Celebrated truly indie-focused film festival will feature 77 Feature-length Narrative and Documentary films, Pilots and Shorts making World, North American, and US Premieres. Evan Oppenheimer’s PEAS AND CARROTS makes its World Premiere as the Opening Night selection, and Christina Elioupolos’ HERE’S YIANNI! is the Closing Night selection.

Photo: Peas and Carrots

Dances With Films announced the film lineup for the 3rd New York City edition of the bicoastal film festival juggernaut. December 5-8 will be packed with an incredible number of feature-length narratives, documentaries, pilots, and shorts making their world, North American, and US premieres as DWF showcases those new works as part of the only indie film-focused film festival with a foothold in both Los Angeles and The Big Apple. Evan Oppenheimer’s Peas and Carrots makes its world premiere on Opening Night, and Christina Elioupolos’ Here’s Yianni! is the Closing Night selection.

Among DWF NYC’s lineup of 141 films, including 22 narrative and midnight features, 9 documentary features, 18 television and streaming pilots, and 92 short films (76 combined narrative and midnight, with 16 documentaries). More than half of this year’s DWF NYC presentation will be making their world, North American or US premieres during the ambitious four-day film event in December. All screenings will take place at Regal Union Square (850 Broadway).

In addition to Oppenheimer’s Peas and Carrots, additional feature length films making their world premieres are Liam Le Guillou’s A Cursed Man, Victoria Kupchinetsky’s Calico Rebellion, Jason Mendoza’s Good Friday, Bari King’s Itch!, Mikaela Shwer’s The Kids Are Not Alright, Dom Cutrupi’s Lola Dust, William Tyler Wiseman’s Moonwater, Paul Bickel’s One Happy Place, Jarrett Jung’s Sergeant Pickle Breath And The Rooftop Warriors, and Kristen Hansen’s Sonny Boy. Andrew Bell’s Bleeding, and Howard Goldberg’s Double Exposure will make their North American Premieres, and Nicola Rose’s Magnetosphere will make its US Premiere at DWF NYC.

Pilots for TV and streaming series making their world premieres, include Sergio Camacho’s United Crafts Of America, Victoria Myers’ A Legend Is Hatched: I Become Famous... In My Own Mind, Lucy Hirschfeld’s Dropped, Christine Lakin’s The Fun In Funny, Christopher Gerson and Julie Kramer’s Gasbag, Dan Jones’ Hive, Olivia Lambert’s Like Comment Subscribe, Serena Schuler’s Makeshift Society, Karl Janisse’s Passage, Ana Breton’s Rat Czar, and Ruthie Marantz’s Raging Doll. 

Cited by Moviemaker Magazine as one of the 2024 “Coolest Film Festivals” in the world, Dances With Films’ rapid growth in New York City along with its current place as L.A.’s top film festival for platforming truly independent filmmaking, makes DWF the only film festival organization offering “discovery” titles in major film festival events in both of those

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Posted by Robin Menken

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Written by Whitney Janivel

Regarding this year’s ÉCU non-european dramatic short selection, we were presented with nine strong contenders who have proved their ability to master the art of storytelling. 

We were very pleased to be presented with a diverse range of films exploring such various themes. These movies stand out given their qualities and uniqueness, therefore making them powerful  contenders. 

We were first introduced to EXIT by Reza Abiyat released in 2023 which is set during an environmental disaster in Iran, it draws a portrait of the rigid religious dogma in such a difficult situation. Reza Abiyat, who is Iranian, draws inspiration from his own experience : “My personal experiences and observations of such extreme ideologies in critical moments have fueled this narrative”, he says in an interview with our ÉCU team. In this short film, Abiyat speaks about an important subject through a novel lens. EXIT by Reza Abiyat is this year’s Best Editing winner. 

Andrew Shemin in Breakfast of Champions  takes a controversial topical issue head-on and delivers a comic satire. In an online interview with ÉCU, we had the chance to get to know more details about his subject of choice. He stated: “So we’re not really talking about it as much as we should, you know, so to kind of enter into that taboo, I thought it was a good direction to use satire and a little bit of comedy, but it really tries to push you to make you think”. We also would like to salute the performance of Sabrina Robinson, who won this year’s Best Actress category in ÉCU 2024. She plays the saleswoman who tries to pitch the controversial idea behind the movie. 

Breakfast of Champions (2023) tackles the subject of assisted suicide through a banal quarrel in a bar but delivers it flawlessly. 

In this post-apocalyptic future, a single mother attempts to grow a dragon fruit sprout in order to sell it and survive. Dragon fruit came out in 2023 and is set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world but actually draws inspiration from our current reality. In an online interview with our ÉCU team,J.Brown, the director, explains : “I wrote the film originally in 2019 and the sort of original idea behind it was I live in British Columbia and we’ve had lots of wildfires here over the last 20 years. So kind of every summer smoke kind of pours into the city […]. So that was the impetus behind having everyone wear gas masks and suff.” Dragon fruit presents us a fictional reality that is not so far from us and strangely echoes the 2020 pandemic. 

