Daytona Beach Film Festival
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Friday Film Schedule

 

12:45 Short Program (A selection of short films): Encore Theater7 Films( 119 minutes)

1. "The Miracle": Jeffrey Jon Smith, Director (29:00)

In confession to her priest, Tekki Lomnicki, a little person, reveals how she dishonored her mother on a trip to Lourdes twenty-seven years before. In Tekki's memory, her dramatic birth, her sometimes painful relationship with her mother, Sister Thecla (a storytelling nun), Saint Bernadette, her rambunctious family, little league baseball, high school musical comedy, the romantic Paris of her dreams, and the fateful trip to Lourdes, all live again. But it will take all Tekki's courage, humor and imagination to face the truth about her life and what happened at Lourdes if she is to win a chance at redemption.

2. "Robert Shaw": Bryan Dobrik, Director(9:40)

'Robert Shaw' is an episodic short film that tells the story of a man who can't escape from his past. No matter how hard he tries, he has to keep running...

3. "The Sound of Glory": Michael Ramova, Director (8:00)

A World War II veteran gets lost in his painful memories as he rests in an alley.

4. "Fish Out of Water": Kathryn Olguin, Director (12:24)

Brent, a recent college graduate turned pot-smoking slacker, is given an ultimatum by his more motivated girlfriend, Lisa: pay your share of the rent or I'm leaving. Disillusioned by his job prospects, Brent resorts to what he knows best: smoking marihuana. In a dreamlike state where he demands rent from his pet beta fish, Mossy, Brent finds himself in a game of divers roulette that puts his life at risk. Having such a close brush with death, Brent finds the motivation he needs to get his life back on track. With Mossy's help, Brent is able to land a job at a downtown office but still needs to figure out how to pay rent in order to salvage his relationship with Lisa.

5. "Parking Space":David Bitton, Director (20:40)

After a tiresome search, Norman finally finds a parking space. However, the odd man sitting in it lays claim to the space and refuses to move, challenging Norman to find his own.

6. "Un Caf Pour l'Amerique":Jossy Mayor, Director (19:57)

A last twist, as bitter as coffee. Pierre is retired. He is a very shy man in his sixties, with no family or friends. What will he do now ? He can't even travel due to his poor health. Fortunately, the next door caf, where he ha drunk his evening coffee for thirty years, becomes his sole daily activity.

7. "O Pintor De Ceos: The Painter of Skies": Jorge Morais Valle, Director (20:00)

From the darkness of the lost cliffs, a crazy painter, marked by his past, and his faithul assistant try to find a solution against perpetual storms. Sea is destroying their home. A magic boiler and some tormented ghosts will help them to find the light.

1:00 "Taos"

Directed by Brandon Schmid
USA / 2008 / 83 min / English
John works as a corporate attorney in a large D.C. law firm, trading his nights and weekends for extra cash and the promise of a secure future. Lyndsey, John's girlfriend, wants more. On his way to Aspen for her family's Christmas holidays, John's car breaks down alongside a lonely highway in New Mexico. Stranded in Taos for repairs, old wounds surface and new perspectives emerge as John gets caught up in the events of the mystical town.

2:45 "Grogoire Mourin Vs. Mankind"

GREGOIRE MOULIN VS MANKIND* directed by Artus de Penguren
France / 2001 / 90 min / French w/English sub-titles
Gregoire Moulin, a shy accountant, sets up a blind date with a dance teacher at a bar. What he needed to do was just to cross the road. But it didn't happen to be as easy as it seems especially because of the final game of French soccer championship the very same night!

3:00 "Dear Lemon Lima"

DEAR LEMON LIMA* directed by Suzi Yoonessi Southeast Premiere
USA / 2009 / 87 min / English
When Vanessa, a lonely 13-year old (Western Eskimo) girl with a vivid imagination, is dumped by her true love, über intellectual Philip Georgey, 14, she spends the summer obsessing over the heartbreaking tragedy. She counts down the days to fall semester when she plans to win him back at a close-minded preparatory school in Fairbanks, where the Georgey Family is legacy.

