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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVFF2013_ProgramGuidePROGRAM GUIDE // 2013 Presented by Slifer Smith & Frampton WELCOME LETTER // 2 Welcome to the 10th Annual Vail Film Festival! This year marks a major milestone for the festival and we are excited to welcome all of the filmmakers, film fans, and festival supporters who are joining us for the 10th edition of the Vail Film Festival. The festival has come a long way since it began in April 2004. Over the last ten years, we have screened over 500 films, hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers, and had films submitted from more than 40 countries. Filmmakers and attendees have praised the Festival’s accessibility, intimacy, and passion for film, and MovieMaker magazine has named the Festival “One of the top 10 destination film festivals in the world.” We are very proud of how far we’ve come, and of all the talented filmmakers that have chosen to screen their films in Vail. The Festival program gets stronger every year as more filmmakers and film companies recognize the value of screening their work in Vail. This year, we have assembled an incredible roster of films that range from heartfelt dramatic features to short comedies to meaningful documentaries. In addition to the wide array of film screenings, the festival’s Friday Night Concert has become one of the Festival highlights. For the ninth consecutive year, the festival is proud to feature musicians from LA’s acclaimed Hotel Café. The concert will take place Friday night, March 29th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vail village. Please join us to socialize, make new friends, and network with aspiring and established filmmakers at the festival Hospitality Lounge at The Four Seasons Hotel. Enjoy the Hospitality Lounge before films, after screenings, or anytime you want to hang out with festival guests and filmmakers. We are proud of this year’s film program and feel fortunate to continue to screen some of the best work in independent film. We hope you enjoy the films and discover something new and inspirational along the way. Be sure to plan your schedule carefully, so you can catch as many of these wonderful films as possible, listen to great music, and enjoy everything Vail has to offer. We want to thank all of the filmmakers for sharing their work with us, and all of our sponsors and patrons who share our vision of promoting and celebrating independent film. We also want to thank you for joining us here in beautiful Vail, Colorado, and supporting the 2013 Vail Film Festival. On behalf of the entire Festival staff and our passionate and dedicated volunteers, we welcome you to the 10th annual Vail Film Festival! Scott Cross and Sean Cross Festival Directors FESTIVAL TEAM // Festival Directors Scott Cross | Sean Cross Associate Festival Director Megen Musegades 3 Marketing/Graphic Design Marc Griffin Director of Operations Erin Riley Strong VIP Coordinator Dave Strong Volunteer Coordinator Steven Douglas Asst. Volunteer Coordinator Corrine Hara Office Manager & Screenplay Coordinator Emily Waldeck Development Calvin Media Consulting Director of Special Events Jessa Carlstrom Festival Host Bill LeVasseur Theater Director Christina Schmidt Travel Coordinator Amanda Durst Will Call Manager Ashley Blair Public Relations Macias Media Group Videographers Michael Howard, Vadim Elkind Photographers Michael Howard, Vadim Elkind, Paul Musegades, Anna Finke Tech David Riepe & Outdoor Cinema Network FESTIVAL TEAM // PATRONS // PATRONS * Founding Patrons Fred & Carol Ayers*, Michael Barry, Sonja Craythorne*, Kaye Ferry, Pamela R.L. Friedman*, Jim and Jeanne Gustafson*, Kat Haber*, Mackenzie Haber*, Jan E. Helen*, Troy Hollar*, Kate Horvath, Richard Kandel*, Kylin Resources*, Judith Landau*, The Lessing Foundation*, Isabelle Link*, Trish Link*, Kent Logan, Link Foundation*, John Lynn*, Clara Markowicz*, Victor & Monica Markowicz*, Luleta & Sam Maslak , Carmen Mauerer, Nancy & Robert McLeod*, Paul & Peg Musegades, Johan & Ann Naude, Phifer Johnson Foundation*, Alan Suridis*, Carol & Hans Storr*, Cynthia Stroum*, Carl & Marilyn Thoma* Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation 4 Advisory Board: Godfrey Cheshire Giancarlo