Mt. San Antonio College MOUNTAINEER

A&E

Indie Beat

Elizabeth Steele

A&E Editor

By: Elizabeth Steele
4/17/07

In a city where the only thing most anyone involved in the entertainment business wants is to be recognized for their cinematic work, where actors are a dime a dozen and everyone has "the best script," festivals are being created to bring together people with common goals and desires.Los Angeles is known for its cinematic achievements in Hollywood. However, more people are looking towards a lesser known field of cinema, the independent films, the labors of love. Independent Films in their purest form are usually low-budget (meaning at least half the cost of Hollywood films) and directed in small studios. More recently many large companies such as Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics are producing low-budget films to appease the growing desire for more artistic, human interest movies. Directors can keep their creative vision though out filming to keep their intent from being tampered with by producers. Not only are independent filmmakers finding a place to showcase their talents, short films are also gaining worldwide attention.In a city of high budget film making, two friends came together to help people showcase their passion, an otherwise rarely noticed passion, short independent films. Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont met years ago and came up with the idea of an independent short film festival based on their own passions, the HollyShorts Short Film Festival. The festival is a place where people from all over the world, in all stages in life can show their work, but especially students who otherwise have no place to be recognized. "The initial idea was that this would be a student centered festival." Sol said. "We want to add and entice more students to join. This year is focusing more on student films."Knowing that untapped talent needed a place to be seen, Sol knew it would gain appreciation, and attention, he said. In its third year the festival is already gaining some star power. Adrian Grenier, who plays Vincent Grenier on the HBO series Entourage, will use the Third Annual HollyShorts Festival for the Hollywood premier of his film "Euthanasia."The idea for a short film festival sprouted from Sol and Dumont's passion for film. "The positive thing is we are hands on with what we are doing. I love doing this. Everyone involved enjoys it. We care about it." Sol said. They wanted to give the festival a shot. Keep things simple. And they would see where it went from there, Sol said.The last two festivals showcased some of the world's best 30 minuet and under short films to sold-out crowds. Sol wants the festival to bring people with common goals together. According to Sol, he and Dumont strive to "advance the careers of filmmakers globally and showcase great short film projects." This year's festival is scheduled Aug. 10-12. Regular deadline for submissions into the film festival is April 27. The late deadline is May 25. Students get $5 off any submission. All shorts must be under 30 minuets. Categories include Short Live Action. Short Animation, Short Documentary, and Student Short. To submit to the HollyShorts Short Film Festival please go to www.withourabox.com/login/4655. Or for more information about the festival go to www.hollyshorts.com. Along with an annual festival Sol and Dumont also PRESENT monthly screenings of short films. At the end of the month, usually on Thursdays, the Cinespace Digital Superclub in Hollywood brings together an upscale restaurant and bar and a movie screening room. During a typical night five or six short films are shown during September to June months, leaving July and August dedicated to preparing for the film festival. It is an open submission showcase.
© Copyright 2007 The Mountaineer

HollyShorts On FIN Panel

Los Angeles---On Sunday, July 8 Daniel Sol, HollyShorts Festival Director and Co-founder spoke on the Film Industry Network (FIN) panel titled "Award Winning Directors: The Short Films", which took place at Sony Studios.

Film Industry Network (or FIN for short) is a non-profit networking community comprised of individuals from all facets of the entertainment industry.
FIN provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere where individuals can make key contacts, develop solid industry relationships, exchange vital resources and take advantage of real networking opportunities. Our goal is to create an organization that truly supports the goals and careers of its members.
Offering more than just a snack and a guest speaker, FIN hosts terrific panels as well as a variety of valuable programs like: -Yearly Screenplay Competition -Mentorship program -And More.
FIN provides real networking opportunities, so come to the next FIN meeting and network your tail off.