4:45 "The Role of Her Life"

THE ROLE OF HER LIFE* directed by Francois Favrat
France / 2004 / 102 min / French w/English sub-titles
A young woman in a bookstore becomes the Girl Friday for France's leading actress. Laughs, tears and surprises abound in this amazing film.

5:00 "Entre Nos"

ENTRE NOS* directed by Paola Mendoza & Gloria La Morte
USA & Colombia / 2009 / 82 min / Spanish w/English sub-titles
Mariana is determined to keep her family together. Her children, Gabriel, 10, and Andrea, 6, have grown up in Colombia without their father. Finally after years of separation, the family is reunited in New York City. After coming home late from work one night Antonio announces he has found work in Miami and will be sending for the family once he is settled. Days go by and Mariana does not hear from him. With the rent due, no food on the table, only fifty dollars to her name, and with no one to turn to, Mariana must find a way to survive.

Opening Night

7:00 Opening Night Film (to follow dinner) "I Do & I Don't" with Special guest Writer Director Steve Blair

I DO & I DON'T* directed & written by Steve Blair
USA / 2008 / 83 min / English
3 weeks before their wedding, Bob and Cheryl discover they have not taken the pre-marital classes required by their Catholic church. Their pastor arranges private classes for them with the Stelmacks, a couple whose 17 year marriage is the definition of dysfunctional lunacy. Bob and Cheryl are in love and blissfully ignorant of any secrets hiding in the nooks and crannies of each other hearts. Unfortunately the Stelmacks are determined to enlighten them. As the wedding approaches, Bob and Cheryl's emotional and physical scars accumulate. Will pre-martial counseling scupper their chances of making it down the aisle? Starring Bryan Callen, Alexie Gilmore, Matt Servitto, Jane Lynch
Special Guest: Steve Blair

Saturday Film Schedule

 

12:45pm "LIFELINES"

Directed by Rob Margolies
USA / 2008 / 94 min / English
The Bernsteins may be the most dysfunctional family since Robert Redford's ORDINARY PEOPLE. The Bernstein's are not clicking on all cylinders. The family needs a tune-up... but you wonder if anything could help. Ira, the Dad is a Dr. of Dermatology. He often puts his foot down like the stamping of a feather. Nancy (mom) is literally at her wits end dealing with a Michael, the eldest, who is bursting with suppression, Meghan the evil tongue daughter - abrasive and contemptuous. And then there's Spencer, the 12 year old who seemingly outwits all that challenge him in verbal battle.

1:00pm Short Film Program: Theater #1.7 films (101 minutes)

"Hip Hip Hooray":Lynsey Miller, Director (7:24)

 

The preparations for the surprise birthday party at Lillyfield nursing home are well underway, led by an enthusiastic Pippa. The only problem being, Pippa's the birthday girl and no one else seems all that interested. Surrounded by uninterested residents, a secret admirer and a pet rabbit, can Pippa celebrate her big day in style?

"Worth The Fall":Matt Coleman, Director (8:16)

Worth the Fall is a story about a janitor who witnesses a school principal sexually assualting a young girl. He must decide what to with what he saw. By doing anything he risks everything. By doing nothing, he must live with himself. Sometimes making the right choice has the worst consequences

 

"Slice of Pie":Tim Reischauer, Director (34:40)

 

Gleaned from Rick Hall's small town stories called 'spellbinding' by the New York Times, 'Slice of Pie' is a romantic comedy with an unlikely hero. Carter's a middle-aged divorcee with his eye on Juanita, the waitress at the local diner. In an attempt to woo the girl of his dreams he waxes philosophical about the merits of pie. But when James, the used car dealer of dating, makes his move on Juanita, subtly is out the window. Carter pops the question, Juanita accepts and Carter thinks he has the wind at his back. But in the open prairieland of central Illinois, the wind can change direction rather quickly.
Slice of Pie is a cinematic slice of life chock full of the bittersweet moments set against a back drop of quirky locals that Carter grew up with. Oh yeah, and a dead dog named Burt.

