SCORPION. 10min., USA
Directed by Krstover Luaay
When former gang member Peter’s decision to leave his criminal past behind leads to the ruthless murder of his family by vengeful ex-comrades, he is thrust into a perilous quest for retribution. Fuelled by grief and anger, Peter transforms into the relentless Scorpion, navigating a treacherous underworld to settle the score and confront his past, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that will redefine his destiny

http://iqbproductions.com/

https://www.instagram.com/director_krstoverluaay

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I have always been drawn to action films, and my first short film, Money Greed, was also an action film. The story itself was a strong motivator for me, as I wanted to create something that resonated with audiences while delivering high-energy, impactful sequences.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience discuss your film in the feedback video?

It was an incredible experience. Seeing people engage with my work and share their thoughts was truly rewarding—I couldn’t stop smiling.

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EP. 1428: Filmmaker Krstover Luaay (SCORPION)

Matthew Toffolo

HONORABLE, 16min., USA
Directed by Zachary Scott Clark, Mariah L. Richardson
Two months after he denounces the Nation of Islam and nine months before his assassination, MALCOLM X SHABAZZ has a chance encounter with his estranged brother and mentee MUHAMMAD ALI.

https://linktr.ee/Honorablefilm
https://www.facebook.com/Honorablefilm
https://www.instagram.com/honorablefilm/

Hannah Ehman chats with the star of “Honorable” about the process of playing Malcolm X.

https://www.instagram.com/jasonjlittle/

Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/

Watch Hannah’s commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman

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EP. 1427: (Actors Podcast #10). Actor Jason J. Little (HONORABLE)

Matthew Toffolo

THE MOMENT, 7min., Canada
Directed by Craig Wrobleski
A poem about resilience and strength as a path to peace. The film follows one woman’s extraordinary journey.

https://instagram.com/cwrobleski

Get to know Craig Wrobleski

What motivated you to make this film?
I received the poem that the film is based on as a text message from my friend Irina Lytchak. It arrived at the end of a rough day and the message of the poem really resonated with me. It felt like a universal message that could help others so I thought I’d make a film inspired by it.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Well, that’s a difficult question to answer. From the idea to finishing the one-day shoot was about 3 weeks and then the edit took another couple days. It then went to the composer who spent a couple weeks working on the score and then the mix took another couple weeks. So that process took about 3 months. That is when things get complicated as I then became very busy on a number of projects, lost two close family members and basically had a lot of life happen. For that reason it took about a year and a half to complete the final colour and send the film out to the world. It was a long and difficult time but one in which the message of Irina’s poem became all the more resonant.

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EP. 1423: Director Craig Wrobleski & Writer/Poet Irina Lytchak (THE MOMENT)

Matthew Toffolo

SHADOWS OF THE PAST, 13min., Australia
Directed by Locky Boaretto
A prequel to JUMPING AT SHADOWS.
Also, the origin story for the character “Agent Nixon”.

http://www.youtube.com/@lochnesslegends
https://www.instagram.com/lochnesslegendsproductions/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by the Noir Sci-Fi vibe of films like James Cameron’s “The Terminator”, and also the character tragedy / fallen hero element of films like “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was actually very happy to hear that people not only had a positive reaction to the film, but that they also felt a genuine emotional connection with the 2 lead characters as well, which made me feel extremely relieved because I wasn’t sure how they were going to respond to all the tragedy elements towards the end of the narrative.

