ATLS, 11min., Canada
Directed by Mishka Balilty
In a dystopian future where a powerful elite class prolongs their lives by exploiting young women for their babies’ organs, two women, find themselves on the run from their oppressors. Desperate to escape a fate of forced impregnation and organ extraction, they flee to a remote cabin. Their refuge becomes a sanctuary where they share their dreams and fears, finding solace in each other’s company. However, their fleeting happiness is overshadowed by the ever-looming threat of capture. Their love story, which began in desperation and hope, culminates in a tragic and devastating finale. ATLS is a powerful exploration of love, freedom, and the inescapable shadows of a world that seeks to tear them apart.

https://www.wtfimproductions.com/registration
https://www.facebook.com/wtfim
https://www.instagram.com/whothefuckismishka/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
I was inspired by Romeo and Juliet one day while listening to the soundtrack from the movie, I started to see this film come to life in my mind. I always loved the reading the play when I was younger… and so I began writing a tragic love story and soon I had a script.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very nervous how it would be received. But I was overjoyed to see that people understood our creative vision and enjoyed the film.

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EP. 1372 - Filmmaker Mishka Bality (ATLS)

Matthew Toffolo

WAKING CONUNDRUM, 11min., Canada
Directed by Dale Loon, Alyssa-Rose Hunter
Waking up in a room with a ceiling that seems to never end. A man struggles with his memory of recent events but remembers everything else from the past. The man meets a woman and brings him down to great disbelief and shock that shakes every atom in his body. A scheme is planned to escape this room. But is the plan for real?

Get to know filmmaker Dale Loon:

What motivated you to make this film?

Your not gonna be so impressed, but at the time when I was in school. I came to a point where I needed a script in order to advance in the Toronto Film School program. And I only had one class, 4 hours to do it. 20 minutes was spent making beats of the story. Another 40 minutes character building. Then the last 3 hours was spend writing the script in a rush.

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

The one thing I expected for sure was the unseen betrayal from Venora. The audience saw a connection sparking between them, then at the end? They were shocked and shooked. Everything I wrote is what I wanted in the audiences reactions, and it was puuuuurfect!

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EP. 1371 - Filmmaker Dale Loon (WAKING CONUNDRUM)

Matthew Toffolo

TURNCOAT, 28min., South Korea
Directed by Jason Montgomery
A shrewd merciless crime boss must investigate the scene of his brother’s assassination for answers, revenge, and to avoid the same fate.

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

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I had spent the last several years living in South Korea; teaching English and writing screenplays. I got the itch to actually shoot something and direct it, as it had been way too long. Even though I didn’t have much of a network, few resources, and little money, I decided to use what I had and make something. My ex-teaching colleague and neighbor Maurice (Rob in the film) had left our teaching academy to pursue acting, and over some drinks in the local bar the film was shot in, we got the idea for me to write and direct something with him as the lead.

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

It was kind of surreal. I’ve seen, heard, and given reactions like that many times, but to see people I’ve never met giving such deep and intelligent consideration to my film was amazing.

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EP. 1368 - Filmmaker Jason Montgomery (TURNCOAT)

Matthew Toffolo

CATHY & HARRY, 40min., USA
Directed by Marta Renzi, Daniel Wolff
A revealing and humorous double-portrait of Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman whose work is in collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. “Cathy & Harry” documents how their lives revolve in joyous, dizzying intensity around work, food, friends, and each other.

Get to know the filmmakers:

What motivated you to make this film?
We thought these two were special people, whose work and relationship should be documented.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
We were pleased that the message came across – and a little surprised that the message seemed to be so much about their relationship.

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EP. 1367 - Filmmakers Marta Renzi, Daniel Wolff (CATHY & HARRY)

Matthew Toffolo

WHAT MAKES AN ARTIST?, 10min., Lebanon
Directed by Raafat Abou Daka
“What Makes an Artist” is an introspective documentary that delves into the lives of the internationally renowned sculptor brothers Assaf, exploring the unexpected paths that led them to their craft. The film peels back the layers of their fame to reveal the human side of their journey, offering a rare glimpse into their early struggles and the alternate careers they nearly pursued.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The idea that people always strive to create something special and achieve a goal. Whether an artist or a doctor, everyone wants to stand out and prove themselves, often to their parents. I believe this is a universal drive, and I wanted to capture it from the perspective of someone famous—showing that even they were once like us.

What were your initial reactions to the audience feedback?
I was happy to hear the details they shared—it showed they were really focused while watching the film.

