2013 Festi va l guide April 25-28
nffty presenting sponsors
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SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN 1
Schedule
FRIDAY APRIL 26
Day 02
11:30am 12: 30pm
SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN 2
Filmmaking in Digital Age 11:3 0 – 1:0 0p m
1: 30pm 2: 30pm
L i fe A ft e r NF F T Y 2 : 00 – 3 :3 0 pm
3:30pm 4: 30pm 5:30pm 6: 30pm 7:30pm 8: 30pm 9:30pm 10: 30pm 11: 30pm
SATURDAY APRIL 27
Day 03
11:3 0am
A fter n o o n Ec l e c ti c
5:3 0 – 7: 0 0p m
Ha p py Hour Sh o r t s 6 : 3 0 – 8:00 pm
Ke ep i t C i ne m at i c 7: 3 0 – 9 : 0 0p m
Fr i d ay Ni ght Sho r t s 8: 3 0 – 10:0 0p m
A Gu i d e to Growi n g Up
9 :3 0 – 11: 00 p m
L ate Night Com e d y 10 :3 0 – 12 : 00a m
4 8 Ho ur Sc reen i n g
11 – 12 :00 pm
12: 30pm 1: 30pm 2: 30pm 3:30pm 4: 30pm 5 :30pm 6: 30pm
M a s t e r c l a s s :D o c umen t ari es B r i ng the Ki d s 1: 3 0 – 3 :00 pm
L i fe o n E a r t h
D o u ble Feature tte 3 : 3 0 – 5:00 p m
9:30pm 10: 30pm
2 :3 0 – 4 :0 0 p m
Fo r t h e L ove o f Sp ort
Jus t for L a ughs 5: 3 0 – 7: 00p m
4:3 0 – 6 : 0 0 pm
Power fu l G r i t 6 :3 0 – 8 :0 0 p m
7 :30pm 8: 30pm
12 : 3 0 – 2: 00 pm
Centerp i ec e 8: 00 – 9 :3 0 p m
Ed ge of Your Se a t 10 :00 – 11: 3 0pm
11: 30pm
SUNDAY APRIL 28
Day 04
11:00am 12: 00pm 1: 00pm 2: 00pm 3:00pm 4: 00pm 5:00pm 6: 00pm 7:00pm 8: 00pm
B e Yo u rse l f Nor t hwest Sc en e 12:0 0 – 1:3 0p m
11: 00 – 12 :3 0p m
A Day i n t he L i fe
# K i n d a we s o m e I n s p i r a t i o n 2 : 00 – 3 :3 0 pm
1:0 0 – 2 :3 0pm
A n i m ate Yo u r World
M u s i ca l Ma ster p i e c e 4: 00 – 5:3 0 p m
3 :0 0 – 4:3 0 p m
E x p e r i m ent a l S ho rts 5:0 0 – 6 :3 0 pm
C l o si ng Ni ght 6 : 00 – 7: 3 0p m
Awa rd s S how
8 – 9 :00 pm
9:00pm 10: 00pm 11: 00pm
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WELCOME Welcome to NFFTY 2013! This festival marks the 7th annual NFFTY! To date, the festival has showcased over 1,000 films by the best new directors from around the world, all 22 and younger. That’s 1,000 films that, in many instances, may not have otherwise been seen by large festival audiences and 1,000 filmmakers that would not have met each other. NFFTY has not only helped foster the next generation of talented young filmmakers and bring their stories to the world, but it has created an Alumni support network where the filmmakers of NFFTY have made friendships and built relationships with fellow filmmakers from around the world. This network has enabled collaboration and mentorship and has led to business and job opportunities for the filmmakers. Despite differences in age, culture, nationality, and background, the filmmakers of NFFTY have shown us all how similar the people of the world really are.
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Of course, NFFTY would never have been possible without the support of fans like you. Please consider making a donation during this year’s festival to support our non-profit organization. We have several cool thank you gifts including T-shirts, sunglasses and posters! We’re thrilled to share another 215 films with you this year. Thanks for coming to NFFTY and discovering what’s next in film! Enjoy the show!
Jesse Harris Artistic Director
Lindsey LeDuc Managing Director
Kyle Seago Festival Manager
Theresa Syn Intern
Amy Olsen Intern
Isaiah Hoban Halvorsen Intern
Kaleigh Ward Filmmaker & Outreach Coordinator
The story of NFFTY 2 007
After Jesse Harris makes a feature film at age 17, he realizes the need for a festival and organization to support the next generation of young filmmakers. NFFTY starts as a 1-night festival with 14 films. The Talented Youth is formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Volvo signs on as our first sponsor. NFFTY expands to a 3-day festival with 73 films, 9 filmmaking panels, and 2 concerts. NFFTY Earth and NFFTY 365 programs begin. A Los Angeles Advisory Board is organized.
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NFFTY 2009 screens 113 films and includes 4 filmmaking panels and 2 concerts over 3 days. NFFTY is operated as a carbon-neutral event.
2010
An innovative paperless submission and screening process is developed by NFFTY. NFFTY is expanded to 4 days with 190 films from 33 states and 16 countries. Text voting for audience awards is introduced. Year-round youth filmmaking workshops start.
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Now the largest youth film festival in the world, NFFTY 2011 features 225 films chosen out of 700 submissions, to be shown over 4 days, with filmmakers from 40 US states and 20 countries, 2 filmmaking panels, and multiple networking events. 200 filmmakers attend from all over the world along with 7,000 film fans.
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NFFTY 2012 featured 222 films, 2 galas, networking opportunities, and the inaugural Future of Film Expo presented by NFFTY and the Next Fifty which featured 8 panels, 14 workshops, and over 30 exhibitors. Over 200 filmmakers from 30 states and 20 countries and 10,000 attendees participated in the 4-day event.
2013 HELP US BREAK ALL THE RECORDS! WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1
LIKE US
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FOLLOW US
facebook.com/NFFTY
@nffty | Tweet #NFFTY2013 & #FilmStartsHere
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NFFTY.ORG
Continue the festival experience year-round. Watch filmmaker interviews, panels, recaps and get the latest industry news and updates.
DONATE
Make a donation at the festival or online to support the continued stability of NFFTY. We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit and need your help! 5
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NFFTY 2013 FUND DRIVE
SUPPORT NFFTY— GET COOL STUFF! As a non-profit, NFFTY is faced with the same tough economic times all arts organizations have seen these past few years. We rely on donations and support from you to keep NFFTY going! Help us support the future of film by making a donation during the festival or online when you get home.
$5 DONATION NFFTY Sunglasses
$20 DONATION NFFTY 2013 T-Shirt
$30 DONATION EVERYTHING! Sunglasses, Poster, & a fly T-Shirt!
$10 DONATION NFFTY Large Festival Poster 27"x 39" 7
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2013 sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSORS
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CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
INDUSTRY SPONSORS
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HIGHLIGHTS
HAPPY HOUR SHORTS
Friday April 26 5:30 pm — Beer Tasting 6:30pm — Screening SIFF Uptown 1 Page: 22 –23 Who says Happy Hour has to be at a bar? Wind down the work week and sample some tasty beers, compliments of Fremont Brewing, before watching this great group of short films. Tasting starts at 5:30pm, films start at 6:30pm. Tasting included with Film Ticket and ID. Presented by:
Saturday April 27 2:30 pm SIFF Uptown 2
Life ON Earth
Page: 34–35 Explore what it’s like to live on Planet Earth in modern times. From hurricane relief to fighting for a cleaner environment, these films contribute inspiration and education to our shared social consciousness.
Presented by:
Sunday April 28 11:00 am SIFF Uptown 2
Be Yourself
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Page: 48–49 Film is the medium. Equality is the message. Bring an open mind and leave with a happy heart, because this LGBT screening is made to enlighten and inspire. Co-Presented by Three Dollar Bill Cinema.
Sunday April 28 12:00 pm SIFF Uptown 1
NOrthwest Scene
Page: 50–51 The Great Northwest is home to coffee, stylishly sporting socks with sandals, excessive flannel and, most importantly, extremely talented young filmmakers. Come see the best of the West and get a taste for life in NFFTY’s neck of the woods!
Sunday April 28 2:00 pm SIFF Uptown 1
#Kindawesome Inspir ation
Page: 54–55 Be kind. Stay positive. And always be awesome. Those are the themes of this incredible screening that will restore your faith in humanity and your hope for a brighter future. Prepare to be blown away! Presented by:
Sunday April 28 4:00 pm SIFF Uptown 1
Musical Masterpiece
Page: 58–59 Do you have the music in you? These filmmakers do. If you’re ready to rock out, tap your feet, and nod your head for an hour straight, this is the place to be!
