PAGES IN THE WIND, 14min., USA
Directed by Lucas Haviland
As Bailey sits in the park, he starts to reminisce about his journal entries over the past month. Through flashes to these entries, Bailey and his boyfriend, Gavin, experience the various intricate elements of their relationship. All the while Bailey takes in the environment around him in the present day. When his best friend, Corrine, stops by to surprise him, they start to catch up on the past week. Bailey quickly remembers that his entries might be less realistic than he wants them to be. And that his roommate, Gavin, will probably never be the man he needs in his life.

https://www.instagram.com/havilandfilms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

The film’s exploration of romantic love and the lengths someone would go to experience it are rooted in my own thoughts surrounding the lack of that kind of love in my life. The exploration and need to put an image to these thoughts and showcase yearning is what drives my motivation in making this film. All to answer the question: To what lengths will someone go to feel love? Seeing and working on the creative projects of my friends and classmates, this motivation was kept alive and continued to grow until the final results of the film that was screened at this festival.

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

Going into the audience feedback video, I was nervous solely because of my perfectionistic tendencies and the miniscule things I wanted to try to change. This quickly changed to excitement and general appreciation for the thoughts, praise, and constructive feedback from the audience. It was reassuring to hear about parts that I was hesitant about being well-received by the viewers and for the themes to come across even in the ambiguity of the film.

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EP. 1469: Filmmaker Lucas Haviland (PAGES IN THE WIND)

Matthew Toffolo

Birthday Blues, 9min,. Luxembourg

Directed by Elisabet Johannesdottir

A couple on the rocks struggles with honesty, leading the woman to make a fateful decision.

https://www.instagram.com/eliisms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I became pregnant with my son a month after Roe Vs Wade was overturned, and it gave me a lot of room for thought about women's rights and the immensity of the choice of motherhood. To me it is a private decision that I wanted to examine in the microcosm of an expiring relationship.

In 2021, I had written a full-length play about a decade-long relationship which starts at their last meeting and works its way back to their first date. I always felt this two-hander of mine could have cinematic potential, so I adapted the first scene of the second act to the screen, where she is pregnant and struggles to break the news to her partner.

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

I was so excited to hear their thoughts. Such gratitude to resonate with and move people with my storytelling. I felt deeply seen and appreciated.

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EP. 1463: Filmmaker/Actor Elisabet Johannesdottir (BIRTHDAY BLUES)

Matthew Toffolo

The Last Houseboat, 31min., USA
Directed by Colin D’Amelio
The Last Houseboat is a heartfelt short documentary that delves into the history of a unique wooden vessel, lovingly crafted by a family patriarch in 1970. Anchored on the Rhode Island coast for over 50 years, the houseboat became more than a structure—it was a landmark, a cherished family tradition, and a symbol of connection across three generations. When unforeseen circumstances force the family to dismantle the beloved vessel, they confront a profound sense of loss while celebrating its enduring legacy. A poignant tale of resilience, memory, and the ties that bind, The Last Houseboat invites viewers to reflect on the traditions and stories that shape their own families.

https://www.instagram.com/cdproducshins/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve been in love with the Houseboat and everything it represents since I first set foot on it as a child. It felt like a true escape from the world—an experience unlike any other. From the start, I believed this vessel had a beautiful story that deserved to be told. Having always been close to the Sola family, who own this beloved houseboat, my initial goal was simply to create a short piece as a keepsake for them—a tribute to their tradition. But that idea quickly evolved, growing into The Last Houseboat, a deeply personal short documentary spanning over 30 minutes.

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

Hearing that feedback was incredibly rewarding. It brought a smile to our faces to know that people truly understood what we set out to achieve with this film—that at its core, it’s a story about family, even more than it is about the boat itself.

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EP. 1448: Filmmaker Colin D’Amelio (THE LAST HOUSEBOAT)

Matthew Toffolo

THE BOSTON BULLDOGS, 96min., USA
Directed by Bryan Cote
“The Boston Bulldogs” is a 90-minute documentary film interviewing 5 people from a running club for addiction recovery, interconnected by one woman’s story from finishing the Boston Marathon after her first full year of sobriety to her relapse 24 hours later, and now her recovery 10 years later. The filmmakers follow Meaghan on a run at the site of her first day with the club in 2014, talk with her sister who saw her addiction at its worst and helped her to recovery, interview Meaghan and her husband Conan about their relationship, their hope for their kids, and Conan’s path, interview Ashley who talks about her low self-confidence on the way to addiction and recovery and how Meaghan saved her life, return to Meaghan and Ashley’s sober living house, and hear why the club formed from its founder. The film is intended to show people in recovery in a positive, hopeful light, providing guidance for those dealing with addiction now, their family and for youth and families dealing with the pressures that come from coming of age in the 2020s.

