Conversation with writer/producer Ken Barrett about the Opera Film “BRAINLAND”

In 1935 Egas Moniz, renowned Portuguese neurologist, visit psychiatrist Sobral Cid in order to persuade him allow his patients to be act as subjects for Moniz's experiemntal treatment - frontal leucotomy. After some resistance Cid agrees. The first such operation is staged, but Moniz's exhaltation is cut short by an attempt on his life. This self-contained chamber opera is actually scene 7 from a longer opera of the same name that tells three stories from the history of 20th century brain science (rather than a screenplay we worked with a libretto). it was filmed very quickly with little resources and involved professional and non-professional cast & crew. The music is by Stephen Brown. Directed by Chiara D’Anna

https://www.brainlandtheopera.co.uk/

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HEART WORN OUT & AGAINST THE WALL, 6min., Romania
Directed by Izabella Sandra Alda, Ovidiu Claudiu Moldovan
This short “Heart Worn Out & Against The Wall” is a short movie about loneliness and fear. Fear of losing a loved one, of being superficial, of being unlovable. About the struggles of filling a void that can never be filled and mannerisms used to cope with these feelings. About wanting affection but not being able to deal with human interactions. About feeling disconnected, but never allowing this to be seen, and thus, constantly having to deal with the inauthenticity.

https://www.facebook.com/midoristarsmidore
https://twitter.com/midoristars24
https://www.instagram.com/midoristars/

Get to know director/singer Izabella Sandra Alda:

Ren's music video for "Hi Ren" ahaha. When I saw his video, it really gave me the confidence to make a similar music video, as I already had a piano version of "Against The Wall" and the "Heart Worn Out" spoken word poetry. It was meant to be something really simple, a one-shot type of video filmed from different angles, but while working on the script, it naturally shifted into what it is now.

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9/10: Love Before the Fall, 58min., USA

Directed by Daron Hagen

The myths of Orpheus and Charon are interwoven with the entirely sung magical-realist story of four friends dining in an Italian bistro who are fated to perish the next morning in the attack on the Twin Towers. At meal’s end, through magical realism, the restaurant’s mysterious strolling violinist is revealed to be Charon, hand extended, awaiting payment. Complying, each reconciles with death, and departs to the sounds of the next morning’s busy signals and the calls of first responders.

https://www.9-10operafilm.art/

https://facebook.com/burningsled

https://instagram.com/910_operafilm

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HOLLY BY CAPTAIN DANGER, 5min., USA
Directed by Aaron Steinberg
Captain Danger soundtracks interstellar misadventures.

https://www.captaindanger.com/
https://www.facebook.com/captaindangermusic
https://twitter.com/captdanger
https://www.instagram.com/captaindangermusic

Get to know the filmmaker:

Our band Captain Danger needed a music video to accompany our single entitled “Holly.” Our goals included making something fun that pointed to our sense of adventure as a group, musically and otherwise. Along the way, we were super-fortunate to enlist (Emmy-nominated) Dane Lawing as Director of Photography, who was keen on capturing a look for the live band sequences that could somehow complement the overall Sci Fi concept. We were striving to create something that could nod to our appreciation for weirdness and humor while also supporting the song’s underlying, more earthbound themes, which explore missed connections and a sense of alienation.

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Watch the Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5kY5F_t0Go

“Memory is a poet, not a historian”

Martina's poignant odyssey through fractured memories unearths wounds from former lovers, embodying abuse, deception, and death, in her quest for self-acceptance.

