SCHEDULE

FILM SYNOPSIS

Flyaway, Animation (10 min, 55 sec)

A little wooden plane, despite the price it must pay, does the impossible and joins a world it could only dream of.

Loraine Cernak, Winston-Salem , NC

Wings of Legacy, Shorts (14 min, 45 sec)

The need to pass on something of value is universal - a legacy that renders each of us a piece of infinity. "Wings of Legacy" is the story of two women from a world full of movement and a heart of dance that has no boundaries. Eva (Zina Bethune), facing her last hours, silently seeks for someone to give flight to her legacy through the passion of dance. She meets Amy (Auti Angel), a differently-abled dancer who is looking for a chance for individual expression beyond her wheelchair. Disability meets ability and death meets life. The finale is the legacy ... Wings of legacy.

Neeta Mittal, Hawthorne , CA

Still Kicking, Documentary (35 min, 30 sec)

Amy Gorman invited Frances Kandl to journey with her throughout the San Francisco Bay Area searching for female role models--very old women, still active artists, living with zest. While Amy chronicles their oral histories, Frances is inspired to compose songs for several of these women, many well past 90, culminating in concerts celebrating lives liberated by age.

Greg Young, Pacific Grove , CA

You Did What?, Feature Length (87 min)

You Did What? Is a heartfelt comedy based on the true-life experiences of first time writer/director Jeff Morris. The story chronicles marriage phobic Charlie Porter (Ed Kerr) as his perfect two year relationship with his girlfriend (Kathy Wagner) is turned up side down when his brother (A.J. Buckley) proposes to a girl (Kelly Overton) he's known less than 24 hours. Charlie is forced to deal with why it's not him and Ashley planning the wedding. Before he knows it, Ashley takes measures into her own hands to get Charlie to walk down the aisle. However, Charlie tries just about everything to keep the relationship status quo.

Jeff Morris, Redondo Beach , CA

That Could Be a Problem, Shorts (10 min, 17 sec)

"That Could be a Problem," is story dealing with issues of honesty and marriage. "In order to not spoil anything for you, that's all we can say."

Steven Stewart, Carrboro , NC

The Honeyfields, Shorts (21 min, 30 sec)

The Honeyfields is the story of two young brothers, Robbie and Benji Hendrick, raised in rural, poor California by their bitter, detached grandmother. The lone joy they have is the imaginary battles they fight in the nearby wheat fields. There they find the only glory they know as they battle the imaginary knight, Gordon, day after day. All changes forever in the lives of these boys when the older brother falls in love with a local girl, Mary Beth. A wedge is driven between the two brothers as never before; a wedge that will be settled once and for all in the boys' beloved honeyfields.

Matt Gordon, Baltimore , MD

Sprinkler, Shorts (20 min)

SPRINKLER is the story of two scarecrows that escape from their posts, run away from their farm, and discover adventure, love and life beyond the cornfields.

Writer Matt Tarquino, Director Brett Haley, NC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem , NC

Rock Cod Memories, Shorts (9 min, 37sec)

Bereft of his own past with his Chinese grandfather (who died only a few weeks after his grandson's birth), the filmmaker turns to his grandmother and her own remembrances of a man he never knew. Sifting through them, he begins to understand which memories are the ones that tell him something about his grandfather - not in the achievements and awards, but in the simple day to day. And in looking at his own, somewhat limited, but still heartfelt connection with his grandmother, he begins to understand more about their relationship, and maybe a bit about himself along the way. A meditation on memory and loss, it is also a portrait of a relationship between a grandmother and grandson that bridges cultures and lets the filmmaker see what is truly important.

Ben Wu, San Francisco , Ca

Crash, Shorts (2 min, 50 sec)

CRASH explores the self-conflict of a teenager. The teen was seemingly involved in a car crash, and the driver of the other vehicle was his doppelganger. He wakes to find that the event was a dream, but when he goes to the scene of the crash, the situation is not so simple. The film was shot in black & white, with color effects added as an experiment in how editing changes the mood of the story. This was the first short film by 16-year-old Christopher Jarvis, made after he took a college-level, intensive summer film class.

