Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts tagged film festival
EP. 1170 - Filmmaker Anita George (THE GIFT OF MAGPIE)

THE GIFT OF MAGPIE, 11min,. USA
Directed by Anita George
It’s carpe diem for a couple of small time grifters on Christmas Eve 1934.

Get to know the filmmaker:
I love the genre and thought it might be interesting to tell a story about expectation and balance of power. I wrote the screenplay a few years before filming actually started. Once that was completed it was about 11 months until the film’s first public screening.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

EP. 1162 - Filmmaker Kiersten White (A DIFFERENTLY – CURATED WORLD - LGBTQ+ Festival)

A DIFFERENTLY – CURATED WORLD, 2min., USA
Directed by Kiersten White
In this age of Black nostalgia, as we see the remake of classic Black sitcoms and the reimagining of Black excellence using the tools, fashion, entertainment, and mediums of yesteryear– we find that one particular community of Blacks is missing from the mainstream conversation, the LGBTQ+ community. Reimagine, with us, a Black and Queer utopia– through the eyes of Black America’s most famous coming-of-age sitcom.

Get to know the filmmaker:

It is truly a passion project with the intent of highlighting the images and subjects who have helped shape our Black queer experience and honor those who we look to for guidance in their literature, work, and art. We hope to shed light on our queer predecessors who lived and loved openly in a time of less understanding. We aspire to give them their due diligence while pushing for a reemergence of interest in Black queer culture, outside of tokenization and fetishism.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

EP. 1057 - Screenwriter Martin White II (WRATH)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/wrath

Get to know the writer:
The best way I can summarize my screenplay is: "The Seven Deadly Sins invade Heaven. One goes rogue and fights against the other six." While I don't really like to think in terms of genre when I write, I'd say that the best genre to classify this as would be action. I think it could also fall under fantasy as well.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Nov. 13, 2023 - Actress Zoe Corraface (FLAWLESS)

FLAWLESS, 7min., France

Directed by Lévy CLAUDE

A young man is going on a first date with a young lady, but things will take an unexpected turn because of a new mobile app

https://www.facebook.com/100defauts/

Interview with the lead actress Zoe Corraface.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Nov. 4, 2023 - Filmmaker Eric Burleson (THE BEF)

THE BEF, 9min., USA
Directed by Eric Burleson
While being pursued by a police officer, a young boy struggles with his decisions for the baby in his care and how to help his sick mother.

https://instagram.com/burlesoneric

Get to know the filmmaker:

The motivation for the bef started because I wanted to do one more short film on the east coast before I moved to Los Angeles. Time was definitely not on our side. I had planned to do my cross country road trip at the end of July 2018 and it was May. Once the script was completed we hit the ground running on pre-production. Luckily when writing the script I already had the actors in mind for Sammy and Baby but I knew that if I could not get the families on board, then the film would not have happened. Thankfully, after talking with both sets of parents and children, they all were interested and agreed to be in the film. I had worked with Jacob Shapiro (Sammy) and Michael Harrington (Baby) before this so I knew they were the perfect choices. Jacob was the lead in a narrative music video I directed and Michael was in a commercial I directed earlier that year.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Oct. 15, 2023 - Actor/Writer/Producer Shaan Dasani (AGENTS OF CHANGE)

AGENTS OF CHANGE, Project: Polymer, 15min., USA, Action
Directed by Jett Garrison
“AGENTS OF CHANGE, Project: Polymer” is a spy-genre film that centers a fully a queer and transgender cast while bringing issues facing the environment to the forefront. Rookie secret agent Guy Longani is on a take-along mission to expose the ringleader of an illegal plastic dumping scheme, but when the operation goes awry, he must earn the trust of his more experienced partner if they’re going to bring an evil mastermind to justice.

https://agentsofchangemovie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/agentsofchangemovie

Conversation with screenplay writer, producer, and star Shaan Dasani.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

September 3, 2023 - Filmmaker Kelly Diaz (DOM BANGS A ROCKETTE)

DOM BANGS A ROCKETTE, 19min., USA
Directed by Kelly Diaz
After picking up his nephew from elementary school in the Valley, East Coast transplant and aspiring adult film actor Ray, loses track of the kid, leading to the “New York style” kidnapping of an innocent man.