Official music video for “Closure” by Malcuth & Facutum (feat. Babi)

Directed by Faraz Alam Stream "Closure" → https://fanlink.entervale.com/VALELPS001

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AL REVES, 3min., Venezuela,
Directed by Luis Figeuredo
A music video by Human Productions featuring Danny Pryp and Pat Gales. ‘Al Revés’ is an original song performed by Danny Pryp.

http://dannypryp.com/
https://facebook.com/dannypryp
https://instagram.com/dannypryp

Get to know musician Daniel Prypchan:

When we finished my song “Al Revés” I was in love with it. I loved how romantic it was and immediately it came to me images of a desert, the romanticism of a mysterious woman… I was in Venezuela then and thought that “Los Medanos de Coro”, the desert in the state of Falcon, where I spent a lot of my holidays at my family’s farm, would be the perfect location. I had not been back for more than a decade, so this gave me the perfect excuse to go and enjoy the place again.

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ETERNAL LINES: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Music and Motion., 5min., USA
Directed by Yazan Al-Hajari
Eternal Lines: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Motion and Music” is the second part of a series where I delve into Shakespeare’s vast Canon, handpicking songs and sonnets that resonate deeply with me. I’ve woven these pieces into a narrative that, while personal in selection, unveils a connected story, reflecting the universal themes and emotions Shakespeare so masterfully depicted. This project is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless beauty of Shakespeare’s poetry, crafted with deep admiration for his poetic genius. While delving into Shakespeare’s poetry, my goal was not only to breathe new life into these classic texts but also to capture and reflect my own emotional journey as I navigated through the myriad of themes and expressions found in his work. Through a fusion of original music, captivating AI and real footage and visuals, and immersive sound design, I’ve endeavored to present Shakespeare’s poetry in a contemporary light, offering a fresh perspective that honors the essence of his work while inviting modern audiences to experience its magic anew.

https://yazanalhajari.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063482441871
https://www.instagram.com/yazanhajari/

Get to know the filmmaker:

My drive to create this film sprung from the enchanting layers within Shakespeare’s poetry—their timeless beauty and the myriad interpretations they invite. Each sonnet, with its rhythmic musicality and vivid imagery, became a cornerstone for the film’s narrative and aesthetics. This project was more than an academic endeavor; it was a personal voyage into the heart of these verses, exploring their resonance within my own life and experiences.

The process was two-fold: a devoted study of Shakespeare’s sonnets to honor their original spirit, coupled with a deeply personal journey to discover their significance to me. This wasn’t just about bringing academic analysis to life; it was about letting these verses breathe and speak through my creative lens, intertwining Shakespeare’s insights with my own. In essence, this film was fueled by a blend of fidelity to Shakespeare’s work and my introspective engagement with his poetry, striving to create a visual experience that is as rich and multifaceted as the sonnets themselves.

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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THE ROSE, 4min., UK, Animation/Music Video
Directed by Hilary Campilan
Baroque-pop, cinematic folk tale about lost childhood, with ethereal vocals, weeping cello & distorted bass. Starring dancer / choreographer Chrissy Brooke, Directed by Hilary Campilan.

http://www.michaelabetts.co.uk/
https://fb.me/michaelabettsmusic
https://mobile.twitter.com/miksweety
https://www.instagram.com/mikbetts

Get to know musician Michaela Betts:
The Rose is a deeply personal biographical song about childhood trauma. I released the song initially as part of my EP Ripe Fruit and then re-released a “darker” more orchestrated version The Rose (Darker) in July 2023. Because of the strong imagery in the lyrics, I felt compelled to seek out the right people to collaborate on the music video. It always felt right to animate it.

I found Hilary Campilan the animator and director on Instagram and was immediately drawn to the striking work she was doing with dancers, animation and ai. I was already friends with dancer & choreographer Chrissy Brooke as we had worked together in a singing capacity. We all connected and the rest is history!

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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MISFORTUNE, 7min,. USA, Drama
Directed by Linda Kudzmas
Adapted from a Polish folktale, ‘Misfortune’ tells the story of two sisters; Marta the elder, and Zofia the younger. Marta is very rich, and lives in luxury. Zofia is very poor because Misfortune lives on her stove. Misfortune plagues Zofia, causing disasters that constantly keep her struggling to survive. When Zofia cleverly rids herself of Misfortune, Marta becomes jealous and risks everything to get Misfortune once again, living on Zofia’s stove.

https://friedegganimation.com/misfortune/index.html

Get to know the filmmaker:
The story of how someone can experience misfortune through no fault of their own, and how other people judge the situation and not the struggle.