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EP. 1366 - Filmmaker Raafat Abou Daka (WHAT MAKES AN ARTIST?)

Matthew Toffolo

AN UNDOING, 10min., USA

Directed by Lyall F. Harris

In this 9-minute and 55-second experimental film, viewers are taken on a journey of "undoing" as the film's author-protagonist unstitches her way to healing and catharsis, one stitch at a time, after the end of an abusive 20-year marriage. The subject: their wedding garments.

http://www.lyallharris.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lyall_harris

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EP. 1365 - Filmmaker Lyall F. Harris (AN UNDOING)

Matthew Toffolo

CHERRY ON TOP, 15min., Brazil
Directed by Laura Reis
A girl with a bunny head tries to escape from her hunted reality when she discovers a group of colorful and hungry girls to be a part of…but things are not as sweet as it seems

https://www.instagram.com/cerejadobolofilme/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I can think that my motivation came from the desire to send an environment message about animal’s safety, global warming, and the problems our future is warning us about. Obviously, I wanted to do this in my own way, full of visual astonishing images and satire, targeting horror movie fans that can walk out of the section and rethink their views of the world. Another part of me wanted to make this film to honor my inter child that always dreamed about becoming a filmmaker and creating my very unique universe were everything is possible, even magical forests filled with pink, cakes and weird girls scouts to be a part of.

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

Not gonna lie, I cried a bit. Is a fantastic feeling to watch people from another part of the world talking about your film, and specially to understand everything you wanned to express. Cherry on Top is a non-dialogue short film, I wanted it to be that way so it was easier to start conversations all around the world, and I’m so beyond happy that is happening. Right after watching the feedback video, I sent it to the entire crew and cast so we could exchange of the same exited feelings.

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EP. 1364 - Filmmaker Laura Reis (CHERRY ON TOP)

Matthew Toffolo

THE COREY DAVIS EVOLUTION STORY, 134min., USA
Directed by Corey Davis
The metamorphic journey of Corey Davis, a young filmmaker as he reflects on a decade of his career. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary highlights his creative growth and challenges, showing essence of his passion.

https://www.facebook.com/CoreyDjokester?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://x.com/coreydjokester?s=21
https://www.instagram.com/coreydjokesterdavis

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EP. 1363 - Filmmaker Corey Davis (THE COREY DAVIS EVOLUTION STORY)

Matthew Toffolo

THERAPY TIES, 30min., USA

Directed by Christine Evette Giles

The effects of Wanda’s unresolved childhood trauma forces a tsunami of events to take place in the her family. This leaves her husband, Malcolm, as the primary caretaker of two children, one of which has a disability. Traditional and nontraditional therapy becomes the epicenter of their daily life.

https://doc.storydoc.com/DJgAFJ

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EP. 1362 - Filmmaker Christine Evette Giles (THERAPY TIES)

Matthew David Toffolo

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/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve been with my partner Kira (also a producer on the film) for five years now. We started dating three months before covid. When covid hit, we decided to move in together as she is immune compromised which made the prospect of her getting covid extra dangerous. Unfortunately she ended up getting covid and spent several weeks in the hospital with double pneumonia and even the doctors at the time were unsure if she would survive. She did recover thankfully, but it got me thinking a lot about telling a story about a relationship ending when it was just getting started. The nugget of that concept became “Sing Me To Sleep”. I also wanted to tell a realistic portrayal of what it is like to care for someone who is sick.

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

My reaction to watching the feedback video was relief, relief that what we set out to do with the film was clear to the audience. I was moved by how moved the audience members that provided feedback were. And I was so impressed at how thoughtful all the comments were, the three members really took the time to give us some great feedback. When you make a movie, a filmmaker always wants to feel validated that what they put together will be enjoyed and felt by the audience so watching the reactions was extremely validating.

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EP. 1361 - Filmmaker Mario Valdivieso (SING ME TO SLEEP)

Matthew Toffolo

PLAIN AS NIGHT, 4min,. Canada
Directed by Seth Mackie
A man witnesses a murder from his dorm room.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

The initial motivation was an assignment for a digital media program I enrolled in, where I had to make a short film. The idea for the project, however, came from the really late nights I would spend in my dorm room, listening quietly to music and looking out my window, where I would often see a few running cars parked next to each other for long periods of time. I always wondered what they were up to, so I imagined a scenario where someone found out.