Esposito Kaye Ferry Mark Gordon Darren Foster Ken Friedman Gill Holland Adam Kassen Mark Kassen Jonathan Staufer Board of Directors: Scott Cross Sean Cross Pamela Friedman Troy Hollar Judith Landau SCREENING COMMITTEES Program Directors: Features – Sean Cross, Scott Cross, Megen Musegades Documentaries – James Rone, Erin Sheppard Shorts – Amanda Durst, Ryan Gallagher Student Films – Jordan Hall Adventure Films - Megen Musegades Megen Musegades WILL CALL BOOTH // VFF OFFICE // VENUE INFORMATION // WILL CALL BOOTH The Will Call booth is located at the Four Seasons in Vail Village. Will-Call Booth Hours Thursday, March 29: 9am – 8pm Friday, March 30: 10am – 6pm Saturday, March 31: 10am – 6pm 6 SCREENING VENUES CinéBistro 141 East Meadow Drive at Solaris, Vail Village (970) 476-3344 Vail Mountain School 3000 Falls Booth Road, East Vail (970) 476-1092 VFF OFFICE Vail Film Festival Office Phone: 970.476.1092 Vail Film Festival Office Hours: 10am – 5pm Opening Night Party Presented by Chipotle - Lodge at Vail 174 Gore Creek Dr, Vail, CO 81657 (970) 476-5011 Hospitality Lounge, Friday Night Concert & Closing Night Party - Four Seasons One Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657 (970) 477-8600 Four Seasons One Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657 (970) 477-8600 Cadillacs at Solaris Plaza 141 East Meadow Drive at Solaris, Vail Village GENERAL INFORMATION // 7 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS All Emergencies: 911 Vail Film Festival: 970.476.1092 Town of Vail Switchboard: 970.479.2100 Town of Avon: 970.748.4000 Town of Vail Buses: 970.479.2358 ECO Transit: 970.328.3520, Road Conditions: 970.479.2226 Vail Valley Medical Center (ER): 970.476.8065 Transit Department: 970.479.2233 Colorado Film Institute Telephone: 970.333.9689, Fax: 646.349.1767, E-mail: info@vailfilmfestival.org Web: www.vailfilmfestival.com , Address: PO Box 747, Vail, CO 81658 VAIL PARKING There are parking garages in Vail Village and Lionshead. The Vail Village parking garage is the closest park- ing structure to the CineBistro Theater and Four Seasons screening venues. When you walk out of the Vail parking structure, take a right and walk one minute, the CineBistro Theater will be on your right. Walk about two minutes past the CineBistro Theater will be on your right. The Four Seasons is across the Street from the Sebastian. The Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures have daily rates until 3pm. Parking after 3pm is free. The Solaris complex, where CineBistro is located, also has available paid parking. VAIL MOUNTAIN SCHOOL There will be shuttles from the Four Seasons to VMS, or you can drive and park for free in their parking lot. IN TOWN SHUTTLE SERVICE The Town of Vail provides free year-round bus service throughout Vail. ENCORE! VailFilmProgram.indd 1 3/2/13 2:54 PM EVENTS // 9 THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 12:00PM – 4:00PM Cadillac Short Series @ Solaris Plaza 7:30PM Opening Night Film, Disconnect Presented by LuLeta & Sam Maslak @ Vail Mountain School 9:30PM Opening Night Party Presented by Chipotle @ Lodge at Vaill FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 10:30AM – 11:00PM Film Screenings @ The Four Seasons, Cinebistro 11:00AM – 4:00PM Cadillac Short Series @ Solaris Plaza 12:00PM – 4:00PM Hospitality Lounge @ The Four Seasons Hospitality Lounge with complimentary Stella Artois, flip book photo activation compliments of Cadillac, and oxygen bar compliments of Aids Healthcare Foundation. 2:30pm – 4:00pm Complimentary Hot Chocolate from Cadillac in Solaris Plaza 5:00PM – 6:15PM Filmmaker Reception Presented by Aids Healthcare Foundation @ The Four Seasons, 9:00PM Friday Night Concert PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED Due to the mature subject of some of the films in the festival, please use parental discretion when considering which films to view. All Festival parties will not admit persons under the age of 21. SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013 10:00AM – 11:00PM Film Screenings @ The Four Seasons, Cinebistro 11:00AM – 4:00PM Cadillac Short Series @ Solaris Plaza 12:00PM – 5:00PM Hospitality Lounge @ The Four Seasons Hospitality Lounge with complimentary Stella Artois, flip book photo activation compliments of Cadillac, and oxygen bar compliments of Aids Healthcare Foundation. 