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EP. 1420: Director Locky Boaretto & Actor Loki Acciarito (SHADOWS OF THE PAST)

Matthew Toffolo

CALIBURN, 16min., USA
Directed by Bryce Ury
The legendary King Arthur goes to the Lady of the Lake for guidance, recounting both his noble deeds and tragic mistakes.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always been fascinated by medieval fantasy and the power of fairy tales to distill reality into one story. My wife used to teach the story of King Arthur to her 5th grade students and the image on the front cover was of a hand reaching out of the water, grasping Excalibur. That image was very impactful and I felt like there was a way to explore that chapter in the legend of Camelot in a way that was fresh and surprising while also feeling thoroughly Arthurian.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About five years passed between the first inkling of an idea and the final edit being made on the project. Passion projects can take a long time. The “passion” can come and go. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that waiting for creativity to surface is much less productive than diving in and finding it yourself.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

The audience feedback video I received from the festival was very surreal to witness. Knowing that there were people I hadn’t met who were watching my film and enjoying it, lauding the parts of it I was proud of, was very encouraging.

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EP. 1419: Filmmaker Bryce Ury (CALIBURN)

Matthew Toffolo

Hannah Ehman chats with actor Ryan Carson on the making of the short film SING ME TO SLEEP.

SING ME TO SLEEP, 25min,. USA

Directed by Mario Valdivieso

“Sing Me To Sleep” follows the story of a young couple by the name of Marc and Julia. Julia has been diagnosed with cancer and she is at the point where her disease has become terminal. Marc decides to take his dying wife home so they can make the most of their last days together.

https://www.instagram.com/sing_me_to_sleep_film/

https://www.instagram.com/_._comradecason/

Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/

Watch Hannah’s commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman

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EP. 1417: (Actors Podcast #9). Actor Ryan Cason (SING ME TO SLEEP)

Matthew Toffolo

CHAIN, 5min., USA
Directed by Ling Han
“Chain,” directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

https://www.chainanimationofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559900085971
https://www.instagram.com/chain_animation_official/

Get to know filmmaker Ling Han:

What motivated you to make this film?
On my journey to becoming a professional animator, I’m always seeking opportunities to grow and improve my artistic skills. In 2021, I started wondering how I could challenge myself further. Directing seemed like the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone and push my creative boundaries. That’s why I decided to make this film.

. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Creating this film took us over two and a half years. We continuously faced numerous challenges, including a limited budget and technical issues. These challenges significantly influenced the schedule of the project.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
I would describe my film as ‘challenging and rewarding.’ It was challenging because completing the entire project was difficult. It was rewarding because our teammates all grew as better artists throughout the process.

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EP. 1416: Filmmakers Ling Han & Tzu-Ying Ho (CHAIN)

Matthew Toffolo

HELLBOUND FUGITIVE, 5min., USA
Directed by Christopher Patrick Vallone
In a desperate bid for freedom, a convict seeks refuge in a decaying fortress within the mountains. He inadvertently enters a nightmarish arena where ancient demons punish the wicked, and survival means fighting hell itself.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
SO this film is just a piece of a feature length script I wrote 18 years ago when I was just getting out of indie filmmaking after 10 years. AI came into my life almost 2 years ago, and so I started to dabble in it. I started to make a film trailer to that feature I wrote, and then started to see some AI horror, thriller contests online, and decided to make a short “Hellbound Fugitive” as a piece off of the trailer I was producing. I figured I had some scenes made already from the trailer, why not make a short from some of the clips? So that’s what I did.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Very cool, so glad everyone enjoyed it, and the constructive criticism was great too, great advice to help me improve next time.

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EP. 1415: Filmmaker Christopher Patrick Vallone (HELLBOUND FUGITIVE)

Matthew Toffolo

BAD BLOOD, 19min., Argentina
Directed by Guillermo Ronco
Abandoned by the state and with his daughter’s life at stake, police officer Rafael chooses to break his deepest convictions and commit a crime to resolve his situation. But when what was supposed to be a robbery turns into a kidnapping, he discovers that there are limits he cannot cross.

https://www.instagram.com/lucero_audiovisual/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
In 2018/19, I began developing my first feature film, “Saints of Buenaventura”, but it was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. So, my next move to push forward this project was to shoot a short film with similar characteristics in terms of tone and artistic style. So, I took the structure of the third act of the first draft of that script and turned it into a story with a beginning and end in less than 20 minutes.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was awesome! The way they got engaged and moved by the story, and their comments about the right pacing and the sound score building suspense and anticipation. I work so consciously on those topics that it makes me very proud that I got them right. Feedback is priceless for us filmmakers. Thanks so much for that!

