STUCK, 13min., USA
Directed by Emma Grace Lukens
A couple’s ambiguous relationship becomes slightly more clear as they lie on their living room floor, discussing their dating lives.

https://www.instagram.com/stuck.short.film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

It started with the desire to direct Mary Frances Noser and Maximilien Blanc. Writing for the dynamic between such talented actors was a pleasure. As soon as I had a draft of the script I sent it to our cinematographer and editor, Raina Virginia. I am so lucky to have made this film with dear friends, including all those who would come on board to elevate our project.

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

I was so proud to hear the audience’s feedback. What an honor to hear encouragement from those who have spent time with my art. To see and be seen by an audience for my work is so thrilling. Thank you for this entire experience. It means a great deal.

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EP. 1349 - Filmmaker Emma Grace Lukens (STUCK)

Matthew Toffolo

MIHI: At the center of our gaze, 15min., France
Directed by Cyril Durand-Gasselin
Introspection is a mental activity which can be described metaphorically as the act of “looking inside” oneself, through a form of attention paid to one’s own sensations, states or thoughts. In psychology, this is the inner knowledge we have of our perceptions, actions, emotions and knowledge, which is different from that which an outside observer might have.

https://facebook.com/Compagnienos
https://instagram.com/compagnie_nos

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to show how important introspection has been for me in my life, and still is. It helped me grow so much. By giving this work to the world, I hope it will reminds everyone how important it is to take time to listen to yourself and to learn as much as you can from everything you can find inside.

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

Honestly, I’ve got really touched and smiled all the way through the video. The comments were so nice and good but mostly really interesting. And it is really satisfying to hear comments from people that you don’t know that are coming from another country.

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EP. 1347 - Filmmaker Cyril Durand-Gasselin (MIHI: At the center of our gaze)

Matthew Toffolo

RED, 5min., Canada
Directed by Marlea van Grinsven
Red depicts the story of a romance gone wrong, where paint is used to show the side revenge and how it slowly passes through everyone until revenge has taken over. It follows our couple as they work through their budding romance slowly getting more and more torn on the outcome as they go, until at the end, revenge wins and takes over.

http://www.movementwithmarlea.com/
https://instagram.com/_movementwithmarlea

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
They always say that the best art comes from the worst trauma, and I was hoping it was right. I went through a very traumatic breakup and I wanted to turn a dark time in my life into something beautiful. Dance has always been how I’ve expressed myself and creating this film allowed me to process my trauma in a beautiful and creative way.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was overjoyed with emotion. It was an amazing experience to hear people talking about my film and loving it. I always fear that the audience won’t get my story but to hear that they understood the story behind it and appreciated the difficulty of execution to create this film was delightful.

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EP. 1344 - Filmmaker Marlea van Grinsven (RED)

Matthew Toffolo

WHEN I’M WITH YOU, 4min., Canada
Directed by Kanja Chen
An emotional tale of how the enduring love between a young boy and his grandfather bridges the gap between generations.

https://www.instagram.com/kanjachen/

Kanja has directed several award-winning short films that have been showcased at numerous film festivals. This animated short marks his directorial debut in the genre, allowing him to focus on a deeply personal story.

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EP. 1343 - Filmmaker/Animator Kenja Chen (WHEN I'M WITH YOU)

Matthew Toffolo

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E12uUF6vTZM

LGBTQ+ Drama

This is a study in gender rights and the rights of all humankind. What truly makes one female or male?

A female attorney is assigned to represent a transgendering inmate seeking a transfer from a male to a female prison. This is a study in the struggle for the balance of rights: personal, political and global. A glance into our past suggests nothing has changed in 3,000 years. Insight comes from an unexpected source.

Get to know the writer:
A female attorney is assigned to represent a transgendering inmate seeking a transfer from a male to a female prison.

This is a study in gender rights and the rights of all humankind. What truly makes one female or male? Portrayed is the struggle for the balance of rights: personal, societal, and global and, how amazingly, this struggle has existed and been depicted in literature and theater for over 3,000 years.

The screenplay deals with where we are now, what should be guiding our actions, what rules or laws should govern us – especially when those rules conflict: the laws of man (US constitution), personal conscience, or God (whose god by the way).