12:00PM Screenplay Readings at Hospitality Lounge 2:30pm – 4:00pm Complimentary Hot Chocolate from Cadillac in Solaris Plaza 6:30PM – 7:15PM Awards Ceremony @ Vail Mountain School. We recommend eating dinner before the Awards Ceremony. There is no food or drink allowed at the Vail Mountain School, only bottled water. 8:00PM Closing Night Film, Drinking Buddies Presented by Kaye Ferry @ Vail Mountain School 9:30PM Closing Night Party @ The Four Seasons SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 10:00AM – 9:00PM Film Screenings @ The Four Seasons, Cinebistro 12:00PM – 4:00PM Hospitality Lounge @ The Four Seasons with complimentary beer and flip book photo activation compliments of Cadillac. EVENTS // HOTEL CAFE 10 HOTEL CAFE The Hotel Café, LA’s acclaimed music venue, will once again bring musicians to perform during the festival. Hotel Café musicians will play at the Friday Night Festival Concert, Four Seasons at 9:00pm. Listen to music and enjoy complimentary Stella Artois beer. Musicians in attendance: Javier Dunn, Holly Conlan, My Name is You, Jay Nash, Jesse Thomas, Meiko WE LOOK TO THE PAST FOR KNOWLEDGE. WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH VISION. Five decades working in the Vail Valley have given us unique knowledge and perspective. Let us use our vision and pioneering spirit to help you discover the possibilities for your future in the Vail Valley. VAILREALESTATE.COM TICKET & PASS POLICY // SCREENPLAY COMPETITION // VAIL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION Top 3 Narrative Features 1st Place reading and Q&A with writer, Benjamin Fingerhut, Saturday, March 30 at 12:30 in Hospitality Lounge. I HATE YOUR KIDS Benjamin Fingerhut A middleaged school portrait photographer struggles to maintain his juvenile life after his best friend violates their pact and has a baby. 2nd Place CELL BLOCK 9 Justin Powell A parolee goes on the run to save his son from a deranged mur- derer that poses as a highway patrolman. 3rd Place LAST WALTZ OF VIENNA Brian Weakland Based on a true story, a young chemist is drafted by Nazis to control the assets of Sigmund Freud after Hitler’s army overruns Austria in 1938. Tells the story of two men, political opposites, who leaned on each other to survive. TICKET & PASS POLICY The Vail Film Festival has made every effort to structure the screening schedule so that attendees can find seating at all venues. However, certain venues may sell out. For this reason, attendees are advised to arrive at screenings early. The Vail Film Festival does not guarantee seating and does not offer refunds. Patrons and Passholders are advised to arrive at the theater at least 20 minutes* prior to showtime to receive priority admission. Fifteen (15) minutes before showtime, if unoccupied seats remain, individual tickets will be sold at the box office on a firstcome, firstseated basis. Individual tickets can be purchased for $10 at the theater box office fifteen (15) minutes prior to showtime. Festival Passes may be claimed at the Vail Film Festival Will Call Booth. 12 SCREENPLAY COMPETITION // 13 VAIL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION Top 3 Narrative Shorts 1st Place PAMANHIKAN Angelo Santos screenplay reading and Q&A with writer, Angelo Santos, Saturday, March 30 at 12:00 in Hospitality Lounge. Adhering to the Filipino premarriage tradition, Pamanhikan is a mockumentary about the first meeting between the parents of Brendan McDowell and Jun Hernandez, an interracial, samesex couple engaged to be married in the state of New York. Reading and Q&A with writer, Angelo Santos, Saturday, March 30 at 12:00 in Hospitality Lounge. 2nd Place LET ME TELL YOU Christopher King A candy salesman examines his life. 3rd Place RED FLAGS – Sandra Bowes When pregnant and battered Maya and her drunken, abusive partner’s car breaks down on an isolated country road fate reaches out to her through two unlikely heroes an old woman and her paralyzed husband. 