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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DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON FRIDAY NIGHT, 103min., USA
Directed by Mike Schmiedeler, Michael O’Brien
From EP Tom Morello – Meet former gravedigger turned doorman at the Park Hyatt in Chicago turned frontman to his own band, Ike Reilly. At 40 years old he landed a recording contract with Universal and in true rock & roll fashion he bought his family a dream home in his hometown of Libertyville, IL. Ike took his band out on the road where they became what The New York Times called “one of the best live bands in America.”

https://www.dontturnyourbackonfridaynight.com/the-film
https://www.instagram.com/mikeschmiedeler/
https://www.facebook.com/mike.schmiedeler/

Get to know the filmmakers:

Michael O’Brien: I introduced Mike to Ike and his music about 12 years ago…I showed him a demo/sizzle Ike and I had made for AMC that sadly was given a pass. Mike became a huge fan of Ike’s music and eventually a good friend. It took a few years of persistent cajoling but Ike finally agreed with Mike’s premise that his is a story that demanded to be told.

Mike Schmiedeler: What he said  I came as a fan. I knew how his music touched me and I also knew his story was so unique that it had to be told. He got his first record contract at age 40 while he was working as a doorman at a hotel. And he had been a gravedigger. Literally. But then he also married his high school sweetheart and had these 4 amazing kids. But then wrote some of the most insightful, provocative lyrics on life, death, money, lust, loss and hope that I’d ever hear. It’s like he exists in worlds he should not simultaneously.

PURPLE, 4min,. Australia, Music Video
Directed by Kyan Li Rong Soh
Music Video depicting cold loneliness.

https://vimeo.com/kyans

Get to know the filmmaker:

In the aftermath of a painful, personal experience, I felt really lonely. This is my expression of that. It took my maybe two weeks (to make the film). That’s not normal for me, I usually spend a lot of time conceptualizing things before I shoot/record stuff, but this one flowed really quickly.

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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ALWAYS PRESENT, 30min., USA, Musical Dance
Directed by Philip G. Anderson
An artist explores their relationship with fear in the creative process.

https://www.philipganderson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/philipgandersonmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/philipgandersonmusic/
https://twitter.com/panderson91

Get to know the filmmaker:

The things that I imagine motivate all artists, a desire to create, to explore and express artistic ideas, to tell a story. The project’s focus is to illuminate an artist’s relationship with fear in the creative process, how it influences them in conscious and subconscious ways, and how to acknowledge and accept that fear as an always present part of the process. I sought to illustrate that through contemporary dance, music, and 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.

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O, 10min., France, Music
Directed by Fabien Legeron
Locked in since ever, exiled forever – In the in-between of anywhere, a form wanders aimlessly, cut from any companionship or hope.
What will be the meaning of finally being freed ?

http://www.fabienlegeron.com/

https://instagram.com/fabienlegeron

Conversation with filmmaking team:

Director: Fabien Legeron

Musician: Daniel Larose (GEROSTENKORP)

Performer: Jennifer Gothuey

Get to know filmmaker Fabien Legeron:

When Daniel contacted me, I had been in what one would call a creative rut for some time – life, its events and necessities, the struggles with jobs and loved ones that we all encounter, well, it takes its toll.

Amazingly, what felt like a creative emptiness vanished when this old aquaintance reached out saying “Hi, I’ve got this musical piece I’d like to make a short movie of, the only guiding idea is the word “Archangel””.