Presented by:
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Filmmaking Panels
A WEB OF CONTENT: FILMMAKING IN THE DIGITAL AGE Friday April 26, 11:30 AM SIFF Uptown 1
CREATE A CAREER: LIFE AFTER NFFTY Friday April 26, 2:00 PM SIFF Uptown 2
It’s every filmmaker’s goal to get their work seen by as many people as possible, which in today’s world usually means the Web. Join filmmakers, corporate brand leaders and digital distribution experts to discuss the current landscape of digital filmmaking. Learn how you can harness the power of the Web to promote yourself, make connections and ultimately create revenue from filmmaking in the digital world.
Over the years, many filmmakers have used NFFTY as a launching pad to help catapult them into careers as successful working filmmakers. However, being a successful filmmaker doesn’t always mean being a director. NFFTY alumni have branched out to become well-known editors, cinematographers, writers, production designers and costume designers, among many other positions. Join four prominent NFFTY alums as they discuss their career choices, their experiences finding specific trades and their advice on how to navigate the film industry to create a prosperous career after NFFTY.
PANELISTS Peter Trinh, Agent ICM Vic Walia, Senior Director, Brand Marketing Expedia David Brewster, Interactive Content Manager, Digital Ventures Starbucks Dom Fera, Writer/Director/Actor YouTube Channel with over 70 million Views
MODERATOR Kyle Seago, NFFTY Festival Manager PANELISTS Kevin Klauber, Editor/Writer/Director NFFTY Alumni ‘08 Colin Levy, Camera & Staging Artist, Pixar NFFTY Alumni ‘12, 13 Caleb Slain, Writer/Director/Editor NFFTY Alumni ‘11, ‘12, ‘13 Erica Sterne, Director of Post Production, The Weinstein Co. NFFTY Alumni ‘08
MASTERCLASS: DOCUMENTARIES THE DANISH WAY Saturday April 27, 12:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2 Danish documentary films are winning awards the world over for their unique artistic storytelling. In this masterclass, award-winning documentary director Pernille Rose Grønkjær will dive into why that is. Based on her own work and the work of other great Danish directors. This masterclass will cover insights into cinematic vision, crucial personal motives to make a film, universal and international understanding and the funny, eye-opening and surprising experience of the process of making great documentary films!
PRESENTED BY Station Next, Denmark & Scan Design Foundation FEATURING Pernille Rose Grønkjær 13
Congratulations and thanks to all the 2013 NFFTY filmmakers for sharing your talent & vision!
An interaction design firm in Seattle
206.466.5152 • gotectonic.com
IN STORES APRIL 30TH 14
HOW to vote
WHAT'S YOUR VOTE? We will be asking you to text, Tweet, or go on the Web to vote for your favorite film. KEYWORDS to will be displayed at the end of each screening.
TEXT
TWEET
WEB
texting to 22333 message KEYWORD
tweet@poll + KEYWORD
poll4.com enter: KEYWORD
DON'T HAVE ACCESS? Don't Text, Tweet, or have Web access on your cell phone? Vote online at the NFFTY information table after the show or once you get home. Voting will stay open for ONE HOUR after each event. One vote per phone. No surcharge for text to vote, standard carrier message rates may apply. Note: Even if your phone does not get service in the theater, the text vote will be sent once you leave the building. The film receiving the most votes at each screening wins an AUDIENCE AWARD.
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Grab Grabthe thespotlight, spotlight,young youngfilmakers, filmakers, and andinspire inspirethe theworld worldwith withyour your stories. stories. Vulcan Vulcanisisproud proudtotosupport supportthis this year’s year’s National NationalFilm FilmFestival Festivalfor forTalented Talented Youth. Youth.
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48-hour film off HOURS
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HIGH SCHOOLS
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Grand Prize
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ABOUT Local high schools compete for cash to support their film programs. Watch the films Saturday April 27. Saturday April 27 11:30 AM SIFF Uptown 1 511 Queen Anne Avenue North
THE CHALLENGE Make a 3-minute movie in two days! Come watch the 9 short films and cast your vote to decide the winner.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS Anacortes High School Ballard High School Cascade High School Cleveland High School Franklin High School Garfield High School Mount Si High School Seattle Academy Skyline High School
Presented by:
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OPENING NIGHT GALA Starts Here Presented by Volvo Cars of North America Thursday April 25 7:30 PM at Cinerama
OPENING NIGHT 18
FADE IN: CINERAMA — EVENING Arrive in style and walk the red carpet at Seattle's iconic Cinerama Theater to kick off NFFTY 2013. Enjoy an outstanding lineup of short films from some of the best young directors from around the world. After the screening jump on our free shuttle bus and head to MOHAI on the shore of Lake Union for an unforgettable after party. Mingle with Seattle's finest, Hollywood industry members and the young filmmakers of NFFTY 2013. The after party is an all-ages event with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
FINDING FRANKLIN
TEMPUS
BRUNCH
Alex Bohs, age 22 | Illinois Upon returning home for the funeral of her grandfather, Violet finds that she has been left with more than just mementos but also a mystery—a man named Franklin.
Jake Oleson, age 18 & Charles Frank, age 18 New Jersey Kai Rapelyea, dancer and performer, transforms the energy of a decrepit asylum into a unique rhythmic expression. Using only the tempo of the environment, Kai’s movements render him one with this timeless monument.
Vaughan Coetzee, age 20 | South Africa Emily and Philip are in a dysfunctional relationship. Philip struggles to stand up for himself because of Emily’s manipulative hold over him. One morning while enjoying his brunch Philip constructs a clever plan, which involves as much helium as courage, to dissociate himself from her.
YUSEF
TINA FOR PRESIDENT
Omar A Rashed, age 22 | Egypt A look into the mind of Yusuf, a poor child living in a third-world country but dreaming of a better life.
Carmen Emmi, age 22 | New York Tina Roberts is a shy, self-conscious, middle-school girl who is constantly picked on and ridiculed by the school bully and ignored by her emotionally distant father. After her best friend is humiliated, she impulsively signs up to run for class president against Tyler. Through the election process, Tina makes her voice heard and realizes that social justice can be achieved when you stand up for what you believe in.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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After NOON ECLECTIC Friday April 26 5:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2
INT. SIFF UPTOWN 2 — EVENING From drama to romance to period pieces, this screening is perfect for the indecisive movie-goer! Enjoy a variety hour of excellent films that represent views from around the globe in a variety of genres. 20
IN BLOOM
FIELD OF DAISIES
FIND YOUR OTHER HALF
Brendan Gates, age 20 & Katarina Neskovic, age 22 | Czech Republic The story of Jann, a colorful and curious man who searches for love and connection with his new neighbors across the hall.
Almog Avidan Antonir, age 22 & Jason Boninger, age 22 | California A desperate writer attempts to come up with the ending for his screenplay, while struggling to get over the end of a relationship.
John Gordon, age 20 | Texas After a girl wins a trip to Toronto, she finds the travel companion she never had aboard the airplane.
HUSH
HOUSE OF TIME
TICKER TAPE
Georgia Oakley, age 22 | United Kingdom Deaf six-year-old Chloe wanders away from her neglectful mother one morning in the park. Embarking on a journey to escape the claustrophobic confines of her mind, she encounters Darren, a sixteen-year-old boy who is struggling with the anniversary of his sister’s death. Together, they escape the suburban town where they live and retreat to the nearby hills.
Rebecca Moretti, age 18 | California A girl returns to her childhood home after many years away in this visual meditation on memory and loss.
Tori Dailey, age 20 | Florida As traditional, open-outcry trading quickly becomes history and electronic platforms take over, young and senior generations of commodity traders in New York share how their work is being redefined by technology.
SYNDICATED
PALLED IN ELM
Drake Tucker, age 22 & Dominic Ciofalo, age 21 & Cory Soukup, age 21 | Nebraska Set in the 1930s at the height of radio-drama’s popularity. Arthur Powell, a down-on-his-luck actor, gets hired for the role of his lifetime in the first production of ‘Dracula.’ After he botches his line live on the air, he must live with being an accidental overnight sensation.
Aaron Seller, age 17 & Celeste Barbosa, age 18 & Shelly Badal, age 18 | California The true story of a young man who, in order to escape his war-torn country, must be sent away in a coffin…alive.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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HAPPY HOUR SHORTS Friday April 26 6:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN 1 — EVENING Who says Happy Hour has to be at a bar? Wind down the work week and sample some tasty beers, compliments of Fremont Brewing, before watching this great group of short films. Tasting starts at 5:30pm, films start at 6:30pm. Tasting included with Film Ticket and ID. 22
THE JOINT
MOON OVER MANHATTAN
THE FACE OF FACEBOOK
Phillip Schoen, age 16 & Peter Zachwieja, age 18 | Idaho The discovery of a joint in his pocket one morning leads Max into a warped confrontation with his mother.