2013 TRIBUTE AWARDS // VANGUARD AWARD - EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING Tate Taylor Tate Taylor was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Mississippi. After spending time in New York, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his film career. In 2004, Taylor made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed short film “Chicken Party”, which he wrote, directed and starred. “Chicken Party” went on to win eight festivals and placed at 12 more. “Pretty Ugly People” was Taylor’s first feature-length film, which was released theatrically in the fall of 2009. Written and directed by Taylor, this dark comedy was shot on location in Montana’s Glacier National Park, Chicago and Los Angeles, and it presented a complicated shooting schedule and ensemble cast, which gained Taylor further notoriety as a director and writer to watch. Tate went on to adapt and direct Kathryn’s Stockett’s novel, The Help. The Help went on to gross over 220 million worldwide, was nominated for Best Picture and earned Octavia Spencer and Academy Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Taylor has established a mentoring program based in Mississippi with Kathryn Stockett, author of “The Help,” that provides creative and structural mentoring for writers and filmmakers. As an actor, Taylor has a long history of creating outstanding perfor- mances and was most recently seen in the 2010 Sundance “Grand Jury” Prize–winning feature “Winter’s Bone.” Next up, Tate will be directing the story of James Brown for Universal Studios with Brian Grazier and Mick Jag- ger producing... Pharm Girl with Reese Witherspoon and Peace Like a River with Dreamworks Studios. Taylor recently sold two Television shows to NBC which are in development. The award will be presented to Mr. Taylor by acclaimed actor Allison Janney at the festival awards ceremony at 6:30pm on Saturday, March 30th at the Vail Mountain School.14 NARRATIVE FEATURES // 15 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Congratulations Directors: Eric Levy and Juan Cardarelli (USA, 2012, 93m) When Jim proposes to Bridget, she asks why he would want to ruin their relationship with such a question. Congratulations takes a hard look at marriage today and examines how the seemingly simple title of “married” can tear two people apart. Starring: Brian Dietzen, Abby Miller, Kevin Rankin, Debra Jo Rupp, Terryn Westbrook, Blaise Miller Disconnect — Opening Night Film Director: Henry Alex Rubin (USA, 2012, 115m) A hard-working lawyer, attached to his cell phone, can’t find the time to communicate with his family. A couple is drawn into a dangerous situation when their secrets are exposed online. A widowed ex-cop struggles to raise a mischievous son who cyber-bullies a classmate. An ambitious journalist sees a career-making story in a teen that performs on an adult-only site. They are strangers, neighbors and colleagues and their stories collide in this riveting dramatic thriller about ordinary people struggling to connect in today’s wired world. Starring: Jason Bateman, Alexander Skarsgård, Paula Patton NARRATIVE FEATURES // The Iceman Director: Ariel Vromen (USA, 2012, 103) The true story of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer and family man. Starring: Robert Davi, Chris Evans, James Franco, Winona Ryder, David Schwimmer, Ray Liotta, Stephen Dorff Somewhere Slow Director: Jeremy O’Keefe (USA, 2013, 96m) When Anna Thompson gets mixed-up in a convenience store robbery, she makes a split-decision to walk out of her life and into the unknown. On her travels, she meets Travis, a teenage drifter on his own journey of self-discovery. Sparse and provocative, Somewhere Slow shines light on how sometimes we must learn to break our own rules to find the lives we’ve been yearning to live. Starring: Jessalyn Gilsig, Graham Patrick Martin, David Costabile, Robert Forster, Lindsay Crouse, Wallace Langham, Lauren Schneider 16 Drinking Buddies — Closing Night Film Director: Joe Swanberg (USA, 2013, 90m) Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) work together at a craft brewery. They have one of those friendships that feels like it could be something more. But Kate is with Chris (Ron Livingston), and Luke is with Jill (Anna Kendrick). And Jill wants to know if Luke is ready to talk about marriage. The answer to that question becomes crystal clear when Luke and Kate unexpectedly find themselves alone for a weekend. Starring: Anna Kendrick, Olivia Wilde, Ron Livingston, Jake