Christopher Jarvis, Kalamazoo , MI

Reflection of Self, Animation (3 min, 40 sec)

Reflection of Self is an experimental film exploring the process of portraiture. The fine art short evolves from nothing, as the series of charcoal portraits come to life under the camera. Captured in traditional animation format, the individual pencil strokes build each portrait as they multiply and overlap. Through images and sound, Reflection of Self explores the dual relationship of the artist as both creator and subject being observed. As a result, the viewer gains unique insight into the emotional and physical journey of the artist. Together, these transformations unite to form a complete artistic experience.

Becki Halloway, Franklin , MA

Richard Johnston: Hill Country Troubadour, Documentary (56 min, 40 sec)

'Richard Johnston is a whirl-wind, a cyclone, a blast of hot earth in a desert sandstorm. Johnston is nothing less than a concert unto himself.' Tara Nurin - American Magazine' the mule-team muscle in Johnston 's picking and the dirt-road fiber in his voice are the real appeal.' David Fricke - Rolling Stone Magazine He's a one-man-band and he astounds audiences from the sidewalk along Beale Street in Memphis , Tennessee . He stole the show at the 2001 International Blues Talent Competition, winning first place as well as the award for most promising new blues guitarist. His music will absolutely blow you away! Enjoy the spectacle of Johnston 's Beale Street shows, meet his mentors from the north Mississippi Hill Country, and hear his remarkable story!

Max Shores , Tuscaloosa , AL

Waiting, Shorts (8 min, 45 min)

Donna is obsessed with cleaning her kitchen and foyer tile. Unfortunately, she is married to a vile and filthy construction worker. Completely fed up with her husbands disgusting habits, Donna fantasizes killing her husband, but in every fantasy she realizes that it makes a bloody, ghastly mess. With her condition, she's got to figure out a way to kill him without making a new mess for her to clean!!!

Iosua Tai Taeoalii, Murray , UT

Mission to Matrimony, Documentary (78 min)

Over the course of 78 minutes, you will meet a pro-gay-marriage Catholic archbishop, members of www.godhatesfags.com, a slew of high-profile politicians, a former lesbian who converts homosexuals to 'straightness,' survivors of 9/11 victims who were denied marital benefits, as well as a wide array of other individuals. This film delves into the emotion behind the hot-button issue of same-sex marriage. Probing, powerful, and at times humorous, this controversial new documentary will change the way you think.

Jerri Sher, Hollywood, CA and Noah Pohl, Salem, MA

Captain Emphysema, Shorts (8 min, 15 sec)

Captain Emphysema is not your typical superhero; he happens to despise the power he wields. When he visits an elementary school as a guest speaker, he finds himself faced with a moral dilemma.

Rory Webb, Newaygo , MI

Twilight, Shorts (17min)

An experimental narrative short film that uses poetry, images, music, dance, and sound to weave together a delicate multi-character story.

Writer Austin Donahue, Director Jason Dickason, NC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem , NC

Revolver Tango, Shorts (4 min, 57sec)

On a hot summer's night, we meet Alejandro and Sylvia on the terrace of a bar, at the top of a building. The last customer has left; Alejandro cleans his chrome revolver before Sylvia grabs it. A languishing tango follows during which the two protagonists try to charm the object of their desire. Who is leading this intense fatal dance: Alejandro or Sylvia? The tango or the revolver? You'll have to watch to find out.

Eric Deghelder, Montreal , Canada

The Girls of Elizabeth Street, Shorts (13 min, 5sec)

A ten-year-old boy begins to notice the women in his life in a way he never had before.

Thomas Davis, Iowa City , IA

Giving Her Away, Shorts (11 min)

Risking her comfortable suburban marriage and family, Molly Harris sets out to confront her painful past by locating the daughter she gave up for adoption years earlier. Her search takes her to a time and place she could never have imagined, and she's forced to decide all over again if she can give her daughter away.

Andrew Stanfield, Glendale , CA

The Nothing Man, Shorts (17 min)

The Nothing Man is the story of Lionel, a guardian angel dissatisfied with his job and current assignment Callon Andover. Both Lionel and Callon are depressed, trapped in a barren world, searching for something better. Their crisis provides the moral dilemma that determines the outcome of The Nothing Man, and exposes how far we are willing to go to escape our existence in pursuit of a better life.

John Swartz, Athens , OH

Temerario, Animation (9 min, 51 sec)

After being shot and left for death, Rio finds himself in a dream of revenge where he is forced to confront with his own shadow side.

