FILM POSTERS

2023 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

2023 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
FILM POSTERS

77 Directed by Kim Kopf

"Synopsis for short film 77
I was inspired to write and direct 77 after my sister found herself suffering in the
mental health arena, being fed cocktails of psych drugs. My hope is to give a bigger
awareness to the dangerous affects these cocktails can have on the human mind.
77 takes you into the mind of Olivia West, a doctor who becomes a guinea pig in her
own facility and ultimately succumbs to the affects of the drugs she is being force-
fed by a colleague with a dangerous agenda.
The film is shot in color, and sepia during flashback scenes. Flashbacks also have
some distortion to help the viewer understand how it feels to be under the affects of
the drugs being administered to the patient, as well is sound specific to further aid
the viewer in understanding the patient's POV experience.

Directed by Kim Kopf

A LITTLE DEAD Directed by Ben Richardson

A Little Dead brief synopsis: Hailey and her brother Kevin visit their grandpa’s farm for the weekend. They discover that the caretaker has vanished, and Grandpa has a new nightly ritual of sharing a drink with his deceased wife and another unseen entity.

Directed by Ben Richardson

A STRANGER WITH MY FACE Directed by Olivia Mitchell & Kerry Furrh

Brief synopsis:

Back in 50´s Hollywood, it wasn´t uncommon for studio heads to send ""assistant"" to spy on their most famous stars, secretly controlling every aspect of their lifes, images and sexualities. Judy Garland was distruaght when, after three years growing close (some say romantically...) with friend Betty Asher, she found out Betty was a spy sent by the studio, Judy cried for days, some say she was never the same. These stories deserve to be told, the exploitation of the queer lady movie star is on another twisted lever. By knowing these experiences we validate our own internalized feelings and the long history that has shaped our shame. Let´s unravel it!

A YEAR TO LIFE Directed by Nikki Hevesy

A life -altering choice is made for a pre-teen boy on the anniversary of his mother's death. ---------A Year to Life was filmed in South Los Angeles where the story that inspired this short actually occurred. This short film profiling at risk youth pays homage to those street soldiers who ---sacrifice to give back to their communities and make a difference for the next generation. ---- A Year to Life was filmed in South Los Angeles where the story behind this short actually occurred. Inspired by a true story, A YEAR TO LIFE is a captivating film that shows how one moment can change a person’s life. It’s a unique story of one person’s selfless act to give a traumatized boy a chance to rise and thrive. It pays homage to those street soldiers who sacrifice in order to give back to their communities, and make a difference for the next generation. For more information, visit AYearToLife.com.

AFTER FRED Directed by Rachel Meyrick

"After Fred synopsis:

After Fred is the story of a miraculous escape and how it’s never too late to change. Charlotta’s violent marriage was brought to an abrupt end after 40 years when a shop assistant witnessed her being attacked and called it out. Two years on she is free and, aged 82, is blossoming as a warrior advocate, supporting women decades younger than her to face the court system after making their own escapes from domestic violence.

After Fred tagline:

“Sir you cannot do that!” How these words from a shop assistant ended 40 years of domestic violence and saved the life of 82 year old Charlotta.

AROUND THE CORNER Directed by Victoria Dong

Synopsis:
Tina is burnt out from new responsibilities as a mother and her inattentive husband isn't there when she needs help the most. One night after an exhausting day, a dark creature arrives to destroy the life Tina tries so hard to maintain.

AZRAEL Directed by Selin Uzal

Short synopsis: Mass, a mere mortal, awfully scared of the idea of death encounters Azrael. The Angel of Death. As he tries to run away, he mysteriously and continuously runs into Azrael; leaving them both bewildered and confused. Mass, scared. In his hopes to escape Azrael, he finds that ‘she’ is waiting for him at his destination. Worried that he would be late to their date.

BACKLOG Directed by Jacqueline Elyse Rosenthal

Sign the Petition to end the backlog: https://www.change.org/p/backlog-a-petition-to-reform-our-judicial-system-s-approach-to-sexual-assault-survivors?recruiter=732610970&recruited_by_id=fcce8210-4eec-11e7-9266-973bad38a24b&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink

Log line:

The true story of a young woman’s rape and silencing by the police that led her to become the key witness in the 2010 hearings to end the rape kit backlogs. Can she trust the system that betrayed her?

Synopsis:

In 2006, Mallory Newell (names changed) was sexually assaulted on her 21st birthday. The next day she underwent a painful rape kit exam to collect clinical evidence. The police shelved her rape kit and evaded her for three years. Valerie continued to advocate for other survivor's rights, when she is called upon to become the key witness in the 2010 Senate Hearing. In the moments before she testifies, she musters the strength to re-live what got her to where she sits now, at the podium to speak in one of the greatest courts of the US, her voice finally heard.