Jeremy Jensen, age 20 | Washington With Peter hounding his roommate to partake in a lifestyle of bad habits, the fur is about to fly.
Alexis Lee, age 19 & Owen Craft, age 19 & Ryan Rutter, age 18 | Washington After creating a service initially designed to help bring people together, ‘The Face of Facebook’ finds himself in a bit of a slump. Sadly, his program is being thoroughly misused by everyone, and he wonders why he started his job in the first place. An unfriendly visit from a competing social network almost puts him over the edge, and he enters a state of great frustration.
LADIES NIGHT
OUT OF HAND
LE BLUE STELLA
Joseph Rothenberg, age 22 | California Sir Knightly wants to make out with the Princess, but she thinks he’s a dweeb. When a fire-breathing dragon arrives, the Princess thinks he’s way hotter than Sir Knightly, so she rides off with the dragon to his castle. Against the advice of the Singing Sword, Sir Knightly sets off to rescue the Princess with the help of his trusty steed Doofus.
Katie Aldworth, age 22| Florida Nathan can’t remember his line for the school play. What’s more, he’s stumbled upon a mysterious severed human hand and he’s got to get rid of it before anyone finds out. Surrounded by high expectations, he struggles with his anxiety and an appendage that he can’t seem to shake.
Peter Rosati, age 21 | Pennsylvania A short film about the friendship and adventure two 12-year-old boys share aboard their handcrafted spaceship.
80s FITNESS
RASH
TWO OLD NUTS
Tim Hendrix, age 20 | California In an alternate universe where the 80s kept on going, two teams of fitness stars duke it out for ratings supremacy.
Matt Thompson, age 18 | California A boy quarantined in his dorm room tries to get rid of a girl’s abusive boyfriend.
Spencer Lenzie, age 22 | Florida Dick is a stubborn, grumpy old fart who is stuck in the past. For Dick, every day carries with it the potential to be a glory day. But Evelyn, Dick’s wife, sees right through this: he’s just an old man now. When they find themselves stranded in their backyard with a broken back and hip, Dick sees an opportunity to prove himself once and for all.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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KEEP IT CINEM ATIC Friday April 26 7:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2
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DISSOLVE TO: SIFF UPTOWN 2 — EVENING Lights, camera, cinema! These visual masterpieces exemplify a clear vision executed beautifully from the first frame to the last.
SOPHIE'S TREE
CANARY IN A COAL MINE
THE PRAYER
Max Galassi, age 15 | Connecticut A girl visits the innocence of her childhood by channeling the memories she shared with a girl her subconscious mind created to warn her about the themes and conditions of adulthood. She struggles to let go of the security of her youth and longs for her departed vulnerability.
Max Allman, age 20 & Drew Angle, age 21 Florida West Virginia is home to 117 coal seams. One in thirty men work in the mines. For three generations the Richardsons made their living off of coal. After tragedy and injury, patriarch Randy leaves the coal mines in order to focus on a family farm and live his last years on the land he inherited.
Connor Lang, age 20 & Rusty Young, age 21 Canada A young man seeks peace from his dark past and finds comfort in his faith.
VERBENA CONFESSIONS
WHAT REMAINS
HEAD WEST
Andrew Penchuk, age 21 | Canada A visceral journey of a young man attempting to escape his reality to understand a new one.
Max Sokoloff, age 21 | California In a post-apocalyptic world, in a house isolated in the desert, three women struggle to live, die, and leave. A story about letting go and venturing out into the world.
Aaron Keeling, age 21 & Austin Keeling, age 21 & Chase Horseman, age 21 | California A music video for the song “Head West” by Towers examining the process of leaving someone and the difficulties of truly letting go.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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F R I D AY NIGHT SHORTS Friday April 26 8:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN 1 — EVENING Strap on your fancy pants and leave your shorts at home. NFFTY has all the shorts you'll need to kick your Friday night off right! 26
GOODBYE
NOSTALGIA
PANTHEON
Joel Ashton McCarthy, age 22 | Canada Two brothers take a once-in-a-lifetime road trip to transition into the next stages of their lives — but not in the way they’d originally planned.
Dylan McGale, age 17 & Aidan Walters, age 17 Oregon “Nostalgia” is a story that follows the relationship between a young boy and his Super 8 camera over the course of his life.
Frederick Lloyd, age 21 | United Kingdom While working aboard a satellite orbiting earth, a cataclysmic incident leaves an astronaut stranded in space, isolated, alone and fighting for his life. In his darkest hours he discovers himself and the importance of the love he left behind.
LIFE IN PINK
SWEET DREAMS
A MATTER OF TIME
Zach Madden, age 18 | Maryland WWII era strangers Bob and Peg have a romantic encounter based around jazz tunes of the 1940s inside of a present-day Laundromat, revisiting past memories and rekindling a passion 50 years in the making.
Clio Gevirtz, age 15 | California A know-it-all babysitter tries to soothe her anxious young charge to sleep.
Jared Passante, age 21 & Joe Balewski, age 22 Pennsylvania In a town forgotten by time, a secret is deeply hidden from the townspeople – the secret that everyone’s lives are connected to clocks and if your clock breaks, you die.
PETULA'S ELSEWHERE Zach Johnson, age 21 | Florida Petulia is determined to prove to her dad that she can reach the bottom of the deep end of the pool. But when she’s on her way, she finds herself elsewhere, in a place where her worst fears are realized. Petulia must face her fears and confront them in order to return to the real world and embrace her father.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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A GUIDE TO GROWING UP Friday April 26 9:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2
BACK TO: SIFF UPTOWN 2 — EVENING Remember your first job? Or your first kiss? You will now. Relive the moments, good and bad, that make the years of your youth so memorable.
MATCH.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
SIGN DUTY
Rebecca Hawkins, age 21 & Chad Corhan, age 20 & Kyle Brawley, age 22 | California A young man meets a mysterious man in black who leads him back to relive his missed opportunities.
Samantha Jensen, age 17 | Washington A monologue piece dictating the difficulties of living in a farm town and trying to fit in with city folk.
Laura Holliday, age 19 | California Kyle has the worst job in the world, spinning a sign on the street that advertises a fruit shack. The only thing good about it is getting to watch The Pretty Red Headed Girl walk by everyday. Kyle and his buddy Lars attempt to guess what cooler, better job she has.
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SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
DEAR STUDENT
DIAGENESIS
LOVE, JASON
Michael Wasney , age 17 | California “Dear Student” follows a nameless protagonist, who is plagued by a sudden panic attack when confronted with a college admission letter from the university of his dreams. He flees his judgmental parents for the refuge of woods and park lands in his city, and there he contemplates opening the letter.
Drew Angle, age 21 | Illinois A young man bicycles down the highway to visit a woman many miles away. A rock pops his tire and the man engages in a conversation with the rock, discouraging him from traveling to see the girl. He sells the bike and purchases a ticket home.
Jared March, age 17 | Florida Everyone has an embarrassing parents, but no one has a father quite like Jason’s.
ON THE FENCE
THE PERFECT DRINK
THE LETTER
Ruby Drake, age 15 | California To avoid being discovered by his girlfriend’s mom, a teenager must make his way across other people’s backyards to get home.
Joshua Gannon, age 22 | California John must find the best alcoholic drink for him to have so he can finally talk to Amy. But will it work?
Kora Vanderlip, age 15 | Canada Jesse Miles has been trapped in a routine life for as long as he can remember. When an opportunity arises to follow his dream, he must make a choice that will change his life forever.
MARGOT, COME HOME
UNICORN BOY
Kim Sanchez, age 20 | Ohio In this deadpan comedy our offbeat protagonist, Margot Stray, struggles to return home after distancing herself from her family.
Kristen Harding, age 22 | New York A teenage boy grows a majestic unicorn horn from a zit on his forehead. Will the unicorn horn help him win over the girl he loves?
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LATE NIGHT COMEDY Friday April 26 10:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
FADE OUT: SIFF UPTOWN 1 — EVENING Why did the chicken cross the road? We don't know, but hopefully he arrives on time for this hilarious batch of raunchy, slapstick comedy shorts.
THE GREENWAY CHOIR
HAND IN HAND
SURVEILLANCE TEAM
Nigel Edwards, age 22 | Canada A story for the ages about a proper man, Gerald, competing in the Regional Garden Championships. Having been forced to overcome his own dignity, Gerald sheds all forms of humility in trying to defeat his arch rival, Brendan.
Jason Boninger, age 22 & Almog Avidan Antonir, age 21 | California Two zombies look for food, but find something else in the process.
Chris Aitken , age 22 & Liam Ingraham, age 22 & Denis Ogrinc, age 22 | Canada “Surveillance Team” follows three irresponsible police officers who use their digital eyes and ears irresponsibly and immaturely. These officers dreamt of becoming police officers for the action and respect, but hide in their van for safety and anonymity. When they do stumble into cases, they always end up in the thick of the action, and they’re in way over their heads.
