First Time Fest 2013

First Time Fest Interview: ‘Junction’ Writer/Director Tony Glazer

First Time Fest Interview: ‘Junction’ Writer/Director Tony Glazer

by Chris McKittrick

My favorite film of the inaugural First Time Fest was Junction, written and directed by Tony Glazer. I had the opportunity to interview Glazer at the prestigious Players Club in New York City, which hosted the festival’s events. Meeting...

First Time Fest 2013 Closing Night Gala and Festival Wrap-Up Report

First Time Fest 2013 Closing Night Gala and Festival Wrap-Up Report

by Chris McKittrick

When I first received word about the First Time Fest, a new film festival that would highlight the work of directors making their debut films, I thought it would be a small, low-key festival. After all, 2013 would be...

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Blumenthal’ Review

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Blumenthal’ Review

by Chris McKittrick

Directing one’s first feature film must be challenging enough. However, apparently that wasn’t enough of a challenge for Seth Fisher — not only has he directed his first feature film, Blumenthal, but he wrote the script and stars in...

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Junction’ Review

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Junction’ Review

by Chris McKittrick

A group of four meth addicts — David (Tom Pelphrey), Donald (Neal Bledsoe), Kari (Summer Corckett Moore), and Spot (Harris Doran) are broke and in need to score. David approaches their dealer, Tai (Anthony Ruivivar), hoping for a “favor.” ...

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Summertime’ Review

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Summertime’ Review

by Chris McKittrick

I think one of the hardest types of films to make are vignette ensemble films, the type of storytelling that Robert Altman perfected in films like Nashville and Short Cuts. More recent takes on this style, like Valentine’s Day...

First Time Fest 2013: ‘ZIPPER: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride’

First Time Fest 2013: ‘ZIPPER: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride’

by Chris McKittrick

I’ve always been intrigued by the history of Coney Island. Before destination amusement parks like Disneyworld and Six Flags existed, Coney Island was where millions of New Yorkers had fun for decades. However, Coney Island has undergone significant changes...

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Submerge’ Review

First Time Fest 2013: ‘Submerge’ Review

by Chris McKittrick

Films about relationships are a natural fit for first time filmmakers. Australian writer/director Sophie O’Connor‘s first film, Submerge, focuses on the various relationships college student Jordan (Lily Hall) tries to balance while training to become a world-class swimmer. Jordan...