BIENVENIDOS A LOS ANGELES Directed by Lisa Cole

"LOGLINE:
Inspired by true events and shot on location at LAX airport, ""Bienvenidos a Los Angeles"" tells the timely story of Imani, a Nigerian single-mother living in Los Angeles, who offers to help a perfect stranger reunite with her son. In doing so, Imani learns this simple act of kindness threatens to jeopardize her own path to citizenship.

DIRECTOR'S statement:
""BIENVENIDOS A LOS ANGELES"" is a powerful short film based on a true story highlighting the complexities of immigration. Winner of the 2023 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, sponsored by Viola Davis, the film was created by a predominantly female and 56% BIPOC cast & crew, and filmed at LAX International Airport. “BALA” (for short), has garnered attention from the New York Times and received the Creator Plus Flip the Script $25K fund for BIPOC filmmakers.

The film was inspired by a harrowing incident involving my close family friend, Elizabeth, who sought to reunite with her 5-year-old son Chris after five years of separation. Chris was detained by immigration upon his arrival at LAX, leading to a night of intense emotions. My small role in the ordeal, as the person who went to LAX to pick up Chris, opened my eyes to the fear and uncertainty faced by many immigrants, and motivated me to create this film. Elizabeth's trust in me to share her story is truly humbling.

To ensure authenticity, I sought the guidance of Sumangala Bhattacharya, a female immigration attorney who provided invaluable insights into the realities of the system. From the outset, our goal was for Elizabeth to reclaim her narrative. As a white filmmaker telling a BIPOC story, I had to set aside my ego and embrace the role of an ally. I am immensely grateful to Elizabeth, her family, and our dedicated and diverse team of creatives for their collaboration in bringing this film to life.

In gratitude,
Lisa Cole & Team BALA

We have partnered with the Refugee Children Center to raise funds & awareness for their work with migrant children and families.

BONBON VOYAGE Directed by Emma Ream

Synopsis: "Bonbon Voyage” takes place on a cruise ship in the 1950s. When a beauty queen sees a poster touting a “Swimsuit Contest for Bathing Beauties!” her dreams of victory and accolades seem to be in direct conflict with her love of desserts. In her determination to win, she runs a gauntlet of bonbons, cupcakes and other treats, fighting against her desires and fear of gaining weight. Her wordless struggles with temptation hold a comic mirror to pop culture’s unrealistic female body imagery and fat-shaming.

BROKEN PUZZLE Directed by Anna Pazderski

"Broken Puzzle Synopsis:
Three wildly different women in love with the same cheating man try to force him to choose just one of them. However, in the process they accidentally kill him. The women are forced to work together to figure out how to get rid of the body, but as they do they slowly discover more and more about what kind of person the man really was. As they overcome a pervy landlord and flirty drunk men, they regain their self-love and confidence. Website: brokenpuzzlethemovie.com

BUMPED Directed by Mahaneela Choudhury-Reed

Bumped' is a heartfelt exploration of Michelle and Deja's enduring six-year relationship. Their love is profound, they're newly engaged, and they're aspiring parents. However, an unforeseen infidelity sends tremors through their foundation, leaving Deja grappling with a turbulent mix of anger and a desire to salvage what they hold dear.

2023 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
FEATURE FILMS, SHORT FILMS, SHORT SHORTS, DOCUMENTARIES.

FEATURE LENGTH FILMS AND DOCS:

LEVI: BECOMING HIMSELF
RADIOACTIVE: THE WOMEN OF THREE MILE ISLAND
WHEN MY SLEEPING DRAGON WOKE
UNVEILED: JOYCE TENNESON AND THE HEROINE'S JOURNEY
RUDY
LET'S MEET HALFWAY
INHERIT THE LAND

UNDER TEN MINUTES LONG SHORT FILMS:

HIM
OVERDOSE
LOOK BACK AND LAUGH
YEKI BOOD, YEKI NABOOD
A STRANGER WITH MY FACE
LASHING OUT
UNTHINKABLE CONVERSATIONS
ETHICAL SLAUGHTER
BONBON VOYAGE
HANGNAIL
CARETAKER
LA SIGUANABA
THE EXCHANGE GIRL
AZRAEL
77
MI NIÑA (MY LITTLE GIRL)
VENUS
SISTERS
TREASURE HUNT
SIDED
AROUND THE CORNER
MARIMACHA
SYNCHRONISM
IN SEARCH OF
THE SERVICE
ITCHING
REARRANGED
LADY INVISIBLE
I AM STILL HERE
THE RESCUE
WEIGHT
SOALS: SIEGE OF A LIVING SOUL