HollyShorts 2007 Schedule Announced!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Opening Night Hollywood Premiere of Adrian Grenier’s “Euthanasia”Nacional (1645 Wilcox Ave)7:00pm-10pm
Red Carpet arrivals 7pmEuthanasia (Official Opening Film)Directed by Adrian GrenierUSA│17:00│Dark ComedyA coming of age dark comedy, which tells the story of Sam and Becky, an unfortunate accident forces them to grow too quickly and make some hard decisions about life and death.

Saturday, August 11, 2007
Cinespace Digital Superclub (6356 Hollywood Blvd)Lunch reservations recommended (323.817.FILM)

11:00am-12:00pm

The Trainee

Directed by Craig RosenthalSingapore│ 8:00 │Comedy

A ‘trainee robber’ tries to hold up a 24-hour convenience store with hilarious consequences.

Girl Stars: Anita the Beekeeper

Directed by Vikash NowlakhaIndia│7:30│Documentary

Anita Kumari is a beekeeper in Bihar, India. When Anita was young, her parents did not want her to go to school, but Anita longed so much to go to school that she knew she had to find a way to pay for her education. Anita saw men in her village-keeping bees and decided to give it a try.

Live Love Work Play

Directed by Thomas AtanazioBrazil│5:00│Comedy

You have the power to change. Do what you believe and you will end up where you belong.

Freaks of Laughter

Directed by Jim GrollmanUSA│23:00│Documentary

Life can be serious business in some of the tougher sections surrounding LosAngeles. Some turn to drugs, others to crime and still others turn to Stand-Up Comedy. FREAKS OF LAUGHTER tells their story and the students who turned their life around. Cerritos Community College is the only Community College in California to offer an accredited class in Stand-up Comedy.

He Works in a Suit

Directed by Robert DaviesAustralia│7:00│ThrillerTwo strangers meet on the open road, both harbouring a different objective but unknowingly sharing the same destiny.

Si-mi.com online festival winner

12:00-1:00pm

Dandelion

Directed by Jackie LiaoUSA│5:20│Student-Animation

For a kid growing up in the suburbs, the truth can lie at the bottom of a fish tank.Life is just like dandelions. When the wind comes, they leave, but they won’t disappear. They are just going to a new place to start a new life…

Aquarium

Directed by Rob MeyerUSA│17:00│Student: Comedy

For a kid growing up in the suburbs, the truth can lie at the bottom of a fish tank.

Der Ostwind

Directed by Kohl GlassUSA│10:40│Student: Drama

In search of a worthy opponent, a German WWI ace accepts the challenge of a mysterious and seemingly invincible American pilot—only to discover the true price of honor.

Two-Eleven

Directed by Velvet Andrews SmithUSA│18:50│Drama

There are thieves among us… and then there are expert thieves. A charismatic criminal is on his way to becoming the most prolific bank robber in history. But a brilliant detective is determined to catch him. It’s only a matter of time before the two find themselves face to face - and they finally meet their match.

Cyn

Directed by Alex FerrariUSA│5:00│Thriller

Cynthia, a young woman who is taken away by two psychopaths (Mr. Sugar and Otto) in the middle of the night to an old abandoned kindergarden. Cyn quickly turns the tables on them and soon the night becomes a cat and mouse mind game. While this drama is unfolding a lone figure watches from a close circuit monitor. Who is Cynthia and what the hell is going on in this twisted tale? World Premiere.

Women Against Domestic Violence

Directed by Jennava LaskaUSA│1:30 │Student: Educational

A PSA that shows the side of domestic violence that may not be seen to the naked eye.

1:00-2:30pm

Downwinders: The People of Parowan

Directed by Jake WhiteUSA│25:30│Documentary

An intimate look at the effects of nuclear weapons testing. The resulting damage and deaths have become a legacy for many southern Utah towns - including Parowan. The strength and will of the people to restore their community is an inspiring testament of the human spirit.

Songbird

Directed by John ThompsonUSA│6:00│Student: Drama

A Gothic tale about a trapped housewife who breaks free from her overbearing husband with a very dull meat cleaver.