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

I was very pleasantly surprised to hear all of the positive things they had to say about the film. Hearing someone say that it was ‘masterfully done’ or that it’s ‘a great work of passion’ was hugely inspiring to hear.

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EP. 1360 - Filmmaker Seth Mackie (PLAIN AS NIGHT)

Matthew Toffolo

THE VISITOR, 11min., USA
Directed by Nikolaus Aldrich
With his relationship in a rough patch and his career stalled, A man tries to find new purpose by retreating to the Pacific Northwest. While there, strange things begin to happen as he grapples with his sense of reality.

https://www.instagram.com/thevisitor_shortfilm2024/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

As a kid I was always fascinated by the subject of UFOs and Aliens. But I never really spent much time thinking about it as an adult. Then last year it was in the news a lot. It sort of re-ignited that curiosity I had as a child. There was so much storytelling potential that I drafted out a whole trilogy of films based on an idea that had come to me. I decided to start small and develop this as a short. The short film is essentially the opening prologue for the feature. While writing the short I wanted to make sure that it could work both as an intro to a feature but a self contained story as well.

I wanted to map the films in a way that naturally progresses through the emotions of what I imagine one would go through if they were to experience this. So starting in a Sci-Fi/Horror genre made sense to me. But if I’m lucky enough to expand this further it wouldn’t necessarily stick with that genre throughout the story.

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

It was surreal. There were some things mentioned that honed right in on specific points I was trying to make. The idea of the Visitor(s) and how technically all the characters are alien to this location was a very intentional bit. I was happy to see that point come across. It was also so fun to see how the audience brought their own interpretations to it, what kinds of genres it fit into and filmmakers it reminded them of. There was a lot of hard work put into the film from every department and I was very happy to hear that those teams were given mentions. They really pushed the film into the next level.

The reaction to the film has been so positive. With its inception coming from a relatively dark time in my life. I really don’t have words to describe how incredible it feels to hear others talking about the film and engaging with it enthusiastically. My initial reaction was that this whole strange journey was worth it. I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out and hearing the reactions to it made me a bit emotional if I’m being honest. I was very moved by the whole experience because it’s surprisingly pretty rare in the festival circuit to really get that kind of direct feedback on your work.

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EP. 1358 - Filmmaker Nikolaus Aldrich (THE VISITOR)

Matthew Toffolo

THE DAYS OF KNIGHT, 9min., USA
Directed by John P Martinez
A highly trained operative, belonging to a clandestine ancient group of expert mercenaries, is given a mission to recover a valuable item for one of the 13 most influential families on Earth. As war breaks out and alliances formed centuries ago crumble, survival becomes the top priority for everyone involved.

https://www.instagram.com/1018filmsaz/

Get to know the filmmkaer:

What motivated you to make this film?

This was on my bucket list of things to accomplish. I always wanted to create a short film and decide to just do it! I should have done this long ago…

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

It was a fanatastic experience seeing their reaction. I was stunned, speechless and amazed.

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EP. 1357 - Filmmaker John P. Martinez (THE DAYS OF KNIGHT)

Matthew Toffolo

And The Balls Roll On… The Real Story of the Beautiful Game of Skee-Ball, 93min., USA
Directed by Thaddeus O. Cooper, Kevin B Kreitman
This is the story of Skee-Ball—a unique game, patented in 1908 by a long forgotten inventor living in Vineland NJ: Joseph Fourestier Simpson. The film explores the era in which the young inventor grew up, as the industrial revolution created the new middle class, and the explosion of amusement parks that allowed them to flee their crowded industrial neighborhoods for a few hours of pleasure.

http://www.nomoreboxes.com/AndTheBallsRollOn.html
https://www.facebook.com/atbrothemovie

Get to know the filmmakers Thaddeus O. Cooper, Kevin B Kreitman:

What motivated you to make this film? 

Thad wanted to get back into shooting video and was looking for a small project—a 10 minute YouTube video about the history of Skee-Ball. He started digging into the real but unknown inventor, and discovered a surprisingly dramatic and moving story, and then the rest of the saga that has its own drama and memorable characters…and we knew we just had to tell the story.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Thad: Dumbfounded! When you work on a project for this long, you don’t know what the impact is going to be. You have a skewed perspective.
Kevin: I was just thrilled. It hit exactly what we were trying to get the film to do. They appreciated the drama, the weaving of history through the Skee-Ball story, they liked our narrator and voice actors, and it made them nostalgic!

