape in your mailbox sent by yourself from the future, don’t you think listening to it would change your life forever?
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Soy Milk
Rated: PG
Director: Veeran Naran Producer:Veeran Naran
Length: 8 min
Short | Comedy | Drama
Australia
Fifteen year-old, Jateen exists in two worlds. His master plan to combine them both results in a magnificent, albeit, gut-wrenching clash of culture. Set in Melbourne’s impoverished western suburbs, Soy Milk chronicles the Indian assimilation into Australian society and ensuing fallout. Exploring themes of identity, teenage rebellion, deception and family values, Soy Milk is an elegant and provocative drama that offers a refreshing take on multicultural Australia. The film is a compelling advocate for tolerance, acceptance, and above all, unconditional love.
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Cupid’s Arrow
Rated: PG
Director: Leonardo Perez Producer:Leonardo Perez
Length: 13min
Short
Spain
Humanity lacks contact and mutual love. An individual appearing as the authentic God of Love comes to solve such a disaster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czc8WyrnlOc
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The Strange Rebirth of Andre Weil
Rated: PG
Director: Joel Garber Producer:Joel Garber
Length: 17 min
Short
USA
Website: GreenGold Film
A boy meets girl… Boy gets shot in the head… Boy turns to God short film. Based on a true story.
Shot on black and white, Super 16mm film The Strange Rebirth of Andre Weil is a blackly-comic love story that explores themes concerning the fragility of human consciousness and spirituality. Using archival footage and a deadpan narration, the film loosely reconstructs the historic neurological case of Phineas Gage, who in the mid-1800’s survived a freak accident in which a 13-foot metal rod shot through the frontal lobe of his brain and skull. The film also weaves in an homage to Dr. Michael Persinger, the neuroscientist, and his famous God Helmet.
http://vimeo.com/1870164
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Model
Rated: G
Director: Andras Novak Producer:Andras Novak
Length: 14 min
Short | Drama
Hungary
*subtitled*
The life story of a young successful model who is suddenly driven to despair. In the hopeless situation she finds out who she can rely on… others and herself. Yet most unexpectedly, “hope” itself knocks on the door.
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