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SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
MR. BALLOON MAN
IN THE CLOSET
Natasha Lasky, age 15 | California A young boy is approached by a cheerful predator. A girl arriving on the scene becomes an instant rival for his attention.
Robert Crisp, age 18 & Hunter Main, age 18 & Kacey Sanders, age 16 | Arkansas This short film is about what really happens during detention.
LIKE A DYING DUCK
ON VIOLENCE
THREE DAYS
Jonathan Flint, age 23 | United Kingdom Pete Ashdown is engaged in a make-or-break business video call with abrasive foreign investor Mr. Namkung and his translator during a hellish thunderstorm. A powercut halts the call and leaves Pete in the dark. Left to his own devices, Pete succumbs to the taste of alcohol in an attempt to ease his predicament.
August Aabo, age 18 & Anna Nørskov Henriksen, age 19 | Denmark A mockumentary about a violent guy who beats innocent people because he is deeply fascinated by the superhuman feeling that violence gives him. A film crew of two has been allowed to follow him around.
Anna Thompson, age 17 & Dakota Meineke, age 16 & Shawn Young, age 16 | Arkansas This short depicts a humorous rendition of how students can torment their teachers.
ZOMBIE
CHEF'S SPECIAL
Robert Crisp, age 18 | Arkansas This mock PSA takes a new spin on political campaigns. With the undead now returning to life the presidential race looks to the zombies.
Eno Freedman Brodmann, age 20 & Joey DePasquale, age 19 & Matthew Morgan, age 20 New York A doctor finds a patient with a rare disorder to excrete food the same way it enters. His plans to team up with nearby Italian restaurants soon go too far.
FILLIN' YOU IN WITH GUITAR GREG Clio Gevirtz, age 15 & Soraya Okuda, age 21 California Guitar Greg takes a group of hip young shoppers to find out where their clothes REALLY come from.
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BRING THE KIDS Saturday April 27 1:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
FADE IN: SIFF UPTOWN 1 — AFTERNOON Skip the Saturday morning cartoons and bring the whole family to explore the magical world of all-ages cinema! Inspire your kids with these films made by talented young filmmakers their age!
BROKEN WING
KILLER APP
ABRACADABRA!
Amos Sussigan, age 22 & Nikitha Mannam, age 22 | California Keller and Hawking are best friends with extremely different personalities. One is energetic and confident, and the other is clumsy and unhappy. However, time passes and a life-changing experience switches their roles. In a journey through childhood memories, Keller uses a Rubik’s cube to motivate his best friend to see the brighter side of life.
Elizabeth Herrick, age 13 | Florida A young girl has a problem when her father asks her to do some yardwork.
Catriona Warren, age 11 | Australia A hapless magician finally gets a trick right—but it’s the one that lands him in the most trouble.
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GREAT MIMES THINK ALIKE
GROWTH RAY
THE AMULET
Michael Vitz-Wong, age 16 & Kiana Wyld, age 16 & Will Slater, age 16 | Washington A visual story depicting the competition of working as a mime. A mime is working on the street when his audience leaves him for an opposing mime across the street.
Kyle Jensen, age 9 | Washingon When young Bryce is bullied, he creates a growth ray to make himself bigger. But his plan goes horribly wrong, and his invention threatens the whole city.
Jeremy Basset, age 11 | California A boy discovers an amulet that affords him magical powers. This new gift causes him to struggle with his own conscience.
11:11
LOOK UP
THE PRODIGAL SON
Estevan Mota, age 18 | Missouri A young boy is facing a terminal illness but has faced his future. He wants his friend to be as secure as he is.
Jake Oleson, age 17 & Amanda Prager, age 16 New Jersey Everyone has dreams, but sometimes we need to let them go. Or better yet, give them to someone else.
Hannah Holtgeerts, age 15 & Henry Holtgeerts, age 15 | Washington A short film adaption of the parable of The Prodigal Son, shot on location at Tall Timber Ranch, retold and acted out by primary school campers.
WHILE WE'RE ASLEEP
POST REMEMBRANCE
JOHN ADAMS
Reel Grrls, age 17 | Washington A short youth-produced film where kids are the experts in explaining and exploring the world of dreams.
Cosi Elwes, age 15 & Hana Kateman, age 15 & Danielle Stolz, age 15 | California A mysterious letter causes strangers to relive precious memories.
Kris Theorin, age 15 | Pennsylvania A beautiful homage to the relationship of John and Abigail Adams created through the letters they wrote to each other over the years. The letters were written by students involved in the project and true to the spirit of letters written at the time.
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LIFE ON EARTH Presented by Chipotle Saturday April 27 2:30 PM at SIFF Uptown 2
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN 2 — AFTERNOON Explore what it's like to live on Planet Earth in modern times. From hurricane relief to fighting for a cleaner environment, these films contribute inspiration and education to our shared social consciousness. 34
THE SUMMER OF '81
SHADOWS
THE DOGMATIC
Preston Randolph, age 22 | Wyoming The unique story of Wyoming man Bob Taylor and the spirit and struggles of his life’s journey. His story involves teaching in the city, being a Cowboy in Wyoming, raising his family without electricity in the cabin he built by hand, and of course baseball. Above all, this film is about life and holding on to those memories that make us who we are.
Ethan Stupp, age 17 | New Jersey “Shadows” captures the experiences and hardships of those that Hurricane Sandy has greatly affected. In other words, it documents the “Shadow” of the hurricane. Filmed two to three months following the disaster, the documentary focuses on the longterm problems and destruction that many victims face as they begin the painful process of rebuilding their homes and lives.
Lance Oppenheim, age 16 | Florida In a lawless no man’s land at the edge of The Florida Everglades, society and all sources of authority have abdicated their responsibilities. A huge vacuum consisting of underground criminal activities has filled this void. An overly zealous animal rescue group takes the law into its own hands, while risking the lives of its group members, to save jilted dogs by stealing them from abusive owners.
FISH OUT OF WATER
FONG LEE:THE STORY OF TRAGEDY AND INJUSTICE
WHAT IS A LIFE?
Maddie Church, age 16 & Jordan Cohen, age 16 Connecticut At 1:00 in the morning most people are asleep, however at the Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx, New York, men from 37 different seafood companies are just arriving to work where they unload 300 varieties of fish. It is the largest seafood wholesaler in the country.
DIME CITY, USA Duke Stokes, age 22 | Florida Two wheels, a motor, and attitude! The revival of the Cafe Racer tradition made popular in the1950s is in full swing, thanks to average Joes like the fellas at Dime City Cycles. Sense what it’s like to hear the call of the road and hit the town!
Damian Jones, age 18 | Minnesota This short documentary is about the controversial death of Fong Lee, a St. Paul youth who was fatally shot eight times by police while they were pursuing him on suspicion of drug possession. This video shows police footage, presents evidence, and shows how the story reported by police does not seem plausible.
James Tralie, age 15 | Pennsylvania This documentary traces the impossible love story of my grandparents. My grandfather was a French sailor in World War II who met my grandmother while stationed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He returned to France, fought in D-Day, and the two would eventually marry.
HENRY WAXMAN: THE FIGHT FOR CLEAN AIR Jason Lester, age 20 | New York This short documentary follows the efforts of U.S. Representative Henry Waxman as he attempts to pass legislation that will put the United States on a path to clean energy, at the same time providing an overview of an inspirational life and career.
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Double fea turette Starts Here Saturday April 27 3:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
Double fea 36
DISSOLVE TO: SIFF UPTOWN 1 — AFTERNOON Enter alternative realities with two must-see featurettes. The first film will transport you to relive any memory of your choice, and the second film is a gripping 1920s-era drama about a dystopian society turned upside-down by the heresy trial of a well-known artist.
MESMERIZE
THE CASE OF AMBER GRAM
Mark Williams, age 22 & Joey Manuselis, age 21 | Pennsylvania Obsessed with memories, Ryan encounters a device that allows you to relive any memory of your choice, but revisiting your past could damage your present.
Daniel Cooper, age 17 & Adam Cooper, age 17 | Michigan In an alternate society based on 1920s hysteria, innocent Amber Gram has created a painting that she believes to be a beautiful expression of her patriotism. In the eyes of her dystopian world, however, it is nothing short of a disgusting offense to the state’s values. The image is deemed an illegal expression of heresy and Amber is placed on trial for sedition. Execution is inevitable, unless the court psychoanalyst, Dr. Ludovico, can identify the twisty matter of interpretation that explains the stark distinction between what Amber sees and what everyone else does. One thing is for sure, however. Following this revolutionary case, The Union of Cannis will never be the same.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPORT Saturday April 27 4:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN 2 — EVENING Ready, set, action! Strap on your boots and tighten your chinstrap, because you're about to embark on a wild ride of action sports, extreme activities, and heated competition. 38
CYCLE[S]
MY LIFE DOWNHILL
PADDLE AWAY
Matthew Clark Mulligan, age 22 | Oregon A short visual exploration of the progressing seasons through the lens of a group of adventure sports enthusiasts.