"Gatton Gattoni, Crawling Thieves":Lorenzo Faccenda, Director(28:21)

Six silly thieves go inside an apartment to steal during the same day. They don't get for themselves much and run away thinking the owner is poor and not smart at all. There are 2 problems, while they are inside the house the owner is coming, they went the wrong day, the second thing is that the old owner is instead a thief himself and stole a famous Leonardo da Vinci painting.

"Danse Macabre":Pedro Pires, Director (8:30)

 

For a period of time, while we believe it to be perfectly still, lifeless flesh responds, stirs and contorts in a final macabre ballet.Are these spasms merely erratic motions or do they echo the chaotic twists and turns of past life?

"The Devil's Matchmaker":Fonathan Bowen, Director (9:36)

Alexander is a professional matchmaker. While he has a fun, desirable job, he is a loner who prefers creating relationships for other people rather than focusing on his own life. He has a set routine each day that he follows closely, has few friends with whom to speak about his job, and has just one great joy in life, which is setting up matches for people with awkward last names. While his primary job is just an ordinary matchmaker, his hobby is to arrange dates between people whose last names form awkward combinations, like Furr-Muncher, Peters-Rising, and Small-Johnson, for instance. He knows he cannot force love, but he plays the odds that some of his dates will click with each other and eventually marry. The resulting wedding announcements are his trophies.

"I Was Thinking":David Ramires, Director (5:40)

Wedding tensions mount in this light, slice-of-life short by David Ramirez, I Was Thinking. Pilar (Tristan Fisher) is  Puerto Rican , Michael (Ari  Frenkel ) is Jewish. All the irritating nuances of planning a wedding start to bubble over during dinner, exposing the true divide between the couple. Is Michael really being culturally insensitive to Pilar's concerns? Or is Pilar self consumed?

2:45pm "THE BIG BAD SWIM"

Directed by Ishai Setton
USA / 2006 / 96 min / English
An adult swim class sets the stage for this sexually charged comedy about love, loss, and second chances. Three strangers-inextricably connected through personal heartbreak-find themselves entering deep water as they learn that life isn't always about diving right in-it's about getting your feet wet once in awhile.

3:00pm "PUNCHING THE CLOWN"

Directed by Gregori Viens Southeast Premiere
USA / 2009 / 91 min / English
Henry Phillips, a road-weary American comedian and troubadour, is down on his luck playing hell gigs in the desert. He moves to L.A. thinking he's got nothing more to lose. It turns out he was mistaken. Yet, if he plays his cards right, it could all be grist for his darkly humorous songs. 'The best movie about comedy I've seen so far. Henry Phillips has an angle on comedy that is subtle and singular." -Sarah Silverman

5:00pm "COYOTE"

Directed by Brian Petersen
USA/Mexico / 2008 / 95min / English & Spanish w/English sub-titles
J. and Steve, best friends forever, stumble into an opportunity when a Mexican pal, recently deported, needs their help to get back across the border. Surprised at how easy it is to fool the Border Patrol agents in Nogales, the guys see it as a chance to corner the market as the 'Kinder, Gentler People Smugglers,' while beating the Minutemen at their own game in the process. Soon enough, J. and Steve learn the real danger in crossing boundaries.

7:00pm Surfing Film

8:45pm "AN ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK"

Directed by Richard Laxton
United Kingdom / 2009 / 74 min / DVD / English
In 1975, at the age of 66, openly Gay writer Quentin Crisp has given up on finding fame and so it comes as rather a surprise when the British TV film 'The Naked Civil Servant', which is about his life so far, makes him a celebrity overnight. Refusing to return to anonymity and following an invitation to New York, Quentin finds himself in a country where he is welcomed with open arms and becomes the toast of New York society and a fixture on the Champagne and peanuts circuit. But, all is not perfect in an ever changing world.

Sunday Film Schedule

Sunday October 11, 10am - 1pm FREE and open to the public

Mime Vs. Junkie: Olesia Shewchuk Director (4:43)

In the vein of the silent cinema and the films of Charlie Chaplin, Mime Vs. Junkie is a charming little film that centers around a park, where a mime artist (Maxim A Fomitchev) meets a junkie (Cailin Stadnyk) while struggling to earn a living. Their encounter leads to an amusing and an unforgettable finale.

