From Pain to Purpose: The Quiet Power of RISE

Jessica J. Rowlands’ RISE is not only a monumental moment in Zimbabwean cinema—being the first film from the country selected for a premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival—but also a deeply moving piece of storytelling that resonates far beyond its local setting. Rooted in the true story of Tobias Mupfuti, a boxing coach who turned personal pain into collective purpose, RISE is a short film that punches far above … Continue reading From Pain to Purpose: The Quiet Power of RISE

Jonathon Hammond’s FIREFLIES IN THE DUSK – Sharp, Witty and Wondrously Wacky

In the whimsical, time-bending romantic comedy Fireflies in the Dusk, director and writer Jonathon Hammond delivers a delightfully quirky and thought-provoking narrative that crosses time and space. This enchanting short film, which premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival, showcases a romance that is as much about love as it is about challenging historical perceptions. The story follows Charlotte (Emily Goss), a late-Victorian maiden whose … Continue reading Jonathon Hammond’s FIREFLIES IN THE DUSK – Sharp, Witty and Wondrously Wacky

CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Florence Bouvy’s WHERE WE STAY takes a poetic look on love and loss

Florence Bouvy’s Where We Stay (2024) is an intimate portrait of unspoken love that is finally brought into the open through tragic circumstances. The story centers on Carry and Daniel, two close friends who have spent their lifetimes skirting around their true feelings for each other, but now as Carry lies on his deathbed, time is running out for them to finally confront what has … Continue reading CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Florence Bouvy’s WHERE WE STAY takes a poetic look on love and loss

CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Through its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances, Lauren Melinda’s BEFORE YOU stands as a significant cinematic piece

BEFORE YOU, a short film written, directed, and produced by Lauren Melinda, delves into the profound emotional journey of a woman confronting the aftermath of terminating a pregnancy due to medical reasons. Based on true events, the narrative offers an intimate exploration of grief, resilience, and the complexities surrounding such a life-altering decision. ​ The film features compelling performances by Tala Ashe and Adam Rodriguez, who authentically … Continue reading CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Through its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances, Lauren Melinda’s BEFORE YOU stands as a significant cinematic piece

Bianca Poletti’s VIDEO BARN – Surrealist Horror Short is Both Harrowing and Thought-Provoking

Directed by Argentinian filmmaker Bianca Poletti, the surrealist short Video Barn captures in just over ten minutes a haunting and twisted form of nostalgia where past and present collide. Starring Grace Van Dien and Reina Hardesty as best friends Julie and Hannah, employees at a local video store within the small town of Kennedy, the film takes a sinister turn when Julie discovers a VHS … Continue reading Bianca Poletti’s VIDEO BARN – Surrealist Horror Short is Both Harrowing and Thought-Provoking