Shane McElroy, age 20 | Arizona This film is about the meditative lifestyle that comes with downhill skateboarding.
Nathan Dethlefsen, age 18 | California What will happen when paddle replaces surf?
PURSUING PASSION
WILD SOULS
CAPTURE
Evan Berg, age 20 | Canada A 10-minute documentary film following aspiring professional skier Cameron Smith on his road to making his passion into his profession.
Philippe Ryan-Giroux, age 22 | Canada There exists a fine line between dementia and deep concentration; the key element is not to lose yourself. For a young trials rider, the obsession to constantly outperform gets disrupted when he loses control over his passion.
Justin Kauffman, age 19 & Kolin QuickGunther, age 19 | Washington Capture showcases the fluidity of multiple action sports through professional athletes performing in their own environment. It is shot in a variety of locations ranging from the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains to the late night streets of Seattle.
SHRED IT
MY LIFE: PARKOUR
ON THE LINE
Lane McCall, age 17 | Arkansas Follow Lane McCall into the intense and fast world of BMX and ArenaCross in this an action sports video that will keep your heart pounding with unbelievable jumps and white knuckle turns. Do you think you have what it takes to Shred It?
Griffin Coxen, age 14 | Washington In this action sport short, follow Matt as he jumps, climbs, and rolls through different obstacles to the beat of the music.
Alex Grossman, age 16 & Colin Johnson, age 16 California A documentary focusing on the 2012 clash between two rival high school football teams—the Menlo Knights and Sacred Heart Prep Gators—in Atherton, California, with the league championship on the line. The story is told from the Menlo team’s perspective, and documents the passion and emotional intensity associated with the “big game.”
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Just For Laughs Saturday April 27 5:30 PM SIFF Uptown 1
FADE IN: SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING Lighten up with a hilarious assortment of all-ages comedy. If laughing, having fun, and feeling good are like frosting, then this screening takes the cake!
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L.U.C.K.
THE PRINCESS
IRRATIONAL
Daniel Cooper, age 17 & Adam Cooper, age 17 Michigan Shadow a day in the life of a compensator working at the L.U.C.K (Lab of Unnatural Compensational Karmatezation), an organization that alters our daily lives to ensure that we get what we deserve.
Zach Seigel, age 20 & Michael Roma, age 20 & Allison Tate-Cortese, age 20 | Florida This princess has a different point of view than the ones we see in most fairytales. As a prince tries to court her, she decided to play hard to get.
Holly Pearson, age 21 | Florida Robin has a unique phobia. She’s terrified of mascots. The bigger problem: her boyfriend thinks it’s hilarious. But Robin’s about to take some serious action.
20 BUCKS
BASSET ON THE RUN
BRUCE 2: SENIOR YEAR
Phillip Schoen, age 16 | Idaho Two roommates, a cheeseburger, and twenty bucks.
Joseph Eusebio, age 18 | Washington For a basset hound, the line between pet and fugitive is a stray meal away.
Michael Lubin, age 22 | California Bruce and Lucas are back and ready to take on their biggest challenge yet: Senior Year.
DUEL
THE INTERVIEW
Anna Papitto, age 16 | California Two musicians turn a duet into a duel.
Nick Terry, age 20 | Washington A job interview begins to take a turn for the…weird.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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Power ful Grit Saturday April 27 6:30 PM SIFF Uptown 2
INT. SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING The power of drama is alive and well. Prepare to be captivated by these riveting shorts that take you to life's grittier edge. 42
BURNSIDE
MANHOOD
ROOM 303
Jack Bottomley, age 21 | United Kingdom ‘Burnside’ is ten minute drama that focuses on a young couple, Alex and Lucy, and their blossoming relationship which starts to collapse under the stress of Lucy’s abusive father. How they meet, their struggles with intimacy and the near collapse of their relationship is all captured fleetingly, until eventually, Alex takes matters into his own hands.
Jonathan Gelvan , age 18 | Denmark Silas lives with his mother and there is no father figure to be found. This causes him to have a distorted view of what it means to be a man. His mother is a prostitute and has customers at home, around the clock. He, unfortunately, sees a lot of things a child his age should not. “Manhood” is the story about Silas’ fight to become a man and win his mother’s heart and attention.
Manny Mahal, age 21 | Canada A teenager’s life is forever ruined by a bully; he exacts even retribution.
ALONE
NO ONE KNOWS
ETERNAL SPRINGS
Max Magerkurth , age 18 & Tyler Thompson, age 19 & Luke Holtgeerts, age 18 | Washington A man lives alone in a post-apocalyptic world without his family, forever searching for another living person to comfort him.
Bunee Tomlinson, age 20 | Oklahoma The Smiths could be any family. They could be your neighbors. When twelve-year old Jason looks into his neighbor’s window, he learns he’s not the only kid living in an abusive environment. What he learns will change his life.
Ashton Kennedy, age 22 & Kate Rhamey, age 22 & Allison Rohm, age 22 | California A deranged old lady captures women to be her play things.
KITE FALLING
SLAVE
Nicholas Spadaro, age 20 & Jamie Spaulding, age 20 & Zachary Durocher, age 20 & Alex Matte, age 20 | New York Two soldiers from opposing sides of an unnamed war find themselves amid a bloody battle. They are immediately drawn to a fallen kite caught up in a tree, and what transpires is a realistic portrayal of humanity, war, and the role memories hold in what makes us who we are.
David Gauthier, age 20 & Phillip Lee, age 20 Canada Set in late 1800s, an escaped slave seeks revenge on the people who have murdered his brother.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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CEN ter piece Starts here Saturday April 27 8:00 PM SIFF Uptown 1
Cen ter 44
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING At NFFTY, the cream rises to the center. Explore the rich, visceral environments created by these fantastic films, discover new integers, and sing along with the inspirational songs of a high school kid who sings out about being bullied.
THE SECRET NUMBER
FREE PIE
MANCIPO
Colin Levy, age 22 | California Doctor Simon Tomlin, a psychiatrist in a mental hospital, has a disturbing conversation with one of his patients – a brilliant mathematician named Ersheim, who intends to prove the existence of a secret integer between three and four. When Ersheim mysteriously disappears from the hospital, Tomlin realizes that their fates are deeply entwined.
Caleb Slain, age 22 | Michigan A traumatic comedy about life, death, pie, and death.
Samuel Ryan Willey, age 22 | Tennessee A man finds hope in the hopeless.
LOST AND FOUND
STRAWBERRY BLONDE
DEWEY — THE MUSICAL
Chase Crittenden, age 16 | Washington A film about the strains on a relationship between a father and a daughter when the mother is gone under strange circumstances. And what a person would do to find what was lost – and then found.
Andrea Sand Gustavson, age 22 | Norway Johanna is babysitting her younger sister Marion as their mother is throwing a garden party for her neighbors and friends. A man at the party notices Johanna, and with sexual confusion, she takes advantage of his interest.
Magnus B. Bjørlo Lysbakken, age 19 | Norway Dewey has grown indifferent towards his own and others’ situation after being bullied for years for the way he talks – he can’t help but sing instead of speaking normally. Today is his first day at a new school, and he’s already being laughed at by the entire class. However, in a strange turn of events his constant singing causes Biff, the leader of the bullies, to be ridiculed in front of a large group of fellow students.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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Edge Of your Seat Saturday April 27 10:00 PM SIFF Uptown 1
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DISSOLVE TO: SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING If you like to be horrified or thrilled, then this batch of horror films and thrillers should be on the top of your list! You may start the screening relaxed, but this white-knuckle ride will get your heart racing up the walls.
THE WANDERER
STRINGS
SLENDERMAN
Shaun James, age 22 | South Africa Maria is the daughter of a South African police legend. Her modern beliefs are challenged when she is called to investigate a murder in a rural village where the killer is supposedly non-human.
Julian Cardone, age 22 | Australia A poor musician seeks the interest of a young ballet dancer. Attempting to write her a piece of music to move her heart, he discovers his lack of talent. Amidst his desperation he stumbles upon a much darker road to achieve his goal. Having the music and woman within reach, he will stop at nothing.
Michael Ghadban, age 12 | California A faceless villain seems to be the cause of several missing children until one young boy takes matters into his own hands in order to save his best friend. This is a study of German Expressionist-style silent film.