Carl Zitelmann, London

Woodrow Wilson, Shorts (20 min)

Brent Flanagan and Chet Dugan are ready for senior year glory when their mothers foist previously home-schooled freshman nerd Thaddeus Schumacher into their carpool. As a joke on Thaddeus, Brent and Chet create a fake drug and call it 'Woodrow Wilson'. The joke is on them when Thaddeus becomes king of the campus and the whole student body becomes 'addicted' to their fake drug.

Writer/Director Ryan Hunter, NC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem , NC

Riverside, Shorts (11 min, 45 sec)

What does it mean to have your life flash before your eyes? On a warm, summer day - beside a lazy river - one young woman finds out. Join Greta on a fast-paced journey through the years - from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood - as she searches for meaning in her short, bittersweet life.

Todd Tinkman, Chapel Hill , NC

X-Gen, Feature Length (83 min)

This is a dark comedy about the destruction of Generation X. Enter Kirk's world as he uncovers a sinister conspiracy to destroy his generation and change it into Generation Y. Mind altering drugs, mini vans, scientists, boy bands, and murder ensue, forcing Kirk to make the ultimate decision of succumbing to the soulless conspiracy or fighting for his life to stay authentic...

Matthew Long, Durham , NC

A Cigar at the Beach, Shorts (15 min)

A man withdraws to an empty beach to smoke a cigar and fantasize. An approaching storm out across the water mirrors the storm inside him as his fantasies propel him to the very edge of himself and to a surprise yearning greater than flesh or adventure.

Stephen Keep Mills, Malibu , CA

Maniac Du Jour, Shorts (20 min)

Set in the near future when reality television is at its zenith, an ordinary man is selected as the 'Maniac du Jour' and granted 24-hour immunity from prosecution for crimes he may commit, including murder.

Writer/Director Marc Freshman, NC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem , NC

Dannager, Shorts (8 min, 50 sec)

A death row inmate shares his thoughts, feelings, and regrets before he moves on.

Jack Kyle, Los Angeles , CA

The Duel, Shorts (14 min, 10 sec)

Two estranged brothers unknowingly must face one another in a deadly variation of Russian roulette. One is playing to get out of a gang while the other is playing to join one. Will either one live long enough to attempt a reconciliation?

Tony Chiu, Santa Monica , CA

Dear Sweet Emma, Animation (5 min, 17 sec)

As the search is given up for Emma's latest husband, Tucker, a private look reveals that Emma has a secret and uncontrollable dark side. The sweetest angel and favorite citizen of Fishtickle would indeed pose an uncomfortable dilemma for all if her problem were ever found out.

Loraine Cernak, Winston-Salem , NC

The Art of Living, Documentary (54 min, 4 sec)

Shraga Har-Gil was born in Germany in the 1920s and emigrated to Mandate Palestine as a child; during the 1940s he joined the Haganah, fought in the 1948 War of Independence and was badly wounded in battle. He married, had children, became a prominent journalist who wrote for the Hebrew daily Ma'ariv, divorced and lives today in Tel Aviv with Ulla, a non-Jewish German woman who is 18 years his junior. Ulla Gessler was born in Germany in 1944. She married briefly during the 1960s, had children and divorced. She was deeply involved in an organization devoted to reconciliation between Germans and Jews, and that is how she met Shraga; he was invited to address the organization in 1997, and he and Ulla simply clicked immediately. They fell in love, and ultimately Ulla moved to live with Shraga in Tel Aviv.
Around this time, Shraga's son Amir - who has directed several prize-winning documentary films - began to make a film about his father. The idea was to document Shraga's fascinating life story, which parallels the birth and development of the State of Israel. Ultimately, however, the film became a documentary about Shraga and Ulla's love story.
Dr. Amir Har-Gil, Netanya Academic College, Israel

Booth, Shorts (20 min)

Set in the immediate post-civil war era, John Wilkes Booth and his conspirators: Dutch, Paine and Herald plan the simultaneous assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State. The intention is a brutal attack on the United States government, but more personally Booth is after Lincoln , the man. A mysterious visit with a fortuneteller in the deep woods of Virginia reveals the future in what is about to become the most brutal assassination the United States has ever witnessed.