ELEVEN MINUTES AND OVER SHORT FILMS:

THE CONSEQUENCE
MIGRATING TEXTILES
LIFE OF RILEY
ELLY
PROMISES
FLUFFY HOMEGIRLS
I CAN'T PROTECT YOU
THE MEDICINE WITHIN
LEGEND OF EL CUCUY
TOUGH LOVE
GOING HOME
MONOCHROMATIC
DAD'S GONE WILD
IN THE GRAY
LILIAN
A LITTLE DEAD
SOL SUPERNOVA
JFK-THE THREE MILES
HOLLY RAMSAY: THE TALK
LENA
WUSS
DEADHEAD
LAST SHOW IN RAMSGATE
JOGGERS
ROSA
TELL ME YOU LOVE ME
BUMPED
PEMÓN
VIDA
HUNDEFREUND (DOGFRIEND)
RED RIBBONS OF LOVE
BROKEN PUZZLE
THE PURE SONG
BACKLOG
BUNA
NEON RAGE
LIKE GOING TO A HARDWARE STORE FOR BREAD
REMEDIAL
STILLNESS
STAIN RESISTANT
THE OTHER HALF
LES CÂLINS CHEAPS
LE BALLON BLEU
IVY GRACE
BIENVENIDOS A LOS ANGELES
AFTER FRED
CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE
COLONIZED
A YEAR TO LIFE
TEAM-BUILDING
JUST RIGHT
CONSUMED

SELECTED FILMS

SCRIPT POSTERS

2023 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
WRITTEN WORD POSTERS

ANOTHER SATURDAY Written by J. A. DellaRipa

ANOTHER SATURDAY
Synopsis

Another Saturday is about a young teenager, Joyce, who has a
complicated relationship with her depressed, suicidal mom, Dawn.
Joyce does the chores, takes care of her little sister, and is her mom’s
caretaker because she loves and wants to help her. Yet, Joyce has
built up walls to protect herself from the tense and unpredictable
behavior of her mom’s illness. One Saturday afternoon, Joyce
decides to go to the park to watch her secret crush play baseball.
Slowly, she lets down her guard and embraces a carefree day as a
teen. But when she returns home, what she finds will change her life.

CANDY PUPPET Written by Angela Lorena Statnik

Candy Puppet (Synopsis)

When a gluttonous girl enters a candy store, she unknowingly opens a portal for a magician mime, who turns her into a puppet, and leaves her soul trapped in darkness as a punishment for her gluttony.

CLOSER TO FINE Written by Marisa Forrest

CLOSER TO FINE
LOGLINE: LADY BIRD meets THE CATCHER IN THE RYE – As she wavers between championing individuality and seeking acceptance, a 15-year-old girl acts out but fails to recognize that her behavior may have very serious consequences. A semi-accurate recollection of the writer's adolescence.

ELEVATOR PITCH: Set in 1989, CLOSER TO FINE tells a universal, yet uniquely female, coming-of-age story. ELISA GREEN (15) copes with the mental health struggles she’s suffered since her father’s untimely death. She may be more intelligent, sophisticated, and witty than her peers, but these traits manifest as elitism, haughtiness, and condescension, leaving her with few friends. Coupled with a toxic family dynamic, Elisa navigates life with little guidance or companionship. She finds solace in pop culture: art, music, TV, books, films, and fashion. While these interests may be great creative outlets, they distract Elisa from her very real-world problems. She’s failing classes and defies authority, including refusing to communicate with her Mom. Acting with such obstinance, Elisa becomes her own worst enemy and fails to recognize that her behavior may have very serious consequences. As a contrast to masculine angst of The Catcher in the Rye, this semi-autobiographical account of the writer’s childhood offers a powerful female perspective of adolescence.

DADDY ISSUES Written by Marisa Forrest

"
DADDY ISSUES:
LOGLINE: MR. MOM meets 9 TO 5 – A single, stay-at-home dad must navigate the social and cultural challenges of re-entering the workforce.