The Red Balloon

Directed by Michael OlesenUSA│3:34│Student: Drama

A young boy enlists the help of a balloon seller to send birthday wishes to his Mom - in the only way he knows how. A simple story of loss and longing.The FifthDirected by Ryan LevinUSA│14:00│ComedyFour friends struggle to find a fifth player for their weekly poker game.

The Frank Anderson

Directed by Dave Perkal, Written by Orit SchwartzUSA│12:53│ComedyFrank Anderson (Richard Riehle) has man-boobs. Insurance agent John Simon (Stephen Root) denies Frank’s reduction while approving Bobbie Lynn (Elena Lyons), enlargements. Dr. Brice (Jane Lynch), explains to John why he should approve the procedure, while strongly admiring his man-boobs. Frank and Bobbie hook up, pushing John to consult with Dr. Seales (Romy Rosemont) into getting a set.

3:00-3:30pm: Super Panel

3:30pm-4:30pm

Blackbird

Directed by Kirsten Strom

USA│16:16│Student: Drama

On a stormy afternoon, Avis dreams of becoming a blackbird.

The 1,000 Sides of the Moon

Directed by Varda HardyUSA│2:20│Drama

This poetic evocation calls us to see the depth of reality in our everyday world.

I Hate Musicals

Directed by Stewart SchillUSA│20:00│Comedy

A guy who hates musicals, is cursed to sing them.

The Sandman

Directed by Rich RagsdaleUSA│5:05│Drama

This short is a re-telling of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale of ‘The Sandman’, and how the story inspired Sigmund Freud’s theory of ‘The Uncanny’. The film was created in the style of early German expressionist cinema.

Who Makes Movies?

Directed by Christopher LuccyUSA│4:44│Student: Comedy

continuation of the MPAA’s campaign against the illegal piracy of movies. In this installment, fluffer Randy Palmer discusses what piracy means to man with Hollywood in the palm of his hand.

Stone Savior

Directed by James MartinchekUSA│2:00│Student Animation

Devotion Will Forever Overcome Destruction.

Joseph Henry

Directed by Phil AlloccoUSA│12:30│Drama

Thoughts are only as real as you think they are.

69 Cents

Directed by Michael FitzgeraldUSA│5:00 │Student: Comedy

When two men having bad days collide in a liquor store, comedy ensues.

4:30pm-5:30pm

Sexy Thing

Directed by Denie PentecostAustralia│14:00│Student: Drama

On a dry suburban day, a 12 year old is caught between the conflicting worlds of family, friendship and imagination. Struggling to endure a confusing love, and longing simply to be seen, the child survives by transforming pain into beauty.

When We Were Bengs

Directed by Alaric TaySingapore│12:00│Comedy

Two mischevious brothers. One very suave bad gangster. Somebody is going to get a good beating…

The Shift

Directed by Chuck ParkerUSA│21:00│Drama

Who does a 9-1-1 Operator call when he has a problem? Jimmy Callahan is having a bad night in the Police Communications Center, his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, his Supervisor is threatening to fire him and the phone won’t stop ringing. Jimmy feels like he is drowning, but finds comfort in the voice of one caller.

Fission

Directed by Kun-I ChangUSA│5:00│Student: Animation

A film which utilizes captivating motion graphic images to tell a sparse yet lush story about a man who sees himself as a wall of graffiti.

Tell-Tale

Directed by Jason RobertsUSA│12:55│Thriller

An adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.

The Killer

Directed by David NelsonUSA│8:31│Comedy

The Killer may have finally found a place to rest

Sunday, August 12, 2007
Cinespace Digital Superclub (6356 Hollywood Blvd)Lunch reservations recommended (323.817.FILM)

12:00-1:00pm

Si-mi.com online festival winner

5:55

Directed by Illegal ArtistsMexico│8:32 │Drama

Jorge and Javier Aguilera, are brothers from Mexico City, who have beenco-directing films and television commercials for the past eight years. They are the founders of the directing collective Illegal Artists. 5:55, is the second of two short films they have directed together. Last year, the brothers completed a ten-minute film called “Round 5” which was a festival favorite and the opening short film for the 2nd annual HollyShorts Film Festival. Their first feature film together is a live action adaptation of the Japanese Anime “Kite”, which is set to go into production in Fall 2007.