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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CLEAR, 5min., USA, Music Video
Directed by Jedidiah Roberson
Clear is about the clarity that our environment is in danger and understanding what side you are on. It’s proof that anyone can be changed to respect nature’s beauty, you just have to see it for yourself. It’s the urgency that something has to be done now, and that it cannot wait. That we all have that rebel in us that wants to do what’s right.

https://www.jonobareford.com/home
https://www.facebook.com/jonobareford
https://www.instagram.com/jonobareford/

Get to know Jonathan Bareford:

I’ve always been inspired by the landscapes of ice caves and glaciers. It reminded me of red rock slot canyons but in the form of ice. When I finished my last music video, I wanted to dive deeper into the story of trying to save the environment but this time about how overwhelming environmental preservation can feel when half of the world isn’t interested in helping. That made me want to take on a good vs evil action style to this video in sort of a vintage NASA aesthetic. Something that would feel more relatable like an old action movie and inspire people to really think about the concept and our environment.

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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LONG KISS GOODBYE, 8min., Canada, Relationships
Directed by Duy Viet Hai Tong
A window into the last day of a relationship.

Get to know the filmmaker:

I made this film during a period where not a lot of things were happening around me. I was just trying to find my feet in a new environment. I had just graduated from university and moved to Canada. So, I think there was a personal component to making the film because it was for me to reflect on such a long journey from when I was a kid to just being done with the education environment and moving to another phase in life.

The relationship aspect of it came down to reflecting on past experiences and combining them with other things I know of. That’s where the European arthouse influence came in and I thought what a great tribute it would be to have a romance film in that style set in the modern day. We did ditch the excessive smoking though.

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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FLORES, 4min,. Germany, Music Video
Directed by Asbirg Anderson
Artur is strolling around the city of Münster. ‘What shall I do?’ he asks himself – ‘Live wild and dangerous’ was the response. Three encounters help him to be courageous.

https://instagram.com/asbirg.naranjo

Get to know the filmmaker:
The idea of making a film about the people and their deeds or words that stayed with me for years was not new. Then I went to diffferent short film festivals and what stood out to me was with which feeling I left the cinema. And I was like, wait, what if I make a positive short film. How would the audience feel about hat?

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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LOST AT SEA, 6min,. Germany, Music Video
Directed by Alex Sebastian
A fairy tale gone wrong: A woman between two men.

http://alexsebastian.de/
https://facebook.com/alexsebastianmuc
https://instagram.com/alexsebastianmuc

From filmmaker Alex Sebastian:

I’m basically a self producing independent rock/pop artist and as such in control of the whole creative process start to finish. First there was the song which was inspired by a friends poem. While I was working on producing song with some great musicians (e.g. drummer Jerry Marotta, who also played for Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and many many more) I had to listen to it over and over again while out running. Images of a drifting abandoned boat came into my head (The starting image and the ending image.) and I crafted the initial plot.

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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BEAT, 11min,. Canada, Experimental
Directed by Martin Daigle, Sylvain Pohu
To subject to repeated beatings or physical abuse, to strike against repeatedly and with force, To shape or break by repeated blows, to defeat or subdue, and many other meanings of the word beat is thematic content that influenced the structure of this solo for drum kit and electronics. Furthermore, the abstract and various meanings of the word are represented by the sound of free jazz and noise music is present during the entirety of the piece.

https://www.martindrum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/martindaigledrums/
https://www.instagram.com/martindaigledrums/?hl=en

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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“Circles” is a music video of a song composed by Charlie Lim. He is visualized as a pixel art character journeying through a surrealistic pixel art landscape to find his love. Conversation with the amazingly talented Singapore filmmaker Guo Xiang Khoo on the making of the film.

https://youtu.be/jaH7laaq808

Director Statement

Circles was my first time directing a music video. I had a thought that the idea of a character running around, looking for something he lost no matter the period or era a rather romantic thought.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service 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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THE 13TH NOTE was the winner of BEST FILM at the May 2022 Experimental/Music Film Festival.

Interview with producer Jeff Spike Wong, producer KAT Troulinos, director Karim Khorsheed, musician Rusty Cooley, musician Yan Shen.

Project Links

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

“Traditional Classical compared to Speed shred metal, music that moves the soul differently in everyone.”

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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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