ELEVATOR PITCH: CHAD ASHLAND (30/40s) has always been the stay-at-home parent while his wife, ABBY, was the breadwinner. Chad is “Super Dad” to their kids, EMMA (14) and TREY (10). After Abby dies unexpectedly, Chad must get a job. He finally lands at MACK REAL ESTATE, but Chad quickly learns that his lack of professional experience is the least of his worries in today’s corporate world. Mack promotes a progressive culture, but the company’s actions do not reflect its words. Chad ultimately puts his personal agenda aside, utilizes the skills that make him a great father, and rallies with his colleagues to affect change.
DADDY ISSUES is a timely satire that not only deconstructs modern gender roles, but also tackles the controversial aspects of corporate culture. While it offers insightful social commentary, the script conveys its impactful message via a joyous, optimistic story that embodies the hopeful spirit of classic comedies like 9 TO 5 and LEGALLY BLONDE.
It’s set in Philadelphia, a city where the vivacious culture, diverse demographics, and rich history create a vibrant aesthetic that’s as exuberant as (spoiler alert!) the script’s victorious ending.
Highly castable, budget-friendly, PG films are a much sought-after commodity in the streamer-driven marketplace."

EXPIRED Written by Wendy Braff

Television (Half-hour) · Comedy

Five female friends over 50 have had enough of being dismissed and ignored by a society that thinks of them as ""expired."" When they decide they're no longer going to give a fuck, their lives truly begin.

www.wendybraff.com"

FIRES OF THE PAST Written by Andrea King Jasper

"Fires of the Past
By Andrea King Jasper

LOGLINE
A Journalist uncovers secrets regarding her father’s past that leads her into a battle between
reporting truth or lies. The deeper she delves into her family history, she must face her own
insecurities about who she is as a writer, daughter, and lover.

SYNOPSIS
In Fires of the Past, biracial reporter Tonya Jackson, decides a month before her wedding to
probe into her father, Charles Hayes’ past after seeing a white man that resembles a picture her
deceased mother gave her. Tonya, who is a celebrated journalist in New York City wants to get
answers before marrying her Italian American fiancé, Anthony Gianni. As she tries to get
information from her family members, she finds out that the real answers are in Atlanta, GA.
Tonya heads down south and begins her search to find out about a man and heritage she never
knew. She starts her investigation at the University of Georgia looking for answers about her
father’s relatives. She then questions her mother’s old friend at Spelman College about details
regarding her parents. This leads her to a local West End restaurant and an old plantation just
south of the city. As she continues to probe into her past she finds out that her father’s great-great
grandfather was a slave-owner. She also discovers that his son had burned down many Black
families' houses where several people had died. As she continues to learn more about her
heritage she finds out that the African American community hates the Hayes family. She goes
back to New York angry, embarrassed, and ashamed. Tonya begins to despise this side of her
heritage. She breaks off her engagement to Anthony and decides to fully commit to investigating
racial criminal cases.
While investigating a specific case about the rape of a fifteen-year-old Black girl by a white man,
Tonya finds out that her father is the defense attorney. Tonya goes after him fiercely, trying to
find every angle to discredit his client, Munroe Davis. She believes he is guilty and hates her
father for defending such a man. Tonya’s columns in the newspaper and several magazines spew
out venom for Charles and Munroe. She even finds out he was arrested ten years ago for
soliciting sex from a prostitute. Charles tries to show Tonya that his client has been set up but all
she sees is her family’s sins of the past. As she probes deeper into the case she begins to find out
more about her father and that his client may not be guilty. Tonya realizes that she may hold the
key to helping her father clear his client, but she must get beyond her feelings of the past to heal
herself and help an innocent man."

IT AIN'T OVER YET Written by Elizabeth Appell

"It Ain’t Over Yet!

Unknown to each other, two heartbroken dames cross paths withdrawing funds from a small bank to run away from abusive husbands. They bump into an elderly gang of ex-cons equipped with canes, walkers, an oxygen tank and a rusty old Glock on a mission to pull off one more heist. The dames discover their strengths when they outfox the goons and escape with their whackers. The madcap chase is on! Written by Elizabeth Appell"

MAD ART GALLERY Written by Diane Lansing

"After a severe breakdown as a teen, Cadence, a child prodigy artist stops seeing color. On a
doctor’s advice she stopped painting and drawing for fear of it setting off another breakdown.
She retreats into a marriage with Gerald, a controlling husband. She does research for his
books, yet her buried creative side begins to emerge again. In an attempt to draw she has
another breakdown and ends up in a mental hospital. Here she meets a social worker that tells
her of a gallery he runs of artists with mental illness. Cadence walks all the way to the gallery
from the hospital and begins her journey back to being an artist and helping to save the gallery
from being closed down. She learns she is able to help the other artists work through their
illnesses and they in turn do the same for her. Creating bonds that will change all their lives."

MARBLES Written by Danielle Elise Olson

"Title: Marbles

Synopsis: In a world where lives are measured by a jar of marbles and our days are literally numbered, a 52 year old woman is coming to terms with and preparing for her final days with her family. As she reminisces the time she's had with her family, her daughter has yet to realize her mom will be gone soon until it's almost too late."

SELECTED SCRIPTS