 “I cannot speak but I can shoot, I can use my film to tell the story to bring more people, especially young audiences into this topic” says Vincent Zhou, ICU a film while revealing his creative decision to make it a silent film in a Q&A at our 2024 festival. A dow

In this year’s Music Video Selection of ÉCU, we have been presented with a vast selection of some brilliant films, as well as very talented filmmakers, displaying a wide range of genres and themes in conjunction with featuring a vast variety in terms of imagery, visuals and art style. 

Along with being a place to share and celebrate powerful musical creations, the Music Video Selection mainly serves to enhance and display innovation and creativity, bringing together independent music videos that stand out due to their quality either by excelling in storytelling, showcasing detailed animation, innovative camera techniques, vibrant art direction, amongst more. 

À TOI

“À Toi”, by Stéphane Berla, 2023

Directed by the french animator Stéphane Berla, “À Toi” makes us follow the antics of two little creatures, a blue girl and a red fiery boy who are friends. The storyline highlights how their relationship evolves and how they interact and explore the universe they are in.

Berla, in an online Q&A with ÉCU, tells us that one of his major difficulties with this project was the short deadline: “It was a very good surprise that he called me, especially to offer me a new film. (…) The only thing is I had to answer very very fast, I had to make the music video with my team in two months, everything together, it was very very short.”

To better understand this music video, it helps to understand the history behind the music: “This song was already a famous song”, Stéphane explains. “It’s a remake, and it first was a song called À Toi from Joe Dassin, it’s a very famous song and a very beautiful song in France. Matthieu made a new version with Gail Ann Dorsey. Gail is an artist, she sings, but she is very famous for being the bassist of David Bowie.” Adding: “So they made a duo, so she made all the bass on his album, and also they made some songs together, and this one.”

“The idea of this song in French, (…) it’s kind of a love story. But Matthieu told me he didn’t want this, because he wanted more like an artistic link between him and Gail Ann Dorsey. So I focused on this idea.”

The story-telling of this video feels simultaneously whimsical and intimate, where we start by watching the two main characters interact as if they were children playing together. Bit by bit, we see them evolve almost as if they were growing up, but still in each other’s company until they take their final form, the carmine boy turning into the singer -M- (Matthieu Chedid), and the little flying girl transforming into Gail Ann Dorsey. Eventually, the video transcends with both of them sitting under the same bewitching blue tree where we first see them interact, this time around, both of them playing the guitar. The ending seemingly represents a cycle, as we see them return to their original forms and play hopscotch, a children’s game, one last time together, as the music comes to its end with a whispery tone.

LUST SUPPER – NASTY THINGS

“LUST SUPPER – NASTY THINGS”, by Artem Verkhoglyadov, 2023

With its colorful and detailed scenario, as well as the smooth camera movements that create a sense of continuity from

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Rick Prickett, Competition Director

858-779-9544

BestShorts.net

Info@BestShorts.net

La Jolla, CA, April 2024 – The Best Shorts Competition is proud to announce the latest winners. The Best Shorts Competition puts filmmakers first and provides a direct opportunity for recognition and publicity for high quality productions. It is international in scope and has granted awards to producers in Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Mauritius, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

Paul Hendy (United Kingdom), The Choice, Film Short – Paul Hendy’s astute direction brings depth to “The Choice,” a haunting psychological drama about a famous TV personality whose life unravels when confronted by a mysterious visitor. Rita Simons (EastEnders, The Krays) delivers a powerful performance, while BAFTA-nominee Alex Macqueen’s portrayal of pure evil adds chilling depth. The film keeps audiences guessing until the end, making it a compelling and relevant story that explores themes of favoritism, identity, and the consequences of our choices. BAFTA-winner Whitnall’s compelling script, coupled with Hendy’s nuanced direction, creates a captivating narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

Marko Bosanac (Serbia), New Idea, Animation – A whimsical animated short that dives into the inner workings of creativity. Pensilio, Loopito, and Lensio, embodying creativity, research, and production, embark on a quest for a new idea. Their journey is fraught with obstacles mirroring the creative process – from distractions to self-doubt. The twist comes as the adventure unfolds within a teenage girl’s mind, adding layers to the narrative. With utterly charming characters, brilliant animation and universal themes, “New Idea” is a delightful exploration of creativity’s complexities, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.

Jaclyn Lehrer (USA), Johnny Johnny, Film Short – A darkly comedic short follows a homeless comedian seeking revenge on those he deems unfunny. It delves into friendship and resilience in a society overlooking those in need. Lehrer’s deft direction blends humor with shocking twists, challenging stereotypes. Engaging performances by Sencere Tucker and Alexandria Sanders add dep