Johnson NARRATIVE FEATURES // Sweet Talk Director: Terri Hanauer (USA, 2012, 92m) A troubled young woman and a blocked writer, both at loose ends in their lives, meet over a phone sex line and, after some provocative and amusing verbal du- eling, take a journey together that turns out to be a great deal more erotic and evocative than either of them suspected. Starring: Natalie Zea, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Lindsay Hollister, Karen Austin, Time Winters, John Glover While We Were Here Director: Kat Coiro (USA, 2012, 83m) JANE (Kate Bosworth) and her husband LEONARD (Iddo Goldberg) travel to Naples—where Leonard is playing viola with the local orchestra—hoping to reinvigorate their silently disintegrating marriage and escape a personal trag- edy that hangs heavily between them. Jane, left alone most days, wanders the streets listening to tapes she made of interviews with her grandmother, seeking inspiration to finish a book based on the old recordings. Facing writer’s block, she takes a day trip to stunning Ischia, where she meets CALEB (Jamie Blackley), a young American leading a hermetic life on the island. As the two embark on an unlikely affair, Jane’s carefully constructed world begins to crack open. Starring: Kate Bosworth, Iddo Goldberg, Jamie Blackley, Claire Bloom 17 NARRATIVE FEATURES // 21 & Over Director: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore (USA, 2013, 93m) Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do the unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauch- ery in this outrageous comedy. Starring: Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, Sarah Wright 18 DOCUMENTARIES // 20 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Elephant in the Room Director: Justin Ervin (USA, 2012, 60m) A former, female boxing champion (Devonne) and her business partner coach (Tabbi) are mentoring two teenage girls, best friends (Emily and Zaneta) through their non-profit gym: ‘The Elephant in the Room Boxing Club.’ Zaneta has a se- cret issue that is separating her from the gym, causing truancy and threatens to destroy her hopes for college. Her best friend, Emily isn’t telling what the problem is. Emotions rise as everyone fights to discover the truth the girls are hiding and expose the elephant in the room. Featuring: Devonne Canady, Tabbi Rosario, Zaneta Langley, Emily Colon Keep the Promise: The Global Fight Against AIDS Directors: Jörg Fockele & Marc Smolowitz (USA, 2013, 44m) Narrated by Margaret Cho, “Keep The Promise: The Global Fight Against AIDS” profiles advocates from around the world who attended the “Keep The Promise Rally & March,” that unfolded in Washington, DC during July 2012 as part of AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s lively presence at the 19th International AIDS Confer- ence. A dynamic stage show, rally, and march punctuate powerful personal sto- ries of people from all walks of life who have been impacted and affected by HIV/AIDS and have decided to continue the global fight to end the AIDS Crisis. Narrated by Margaret Cho, Featuring: Wyclef Jean, Reverend Al Sharpton, Dr. Cor- nel West, Tavis Smiley, Roxanne Hanna-Ware, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. DOCUMENTARIES // Spinning Plates Director: Joseph Levy (USA, 2013, 94m) Spinning Plates is a documentary about three extraordinary restaurants and the incredible people who make them what they are. A cutting-edge restaurant named the seventh-best in the world whose chef must battle a life-threatening obstacle to pursue his passion. A 150-year-old family restaurant still standing only because of the unbreakable bond with its community. A fledgling Mexican restaurant whose owners are risking everything just to survive and provide for their young daughter. 