Fortune Hunter

Directed by Thom HarpUSA│20:00│Comedy

When Arthur, a writer at a fortune cookie factory, accidentally sends a love letter to his ex-girlfriend into the printing press, suddenly every cookie at every restaurant reveals a piece of his broken heart.

Gone

Directed by Andrew WatsonUSA│ 2:59│ Experimental/Music Video

Bill Madden brings the worlds of film and music together with a metaphorical environmental warning alert. This compelling video raises questions, fusing art, social commentary, and music to spark debate on what it means to be alive and grapple with the consequences of environmental change. The video communicates the need to reverse the effects of climate change while there’s still time. The film is directed by Andrew Watson of Current TV, an interactive cable TV channel founded by Al Gore

Once Upon a Christmas Village

Directed by Michael AttardiUSA│15:00│Animation

timeless tale of love, a leap of faith and transformation, featuring various village characters that embody the archetypes of good and evil battling over what force will control their village and save the magic of Christmas.

Ourstage.com selection

1:00pm-2:00pm

Tomoko’s Kitchen

Directed by Shawna BacaUSA│17:15│Dramedy

When an apartment building’s security doors malfunction, a group of disparate residents discover how oven-fresh cinnamon rolls can change destinies.

When I Grow Up

Directed by Michelle MeekerUSA│6:39│Animation

Juxtaposes the boundless ambition of youthful expectations with the unpredictable, and sometimes tragic realities we end up living. An international team of 12 artists each bring their unique visions to a series of interviews with children and elders.

Dartsville

Directed by Tony WestUSA│22:40│Comedy

When a young dart prodigy upstages his daddy days before the big tourney, a conflict is born the likes of which Dartsville ain’t ever seen.

Morbid Curiosity

Directed by Cindy BaerUSA│5:30│Comedy

What would happen if your deepest, darkest thoughts came true, just by thinking them? In this dark comedy, a woman’s videotaped confession reveals a lifelong struggle to control her deadly ability.

The Drill

Directed by Joel DavenportUSA│14:59│Student: Drama

During a 1950’s citywide nuclear drill, three gradeschool boys learn to come to terms with the era in which they live.

2:00-3:30pm

Red Balloon

Directed by Justin LibermanUSA│15:00│Drama

World Premiere of acclaimed director Justin Liberman’s latest project. Liberman studied under acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann for two years before making his award-winning directorial debut with “Y Nada Mas,” which opened the first annual HollyShorts Film Festival in 2005. “Y Nada Mas” was selected by Tribeca, swept Best Cinematography at the 2006 Malibu International Film Festival, and was an Official Selection to eight other international film festivals. Heavily influenced by such filmmakers as Francois Truffaut and Terrence Malick, Liberman’s sense of realism and portraiture was felt in his French New Wave cinema-influenced “Pretty Dead Flowers” which was featured at last year’s HollyShorts Film Festival.

Small Jeans

Directed by Julian WestUSA│16:00│Dramedy

‘Zoe discovers that before you can save the world, you probably haveto save yourself.’

Anonymous

Directed by Cristian PozoSpain│20:00│Drama

An underground love story.

Si-mi.com online festival winner

Alex Scott: A Stand For Hope

Directed by Larry MendteUSA│23:40 │Documentary

Thousands of children may live cancer free one day because Alex Scott lived. A little girl with a dream and a lemonade stand can do amazing things.