LIFE AFTER DEATH
RUINS
SATURDAY
Armani Rodrigues, age 17 | California A teenage girl leaves her young brother at home, not realizing that events are unfolding that put them, and their community, in danger.
Vilius Petrikas, age 22 | Iceland A walk home turns into a nightmare for one young girl in the middle of ruins.
Robert Crisp, age 17 | Arkansas The tormented soul of a youth is pushed to the limits as he reflects on his decision of prevention.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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Be Your self Sunday April 28 11:00 AM SIFF Uptown 2
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BACK TO: SIFF UPTOWN — MORNING Film is the medium. Equality is the message. Bring an open mind and leave with a happy heart, because this LGBT screening is made to enlighten and inspire.
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THE PRODIGAL
BELOVED
Leo Pfeifer, age 14 | Washington A look from the perspective of Representative Jamie Pedersen on the importance of Referendum 74, an initiative creating marriage equality in the state of Washington.
Michael-John Phillip, age 22 | South Africa An experimental look at sexual identity and grace – The Prodigal tells of a young man, Mark, caught between the world of his Christian father and that of a beguiling young man, Dean. Alone and searching for answers, he delves deeper into Dean’s world, until he is forced to face up to himself, his identity, and his father.
Suited & Booted, ages 10-17 | United Kingdom Dan is young and dreams of love. Flicking between two worlds of fantasy and real-life, we feel his pain of unrequited love. As the narrative comes to a close, Dan’s love is left unsaid and unknown, except between him and the audience.
ACCEPTING
A FAMILY LIKE MINE
THE PAINTED GIRL
Sophia Gregoire, age 14 & Emily Coleman, age 14 | Washington A fairly popular girl in middle school hides a secret from her homophobic parents. Through the film you see her struggles with kids at school, not telling her parents, and just accepting who she is.
Katherine Kearns, age 18 | California This documentary short features several adults raised in families headed by same-sex parents.
Ben Kadie, age 17 | Washington The story of Megan, a closeted gay 15-year-old, who runs away from her mother’s expectations. Hiding in an abandoned subway tunnel, she uses spray paint to create art for her mother. Megan hopes that through this gallery of graffiti she can help her mother understand who she is.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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Northwest Scene Saturday April 28 12:00 PM SIFF Uptown 1
FADE IN: SIFF UPTOWN — AFTERNOON The Great Northwest is home to coffee, stylishly sporting socks with sandals, excessive flannel and, most importantly, extremely talented young filmmakers. Come see the best of the West and get a taste for life in NFFTY's neck of the woods.
DEEP DOWN
OPENING DOORS
A BREAD LIFE
Isaiah Hoban Halvorsen, age 16 & Kaila Lafferty, age 18 & Oona Lowe, age 16 | Washington Beneath the beauty there is a darker side of nature. A documentary about teenager Alessandro Gelmini’s experience being trapped in an ice cave.
Griffin Stoddard, age 17 | Washington Love thy neighbor. Or kill them.
Seamus Duffy, age 12 & Scott Golden, age 12 & Trevor Kytola, age 12 | Washington A film about a local family who had a dream to create a small town bread/pastry shop, and had a mission to cater to local businesses. This is their story.
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SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
MY LITTLE BRONY
T.V. FOR TWO
MAKING A MARK
Vann Fulfs, age 17 & Taylor Martin, age 17 & Bryan Quandt, age 17 | Washington Inside the burgeoning alternative community of men who love “My Little Pony.”
Adam McArthur, age 16 & Joe Nissell, age 16 Washington A TV agent has offered Joe and his best friend, Adam, a career in the TV Business. As their new careers start to take flight, the affect that their new fame has on their relationship may outweigh the personal fains of being superstars.
Helen Miller, age 17 & Sam Weller, age 16 & Brittney Blokker, age 17 | Washington An emo artist on the cusp of creating the perfect poem suddenly experiences a frustrating setback. Is this a crisis or an opportunity?
LES DESESPOIR ES ASSIS SUR UN BANC
DREAM HOUSE
LUNCH TIME
Ana Krafchick, age 17 & Louis Weissman, age 18 & Ari Ghormley, age 17| Washington A little girl’s obsession with dolls has far-reaching consequences.
Hudson Seneker, age 14 | Washington A Senior attempts to escape from his nursing home.
Kyle Marshall, age 18 | Washington An adaptation of French surrealist poet Jacques Prévert that depicts Despair as an old man seated on a bench who condemns others to his fate through awkward social interactions.
SUNDOWN Vann Fulfs, age 17 & Bryan Quandt, age 17 & Jacob Scott, age 17 | Washington Everything changes when the sun goes down.
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A d ay In the Life Sunday April 28 1:00 PM SIFF Uptown 2
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN — AFTERNOON They say to understand someone else, you need to walk a milein their shoes. Well, shoes aren't one-sizefits-all, but these films are! These stories will take you beyond that mile and into the minds of unique and awe-inspiring characters. 52
JOE
RICE PUDDING PLEASE
NET
Jacob Morrison, age 19 & Jason Segal, age 19 California A solitary mountain man explains his life philosophies.
Jake Honig, age 21 | New York Irving is an Alzheimer’s-stricken 88 year old widower with very little to worry about in the world. He has an everyday routine including his part-time job at an accounting firm and a stop at the local diner. After a fight with his daughter about his ability to live independently, a simple desk change at work sends Irving out of the office in a panic.
Becket Schroeder, age 14 | Washington A short story about a Father explaining the death of his son’s Grandpa to his son while Fishing.
LOTUS
EYES OF HEAVEN
DOODLE
Safar Shakeyev, age 21 | California After having a dream about a lotus flower, Brett thinks that it is a sign from his mom. So, he decides to embark on a journey to find this flower and, hopefully, discover some deeper meaning in his dream.
Grace Hendley, age 21 | Florida When Jennifer adopts Timothy from war-torn Africa, the two struggle to find a common connection. Timothy is haunted by nightmares of his painful past and Jennifer’s efforts to bring him comfort seem to miss the mark; then she starts listening…
Charles Frank, age 18 | New Jersey Anne Wong, a young aspiring artist, adheres to her mother’s expectations for her life; it is understood that Anne will one day become a highly educated physician. As a result of a misunderstanding at school, Anne receives the punishment of a day in detention. Here, her intense creativity is unleashed through a chance encounter with a can of spray paint.
IN PLAIN SIGHT
COLD COCO
VISITING HOURS
Max Retik, age 15 & Tyler Corsello, age 15 New Jersey How well can you really know somebody who does not want to be known? In Plain Sight explores the worldwide struggle to fit in, no matter what the background.
Colin Campbell, age 17 | Michigan An out-of-luck salesman meets his match at a little girl’s hot chocolate stand in a darkly comedic short examining the sport and ethics of the sales pitch.
Shantal Reich, age 19 | California A bitter groundskeeper gains some perspective with the help of a peculiar little girl who has a secret of her own.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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#KinDAwesome Inspir ation Presented by KIND Healthy Snacks Sunday April 28 2:00 PM at SIFF Uptown 1
DISSOLVE TO: SIFF UPTOWN — AFTERNOON Be kind. Stay positive. And always be awesome. Those are the themes of this incredible screening that will restore your faith in humanity and your hope for a brighter future. Prepare to be blown away.
HONK IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE
TOMORROW'S CLASSROOM
Sophia Pink, age 16 | Washington D.C. One man’s quest to make a city smile.
Alex Emerson, age 13 | Massachusetts School. A place where useless information is forced into our minds without a second thought. Why should students be trapped within the four walls of the classroom when there are billions of other people to learn with? That’s the question Rich Lehrer, an 8th grade science teacher, was asking when he created his global curriculum. Welcome to Tomorrow’s Classroom.
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EACH ONE,TEACH ONE HAITI 2012 Gabriella Gilbert, age 20 | Massachusetts The ETE Camp (Empowerment Through Education), in Haiti was founded in 2009. The founder, Shaina Gilbert, was only 20 years old, when she decided to make a difference in the world.
SOLDIERS TO CIVILIAINS
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Dan Osborn, age 19 | Florida This documentary focuses on two wounded veterans and the difficulties they’ve faced transitioning back into normal civilian life.
Tori Matlock, age 12 & Anna Moore, age 12 & Emma Wenzel, age 12 | Washington Blindness has not stopped Dodie Brueggeman from living life to its fullest. From raising a daughter to teaching piano, Dodie inspires us to be better people and enjoy what we have.
Jake Oleson, age 18 | New Jersey A struggling street performer shares his life making a living off of people’s loose change and describes the affect that music and performance can have on society.
CHOUKY
SALON ON WHEELS
BEGINNINGS
Allie Dudley, age 18 & Rose Minasian, age 16 Virginia Chouky is the true story of a 94 year old former member of the French Resistance and her unlikely friendship with her hairdresser, a man nearly six decades her junior.