https://www.thebehavioralhealthhour.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film? I

‘m a lifelong journalist and love to tell stories and wanted to work with my son on a project to marry our two interests – mine writing, his more broadcasting and film. This was an easy story to want to tell because addiction affects so many people worldwide and is misunderstood, and the running club is a great way to address addiction and recovery, particularly at a public health level but very much so at a local level. I wanted to try to tell this story in a different way than on paper…

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

Rewarding and validating. It was great to hear the reviewers mention things like the questions we asked and how the film impacted them. I also appreciated one of the reviewers acknowleding that the film is long – probably too long – which I get and I agree with candidly….I found it difficult to organize and package the content in a film compared to a written story. Much easier with words. Harder with images, video.

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EP. 1434: Filmmaker Bryan Cote (THE BOSTON BULLDOGS)

Matthew Toffolo

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

WOMEN AT THE TOP, 56min., USA
Directed by Kathryn Roszak
This is a documentary featuring the new movement of women’s leadership in dance, the challenges and achievements, and the inspiring stories of the women. Stories are told via interviews with rehearsal/performance footage, and brief creative narratives drawing the audience further into the lives of the women. Kathryn Roszak can be viewed as the Terry Gross of dance interviews. She presents engaging, thought-provoking, cutting-edge content that draws the audience in. People ask “Is there a history of female choreography?” and this is exactly why this production needs to be done now.

https://www.dlkdance.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:
This is the moment where women are coming into leadership in the arts so I sought to capture this. As a woman in dance, I see that women are overlooked for leadership roles especially at the highest levels. This needs to change. The women’s stories are powerful and need to be heard.

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EP. 1210 - Filmmaker Kathryn Roszak (WOMEN AT THE TOP)

Matthew Toffolo

YUGO MANCHESTER, 13min., Netherlands
Directed by Daniel Rodrigues Correia
“MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” is a captivating dance short-film that takes the audience on an immersive journey through the evolution of the city’s industry, rise, and fall in Maribor (Slovenia) during the 20th century. Through mesmerizing choreography and powerful storytelling, the film unravels the transformation of Maribor from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural gem. Each dance sequence illuminates key historical events that shaped the city’s identity, celebrating its triumphs, resilience, and exploring the impact of the changing industrial landscape. Seamlessly blending history and artistry, “MARIBOR, YUGO MANCHESTER” invites audiences to experience the beauty and power of dance as it brings Maribor’s captivating story to life.

https://www.instagram.com/maribor_yugo_manchester/

Get to know the filmmaker:
The goal of this short dance film was to show the journey through the legacy of development, rise and fall of industry in Maribor in the 20th century. We wanted to show, through choreography, the transformation of the city, which was once considered the Yugoslav “Manchester City”.

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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EP. 1175 - Filmmaker Daniel Rodrigues Correia (YUGO MANCHESTER)

Matthew Toffolo

WORLD WAR II: THE SHIPWRECKS OF TRUK LAGOON, 45min., Germany
Directed by Christian Wehrle
“World War II: The Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon” is a 45-minute documentary that dives into the haunting underwater world of Chuuk Lagoon, a site of immense historical and ecological significance. Once a formidable fortress for the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II, this tranquil Pacific lagoon now cradles a ghostly fleet of sunken warships and aircraft, remnants of the devastating Operation Hailstone. Through a blend of captivating underwater footage, historical insights, and expert interviews, the documentary unveils the stories of these submerged relics. It explores the ecological transformation of these wrecks into vibrant marine habitats, while also pondering the ethical considerations of diving in this underwater graveyard. The film invites viewers on a reflective journey, intertwining the lagoon’s war-torn past with its present status as a unique sanctuary for marine life, leaving a lasting impression of the intricate ties between history, humanity, and the natural world.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555290403495

Get to know the filmmaker:

The motivation for creating “World War II: The Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon” stemmed from my profound passion for scuba diving. Truk Lagoon had been at the pinnacle of my diving destinations list for over a decade. When I finally had the chance to dive there and witness its underwater marvels, I felt compelled to share this unique story with the world.