21 The Only Real Game Director: Mirra Bank (2013, 82m) THE ONLY REAL GAME is a fighters’ and dreamers’ story about the magic of baseball for people in a remote and troubled place. The tiny state of Manipur, in strife torn northeast India defies civil war, drugs, gun traffic, and HIV AIDS through love of our National Pastime. It is a far away story that brings us to the heart of the Great American Game. Narrated by Melissa Leo. ADVENTURE DOCUMENTARIES // 23 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Climb to Glory: Legacy of the10th Mountain Ski Troopers Director: Max Bervy (USA, 2013, 45m) Produced by Warren Miller Entertainment, this 45-minute documentary tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troopers and how they transformed skiing as a whole and championed the U.S. Ski Industry after World War II. Narrated by Wish of a Lifetime Founder, Jeremy Bloom. Featuring: 10th Mountain Division members and Chris Anthony, Scott Kennett, Tony Seibert Free Base En Riglos Director: Jesus Mediavilla (Spain, 2011, 15m) Carlos Suárez, a climber and an adventurer, reflects about his latest feat: Free BASE, solo climbing with the only protection of a parachute on his back. Featuring: Carlos Suarez Wampler’s Ascent Director: Elizabeth Wampler (USA, 2012, 77m) Wampler’s Ascent is a story of Steve Wampler’s legendary climb up the biggest rock face in the world, El Capitan in Yosemite. This valiant effort took 20,000 pull-ups climbing for 6 days and sleeping on the side of the mountain for 5 nights. Wampler is a husband, father… and has a severe form of Cerebral Palsy. Featuring: Steve Wampler, Elizabeth Wampler, Tommy Thompson, David Lane ADVENTURE DOCUMENTARIES // 24 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Where the Trail Ends Director: Jeremy Grant (Argentina, Canada, China, Nepal, USA, 2012, 81m) Following the worlds top freeride mountain bikers as they search for untraveled terrain around the globe. This unparalleled story documents man’s challenge of mother nature and himself showcased through a cast of colorful characters. Fea- turing: Andreu Lacondeguy, Cam Zink, Darren Berrecloth, James Doerfling, Kurt Sorge ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTARIES – Presented by Chipotle Planet Ocean Directors: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Michael Pitiot (France, 2012, 90m) Thanks to its astonishing photography, the film takes us on a magnificent and unprecedented journey into the heart of the least known regions of our planet. Pad Yatra Director: Wendy J.N. Lee (India, Nepal, USA, 2012, 70m) In this harrowing adventure documentary, seven hundred people trek across the perilous Himalayan mountain range to educate villages on environmental respon- sibility, carrying out nearly a ton of plastic litter on their backs through blizzards, fighting starvation, and dodging avalanches --a feat that triggered a green move- ment never before seen in the region. Narrated by Daryl Hannah. Featuring: Aamir Khan, HH the Gyalwang Drukpa SHORTS // 25 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Couch Director: Ian Gelfand (USA, 2012, 8m) Growing up is hard to do. That’s why Casey never tried. Couch is a comedic short about one young couple’s futile efforts in pre-pre-pre marriage counsel- ing. Starring: Matt Servitto, Perry Silver, Pepper Binkley, Kathy Searle, Steve Park, Terri Conn, and Jay Klaitz Byron’s Theme Director: Bennett Barbakow (USA, 2012, 12m) Meet Nick; an introvert who lives his life inside a padded comfort zone. When he accidentally loses his tooth and confuses his girlfriend for his twin sister, Nick finds himself stranded in the middle of nowhere. He must confront who he is as a man, learning his most important life lesson from his Golden re- triever, Bryon. Starring: Michael Grant Terry, Allison Paige, Jon Gries, Mario Z. Alvarez, Byron the Dog Crescendo Director: Alonso Alvarez Barreda (USA, 2012, 13m) In 18th century Holy Roman Empire, a series of events will turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience for a woman whose life will never be the same. Starring: Montserrat Espadalé, Ali Landry, Patrick Nuo, Anita Beck, Folkert Arend, Brad Potts, Jennifer Cadena United States SHORTS // 26 Detrás del espejo (Behind the Mirrors) Director: Julio O. Ramos (Peru, 2012, 12m) A young husband, and soon-to-be father, works in a sleazy motel with his wife. When one of the night’s customers leaves behind an unexpected mess, the hus- band’s keen eye for opportunity and quick thinking may change their fortunes forever. Starring: Marcello Rivera, Mayella Lloclla, Carlos Cano, Susan Leon Dismissed Director: Oren Hod (Israel, 2012, 14m) After Zvi , an 80 year-old retired general, is being told he doesn’t have much time left, he returns home to plan