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EP. 1342 - Screenwriter Mary Oleske (THE LAWS OF THE GODS)

Matthew Toffolo

Watcth the screenplay reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsW9eL6aqck

A woman plays a poker game for a second shot at life, but what are the stakes and what is the real prize?

(NOTE: Podcast stopped abruptly due to a power outage.)

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EP. 1341 - Screenwriter E. Wendell, R. M. Olivier (MINA PLAYS THE GAME)

Matthew Toffolo

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi_5ae85L-M

An artistically-gifted pizza delivery boy, caught up in a criminal enterprise that funds his creative pursuits, confronts otherworldly and possibly dangerous forces when a mysterious girl sprung from his dreams appears at his next drop.

Get to know the writer:

The story centers around Jesse, a gifted artist, who delivers both pizzas and cash for the illicit gambling ring his boss Angelo runs. Shady turns spooky when a girl from Jesse’s drawings manifests in the flesh at one of his cash drops. Only the girl, mysterious and beautiful Taria, is very much real and powerfully psychic. Cryptically, she warns that working for Angelo, the father Jesse’s never had, will have dire consequences. That his true life path is to embrace his calling as an artist. If only Jesse believed Taria really can see the future.

Soon after Taria disappears, broken-hearted Jesse is haunted by a series of strange, even supernatural, encounters, forcing him to make harrowing choices if he ever wants his girl back. If he even wants to live. Only after Angelo is beaten inches from death, and the ring’s big boss is murdered, does Jesse take a life-altering mindf*ck of a journey to the nearly unfathomable truth.

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EP. 1340 - Screenwriter Clifford Evan (DELIVERED)

Matthew Toffolo

NOVA, 7min., USA
Directed by Noah Guardado
In the year 2468, Jackson, a seasoned bounty hunter, finds himself in dire straits when his partner mysteriously vanishes. Struggling with financial difficulties, Jackson reluctantly accepts a risky job offer to track down an elusive criminal. Set in a futuristic world with elements of sci-fi and cyberpunk, NOVA explores themes of identity and betrayal amidst a backdrop of advanced technology and quirky characters.

https://www.instagram.com/nova_themovie/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I would say my love for the 90’s Anime “Cowboy Bebop”. I knew I wanted to make something that resonated with people who also appreciate that sort of Jazzy Sci Fi noir style of storytelling. Making films that I love with the people I love is always the goal!

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

Oh geez, at first extremely nervous, but after hearing what everyone had to say, I was pleasantly surprised! It is a surreal feeling to hear people talk about how they experienced something you made, and even more surreal to hear how it connected with them. Truly loved their input!

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EP. 1339 - Filmmaker Noah Guardado (NOVA)

Matthew Toffolo

AMERICANS SMELL GOOD, 66min,. USA
Directed by Emir Cakaroz
The film combines the filmmaker’s story in the U.S.A. with people from different social, racial, and ethnic backgrounds that he wouldn’t have met if he hadn’t come to this country. It explores the experience of being in between many cultures when living in a foreign land.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
Immigration, a sense of belonging, connection, and isolation were always occurring themes in my films. However, I was mostly focusing on my family’s immigration from Bulgaria to Turkey and its long-term effects in my previous films. This time, I realized I had enough experience to make a film about my immigration from Turkey to the USA and I made it!

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was amazing! It was a great feeling to see people understand what you wanted to do, and they actually enjoyed the film. It was also great to see how the audience made personal connection with the film.

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EP. 1338 - Filmmaker Emir Cakaroz (AMERICANS SMELL GOOD)

Matthew Toffolo

Watch Małgorzata Szyszka’s films on the WILDsound Platform:

SPIRIT OF SWEETNESS: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/watch-spirit-of-sweetness

Why, in today's civilized world, do we still use the methods and means of healing bodies and souls used by our grandparents? Who really are Whishperes? How does modern psychology look at rituals and whisherers? The tradition of whispering/praying in the Ortodox Church language is passed down from generation to generation. The film asks many questions and seeks answers from experts in various fields: therapists/psychologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, but also residents of Podlasie.