Get to know the filmmaker:

Tom wrote the screenplay for ‘Dom Bangs a Rockette’ a few years before we shot it, a few years before we even moved to LA. It was a project we kept putting off – life events just seemed to pop up in the way. Then March of 2020, I was in my second year of grad school at UCLA when everything shut down. Tom and I sat at home for a few months, like everyone else, and then we thought, “Maybe this is the perfect time to make this movie. Our schedules are certainly open.” And we found that a lot of our friends, who were also grad students and filmmakers, felt the same way. We all wanted to keep working, to get back on set again. And I think making a comedy at that time was perfect. We all had enough stress; it was nice to escape into work, to throw ourselves into a project we cared about and then… laugh.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

May 9, 2023 - Filmmaker Kody Zimmerman (LOCK)

LOCK, 3min., Canada,
Directed by Kody Zimmermann
For some kids, the garage is an oasis away from parents, homework, and chores. But sometimes, there may be something hidden amongst the junk and clutter. Something that makes ‘alone time’ not what it seems.

http://www.ghostwoodfilms.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:
First of all, I felt I needed to feed my filmmaking addiction again, to be behind the camera again. It had been a while since I did a short, as I committed the last couple of years to developing feature films. And every aspect of making a short film is a taxing endeavour. It taxes your finances, your scheduling, your relationships, your commitments. Anyone who does these often enough knows there are only so many times you can go back to the well to ask for donated gear, volunteer cast and crew.

So the second part of my motivation came from a very simple question: How much of this can I do on my own? On the quest to answer that question, I became a huge, huge fan of filmmaker David F. Sandberg (LIGHTS OUT, SHAZAM) and his Youtube channel devoted specifically to do-it-yourself filmmaking.

It rewired my way of thinking. My short film THE FAMILIAR was run like a well-oiled feature film with dozens of crew members, multiple locations, multiple actors, and top-of-the-tier gear. For something as bare-bones as LOCK, I allowed myself to let go of that mindset. It was liberating. But it did mean brushing up on skills I hadn’t exercised in years and learning new ones I had never touched on before.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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May 2, 2023 - Filmmaker Shari Coleman (HOME)

HOME, 13min., USA, Dance
Directed by Shari Coleman
When her parent’s domestic violent relationship comes to a head, Harley must choose between protecting her family and keeping her sanity.

Get to know the filmmaker:

Growing up, I unfortunately witnessed the terror that is a domestic violent relationship. Though it did get me thinking about how the scope of what domestic violence is and who it affects is very spotlighted on the couple but how about the children? What does it do to them?

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

April 25, 2023 - Filmmaker Cate Meighan (LET THE MUSIC PLAY)

LET THE MUSIC PLAY was the winner of BEST FEATURE FILM at the November 2021 DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.

Get to know the filmmaker:

We had originally had another project planned and that was totally squashed because of Covid-19. As someone working in the music industry, I was in touch with a lot of artists, promoters, etc. because we were all kind of comparing notes on how things were going. No one had work and everyone was trying to figure out their next move. Since these conversations were already happening around me and I understood the depths of crisis that we were already in, I wondered if people would be willing to speak on the record. Not just that, but I really wondered how many would be willing to be on camera as is, without the usual frills because Covid lockdown meant that we HAD to rely on things like Zoom. I knew the trickle-down effect in the music industry- how closures meant no work for parking attendants, merch companies, bartenders, etc. and I also knew that most people didn’t really understand the scope of the impact. Sure, the Foo Fighters would be just fine but the lady who takes your tickets and guides you to your seat was out of work for an entire year. Really explaining the crushing impact kept us motivated the entire time because someone needed to speak for the live music industry as a whole.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

February 6, 2023 - Filmmaker Matthew Catanzano (SPIRITS)

SPIRITS, 9min., USA, Comedy/Horror
Directed by Matthew Catanzano
Some haunts are haunted.

http://thehappyghostproductions.com/
https://instagram.com/MattCatanzano

Get to know the filmmaker:
My two great loves are horror and comedy. I have many MANY sketches online and I wanted to add a more straight-forward horror short to the list. Especially since it more accurately reflects the feature scripts I write. I really wanted to make a short that was scary first, had a lot of lore/rules, and showcased what I could do with no budget.

And subject matter-wise, Ghosts scare the hell out of me. I’m a big fan of creatures and monsters, but it’s ghosts that actually keep me up at night. And I really love the idea of haunted places that are also regular businesses that have to operate day-to-day. haha.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 22, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Anthony McDonough (WOOD EP. 1)

WOOD: EPISODE 1, 5min., UK, Animation/Sci-Fi
Directed by Michael Anthony McDonough
Wood is an animated adventure series that tells the story of a dystopian future in which humanity has been re-purposed.

https://thewooduniverse.com/projects/wood

Tweets by thewooduniverse

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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October 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Andrea Kramar & Writer/Producer Sarah Elizabeth Porter (HORSESHOE CRABS: How 350-Million-Year-Old Sea Creatures are Vital to Human Survival)

“Horseshoe Crabs: How 350-Million-Year-Old Sea Creatures are Vital to Human Survival” is a award winning short film that played at the Science & Nature Film Festival.