his next steps. An interaction with his son Amir make him re-think his plans. Starring: Yossi Graber, Dudu Ben Zeev Dr Grordbort Presents: The Deadliest Game Director: James Cunningham (New Zealand, 2012, 7m) The great hunter, Lord Broadforce, and his loyal manservant, have returned to Venus to gather more exotic wild-life specimens, much to the horror of the young reporter, Miss Middlesworth. Starring: Geoff Houtman, Morgana O’Reilly, Simon McKinney SHORTS // El Cocodrilo (The Crocodile) Director: Steve Acevedo (USA, 2012, 15m) When Eduardo, a Mexican journalist who has reported on the corrupt ties be- tween the cartels and the military, is pressured to reveal the names of his sourc- es, he flees to the U.S. with his young son. Little does he know that hot on his trail is Raul, a cartel sicario dispatched to assassinate him. In a cruel twist of fate, Eduardo must succumb to his darkest impulses in order to protect himself and his son. Starring: Jacob Vargas 27 Grounded Director: Kevin Margo, Barrett Meeker (USA, 2012, 8m) One astronaut’s journey through space and life ends on a hostile exosolar plan- et. Grounded is a metaphorical account of the experience, inviting unique inter- pretation and reflection by the viewer. Themes of aging, inheritance, paternal approval, cyclic trajectories, and behaviors passed on through generations are explored against an ethereal backdrop. Starring: Derron Ross, Brent Meeker The Hunter Director: Marieka Walsh (Australia, 2012, 7m) The Hunter is a stop-motion sand animation about a lone hunter who under- takes a search for a missing boy deep in the snow-covered mountains. As he travels he is forced to make decisions that will forever change his relationship with the wilderness he has feared. Starring: Jack Finsterer SHORTS // If You’re Serious Director: Zhi Li (China, 2012, 30m) A rebellious 17 year old girl decides to commit suicide, along with two of her In- ternet Suicide Group partners, in the most beautiful town in China, Fenghuang. Yet before they meet, they know nothing about each other... Starring: Jiasi Tang, Yuliang, Jian Wu La Mirada Perdida (The Missing Look) Director: Damián Dionisio (Argentina, 2012, 11m) Argentina, 1976. Claudio is forced to live with his family in hiding, due to his po- litical ideals. The house in which they live is discovered by the militars. No time to flee, Teresa try to shelter his daughter in a fantasy world to avoid the girl look at the horror they are about to live. Starring: Javier Diaz, Gabriela Pastor, Omar Sucari 28 Lichen Director: Kevin Lim (Australia, 2012, 8m) Through chance and coincidence, infinitely small decisions can produce new life. Starring: Hayley Magnus, Akos Armont SHORTS // Luminaris Director: Juan Pablo Zaramella (Argentina, 2011, 6m) In a world controlled and timed by light, an ordinary man has a plan that could change the natural order of things. Øresund Director: Martin Werner (Denmark, 2012, 23m) Buster is based on the distinction between child and adult. The story about how we as humans sometimes unconsciously neglect the things in life that matter the most to us. Starring: Lars Ranthe, Buster Bjørn Werner, Christine Albeck Børge, Uffe Rørbæk Second Kiss Director: Robbie Norris (USA, 2013, 9m) A drunken hookup turns disastrous as childhood crushes Jeff and Heather are forced to endure the morning after with her family. Starring: Bobby Olsen, Caitlin Mehner, Helen Rogers, Amy Young and Janice Mann 29 SHORTS // 30 The Test Director: Anthony DiBlasi (USA, 2012, 13m) At first glance, Margot and George seem like a fun-loving couple taking a preg- nancy test, but we soon learn that they are anything but and that much more is being tested. Starring: Lauren Bowles, Patrick Fischler Whitey Goes to Compton Directors: Reese Avanessian & Alen Aivazian (USA, 2013, 16m) Whitey is a hip rapper who has to go to Compton with his best friend Sky to steal marijuana from a crack house, disguised as an orphan- age, to make his crazy girlfriend happy. Starring: Alen Aivazian, Mara Hall, Skyy John Tonita Sevade la Casa Director: Teri Carson (2012, 6m) After being scolded one too many times, mischievous Toñita runs away from home. While on the road, she meets another little girl and together they embark on a frolic through the Mexican countryside. On