Shelby Holland, age 16 | Connecticut A documentary short about a newfound art form: mobile dog grooming. Pet owners will do almost anything for their dogs including a shampoo and trim right at their doorsteps. This film takes us inside the new and increasingly popular world of pampered pooches on the go.
Katie Silverstein, age 17 | California This film provides an intimate look into the life of an adoptee. This highly personal film explores the filmmakers history including a trip back to her orphanage in Suzhou China. Beginnings show us that there is nothing more important than the bond and love that you share with your family.
UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT
JUGGLE & CUT
Clementine Mukarukundo, age 17 | California Unforgettable Night provides a detailed look at the lives of teen refuges after fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo. Told from three unique perspectives, this film highlights the struggles of those forced to flee their war torn homeland.
Caleb Slain, age 22 | Michigan In the autumn of 1998, a profound tragedy echoed through a small Michigan farming community, disfiguring the well-planned ambitions of a young prodigy in strange and inspiring ways.
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Animate Your world Sunday April 28 3:00 PM at SIFF Uptown 2
BACK TO: SIFF UPTOWN — AFTERNOON These colorful shorts could make a rainbow look monochromatic. Enter the creative minds of some incredible young artists as they experiment with different artistic techniques. From stop motion pictures to claymation, all of these films are completely unique!
DAY SHIFT
WE ARE ALL RUNNING
CALL OF FARQUNGLU
Ian Timothy, age 18 | Kentucky A short stop motion animation about an industrial worker’s dreary day shift that takes a surprise turn.
Ashleigh Vrajlal, age 17 & Olivia Simpson, age 17 & Xuxu Baylis-Wang, age 17 & Bri Ferguson, age 17 | Australia A young girl decides to get away from her home and be independent. However, she soon discovers being alone is not all it’s cracked up to be, and as the city presents her with its many challenges, she realizes she can’t get through life on her own.
Kris Theorin, age 15 & Kurtis Theorin, age 19 Pennsylvania An H.P. Lovecraft parody filmed using stop motion animation. The Cult of Farqunglu gathers to unleash an ancient evil onto the world. A group of plucky investigators fight to stop them. But even if they win, will they be prepared to face the wrath of civil litigation?
JE M'APPELLE NATHAN
MASQUERADE
PENCIL EN POINTE
Benoit Berthe, age 22 | France A little boy is troubled by a paper bird locked in his own head.
Sangeun Song, age 22 | California A girl wants to play like a wild animal wearing a mask but her mom doesn’t let her. She secretly gets the mask and goes to the jungle but she is in danger.
Vivian Lu, age 17 | Oregon Pencil, paper, and a timeless dance genre unite in this animated study.
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A TROUBLED COW CONFIDES IN YOU Peter Tucker, age 15 | Washington A cow only days away from the slaughter house contemplates the meaning of life.
FINDING ERICA JONES Natalie Markiles, age 17 | California A down-on-his-luck detective searches for a missing girl in this noir film animation.
MOWGLIS DREAM
PIRATES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Pranay Patwardhan, age 21 | India A truly mesmerizing track by TinyType and Indi Kaur that transports itself and the listener into a journey of silhouettes, shadows, stories and dreams whilst delivering cutting edge and well written music.
Wind and Foster, ages 10-17 | United Kingdom It’s all hands on deck to save our pirates of the airwaves. Clumsy but lovable DJ duo Mankind and Small-Steps have built a devoted following to their pirate radio show. Raging against the machine in their own inimitable style, will they reach the top of radio programming or be caught on the wrong side of the law before they reach their dream?
I WANT TO SEE THE BIG, WIDE WORLD
THE COLLECTOR
Isabel Garrett, age 21 | England A short stop motion animation for children about a creature called Lolo, who lives in a cave with his mother. Curious about the outside world he decides to explore, and discovers more than he expected.
Zachary Green, age 20 | Canada The Collector tells the story of a run down old robot that must “collect” in order to have the energy to survive.
LEFT
CARROT CAVE
KACHHO GADULO
Travis Chen, age 16 | Washington A team of robots lands on a foreign planet to undertake a specialized mission. Unfortunately, when it’s time to leave, one robot gets left behind.
Vernon James Manlapaz, age 22 | Philippines A hungry rabbit tries everything to pull a big carrot out of the ground.
Pranay Patwardhan, age 21 | India Kachho Gadulo is a story about the vibrant and diverse culture of India, as seen through a young child’s free and beautiful imagination.
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Musical Masterpiece Presented by vitaminwater Sunday April 28 4:00 PM at SIFF Uptown 1 FADE IN: SIFF UPTOWN — AFTERNOON Do you have the music in you? These filmmakers do. If you're ready to rock out, tap your feet, and nod your head for an hour straight, this is the place to be!
REFLECTION Thomas Molina Jr., age 22 | Washington Backstage before a big performance, a young dancer struggles with her self doubt and negativity. She finds herself face to face with a side of herself she has never seen before. Will she overcome the biggest obstacle she has ever had to face… herself?
AT LONG LAST — "SAN FRANCISCO DREAMS"
MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD — "GO MAMA GO" Kurtis David Harder , age 20 | Canada Music video for Michael Bernard Fitzgerald in which a group of friends travel to put a concert on in the forest.
FRANK OCEAN — SIERRA LEONE
Bunee Tomlinson, age 20 | Oklahoma A teen sees his ex-girlfriend with another boy and begins to reminisce about the good times.
Kevin Lin, age 20 & Marissa Torres, age 20 California A stream of consciousness animation for Frank Ocean’s “Sierra Leone”.
LAST DAY OF MAY — SARAH WHITE
I DON'T COSPLAY — THE UNENDING THREAD
KNIFING THROUGH THE SKY
Caroline Cox, age 13 & Nan Marsh, age 13 & Becca Meaney, age 13 | Virginia A young woman makes a hard decision in this visual treatment for “The Last Day of May” by Sarah White and Josephine.
Andrea Busco, age 18 & Anthony Perales, age 18 California A teenage boy and girl have a few more days before they will never see each other again. This music video explores the emotional aspect of saying goodbye.
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SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Van Wampler, age 22 | Colorado A slow motion music video to Ivory Drive’s song, “Knifing Through the Sky”.
BEACH CHAIR RESERVE
WITHDRAWAL
LIMITATIONS
Leland Frankel, age 18 | California A Venice Beach busker finally meets the man of her dreams…and his girlfriend. A music video with original music by Giant Pony.
Arthur Johnson, age 22 | Massachusetts Lex was chosen to carry the gift of the light. Up until now she’s spent her whole life giving that light to people to brighten their lives, but in the end she has always been taken for granted. As she’s gotten older she’s made sure to take back what she given so she isn’t left with nothing.
Lily Yu, age 16 | California A music video set at sites of historical significance in Oakland’s civil rights struggles. Found Footage from Agnes Varda’s documentary “Black Panther”.
WILDERNESS EYES
PARTYHOLICS
WATCH OVER YOU
Wayne Robinson, age 22 | Canada This music video details different animals through their projections on a wall.
Sophie Chavez, age 17 & Christian Carceller, age 17 & Teryn Brown, age 16 | California A hip music video that takes place in a party scene that was filmed at a school dance.
Jonathan Stretton-Downes, age 21 | United Kingdom A love story about Ben & Rose, a couple who fall in love quickly and enjoy the honeymoon period of their relationship. Ben eventually finds out that Rose has cheated on him with another guy. He is heartbroken and the relationship breaks down.
THIRD PERSON — MARCUS D FEAT. ONE BE LO
LOVE ME, LEAVE ME LONELY
TWEEK — FROM THE TOP
Rusty Young, age 21 & Connor Lang , age 20 | Canada The breakout music video for the country pop band “Me and Mae.”
Simon Wannaz, age 22 | Switzerland This is the first music video of the Swiss band TWEEK. Step into the world of gravity shift as this film will turn your world upside down.
Sawyer Purman, age 21 & Ben Anderson, age 21 Washington When he finds his house burned to the ground, Ricky begins an epic quest to destroy the man responsible. Armed with his sword, fists, and good looks, Ricky sets out on a journey to make things right again in the world.
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Experimental SHORTS Sunday April 28 5:00 PM at SIFF Uptown 2
CUT TO: SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING David Lynch. Albert Einstein. Jimi Hendrix. What do they have in common? They all got their start experimenting with their art and pushing the boundaries of traditional ways of thinking. Enter the mind-bending visual vortex of alternative filmmaking, you may never return.
ESCARGOT
WAIT FOR ME
#1
Jaison Cabebe, age 18 | California In this music video, a snail finds that he is main course for dinner – and makes a break for it.