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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EP. 1172 - Filmmaker Christian Wehrle (WORLD WAR II: THE SHIPWRECKS OF TRUK LAGOON)

Matthew Toffolo

CONTENTMENT, 6min., New Zealand
Directed by Judie Alice Zhang
A young girl and passionate artist tries her very best to impress with her work. Her quirky and heartwarming journey centres around the theme of self-love.

https://www.instagram.com/judiezhangx

Get to know the filmmaker:

Definitely the message behind it. It’s something that I believe a lot of us struggle with sometimes, including myself. The idea initially stemmed from an abstract poem I wrote for school, also revolving around the metaphor of art but with a different message. It was honestly just through long trains of thought at midnight and random showers that the idea developed into what it has now become, which definitely motivated me a lot to make it happen!

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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EP. 1161 - Filmmaker Judie Alice Zhang & Actor Aille Li (CONTENTMENT)

Matthew Toffolo

A PROPER EDUCATION, 20min,. USA
Directed by MaryLanae Linen
Filmmaker MaryLanae Linen, frustrated by her lack of sex education, sets out to discover if her peers feel the same way. She meets with sex educators, parents, and friends and surveys the streets of Los Angeles to discover that they also lacked an informative and comprehensive sex ed. MaryLanae opens up about her own exploration of sex and reflects on how a lack of knowledge has hurt her. With the encouragement of her mother and peers, MaryLanae redefines her relationship with sex and reimagines a better future where young people can be uplifted and empowered with knowledge regarding boundaries, relationships, and bodily autonomy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuikVtFT7Cc
https://www.instagram.com/propereducation_film/

Get to know the filmmaker:
Growing up I always had a weird and strained relationship with my body and the idea of sex. As a victim of sexuall trauma it was hard for me to see sex as anything other than a bad thing. But as I grew up and met people with similar experiences and questions about sex I felt less alone. I realized that the lack of sex education isn’t just about parents not talking to their kids, it’s about parents not knowing what to say, it’s about the government not providing adequate education. AS seen in the film, there is so much that people don’t know about their own bodies. I wanted this film to open their eyes and make them less afraid of sex and their bodies.

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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EP. 1106 - MaryLanae Linen (A PROPER EDUCATION)

Matthew Toffolo

WICKED PLANS, 6min., Canada

Directed by Lee Chambers

Style Dayne, the Pizza Guy from Deadpool stars as a foreign extremist from Amadajiya, who accidentally chooses Halloween to enact a moment of terror. To his surprise, he discovers that North American life and culture is truly special, unique and sweet.

http://www.leechambers.com/

http://www.instagram.com/leechambersdotcom

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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EP. 1103 - Lee Chambers (WICKED PLANS)

Matthew Toffolo

SOLO DUET: WHO'S ON FIRST, 8min,. Canada

Directed by Paul Michael Snider

Through a unique mix of comedy and visual effects, one actor performs the famous Abbott and Costello comedy routine 'Who's On First'

http://www.soloduet.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/findpaulsnider

https://twitter.com/paulsnidermusic

https://www.instagram.com/paulsnidermusic/

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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EP. 1096 - Filmmaker Paul Michael Snider (SOLO DUET: WHO'S ON FIRST)

Matthew Toffolo

A TACO, 2min., Mexico
Directed by Antonio Rotunno
A young man walks through the streets of the city when a beggar child asks him for help to eat, will he help him or pass him by?

https://www.instagram.com/antoniorotunnofilmmaker/

Get to know the filmmaker:

We had plans for another short but it was delayed 2 times, first when one actress got sick and weeks later when the weather changed and it was rainy here, ruining the location. So while waiting to reschedule that, I felt the need to do something quick, and that’s how “A Taco” was born: as some kind of really short idea that could be made in one night (the other short has remained in pause).

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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EP. 1082 - Filmmaker Antonio Rotunno (A TACO)

Matthew Toffolo

CENSURE – 39min, UK
Directed by Richard Bazley

When introvert, Aaron, finds himself struggling under the weight of a revelation, he dreams of escaping to the only place he can breathe. But escape has a cost, and he must ask himself if it is a price he is willing to pay.

https://rmbazley.wixsite.com/censure
https://www.facebook.com/Censure-105527732039739
https://twitter.com/BazleyFilms
https://www.instagram.com/bazleyfilms/

Get to know the filmmaker:
Getting any film made is hard so if you do make a film you really want to have to make it! You need a reason! I had a pretty successful career as an Animator, Ex Disney, Ex-Warner Bros. After the death of 2D Classical Animation in Hollywood I found myself reinventing myself. I wanted to tell whole stories, not just animating a few seconds in a $150 Million Dollar Film for a Multi MIllion Dollar Corporation. I wanted to tell stories that meant something to me. As soon as you get into big budgets you are restricted in so many ways. What the Execs want, what the clients want but what about the “Director’s” vision? That is what you get with a short film on a micro budget! It is pure and it is honest. I wanted to tell stories that meant something to me and “Censure” is the first of many.