GREEN SWEATER: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/watch-green-sweater

When you lose everything, you have nothing And the body will deceive you. It appears like a bird from paradise .. Longing for a green sweater Longing for a parrot blouse Longing for the Mexican frill Longing for a green sweater. For yourself, for all of you.

DOCTOR OF THE "POLISH EAGLES": https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/watch-doctor-of-the-polish-eagles

The film tells about the work of doctor Janusz Garlicki of the Polish national football team, which won, among others, the Olympic gold medal during the time of coach Kazimierz Górski.

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EP. 1337 - Filmmaker Małgorzata Szyszka (MAGIC OF PODLASIE, SPIRIT OF SWEETNESS, GREEN SWEATER

Matthew Toffolo

Watch Best Scene Screenplay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX2e0_LBGVI

“Shadows of Stardom” (Inspired by True Events) is a screenplay that follows the journey of Jack, a middle-aged man with unfulfilled dreams of acting and dancing. The story delves into the stark contrast between Jack’s vivid dream sequences, where he experiences success and fulfillment, and the harsh realities of his daily life in his dimly lit living room. Through a series of poignant scenes, Jack grapples with perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of his passions as he navigates the challenges of pursuing his artistic ambitions. The screenplay explores themes of longing, disappointment, and determination, offering a character-driven narrative that resonates with the complexities of human experience.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

My screenplay, Shadows of Stardom, is inspired by true events and explores the intense pressures and hidden struggles of an up-and-coming actor in the entertainment industry. It delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of fame, as the protagonist navigates the fine line between personal integrity and the seductive allure of stardom.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Shadows of Stardom offers a fresh and poignant look at the entertainment industry, providing an introspective and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by actors behind the scenes. It speaks to universal themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the human cost of success, making it a story that resonates with a wide audience. Additionally, the script’s blend of drama and psychological tension, grounded in real-life experiences, makes it a compelling piece for the big screen.

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EP. 1336 - Screenwriter Mel Masry (SHADOWS OF STARDOM)

Matthew Toffolo

WEASEL, 2min., Mexico
Directed by Hisham Iyad Hajir

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
I would like to get rid of a lot of the clutter in my house, but I don’t know how. The film peers into an alternate reality where technology provides a solution to this problem.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I liked how they understood the film. Since it’s an extremely short film about an inexistent technological gadget, then the film didn’t only need to tell the story in its short runtime, but also establish and explain what the device is and how it works. I was happy that the audience wasn’t confused by the film.

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EP. 1335 - Filmmaker Hisham Iyad Hajir (WEASEL)

Matthew Toffolo

CHHAVA, 39min., India
Directed by Anurag Srijit, Arman Shaikh

Produced by by Sudeep Mehta
Set in the storied Apshinge Military Village in Maharashtra, ‘Chhava’ offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of families bound by centuries of military service, from the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to today. Crafted with care by first-time student filmmakers, the documentary weaves together personal sacrifices and enduring bravery, revealing the profound human spirit at the village’s heart.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32117939/
https://instagram.com/chhava.official

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EP. 1332 - Producer Sudeep Mehta (CHHAVA)

Matthew Toffolo

CARVED IN STONE, 30min., USA
Directed by Porter Justus
Cast out by the academic community at her college for her extreme beliefs that artifacts belong with their cultures, not locked up in some museum, young historical photographer AMELIA SLOANE is shocked to learn a former and beloved professor has bequeathed to her a collection of valuable and rare artifacts – including the legendary sword Excalibur – and a mysterious message “You’ll know what to do with this.”

Get to know the filmmaker:

There were a number of reasons for this film. I learned a long time ago that sometimes to com up with good story is turn one on its head, and so I wanted to explore a character who’s mission was the opposite to what is usually expected. In this case, what if Excalibur needed to be returned instead of claimed, so that just turned into a exploration into culture reclamation and restoring history to its rightful origins.