Nemesis: Stian Hafstad Director (9:00)

Nemesis is the story of Arne, who is convinced he has superpowers. He just has not found them yet. So he decides to put up a wanted note for an archenemy, hoping that it will help him discover his true powers.

Death Merchant: Shani Vargo Director (1:44)

A Wandering merchant roams the desert searching for customers untill he comes upon the most unlikely of the candidaes, a young girl.

Catechism: Jessica Moorhouse Director (14:00)

Danielle was taught that there are four main sins to always avoid. Don't kill, steal, cheat or have sex before marriage, and you won't go to Hell. But then she met Ethan. A quirky comedy about love, lust and doing the right thing, all while trying to avoid the burning depths of Hell.

Pick It Up: Matt Sklar Director (6:04)

Max likes Susie, but being with her proves difficult after he accidentally commits the ultimate neighborhood sin. He forgets to pick it up.

Harmony Town: Ryan Parma Director (11:38)

When a brother and sister's car breaks down in a musical town, their lives are changed for the better. With the help of the townsfolk,they are made to realize that they just needed to find the music in their hearts.

Werewolf Trouble: Charlie Anderson Director (7:00)

Ryan is a werewolf. Horrified to wake up only partially transformed one morning, he calls upon two friends who don't have his best interests at heart.

Small Penis: Stian Hafstad Director (9:10)

Small Penis is the story of Daniel, a man who all of his life has felt insecure because of his penis size. This changes when he joins a support group a little bit out of the ordinary.

Bittersweet Paradise:Paola Cutri Director (10:00)

When a PREGNANT Nixie gets into a scuffle with a pair of talking squirrels, she hires a mysterious pest exterminator to outsmart them. He CASTS A SPELL on the orange tree where the squirrels routinely ravage Nixie's fruit.

Jesus Christ!: Eric J. Huber Director (19:58)

Michael Lippa loves his fiance, Vanessa, more than anything. However, he does not know how he feels about how her strong Catholic beliefs will affect his future life. As he prepares to move into a new house with her, he meets his comical and quirky sub letter for his old house, who unbeknownst to him happens to be Jesus Christ. When Michael becomes so worried about Vanessa's Christianity that he is ready to call the wedding off, he receives unexpected advice from the man causing all his problems.

A Morbid Prayer: Craig Calamis (4:30)

Sean Scott Can't Sleep: Joseph Rohrs Director (8:15)

Sean Scott cannot sleep on the eve of a day when he must make deliver a memorial speech. So, like he did when he was young, he goes to sit in his den and then he has a talk with his father. It is a strong heart-to-heart talk and Sean realizes just how much he loved his father. Sean also realizes just how proud his father is of him. But Sean's father is not really there; and the talk that Sean has with his father is just a way from Sean's soul to find some comfort in loving memories.

Shut Up And Kiss Me: Bartley Argo Director (16:44)

Shut Up & Kiss Me' is a Golden Age style musical set against the backdrop of Savannah's Historic District. It focuses on the dynamic relationship of two young lovers who care deeply for each other but who can't seem to say it. Casual conversation turns Julie and Dean's leisurely stroll home into a powder keg of pretense and pride. Will either side be able to extinguish the fuse before the whole evening explodes?

Smile: Bruno Vaks Director (3:32)

The story is about an imaginary smile, that flies from person to person, making their day happier and more pleasant. From the grocery store clerk to the cleaning lady, from mother to son, from a traveler to a couple, the smile changes everyone when they receive the smile.

Hitmom: Joe Clarke Director (16:00)

In 1989, Janet Peterson was the world's number one assassin. In 2009, she is now the world's number one mother. Now, twenty years later, she's coming out of retirement.

Jewsus: Benjamin C. BlissDirector (17:00)

Jason Cohen is a Jewish boy who has to play it cool for one more day so his parents will let him take his protestant girlfriend to the Winter Prom. But when a dare from his little brother somehow endows him with the powers of Jesus, Jason is put on a collision course with disaster.

Deadlines: Bang Yao Liu Director (1:55)

A man is fighting with his post-it notes and deadline.