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EP. 1413: Filmmaker Guillermo Ronco (BAD BLOOD)

Matthew Toffolo

The Second City – A Documentary, 34min., USA
Directed by Samson Ziegelman
My goal with this documentary is to share the magic of The Second City and the art of improvisation with actor and writer Bob Odenkirk and Second City Vice President Kelly Leonard. We discuss their Second City experiences, the stars they have worked with, how improv shaped their careers, and advice for the younger generation.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I spent four summers at The Second City, learning and performing improv, and it left an indelible impression on me. With this documentary, I wanted to give back to The Second City and hopefully inspire people interested in comedy to give improv a try.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I am so pleased and grateful that people responded so positively. I am very glad people learned more about The Second City!

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

For as long as I can remember, I have loved being creative. I have always been interested in movies and my passion sparked after I watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The way John Hughes highlighted Chicago, the city I grew up in, was deeply inspiring to me, and I hope to one day highlight the city in a similar way through my films.

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EP. 1411: Filmmaker Samson Ziegelman (THE SECOND CITY – A Documentary)

Matthew Toffolo

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6neBm5HFRE

After spending their tenth wedding anniversary at the Mackinac Island, Jackson and Rebecca are in a tragic car accident which leaves her in a coma for 6 months and Jackson dead. After she wakes up, she has to grieve the loss and this takes a toll on her. She meets Patrick when he comes to the school to unblock a toilet one of her students filled with sand. He feels familiar to her but she brushes it off until she goes to a church to attend grief counseling, the same church he is attending AA meetings at. They become close until she realises that Patrick was the reason for the accident.

Get to know the writer:

1.. What is your screenplay about?
Collateral Hearts is about how one navigates the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and healing after experiencing profound loss and trauma.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Drama, Romance, Family

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I feel like in a world seeking empathy, forgiveness, and resilience, Collateral Hearts offers a timely exploration of the power of second chances and healing after unimaginable loss. As audiences resonate with universal themes of grief, addiction, and hope, this story speaks to the struggles and redemption many face today, making it both poignant and relevant.

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EP. 1410: Screenwriter Stephanie Neroes (COLLATERAL HEARTS)

Matthew Toffolo

RISING TIDES, 103min,. USA
Directed by Charlie Spickler
Rising Tides is the story of how climate change is affecting the fishing communities on the East Coast, the Coral in the Keys and the domino effect it has on the various regions. We are looking at the Science of Climate change and the politics of what is and what is not being done in Congress.

http://www.risingtidesfilm.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I read an article in the New York Times about the Peconic Bay Scallops dying before they could be harvested. I grew up out on Long Island, so this became personal for me. That led me to looking at the Blue Crabs down in Maryland and the bleaching coral down in Miami and the Keys and next thing you know, – Climate Change doc.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was overwhelmed. Especially some of the comments that were made that literally mimicked my reasons for making the film, I wanted this film to be accessible and understandable for people with no experience with climate change and or the science of global warming. I wanted to present this information in a way that was understandable, Based on the comments I think I succeeded in doing that.

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EP. 1409: Filmmaker Charlie Spickler (RISING TIDES)

Matthew Toffolo

Hannah Ehman chats with actors Darlene Popovic & Cynthia Gatlin on the making of the short film GIN RUMMY.

“Three best friends have been playing Gin Rummy every week for over 50 years. On this Gin Rummy night they have made other plans as a final bonding of the trio.”

Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/

Watch Hannah’s commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman

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EP. 1408: (Actors Podcast #7) Darlene Popovic & Cynthia Gatlin (GIN RUMMY)

Matthew Toffolo

SERPENTINE PINK, 78min., USA
Directed by Vivian Sorenson
A dark surreal experience. A first of its kind, vortex of a lesbian?? John Waters film meets Yellow Rose meets early Almodóvar on a Lynchian induced trip??in the Mojave desert.??Serious Lost Highway vibes!

https://hardknockprod.com/serpentine-pink/
https://www.facebook.com/serpentinepinkfilm
https://twitter.com/HardKnockProdCo
https://www.instagram.com/serpentinepinkfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
What motivated me to make this movie was the beauty and raw emotion embedded in Megan Breen’s words (Screenplay writer and playwright). The pain these characters endure is both devastating and strangely beautiful, and I felt compelled to bring their experiences to life. I love the desert and the visuals you can capture there. I wanted dance to be a part of the film and the strangeness, hostility of the desert to be a character as well. I knew it would require a unique approach—boxing gloves to tackle the challenging, brutal scenes, and soft mittens to smooth, coax, and nurture the words, scenes, guiding them into a compelling narrative flow. I also always love a good driving scene!

I’m drawn to horror, the starkness of wilderness and desert landscapes, and the emotional complexity they evoke. I also love working with actors as sensitive and talented as this cast. This project offered the unique challenge of transforming a piece that began as a play and evolved into a film script into a cohesive and captivating narrative that offered a perspective not usually seen in cinema.

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EP. 1406: Filmmaker Vivian Sorenson (SERPENTINE PINK)

Matthew Toffolo

MEROPE, 8min., USA
Directed by Juan Carlos Zaldivar
The short film, Merope, follows a personification of the hidden star on a journey towards emancipation from the ties that historically have bound her and her six sisters, the Pleiades constellation, in a narrative about captivity and victimization, towards a new story where she claims visibility and a more authentic place in the universe for her and her sisters.

http://sedonaballet.org/merope-epk

What motivated you to make this film?

Juan Carlos: Winifred and Christel had the revolutionary idea of creating a multi-disciplinary art festival that would result in a collaboration. Merope was born from our group which included a composer, a filmmaker/animator, a collage artist, a photographer, a dancer, a poet, and a choreographer —with a wardrobe person and a camera person. Winnie and Christel acted as producers.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

The audience’s reaction was truly exhilarating! Watching people connect so deeply with our film and hearing their insights in the feedback video was both humbling and inspiring. Hearing the audience describe the film as wonderful, meditative, peaceful, harmonious, and touching was profoundly gratifying—it affirmed that our vision resonated deeply with viewers. Their heartfelt appreciation for the music and the emotions it evoked validated the passion and dedication poured into every aspect of the project.

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EP. 1405: Director Juan Carlos Zaldivar, & Composer Christel Veraart (MEROPE)

Matthew Toffolo

TURN IT OFF, 7min., USA

Directed by Senda Maud Bonnet

A woman races through the woods, hiding from an unseen threat. After injuring her leg, she finds refuge in a house, but we see a girl curled up on her couch, safe at home watching the same film we are. As the woman hides, the girl realizes the events on-screen are linked to her world. Terrified, she turns off the TV but hears a cry from upstairs. Drawn by fear, she approaches her closet...

https://www.instagram.com/senda.bo/

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaberrih/

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EP. 1404: Filmmakers Senda Maud Bonnet & Rebecca Berrih (TURN IT OFF)

Matthew Toffolo

THE MULTIDIMENSIONALS, 90min., USA
Directed by Ewa Pirog-Rojas
“The Multidimensionals” tells the beginnings of STAR ENVOY, an unacknowledged Defense Intelligence Agency Operations Group assigned to protect US interests among the galactic community via specialized “ambassadors” whom are alien hybrids. It follows Ulrin, a lifetime government grey man, and alien hybrid, as he recruits the specialized ambassadors from different walks of life (Anuba, Karson, and Phoebe). It also goes into their encounters with different galactic species (Annunaki, Arcturian, Grey, Reptilians, and others). In a parallel timeline, he is his Native American self seeing the recruits and sometimes providing commentary from his POV to Ulrin, the government employee. The work stands alone as a feature film or can be the pilot episode. Work is 90 minutes along with an additional 10 minutes of bloopers and credits. Shot on 35 mm Department of Defense camera – digitized and a BlackMagic 6K Pro.

https://www.instagram.com/fallen11series

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Grew up watching science fiction and loved the genre. If it had a star in its name I’ve watched it! Today’s science fiction genre could benefit from a female’s perspective.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Very informative, positive, helpful, and appreciative for the opportunity.