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EP. 1356 - Filmmakers Thaddeus O. Cooper, Kevin B Kreitman (And The Balls Roll On)

Matthew Toffolo

THE CAPTOR, 64min., USA
Directed by Sean De La Nuez
An ex-soldier with PTSD decides to become the vigilante of his neighborhood, taking justice into his own hands against porch pirates.

https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz
https://www.instagram.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by the growing problem of porch piracy, and I wanted to explore the idea of vigilante justice, questioning where the line is between right and wrong in taking matters into your own hands.

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

It was surreal and incredibly gratifying to see the audience connect with the themes of the film, and their reactions gave me a lot of insight into how it resonated with different people.

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EP. 1355 - Filmmaker Sean De La Nuez (THE CAPTOR)

Matthew Toffolo

TENDU, 2min., USA
Directed by Sophie Power, Michelene Mallard Billy
What happens when you grow up in a world where there was only one projected image of what a ballerina “should look like” – down to the pink nude pointe shoes?

https://www.sophiepower.info/

https://www.instagram.com/karaokeandvodka/

Get to know the filmmakers:

Michelene: What I connected the dots on is that all of my motivation to create documentary films are all mainly connected to African American arts, culture and society. Contemporary as well as commercial dance was such a safe space for me. I took part in a handful of productions during my formative years. I’ve followed the world of dance since I slowed down to finish school, and I’ve always been more fascinated with those who looked like me in a mainly white centered profession. After originally shelving the idea of making a Black ballet portrait during a stressful, hectic first semester of cramming and making multiple films to meet class deadlines, Sophie encouraged me to continue to develop the film, even offering to co-direct with me.Thus,Tendu was born.

Sophie: When Michelene first pitched the project, I knew right away that I’d like to collaborate to bring it to life. I was struck immediately by her passion for showcasing Black excellence and we both shared a combined interest in cinematography surrounding the movement of dance. In development, we came across many stories of microaggressions which Black dancers faced in their professional journeys. Particularly in the classrooms/studios of their youth. Because of this, we were driven to turn our focus towards those who were shaking this up and paving a better path for the next generation. The name ‘Tendu’ coming from the French word “tense”, is a core ballet movement which “serves as a foundation for many others”. For this project, we decided to play on this analogy by seeking out a selection of talented New York dancers/ teachers who, empowered by their craft, encourage young children of color to get involved in ballet. Thereby creating a warm and welcoming base from which Black talent can grow. Micah’s portrait is the first part of this series.

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EP. 1354 - Filmmakers Sophie Power, Michelene Mallard Billy (TENDU)

Matthew Toffolo

FLY AWAY, FROGGY BOY, 8min., Canada
Directed by Mia Lobo
Fly Detective Francis McFly loses his partner to the infamous ‘Croaks’, a frog gang at the centre of his most recent investigation. Stricken by grief, he decides to get revenge, and go head to head with their ravenous leader, The Frogfather.

https://mialobo.com/home

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

Fly Away, Froggy Boy was my final year thesis film. Everyone in their final year at my animation program was required to pitch a film idea, present it to our final year classmates, and the film ideas were chosen based on popular vote. The idea came from a joke between me and my partner (the co-creator, foley artist and voice of McFly), quite literally “Imagine if you pitched a film about a fly getting revenge on frogs”. I decided to pitch it to my class to see if anyone would be drawn to the idea as much as we were. We ended up one of the four films chosen to be made that year! People really love the idea.

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

It was a great feedback video!I found it really interesting to see what aspects of the film jump out at people. The whole project is a lot less surprising and fresh for me because I worked on it for so long. Being able to hear people talk about the specific elements of the film that they found really unique, fresh and fun, reminds me of how great the project is, and how I felt the exact same way during the process.

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EP. 1353 - Filmmaker Mia Lobo (FLY AWAY, FROGGY BOY)

Matthew Toffolo

DARK ROOM, 11min., USA
Directed by Rogelio Robles
After losing everything, a man slowly and painfully loses his mind right before your eyes. Becoming the serial killer he was destined to be.

https://www.instagram.com/roy_horror_director/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

It was something that I felt I needed to make. Everyone deals with loss and depression differently. I wanted to get this out there and show my perspective on what it would look like for someone to slowly lose their mind.

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

It’s awesome to get multiple viewpoints and interpretations of the film. Sometimes I hear something I didn’t quite think about before and I’m like wow that was actually awesome!

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EP. 1352 - Filmmaker Rogelio Robles (DARK ROOM)

Matthew Toffolo

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