3:50pm-4:20pm: Superpanel

4:20-5:20pm

The Maxwell Multiple Climax

Directed by Brandon MaxwellUSA│29:36│Experimental

The Maxwell Multiple Climax is an epic instructional film with a mod retro-style that teaches men how to achieve multiple orgasms.

Twitch (OurStage May Winner)

Directed by Leah MeyerhoffUSA│10:00│Drama

A young girl fears her mother’s disability is contagious. Slamdance Grand Jury Prize winner and Student Academy Awards finalist.

Y Que Cumplas Muchos Mas

Directed by David AlcaldeSpain│13:00│Thriller

Horror in disguise of a social drama, a lot of blood and some birthday cake!

Honey I’m Home

Directed by David BraninUSA│5:34│

He cheated, she knows. World Premiere.

5:15-7:15pm

The Oates’ Valor

Directed by Timothy CahillUSA│13:30│Drama

Fourth chair trombonist, Boyson Oates, bends to his father’s will and quits the marching band to join the high school ROTC squad. After a failed attempt to run away with his neighborhood girlfriend, Boyson rolls the dice at reconciliation with his father.

Sam and Piccolo

Directed by Adam WalkerUSA│14:53│Animation

Everything is perfect in the isolated world of two friends until one is overcome by blinding greed.

Kabul Girls Club

Directed by Johnson McKelvyUSA│25:16│Documentary

The brave young women of Kabul struggle to form Afghanistan’s first women’s soccer league.

3 Pes Acima da Terra (3 Feet Above the Ground)

Directed by Andre DoriaBrazil│6:35 │ThrillerThe Sexually disturbed behavior of a married woman is captured by a camera 3 feet above the ground.

Wilbur

Directed by Dago RodriguezUSA│20:01│Student: Comedy

In an off-centered town north of London, In an orb about ten feet above ours, exists Wilbur. Baker extraordinare. Stutterer supreme. Unfortunately, for this thirty-something man, women are not flocking Love is his only escape… will he ever be free? In comes a little green package… in it, “the bean”…not just your ordinary bean, but a mail order bean that grows into something that promises to make Wilbur’s dreams come true…

Last Day of December

Directed by Bogdan ApetriUSA│15:00│Student: Drama

A man returns home to confront his past in this chilling tale.

Sarah & Dee

Directed by Karen Dee CarpenterUSA│19:47│Student: Drama

When you’re a kid they tell you that you can be anything you want. They lied.

Stomping Grounds

Directed by Rob SchroederUSA│22:00│Documentary

the story of a pioneering emcee, the Diabolical Biz Markie, and the places that made him…him. Spanning his childhood and early recording years, Biz takes us on a tour of his Stomping Grounds, showing us his favorite spots and revealing the many geographical influences and personalities that made this artist truly a one of a kind individual.
7:30pm: HollyShorts Awards
8-9pm: Awards after party

Advanced Tickets Available for Purchase by visiting:http://www.acteva.com/go/hollyshorts

HBO.com News

Plan B
Adrian Grenier's plot to skip the gymAdrian Grenier's short but not-so-sweet film 'Euthanasia' will be the opening night film for Hollyshorts, a short film festival celebrating it's third year in August. "Adrian Grenier is multitalented and has quickly been gaining tremendous respect as a director," said the festival's director Daniel Sol. This will be the Hollywood premiere for the coming-of-age story about two young girls who grow up fast when an afternoon joy ride turns gloomy. Grenier told Time Out recently what he liked about helming: "For me, directing is another skill to support myself if this whole acting thing doesn't work out. You also don't have to be fit and trim to be a director. Or go to the gym as much." (photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.com)

IFA Newsletter

Adrian Grenier's Euthanasia to Premiere at HollyShorts Short Film Festival HollyShorts Short Film Festival - August 10-12, 2007

Volume 90
o Adrian Grenier's Euthanasia to Premiere at HollyShorts Short Film Festival

