SoCal Film Festival Shorts Part One: Something for everyone!
At the festival I saw a fantastic list of shorts, too long to write about in one article, so be sure to read part-two of this article. The drama, comedy, dilemmas and plot points were in full effect all weekend (and will be in the SoCal online screening room 9/29-10/6). There was an interesting short titled Leederville, about a young boy learning to skateboard, as he is teased by the older boys he falls and the film makes a bold statement about peer pressure and bullying. However, the film doesn’t hit you over the head (no pun) and reminds the audience a film can be two characters, one location and camera (nothing needs to blow up).
A uniquely-different film that challenges your tastes and like (or dislike) of the Horror genre was Marry Me. The film deals with spirituality, culture and the consequences of picking up items that aren’t yours. As I said, it was different and may not be for everyone. It did get me thinking, for that I admire it.
*****
Clouds was a film that really grabbed me. The premise is a writer who can’t figure out what to write. In perfectly used (edited) voice-over narration the character explains to us all the ups and downs of writing. We see his messy desk, his pile of notes and all the quirky habits writers create for their day. It was very funny, because being a writer is not like reporting to work, because you create the work for the day. One day has 20 great moments, one day you don’t get 20 great words. Ultimately the film was about following your dreams and the path inside yourself (it’s a simple model, that the world seems to be missing these days).
A fantastic short worth mentioning, but I have to say is 10 times funnier if you’ve worked in the film business is The Untitled Gorilla Commercial. The premise? The most simple commercial shoot, has more problems than Cleopatra (a Classic film that almost closed a studio). It was a superb film and perfectly scheduled to see with a group of filmmakers.
Overall, the film that hit me the deepest and was the hardest to watch (but is essential) was Way Too Many Problems. It dealt with Gay/Homosexual suicide. The film did win an award at the festival and to find our more about it. Read part two of this article!
The SoCal Film Festival online screening room kicks off at 6 p.m. on 9/29 and runs through 10/6. Go to www.socalfilmfest.com for more info.
Festival Shorts Review by Paul Booth
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