The Green Film
Normally, short film programs attract small turn-outs at festivals, but at this year's Newport Beach Fest the week-end screening rooms were packed with enthusiastic fans of the genre, fortunately for the filmmakers.
In fact, Newport went all-out and programmed a series of themed shorts (which I mentioned in an earlier post) which - for the most part - have been blessed with stand-out offerings by talented artists.
At a Q & A session on Saturday, one filmmaker noted that the festival circuit is the only theatrical setting in which to catch a short.
"Why don't movie houses pair them with full-length features in a regular setting," one animator asked a Senior Program Director.
Gosh, he's got a point.
When I was a kid (dating myself again!) a short usually screened before then the main (entree) feature sprang to life on the silver screen.
Today - the only shorts filmgoers are treated to before they settle into a drama, comedy, or action-adventure - is the one inspired by the pursuit of the almighty dollar: the commercial!
The Festival staffer noted that the organizers have bandied about the idea and are receptive to it.
"It depends on the length of the feature. If it's ninety minutes or longer - and a slot is slated for a Q & A session after the preview - there may not be sufficient time for a short because the theatre needs to be cleaned and readied for the next screening."
Like or not, the shorts creeping up on the screen just prior to the Film Festival feature have usually been foisted on bookers by - who else? - the sponsors!
In addition to that thought-provoking subject, during another short segment, an exciting bit of news about a new line of software was excitedly disclosed to the rapt audience.
One filmmaker - who was working under a Professor at Hampshire College - helped develop a project known as "Helga".
In sum, it is an online software package that will allow several key players in a production to contribute their creative skills to a project from anywhere around the country.
"It will transform the industry," he concluded to a fascinated audience.
Info: http://www.helgaproject.org
Of the animated films I've caught to date, here are a handful that are worthwhile tracking down next time you're in the mood for a regular short or short animation experience.
Heart Attack
This animated short was produced as a Public Service Announcement.
The opening shot focuses on a man in bed asleep and snoring.
Suddenly, there is a loud pounding on the bedroom door which wakes the subject up from his deep sleep. Petrified, the man cowers in his bed, paralyzed doing nothing. An image of an evil "heart" breaks into the room with a large knife in its hand and proceeds to stab the subject violently in the chest.
Whoa!
The audience reacted dramatically; after all, the images were quite disturbing.
"Did you worry you may have gone over the top, I asked the meek-looking filmmaker."
He responded with a wry smile.
"I thought I should get the point across without holding back."
Did he!
The Incident at Tower 37
Tower is a beautiful well-crafted piece of animation featuring eye-catching images that resonate and touch the audience.
The plot is intriguing, too.
Day in and day out - almost ad nauseam - a lone manager at a water tower monitors the operations clueless to the fact he is slowly destroying an entire ecosystem.
4 stars for this one!
Granny Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
"Grim" was inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.This rich animated fairy tale appealed to my artistic sensibilities and my wicked sense of humor, too.
In this filmmaker's delightful version, an elderly fairy enacts her revenge on a superficial social circle obsessed with youth and physical beauty.
Distraxtion
Short and sweet!
In fact, it's over before you know it.
But, this little gem packs a wallop.
Animation at its best!
The Green Film
A naive filmmaker tries to produce a feature that is totally "green".
Well-acted, well-written, well-crafted.
There is a surprise ending that ends with a solid punch and a sound message.
Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures
During the course of uncovering ancient treasures from the historic "Silk Road" at a newly-discovered archaeological dig, the Iraq War breaks out and the site is obliterated.
A tale about heroic Afghans who sacrificed and dedicated their lives to safeguard the treasures that were safely excavated before the outbreak of the conflicts with the ultimate aim of preserving a priceless Afghan legacy.
Info: http://newportbeach.bside.com/2009/films
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