A few weeks back, IFA delivered a sampling of some of the best and brightest of nation-wide film festivals. Our list was by no means complete and to prove that fact we present to you a fest that we missed on the last go round. Say hello to HollyShorts, Short Film Festival located right here in downtown Hollywood.HollyShorts Short Film Festival is a celebration of the best of 30 minute and under short film submissions from around the world. Dedicated to providing its applicants and attendees with a forum for filmmaking discussion and an ever increasing industry networking web, HollyShorts takes submissions for four months - from February to May. After some deliberation and, unfortunately, elimination, the festival runs the top submissions in early August. This year, the 2007 Fest will run August 10 thru 12 at Cinespace: Digital Superclub in Hollywood, CA.“In just three years, our festival has quickly made its mark, delivering high quality short films,” states Daniel Sol, HollyShorts, Short Film Festival Director. “As we continue striving to reach our goal, which is to advance the careers of filmmakers globally and showcase great short form projects in front of film enthusiasts, the industry, fellow filmmakers and actors, this year’s event is poised to be a tremendous experience for everyone involved.” Slated to open the 2007 HollyShorts Fest is Actor/Director Adrian Grenier’s short film, Euthanasia. While most know him as Hollywood darling Vincent Chase from HBO’s Entourage, Adrian is far from just a pretty face. Founding his own company, Restless Productions in the early 2000s, Grenier has been making a name for himself as a talented and insightful director/producer. The screening of Euthanasia at HollyShorts marks the films world premiere and lends an air of progression to the HollyShorts fest.

Below, Cinespace Theatre - the location for the 3rd Annual 2007 HollyShorts Short Film Festival.
“It’s an honor for HollyShorts to host the Hollywood premiere of “Euthanasia,” one of the most critically acclaimed short films in quite some time,” said Sol. “Adrian Grenier is multitalented and has quickly been gaining tremendous respect as a director. We look forward to opening our festival with his short film . . .”Seventeen minutes in length, Euthanasia is a dark comedy revolving around the lives of two young girls. Having just earned her driver’s license, Sam takes her best friend Becky out for a spin. The world is ripe with possibilities, dripping with freedom. There is nothing they can’t do, nothing they can’t try. They are, at long last, their own authorities . . . until an unfortunate accident plants them face to face with some difficult questions about life, death and growing up. To put it bluntly, HollyShorts Short Film Festival has plenty to offer and a plethora of venues for involvement. If you’re a filmmaker, submissions are currently being accepted for the 2007 HollyShorts, Short Film Festival. With the regular deadline coming on April 27, 2007 and the late deadline, May 25, 2007, all submissions are required to be 30 minutes or under. Categories include Short Live Action, Short Animation, Short Documentary and Student Short. To submit, visit Withoutabox at www.withoutabox.com/login/4655. If investment is the name of your game, sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available. Current sponsors and festival partners include Women in Film, Fetro, Creative Screenwriting Magazine, New York Film Academy, Breakyouself.com, Dreamhouse Ensemble, Stash, Si-Mi.com, Sharp Radio Network and Indiepix.
Above, Director Adrian Grenier keeps things flowing smoothly on set while below, Euthanasia stars Hannah Mets and Stella Maeve deal with the deeper issues of life.

If you consider yourself the biggest movie fanatic known to mankind, HollyShorts can even satiate your appetite for all things film. HollyShorts offers a monthly screening series at the Space Theatre in Hollywood. This month’s screening, taking place on March 29th, will highlight the work of Larry Hankin (Money Talks, Seinfeld, Oscar Nominated director for short Solly's Diner 1980). HollyShorts is currently offering $5 off submission fees for the 2007 Festival to all IFA filmmakers. Discounts for the HollyShorts Film Festival itself will later be available to IFA members. To find out more about HollyShorts, the submission process or how you can further get involved, visit www.hollyshorts.com.
Above, Director Adrian Grenier keeps things flowing smoothly on set while below, Euthanasia stars Hannah Mets and Stella Maeve deal with the deeper issues of life.