Los Angeles International Short Film Festival – Monthly Competition
From South Africa, one of the pleasant surprises of September round, “The Crossing”, directed and produced by Jaak Erasmus and co-produced by Nathan Brooks. Awarded Platinum Best Sci-fi Short Film and Best Original Story.
Iranian filmmaker Aliasghar Behboodi talks about his challenges to do “The Crossroads”, a film about a girl who doesn’t know how to make a right decision while at a crossroads of her life.
Mr. Bouhaïk, an independent filmmaker based in France, brought us the intriguing “Max”, awarded ISA Bronze Best Sound Design and also two honorable mentions: Best Mystery Short and Best Sci-Fi Short.
The statement in New York of Nora Jaenicke, writer and director of ISA Platinum award-winning “Whales”, for Best Drama Short. Filmed in Italy, “Whales” was also nominated for Best Film of the Month.
Hungarian filmmaker Lorand Banner Szucs guides us through “Sandwich”, a disturbing and at the same time compelling film about the acceptance of difference. Awarded by ISA Best Film of the Month.
With a total budget of 100 euros and a crew of two persons (himself and the actress), Iranian director Farhad Vilkiji filmed in Amsterdam “Leili”, a fiction short film about an immigrant, a young girl and the circumstances between herself, her boyfriend and her family. A compelling cinematic experience awarded by ISA in the season of June.
It is hard not to be impressed with “El Perdón (Forgiveness)”, the debut short film of Spanish Paola García-Sanjuán Machado. Awarded Platinum Best First Time Director and Gold Best Drama Short and Best Acting Duo (Victor Sevilla and Lola Marcelli) in July season of ISA.
Awarded Platinum Best Film Noir Short and Best Crime Short, “Monster City” is an incredibly fast-paced film shooted in Beijing. A brilliant example of the new independent Chinese film production coming from the hands of a film student.
Chinese film director Jiage Tong brought us “Seventy”, awarded by ISA in July season, Best Director (Female), Best Student Director and Best Student Short. A brilliant film set in a remote Chinese village, about an old single man who plans to hold a funeral for himself.
In Independent Shorts Awards, “The Eve” was recognized with 8 awards, to add to the total of 227 conquered so far. A remarkable tour in the film-festival international circuit for the debut work of Italian filmmaker Luca Machnich, who is preparing now his first feature horror film.