their way to the rodeo, their fun is interrupted by a gang of bullies and what looks like a covered corpse in the middle of the road. Starring: Carolina Carson and Claudia Carson STUDENT FILMS presented by SAG Indie // 31 World North American Colorado Filmmakers in Attendance Blackwood Director: Natasha Johns-Messenger (USA, 2012, 15m) Lena faces motherly instincts she didn’t know she had when she is forced to take care of Pippa, the daughter she has never known. Starring: Amber Clayton, Bethany Whitmore Grey Matter Director: James B. Cox (USA, 2012, 16m) An official adaptation of Stephen King’s short story about a man whose alcoholism causes him to change in horrific ways and how his teenage son must find a way to save his father. Starring Tyler Chase (AMC’s The Walking Dead), Rob Patterson, and Allan Trautman (The Return of the Living Dead) Legacy Director: Adam Floeck (USA, 2012, 5m) Legacy is the story of one boy’s difficulties to live up to his family’s expectations when the burden of his heritage is suddenly thrust upon him. STUDENT FILMS // 32 Madly Unto Eternity Director: Pikey Holdredge (USA, 2012, 13m) In order to make amends and ensure a future with his girlfriend, Danny Lynch must overcome his lifelong anger issues as he attempts to thwart his brother’s nefarious scheme. Starring: Chris Mayers, Adam Bailey, Aurora Heimbach, Charles Renfroe No Otter Zone Directors: Spencer Bruttig, Nicholas DaSilva, Clinton Reynolds, Alexander M. Romanov (USA, 2013, 16m) Historically, the Southern Sea Otter was abundant along the California coastline, until intense hunting pressures reduced their numbers to near-extinction levels. But now the otters are coming back, and bring with them the potential for drastic change to the modern-day economics and ecology of the Santa Barbara Channel. The Suitcase Director: Natassha Amalia (Australia, 2012, 11m) The Things we own in life have such extraordinary journeys, journeys that we, the owners, never really know. The Suitcase is Natassha Amalia’s graduate year pro- duction and directing debut. It tells the story of five unique characters whose lives change because they all stumble across the suitcase. Starring: Alexander Moller, Mark Gambino, Daniel O’Kane, James Ness, Merrill Hogan, Justin Johnstone 2013 JURORS // 34 FEATURE: Kerry David - award-winning producer - Lucky Crow Films Troy Hollar - producer, director Sandy Moore - President, House Lights Media, a former media, cable and satellite industry executive. Steve Roberts - President, House Lights Media, a former Vice President of National Sales for Paramount Home Entertainment DOCUMENTARIES: Maria Bartholdi is a producer living in Minneapolis - best known for her work in arts and cultural media. She is the proud recipient of four Upper Midwest Regional Emmy awards which she keeps under her pillow at night. Nels Lennes is an actor and improviser and is a founding member and Artistic Director of HUGE Improv Theater. Nels has starred in films that have won recognition nationally and have screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Hannah Kuhlmann is an actress and writer. ADVENTURE: Ben Cramer: freelance sports and travel reporter living in New York. Brendan Hussey: award-winning filmmaker whose documentaries have been broadcast worldwide. Michael Liss former adventure sports programmer of VFF. 2013 JURORS // 35 STUDENT: Ben Elledge is currently rehearsing/performing the new musical “Nerds” detailing the rise of Steve Jobs. in addition to recurring regional commercials around the US he is 1/2 of a producing duo, Unflexed Productions. Martin Nieves is founder and COO of Windmill Studios NYC. he has been directing and producing theatre, film, and television in New York City for last decade. Richard Walker has been active on all sides of the camera since his early days with home video. after numerous successful music videos in FL he has brought his youthful production styles to the BIg Apple. SHORTS: Tom Isbell Husband, professor of Theatre and Film, author of the young-adult trilogy, THE PREY and diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. James Ricks Actor and Director of theatre and film. Currently Artistic Director of Henley Street Theatre. Mark Stanfield is a screenwriter and professor of Film Studies.