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EP. 1402: Filmmaker Ewa Pirog-Rojas (THE MULTIDIMENSIONALS)

Matthew Toffolo

HOME, 30min,. USA
Directed by Sue Schroeder, Adam Larsen
Filmed in France and Poland, Larsen and Schroeder, alongside an international community of gifted artists – from Columbia, France, Germany, Israel, Poland and the US- seek to create connection, impact, and meaning through a visually rich and poetic experience of beauty and loss, tenderness and urgency, action and recognition, mirroring and magnifying light. The work is gentle and steadfast, sharing and protecting life and in its surest moments, revealing the “we”, instead of the “I”.

Get to know filmmaker Sue A. Schroeder:

What motivated you to make this film?

Adam Larsen and I have collaborated on a number of projects with one or the other of us taking the lead. For HOME, we chose to start with a “shared” idea, tied to our kindred artistic vision – beauty and nature. An urgency developed as the climate crisis raged on. Activating empathy in our viewers, a “felt” sense became all the more important – hence the personal stories and human figure within the film.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Curiosity and amazement – how each viewer has their individual experience of the film and yet all are true.

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EP. 1401: Filmmaker Sue A. Schroeder (HOME)

Matthew Toffolo

PLASTIC TOURISM, 18min., Indonesia

Directed by Ira Setiawati

“Plastic Tourism” is more than a documentary; it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. It is a call to action and testament of the delicate balance between human leisure and environmental responsibility.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

There are many plastic trashes on beaches & we have tried hard to solve it by many ways but not effective enough to solve it. So we hope this movie can open eyes of many tourists, business people on beaches, government & local people to be aware more about these plastic trashes & together solve it well.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was so touched & happy that other people in other part of earth appreciate this movie well & pay attention to the earth’s critical condition at this moment.

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EP. 1398: Filmmaker Ira Setiawati (PLASTIC TOURISM)

Matthew Toffolo

AFTERMATH, 10min., USA
Directed by Nevin Bolla
In a post-apocalyptic world, two survivors are caught in a tense struggle within a decaying building. As they confront their harsh reality, a siren signals the end of a critical survival round, forcing them to grapple with their fears and fleeting hopes.

http://www.nevinbolla.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nevinbolla/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always been fascinated by post-apocalyptic worlds where humans are forced into these intense fight-or-flight situations. When I started writing Aftermath, I wanted to bring that vibe to life while still keeping it character-driven. The idea was to make the world feel bigger than what’s shown in the short, like a teaser for something larger. With limited time and budget, I couldn’t dive into elaborate effects or massive world-building, but I could hint at it.

The goal was to test the waters for a story that could expand, maybe even into a series someday. I drew inspiration from I Am Legend, Hunger Games, and Squid Game, mixing the best elements to create a mysterious world that leaves the audience with questions, not about what’s happening to the characters in the moment, but about the world itself. That’s the kind of storytelling I love, where curiosity keeps people hooked.

How did it feel to watch the audience feedback on your film?

It made me smile. My goal is always to create something magical, and hearing people talk about the creativity in the shots or the direction was so rewarding. No film shoot goes perfectly, we had our share of issues, like reworking shots or cutting things in post. But seeing the audience still connect with the world we created and appreciate its originality was incredible. It’s moments like that that make all the effort worth it.

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EP. 1396: Filmmaker Nevin Bolla (AFTERMATH)

Matthew Toffolo