Saturday I attended a Shorts Program at the 15th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City. The following are the films I saw and my brief thoughts on each. Please check them out if you get the chance!
A Higher Power, directed by Jacolby Percy – East Coast Premiere
I found this to be a very moving film and was surprised the the emotion achieved in such short amount of time. Director Jacolby Percy wrote and directed this story of a man just trying to make sense of his life. Tables turn and as one life is threatened another is being saved. Bryon Morris as the lead character, Mason, brings incredible complexity and intensity to the character. I dare anyone to not feel impacted by this film.
I will be posting my interview with Jacolby Percy regarding this film in the coming days. Stay tuned!
Men in Love, directed by Keith Davis
I love seeing the male perspective of love and relationships. In this short film, Leo (Benton Greene) is trying to get over his ex when he meets a young woman. After a intense encounter with her, he longs for his ex. Beautifully shot, the film is worth viewing on that aspect alone. The colors and vibrancy of each scene is intoxicating. I was left wanting more.
Silencio Fuerte (Hard Silence), directed by Ozzy Villazon – New York Premiere
Wow, so this was a very intense film on so many levels. I felt uncomfortable, yet fascinated as I watched the brutality and humiliation of the young girl, Karla (Valenzia Algarin). Both the production and cast are top notch and I have no doubt this film will grab the attention of many.
The Man In The Glass Case, directed by Maxwell Addae – World Premiere
I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this film. I don’t think I really understood it. I was worrying too much about details and wasn’t focused enough on the plot. I know I wasn’t supposed to understand Faruq (Cicero Salmon III), but I wasn’t emotionally invested enough to want to understand him.
The Street Performer, directed by Lamont Stephens – World Premiere
Although a short film, this felt very long. The story took a bit to build up and for the first half, I was wondering what the plot would be. It’s shot in black and white which I found to be quite nostalgic and very 1960s, in a good way. Reginald Huc, playing the lead character, Marc Chamberlain, has an incredible voice. It commands attention and is easy on the ears. I was unhappy with the ending until the Q&A after, when the director explained his vision.
When Cars Sing, directed by Fabien Ortiz – World Premiere
This is another film that felt very long and took a bit to get off the ground. The production value was quite amazing though and the film itself was beautiful and gritty. I was not able to really feel for any of the characters and would have liked more character development.
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