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EP. 1331 - Filmmaker Porter Justus (CARVED IN STONE)

Matthew Toffolo

IN THE DISTANCE, 10min., France
Directed by Laëtitia Daché
“In the Distance” is a choreographic triptych presented as short films, offering a perspective on the notions of complementarity and duality, expressions of resilience in the face of challenges.

https://www.instagram.com/contradancecompany/

Get to know the filmmaker:

I have reflected deeply on the duality inherent in certain experiences and emotions that can emerge throughout life. This duality, which manifests itself in countless places and in a variety of forms, became a source of exploration for me. It served as a starting point for my reflections. The complexity and subtlety of the human experience, with its layers of contradiction and harmony, has always been something I’ve sought to convey. There is a richness in these tensions, a constant interplay between opposing forces, which I find both fascinating and challenging to express.

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EP. 1330 - Filmmaker/Dancer Laëtitia Daché (IN THE DISTANCE)

Matthew Toffolo

Santa Fe & Esmeralda - Crossroads, 16min., USA
Directed by Christel Veraart
In the transformative backdrop of Argentina's evolving democracy and vibrant art scene from 1987 to 1996, "Santa Fe & Esmeralda - CrossRoads" chronicles the profound and enduring friendship between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family. United by their love for music, they navigate complex family dynamics and the harsh realities of AIDS, with Kita becoming Lorenzo's caregiver and preserving their bond through storytelling after his death, celebrating a love that transcends boundaries.

https://www.christelveraart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/christelveraart
https://www.instagram.com/christelveraart/

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EP. 1329 - Filmmaker Christel Veraart (Santa Fe & Esmeralda - Crossroads)

Matthew Toffolo

ECHOES OF DREAMS, 84min., USA
Directed by Vanessa Mariveles
Reyna, a struggling DJ in Silicon Valley, has to pivot her career in order to survive. Having the worst year ever, she is forced to join the “gig economy” so she can pay rent while living with her pushy mother. While dating women for the first time, she finds herself in comical situations. Through determination, self-discovery, and the power of faith, Reyna learns to overcome adversity and finds her true calling and love.

http://marivelesproductions.com/
https://instagram.com/mariveles.productions

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated me to make Echoes of Dreams was wanting to tell an underdog story mixed with romance and comedy since those are my favorite genres. I wanted to write something quickly and get it made in 2023 so I decided to tell my own story.

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EP. 1327 - Filmmaker Vanessa Mariveles (ECHOES OF DREAMS)

Matthew Toffolo

Al Chang, a distinguished filmmaker from Los Angeles's Koreatown, is passionately pursuing his dream of crafting authentic narratives in the film industry. With a background that includes 10 years of service in the U.S. Army and a deep connection to the post-L.A. riots culture, in addition to being a dedicated husband and father of four, Chang brings a unique perspective to his work. Currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with an Editing emphasis at Chapman University, Chang is an emerging talent in the world of filmmaking. His journey began with a passion for editing, which eventually led him to write and direct his own short films, driven by the desire to create entertaining short films. Despite the challenges of balancing life as a full-time student, husband, and father of four, Chang continues to push on, proving that creativity can thrive even in the busiest of lives.

https://www.instagram.com/4lcfilm/

Listen to previous podcast interview with Al Chang: https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/1/18/ep-1091-filmmaker-al-chang-viral

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EP. 1326 - Filmmaker Al Chang (award winning short filmmaker)

Matthew Toffolo

Patrick McCarthy is a self taught animator who went from being a comedian sleeping in his car to becoming a Storyboard Artist at Family Guy. Patrick made multiple animations that went viral amassing millions of views on YouTube, and he has spent the last 6 years developing Paraland.

Watch his viral films on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PatrickMcCarthyAnimations

PARALAND: THE PROLOGUE, 4min., USA

Directed by Patrick McCarthy

Paraland is the story of three heroes charged with rebuilding the realm following the reign of a hateful tyrant. As they struggle to unite the land and bring together the twelve races, they must also solve magical mysteries, defeat legendary foes, and endure the gods’ twisted sense of humor.

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EP. 1325 - Filmmaker Patrick McCarthy (Paraland: The Prologue)

Matthew Toffolo

THE NEXT BELLS, 16min., USA
Directed by Joey LaFrance
In this musical, Lily is waiting for an important phone call and navigates life assuming the worst, leading her down a dance-filled, spiraling path of self-discovery.

https://www.instagram.com/the.next.bells_film/

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EP. 1324 - Filmmaker Joey LaFrance (THE NEXT BELLS)

Matthew Toffolo