Untitled Moon Project: John Moore Director (7:25)

It is July 20, 1969. With every passing second, Neil Armstrong and the men of Apollo 8 get closer and closer to the Moon. It seems that the 12 year race for space superiority between America and the Soviet Union could finally come to a close. However, the Reds have one last covert trick up their sleeves. They'll just shoot the Moon Landing in a Television Studio!

12:45pm "MIFFO"

Directed by Daniel Lind Lagerlof
Sweden / 2003 / 105 min / DVD / Swedish w/English sub-titles
Tobias is the new, idealistic priest in a suburb but he soon learns that his flock is quite uninterested in Christianity. However, he befriends Carolina, a chain smoking woman his age, wheelchair-bound since birth. It is opposites attract although their backgrounds are different.

1pm "LOOSE CHANGE: 9/11 AN AMERICAN COUP"

USA / 2009 / 99 min / English
America's most lethal terrorist attack has spawned many theories concerning conspiracy. In this world premiere, the filmmakers through astounding detective work turn over new leafs in their quest to discover the story behind 9/11.

2:45pm "THE CAKE EATERS"

Directed by Mary Stuart Masterson
USA / 2007 / 95 min / English
A prodigal son's return conjures up old ghosts for three generations of two different families in a small, quiet town. Masterson's debut feature unfolds the intimate secrets and tensions that compel these families to move forward. The dynamic ensemble cast features Kristin Stewart, Aaron Stanford, Bruce Dern, Jayce Bartok and Elizabeth Ashley.

3:00pm "BLISS"

Directed by Abdullah Oguz Southeastern Premiere
Turkey / 2009 / 105 min / Turkish w/English sub-titles
When 17-year-old Meryem is found dishevelled and unconscious by the side of a lake in the countryside, her family believes the worst - that her chastity has been lost. They turn to the ancient principle of 'tore,' a strict moral code that condemns Meryem to death. When she refuses to take her own life, the duty of upholding the family's honor falls upon a distant cousin, Cemal, who has just completed a brutal tour in the military. A deeply affecting yet life-affirming portrayal of traditional and modern-day Turkey, Bliss is unforgettable.

Closing Night

5:00pm FLORIDA SHORT FILM PROGRAM
(winner of the 2009 DBFF "Best Florida Short" will be announced)

Sunday October 11, 5;00.Q&A with Filmmakers and awards ceremony to follow including a wine and dessert party.

Admission to the event is $10.

1. "Safe Haven:The warsau Zoo" - Director:Gary Lester (29:00)

In the opening days of World War II, the Nazis occupy Warsaw. In a display of extraordinary courage and commitment, Zookeeper Jan Zabinski decides to hide the city's most endangered residents in his home. Before war's end, the Warsaw Zoo will become a safe haven for 300 Jewish men, women, and children.

2. "This Man's Life": Director: Todd Thompson (33:00)

A magical tale about man who travels home to claim his estranged father's inheritance when he encounters a peculiar stranger that seems to know everything about his life. The film stars Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder, JFK), Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum, That Thing You Do!) and Betsy Brantley (The Princess Bride, Deep Impact).

3. "Clark": Director: Kevin James O'Neill (22:00)

Clark is a powerful and poignant story of a young boy growing up in 1952 who has a strong loving bond with his mother, but must find a way to survive an abusive father.To escape reality, he is drawn further into his own world of believing he can be Superman. Follow his journey to present day as a man who must find himself and his place in the world.

4. " Mina": Director - Jose Cassella

Mina is a unique horror film centered around a little girl with a dark secret. A secret that threatens her existence and her community. She and her family are the descendants of a long blood line of cursed beings, flesh eaters. Mina is different, she does not want this, she is not a cold blooded killer, but her time is running out as forces are slowly approaching to destroy her and her kind.

5. "Free headshot": Director: RJ Istvan (17:00)

Rodney Strom is looking for a new headshot. But since he's never had much success as an actor, he signs up for a new union benefit, a free headshot. And when he shows up for his appointment, Rodney finds he has to make a few career choices in this little black comedy.

8:45pm…tba (second screen of sold out show if needed)