With the worldwide race to develop and manufacture vaccines came renewed interest in horseshoe crabs. These sea creatures are over 350 million years old and their blue blood has been critical to the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Their epicenter is here in the northeast and they descend on our beaches every spring in the thousands. Although the bright blue blood played a vital role in helping to end the pandemic, their numbers are in decline. We spoke with some "local heroes" who have been protecting them, and went out into the waters of Brooklyn with elementary students to monitor and tag them. Numerous species, including humans, depend on horseshoe crabs and it's up to us to help ensure their survival.


Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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October 9th - Filmmaker Amy Kaczur (MESSAGES FROM THE MARSH part 1 to 3)

MESSAGES FROM THE MARSH – PARTS 1-3, 3min., USA, Experimental
Directed by Amy Kaczur
Messages from the Marsh, 2021 to current, is an immersive experience with multiple video projections, sound art, and mapping. The project focuses on marsh locations on the east coast, and the work is developed via site-specific research, video documentation, and in-person engagement. Videos depict marsh spaces inhabited, spaces transformed, and spaces potentially lost.

https://www.instagram.com/amykaczur

Director Statement

I’m an artist and a citizen scientist, doing my part in bringing awareness about coastal risk, and action in marsh preservation and restoration. I've started working in Massachusetts marsh areas that are projected to be under water by 2050 through combinations of sea level rise, tides, and storm surge. I video above and within the marsh water bodies, and create topographical maps of the marshes and threatened areas. I'll continue researching the impact of the coastal marsh loss on the ecosystem and probable species extinction, and efforts in preservation, restoration and management.

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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September 28, 2022 - Filmmaker Malik Amandla (APPLES AND APPLESAUCE)

"Apples and Applesauce" is about a model that sacrifices her art career for financial security and a photographer that sacrifices everyone in their life for their artistic ambitions.


https://www.instagram.com/malikproductions/

Malik Amandla is a writer and director born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received his BA in Film Production from California State University Northridge. In 2020, he wrote and directed his first feature film, "Apples and Applesauce." He loves to create unique stories with a diverse cast and crew.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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September 16, 2022 - Animator Richie Valentino (POGO IS BORED)

POGO IS BORED, 4min., Australia, Animation

Pogo and best friend Flower are always in search of something new to do. They love to help others in need and are very keen to jump in with innovative ideas to do so.

https://www.delvalentinoproductions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/richie_valentino/

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 9, 2022 - Filmmaker Keith Sargent (TODAY I WROTE NOTHING)

TODAY I WROTE NOTHING played at the Black & White Film Festival. “Russian absurdist writing made flesh from the beautiful micro-fiction words of early soviet avant garde writer Daniil Kharms.”

Project Links

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 23, 2022 - Filmmaker Anthony Gordon (12 SHADES OF GREY)

12 SHADES OF GREY was awarded BEST FILM at the June 2022 SCIENCE & NATURE Festival.

Watch the Short Film Trailer: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/12-shades-of-grey-short-film-trailer

“To have followed mainstream media for best on four decades, together with countless films and television programs relating to the Great White Shark, its no surprise that the overwhelming public and social sentiment is one of fear and loathing.

In a similar light to foreign and domestic governments inoctrinating the populations to despise a supposed enemy, the Great White has become the common foe of people throughout the globe. There appears to be a gap between public sentiment and the views of scientist and shark enthusiasts across the board. The question remains, how to we bridge this gap?”

Conversation with Anthony Gordon on the making of the film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 3, 2022 - Filmmaker Gary Beeber (THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND)

THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND played to rave reviews at the June 2022 Toronto Documentary Film Festival.

https://www.filmsbygarybeeber.com/savior

“Meet Dick Zigun, “Honorary Mayor of Coney Island” and learn about the beginnings of Coney Island USA. Under Dick, Coney Island USA developed and produced a number of beloved summer programs including the Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow.”

Conversation with Gary Beeber about the making of the film and why he made it.

Watch film today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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June 20, 2022 - Filmmaker Jean-Marc Abela (ELIXIR)

ELIXIR was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the May 2022 EXPERIMENTAL Film Festival.

“After the recent break up of a longterm relationship, Maeve must move through nostalgia and pain to find herself again.”

Conversation with Montreal filmmaker on the collaborative process making this film with choreographer/performer Elie-Anne Ross.

Go to the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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