Mark Freiburger, NC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem , NC

Fairy Tale Follies, Shorts (20 min)

Looking for love in all the wrong places, fashion model Isabel finds herself in the dating world of Hollywood , California . During the search for her 'fairy tale ending,' she becomes trapped in a series of hilarious and disastrous dates. Isabel reaches her climactic breaking point in a battle against the clichés of Hollywood and is forced to accept her destiny.

Sarah Happel, Los Angeles , CA

Rhapsody in Red, Shorts (30 min)

This twisted love story is about two very different people who meet under the most unlikely of circumstances. Battered and bruised, Babette (Caitlin Berry) is looking for a way to escape the confines of her dreary life when she stumbles upon a trashy true crime novel. Intrigued by the books subject, "imprisoned serial killer Darryl Jacobi (Travis Boswell)" she sends him an adoring fan letter. Romance blossoms and their passions ignite as a series of letters are exchanged. Director David Patton creates a one of a kind film bursting with irony and dark humor. This romantic comedy explores the painful side of love, "the uncertainty, the anguish, and the desperation. It's funny. It's bloody. It's Rhapsody in Red."

David Patton, Kalamazoo , MI

...More Than 1000 Words, Documentary (77 min, 48 sec)

Ziv Koren's photographs have become instantly recognizable icons that have helped shape our perception of the conflict in the Middle East . In 'More Than 1000 Words' director Solo Avital followed Ziv over a two-year period, shooting in the heart of riots, terror attack scenes, secret meetings with wanted militants, all the way to Israel's pullout from Gaza. "This movie is about a man's struggle with a history in which he is involved, and the place he finds for himself in it. Like Ziv, it seeks the universal through the most personal; the movie does not only seek history through the photographer's lens but also the photographer through the lens of history."

Solo Avital, Tel Aviv , Israel

Adventures in Geocaching, Documentary (26 min, 40 sec)

This documentary explores the emerging world of high-tech hide-and-seek called Geocaching. Meet TRUROKR, family man; his rivals, the Ventura Kids, and lovable geek Aerospace-case. A humorous and poignant portrayal of four fascinating people and their feelings about competition, community, and the quest for the elusive Tupperware container.

Nora Donaghy, Los Angeles , CA

How to Be a Model, Documentary (82 min)

Following the work and life of international model Peggi LePage, filmmaker (and ex-model) Allison Beda sets out to demystify the road to success, by mapping it out in 12 steps. From New York to Paris and Toronto , Beda follows LePage; on 'go-sees,' agency meetings and castings, the myriad challenges and contradictions of Peggi's career emerge. And then Beda finds herself drawn back into the world of her subjects, re-experiences its lure firsthand but also re-discovers its pitfalls. Many of the most insightful moments in the documentary arise when Beda must confront her own role as filmmaker. Beda ultimately tests the limits of Peggi's resolve. Their divergent perspectives begin to drive a wedge in their relationship and Peggi threatens to withdraw from the project. Drawing on interviews with agents, former models and even Peggi's mother (who is protective but supportive), the end result is a revealing guide to being a model, filmmaker and friend.

Allison Beda, Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada

Cadillac Man: Life under the Viaduct, Documentary (36 min, 15 sec)

Cadillac Man: Life Under the Viaduct is a documentary about a homeless veteran who has lived on the streets of New York for the past eleven years. With interviews from friends, neighbors and passers-by we get an idea of what life on the streets of New York is like for him. As his story unfolds we learn that Cadillac Man has a hidden talent that may help to propel him out of his homeless situation and into the mainstream of society. Will he make it or will he not? Time will tell...

Michael Regan, Old Westbury , NY

Donor, Documentary (91 min)

Jeff Moonie, Sr was a handsome, healthy, athletic 46-year-old man, so needless to saying being diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone cancer) was a complete shock.

Jeff Sr. develops the post transplant condition GVHD which causes him to undergo a dramatic physical transformation ruining his complexion and melting nearly 40 pounds off his once solid frame. Jeff Sr. also experiences personality changes that combined with the daily stress of coping with his sickness causes tension between he and his family. These changes are facilitated in part by Jeff's connection with Susan, a white female co-worker (also a transplant recipient) with whom he forges an unlikely bond. Although known throughout his life for being an emotionally detached pro-black figure to his wife and children Jeff Sr. now attempts to open up as a person. Meanwhile the entire family hopes for the best as Susan undergoes an experimental treatment that may be her last chance at life.

Jeff Moonie Jr., Charlotte , NC

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