8TH ANNUAL MAGAZINE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW

CATEGORY – SHORT FILMS

Winner: Phoenix 2021/A Survival Guide

DISTANCE

SHORT FILM

A suspenseful, mysterious short film that is based on a planet parallel with Earth, that has been ravished by a virus. The characters take us through the journey of a confrontation in the woods that begins innocently, but then takes a turn.

PHOENIX 2021/A SURVIVAL GUIDE SHORT FILM

An intriguing short film that says so much. Telling a story of mental health, and a girl striving for perfection. With a topic so many people can relate to, the film draws out emotion, and uncomfortableness in the best way possible. Shot well, I thoroughly enjoyed.

A SILENT CALL: CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

SHORT FILM

This short film takes us through the personal struggles of addiction, therapy, family trauma and identity crisis. The story line was enjoyable, and the characters were relatable. The story shows the modern-day family struggles that so many of us go through, but don’t care to discuss.

CATEGORY – FULL LENGTH FILMS

Winner: La Lucha – Getting Schooled in America

LA LUCHA: GETTING SCHOOLED IN AMERICA FULL LENGTH FILM

Incredible film, extremely raw, and emotional. A story of gang violence, trauma and sadly, the reality so many kids in Los Angeles are affected by, all on top of everyday teenage struggles. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, it was shocking, sad, sometimes unbelievable, inspiring, and most importantly a story that needs to be told. The film is also educational, and greatly insightful.

GUNRUCK: ELEGY PROFESSIONAL FULL LENGTH FILM

A dramatic and twisted story about a girl who’s traumatic past lands her in a less than ideal situation. The film was suspenseful, intriguing and kept me interested throughout the entirety of it. The cast was believable, relatable and overall enjoyable to watch. An interesting storyline, looking at the relationship between predator and prey that makes the mind wander.

An uplifting, inspiring story based on true events that pulls on your heartstrings all the way through. Shining a light on bullying, being different and finding a way to embrace that even when the world has been unkind. Showing how finding love and acceptance in unexpected places in sometimes exactly what we need to find our inner strength and go to greater lengths than ever imagined.

An interesting sci-fi story with many twists and turns. Very imaginative, with well thought out characters, and character development. Taking place in post-war Afghanistan, two super soldiers are simply fighting to stay alive until the government beings to rely on them to save their lives. A unique story that includes action, sci-fi and drama.

A story with mystery, demons, black holes & dreams turning to reality. With twists and turns around every corner, this screenplay takes you on a journey in a crooked reality where sometimes you’re not sure what is real and what’s a dream. Interesting, strong characters that are easy to follow along with.

A very interesting and entertaining story of delivery drivers from all around the world come together in Italy and engage in a competition for $1 million dollars to determine who the best delivery driver in the world is. An extremely unique plot and storyline, that kept my attention. Very diverse characters with the right amount of conflict and feel-good moments.

An intriguing story where the very traditional Catholic Church crosses paths with East African tradition and the cult of Vodun. Focusing on a clash of cultures, with the added opposition of the cult makes for an extreme contrast in human belief systems. A blend of drama, and some mystery the characters develop well and the story builds in a way that keeps you interested in finding out what comes next.

01 Phoenix 2021/A Survival Guide (Short Films) 02 La Lucha – Getting Schooled in America (Full length Films)

03 Amy and Angel (Screenplays)