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EP. 1074 - Filmmaker Richard Bazley (CENSURE)

Matthew Toffolo

EVERYTHING’S FINE, 14min,. USA
Directed by Christina Hulen
A young teacher suffering from trauma induced memory loss finds herself spiraling dangerously out of control as the impending anniversary of the event nears, threatening to destroy her carefully crafted veneer of normalcy, her relationships and her life.

https://www.everythingsfinethemovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152022827084682
https://twitter.com/EF_themovie
https://www.instagram.com/everythingsfine_themovie/

Get to know the filmmaker:

There was an amazing confluence of events that led to this film. This film was born out of a conversation with the lead actress, Charlotte Rothwell. It was the height of the Covid lock down and we were discussing Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, specifically my own struggles with PTSD. She asked if I had ever written about it. Given the times, I thought it was an especially relatable topic, though I had no interest in writing anything autobiographical. As we were speaking, breaking news came over the television of a mass shooting in Colorado. If you’re asking yourself which one, that’s the point? That same week my brilliant friend Staci Witt called me and asked me to write something for her to produce.

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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EP. 1044 - Filmmaker Christina Hulen (EVERYTHING’S FINE)

Matthew Toffolo

THE PIRATE, 8min., UK
Directed by Ruth Carnegie
A young girl, stuck in the city, dreams of running away to the sea. With the help of her grandfather, she finds a rather unusual way to break free.

https://www.instagram.com/girl_finds_the_sea/

Get to know the filmmaker:

Like so many people during the Covid Pandemic, I was in desperate need of finding a way to get through the day. I joke that I was awful at making sourdough and so I took up writing instead but it’s based in truth. I come from a theatrical background and so I was surrounded by unemployed actors, I asked a few of them to read some of my work and the encouragement I got from those sessions was really the spur to make me want to take what I was doing off the page and actually try and make it.

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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Nov. 1, 2023 - Filmmaker Ruth Carnegie (THE PIRATE)

Matthew Toffolo

DOTGABI – FIRE, 3min,. USA
Directed by Kaia Kim, Jenna Vopat
There’s a lame birthday party going on. DotGabi, a party lover, is sick of this boring event. With her magical powers, she turns it into the ultimate kick-ass party.

Get to know the filmmakers:
We wanted to make an exciting film that would stand out from the crowd and be fun to watch! We wanted to create a music video and bring bright energy and visuals!

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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Oct. 29, 2023 - Filmmakers Kaia Kim & Jenna Vopat (DOTGAGI – FIRE)

Matthew Toffolo

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS, 22min., Documentary

Directed by Alexandra Nolen

In May of 2022 at just 34 years old, Patrick Behan, the head boys’ basketball coach at St. John's College High School in Washington DC, was diagnosed with ALS. He was given just a year to live. While adjusting to the diagnosis and the devastating effects that comes with it, basketball has become a form of medicine for Patrick, as he looks to win his first championship in the most competitive high school basketball league in the country.

Alexandra Nolen is an Emmy Award Winning director and producer within the Features Unit at ESPN. She joined the unit in 2020 after previously working for the Philadelphia 76ers and NFL Films. While at NFL Films, she won a National Sports Emmy for her work on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Most recently at ESPN, Alexandra won the Gracie Grand Award for Best Sports Feature and also Best Sports Feature for a TV Network by the National Association of Black Journalists.

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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Oct. 13, 2023 - Filmmaker Alexandra Nolen (NOTHING ELSE MATTERS)

Matthew Toffolo

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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Sept. 25, 2023 - Filmmaker Linda Kudzmas (MISFORTUNE)

Matthew Toffolo

WHAT’S BRED IN THE BLOOD AND BONE, 5min., USA
Directed by Robin M Gee
Inspired by the work of Ida Bell Wells, whose writing documented the episodic period of lynching’s in the 1890’s, What’s Bred in the Blood and Bone is a study of space and place, girded by the collective experiences of brown bodies. “Blood” explores “blood memory” as body memory and the ways in which our collective experiences bind and fortify us as African Americans.

https://instagram.com/what’s_bred_in_the_blood

Get to know the filmmaker:

A program began at my university celebrating the suffragette movement. I found the participation of black women in the movement problematic and wrote a grant which I received. This I began to explore more deeply ida b wells as a participant and read The Red Record. It all flowed from there.

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

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September 3, 2023 - Filmmaker Robin M. Gee (WHAT’S BRED IN THE BLOOD AND BONE)

Matthew Toffolo