‘BLEEDER’ Director Jeremy Max on Turning Physical Pain Into Emotional Survival: “I Wanted to Give My Character the Win I Needed Myself”

Ahead of the psychological drama’s World Premiere at HollyShorts, the filmmaker discusses the personal tragedy behind the film, casting former professional boxer John Duddy, its visual language and the feature adaptation now in development. Jeremy Max’s BLEEDER began during a period when the filmmaker found himself questioning his relationship with the things he had once loved most. That introspection became the foundation for a psychological drama about … Continue reading ‘BLEEDER’ Director Jeremy Max on Turning Physical Pain Into Emotional Survival: “I Wanted to Give My Character the Win I Needed Myself”

Oscar Nominees, Emmy Winners and Global Stars Assemble for HollyShorts 2026 Jury

The HollyShorts Film Festival has unveiled a powerhouse jury for its 22nd edition, with Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, Alan Tudyk, Andrew Rannells, Katheryn Winnick, Kelly Marie Tran, David Cross and Rita Ora among the high-profile names set to honour the year’s best short films. Taking place 13–23 August at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, the Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying festival has assembled one of its strongest juries to date, bringing … Continue reading Oscar Nominees, Emmy Winners and Global Stars Assemble for HollyShorts 2026 Jury

HOLLYSHORTS SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Hayder Rothschild Hoozer – Producer of ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

In this interview, producer Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer, discusses his BAFTA-winning short ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS, which recently screened at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival. You have firsthand experience from time spent in Ukraine during active bombardment. How did that lived experience shape the way you produced this film? I had been to Ukraine several times before the film, even before the 2022 invasion. One of my … Continue reading HOLLYSHORTS SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Hayder Rothschild Hoozer – Producer of ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

HOLLYSHORTS SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Guy Trevellyan – Director of PLASTIC SURGERY

In this interview, director Guy Trevellyan discusses his thrilling short film PLASTIC SURGERY which recently screened at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival. What was the original spark that led to PLASTIC SURGERY? Was there a specific news item or study that triggered the story? The original idea for PLASTIC SURGERY came from working alongside The Ocean Agency, where I was able to see first hand … Continue reading HOLLYSHORTS SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Guy Trevellyan – Director of PLASTIC SURGERY

INTERVIEW: Meron Alon’s TOO GOOD: Laughing, Squirming, and Questioning What Makes Us ‘Good’

My work tends to focus on feelings that are right under the surface, bringing them to consciousness. I realized that something I ask myself a lot is: “Am I a good person?”. While I try to be the best person that I can, I’m definitely not perfect. So that begs the question – Do the tiny selfish/inconsiderate acts we do tarnish the goodness within us? … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Meron Alon’s TOO GOOD: Laughing, Squirming, and Questioning What Makes Us ‘Good’