Miles Crist, age 15 | California An experimental film exploring a filmmaker’s obsession with moving clouds, the changing sky, and capturing those fleeting moments through time-lapse imagery. The film expresses the beauty and light in nature that is evident in any given day, right outside.
Austin Keeling, age 21 | California A short examining the use of technology as a mean of expressing emotions.
#2
ALLODOXAPHOBIA
SUCCESSION[S]
Austin Keeling, age 21 | California A short examining the use of technology as a mean of expressing emotions.
Sarah Kapidzic, age 18 & Alex Scharft, age 18 & Iris Perks, age 18 | Canada An experimental film about how our society treats women. Women are such powerful, beautiful, smart, strong creatures but many women don’t realize this because of how the media portrays them.
Matthew Clark Mulligan, age 22 | Oregon An exploration of the cycle of society through the medium of visual poetry.
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SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
INDIFFERENT CITY
THE PORTAL
SIX MONTH
Rui Cui, age 22 | California Urbanization has brought mankind enormous changes and improvements. However, large amount of urban dwellers become indifferent to people around them under the heavy pressure of modern life. This film analyses the inward world of a patient of City-Autism while he is hesitating to give a hand to a person who fells into a well and eventually loses the chance to save the victim.
Kevin Ho , age 15 & Jake Raynis, age 15 California An experimental look inward as two boys dig deeper into a portal.
Aaron Keeling, age 21 | California An abstract examination of a doomed relationship and the various emotions that accompany it.
SNEER - NO RECENT ACTIVITY
PORTRAIT OF A FOOL
AND THE KID
Sarah Rivka, age 22 & Tomas Mickiewicz Seidita, age 22 | Oregon This is the first video we made for our band Sneer from Portland, OR. It’s sort of about the Internet.
Kyle Adams, age 20 | Colorado Step into the mind of a chronic procrastinator.
Jacqueline Lentzou, age 22 | Greece Inspired by Adriaen De Velde’s painting “A goat and a kid”, “And the Kid” is a short art film experimenting with symbolism and form, focusing on a lonely girl’s attempt to beautify her routine to her mother through a letter.
BARBIE DOLL
KID SIMPL - PULSE
PETER RABBIT
Christina Carter, age 16 & Esa Tilija, age 15 & India Jencks, age 15 & Jeeoon Lee, age 16 Washington A visual interpretation of the poem “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy.
Ben Anderson, age 21 | Washington The Pulse of nature is explored through worldtessellating compositions and a dreamy soundscape. The world we see breaks free from reality to show us a unique and inspiring world hidden within our own.
Ceara McEvoy, age 22 | South Africa Peter Rabbit is a gripping esposes the dark ritual of a girl’s obsession with the power relations involved in sex and death. The theme of the film underpins the unequal power dynamic still felt by females in society today.
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Here
Closing NIGHT ENDS here Sunday April 28 6:00 PM SIFF Uptown 1
Closing NIGHT 62
FADE OUT: SIFF UPTOWN — EVENING Film Starts Here at NFFTY, and ends with this amazing Closing Night showcase of talent. These young directors will be seeing their names in lights and you'll be able to say I was there when...
TURNPIKE
SIN DOLOR
ONE WAY SINGLE
Will Baldy, age 19 | United Kingdom A young man has robbed a petrol station, but instead of fleeing, he decides to sit and wait for the consequences of his actions to take over.
Joe Greco, age 22 | New York A curious and amoral doctor seeks the source of a young patient’s inability to feel pain.
Andrew Mitrak, age 22 | Washington When Saul notices a devilishly cute girl named Pepper eyeballing him, he wastes no time making his move. But Pepper has no interest Saul’s small talk. She fantasizes of the brutal death Saul would die if the train were to derail. This was not the midnight ride Saul had in mind.
RAISING THE TITANIC
ELLIE HEART
Alexander Mitchell, age 20 | Florida Nearly 25 years after the Titanic shipwreck is discovered, the steward and sole salvager of the Titanic, RMS Titanic Incorporated, is holding a private auction, in which they will sell over 5,000 artifacts from the wreck site in a winner takes all auction. The collection has been appraised at over 189 million dollars and is regarded as one of the biggest auctions in history. The line between archaeology and pillaging is blurred by these events, and brings into question humanity’s unfailing interest in the past.
Dom Fera, age 20 | New Jersey Two high school boys discover that a basement storage room can be magically transformed with a simple key…and inside this enchanted room is Ellie Heart — a fantasy girl in every sense. With a new place to hide from their problems, the boys find their ways to the next parts of their lives through jealousy, denial, and their differing relationships with the same dream girl.
SCREENING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
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Whatever you do for a living, story Will be at its heart.
Belmont University motion PictUres Program is looking for interesting filmmakers Belmont pays Nashville’s best actors to be in the students’ films. Upon graduation, filmmakers own the copyright to their work. Every senior will complete a thesis project. Faculty are industry professionals. Belmont West -- semester in Los Angeles Belmont in Hollywood -- summer internship program study abroad -- London & Prague I’m Will Akers. While I’m at the festival, I’d like to tell you about Belmont and our filmmaking program. How to find me: 615/584-5888 (best way!) will.akers@belmont.edu belmont.edu/motionpictures
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SPECIAL THANKS
NFFTY would like to acknowledge the special help and support of these people and organizations: Al Hillel Amy Theorin Audrey Fan Bianca Jensen Bryan Roth Charlotte Garden Chris Newell Daniel Waggoner Dave Siegfried David Drummond David Galassi Don Liebengood Donna Brown Elizabeth Visco Grace Fojtik Holly Morris Jean Morris Jennifer Senkler John Kim Joseph Eusebio Julie Church Karen Oleson Karin Baer Karin Fojtik
Karl Cadie Kathy Reichgerdt Lori Seago Luke Stroud Maddy Tidwell Marty Thacker Matt Lawrence Nanci Vaeth & Carl Kadie Owen Davies Paul Allen Peter Barnes P Scott Cummins Sarah Phipps Shawn Fojtik Susan Tomlinson Suzanne Tidwell Travis Sherman Trent Jones All our Sponsors All our Donors All our Volunteers You! 69
NFFT Y 2013 staff
NFFTY IS A PROGRAM OF THE TALENTED YOUTH, A 501C3 NON-PROFIT
2013 NFFTY TEAM
2013 FESTIVAL JURY
Artistic Director Jesse Harris
Amy Theorin
Managing Director Lindsey LeDuc
David Galassi
Festival Manager Kyle Seago
Diane Dickens
Filmmaker & Outreach Coordinator Kaleigh Ward
Bryan Roth
Debra Bouchegnies
Flora Peabody Goldthwaite Jennifer Senkler
Business Management Kathy Reichgerdt
Johan Liedgren
Publicist Michael Nank
Kimi Schroeder
Our Wonderful Interns: Theresa Syn Amy Olsen Isaiah Hoban Halvorsen
Laura Missioreck
Design Tectonic
Melissa Tay
Website Development Amit Ashkenazi, Contextive.com
Nanci Vaeth
Event Management Tokita Bethune Inc Venue Managers Beth Varner Mandi Tealdi
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Kathy Reichgerdt
Laura Bell Hammarlund
Layne Schroeder Lesley Pfeifer
Mindy Herbert
Stephanie Crockett Susan Tomlinson Suzy Kellett Thomas Feldhake
BOARD OF DIRECTORS | SEATTLE
BOARD EMERITUS
President Donna Brown Architect
Past President Jim Wilgus
Secretary Bud Harrington Principal, Harrington Video Productions Treasurer Kathy Reichgerdt Principal, Venture Advisory Services NFFTY Co-Founder Jesse Harris, Commercial Director Audrey R. Fan Executive Producer John Kim Senior Vice President of Global Products, Expedia Johan Liedgren Founder, Tale & Company. Writer and Director. Jenn Miller President and COO, Audiosocket Bryan Roth Co-Founder, Groundspeak Inc. Jennifer Senkler Independent Producer Dave Siegfried Chief Financial Officer, Audiosocket Daniel Waggoner Attorney, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Co-Founder Jocelyn R.C. Co-Founder Kyle Seago Founding Board Member P. Scott Cummins
ADVISORY BOARD | LOS ANGELES Chair Sandra J. Ruch Filmmaker; Advisor to US Department of State, American Documentary Showcase; and former Executive Director of the International Documentary Association Nicholas de Wolff Co-founder Producers Guild of America New Media Council John Maatta Chief Operating Officer, The CW Network Jeff Davidson Film Producer, and former COO, Honeyshed Arnaud Duteil Producer Tim Gibbons Executive Producer, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, HBO Rebecca Rigal Arts & Culture Ambassador at GOOD Worldwide, LLC Taylor Segrest Writer/Producer, Cinelixir Productions Sabrina Wind Executive Producer, “Desperate Housewives”, ABC 71
Thank You For Attending