2009 Program
Short Films
Abandoned Heroes
The way we treat our disabled soldiers upon returning is sometimes horrendous. But this scathing report on veterans being deceived by the military is stunningly shameful. In this vital activist documentary, sight-impaired director David Block gathers testimonies from former CIA analyst Patrick Eddington (author of "Gassed in the Gulf"), other distinguished authors and a dozen war veterans to offer an eye-opening history on our systemic misuse of soldiers in wars past. While the soldiers remain deeply patriotic and have few regrets about serving their country, the abuse at the hands of many and varied sources is shockingly brought to the surface through the collective frustrations, trials and attempts to return to "normal" lives as citizens. It is no irony that if you flip the word war around it spells raw.
The way we treat our disabled soldiers upon returning is sometimes horrendous. But this scathing report on veterans being deceived by the military is stunningly shameful. In this vital activist documentary, sight-impaired director David Block gathers testimonies from former CIA analyst Patrick Eddington (author of "Gassed in the Gulf"), other distinguished authors and a dozen war veterans to offer an eye-opening history on our systemic misuse of soldiers in wars past. While the soldiers remain deeply patriotic and have few regrets about serving their country, the abuse at the hands of many and varied sources is shockingly brought to the surface through the collective frustrations, trials and attempts to return to "normal" lives as citizens. It is no irony that if you flip the word war around it spells raw.
Adam and Evan
In this gripping cinematic short, Adam absconds with his close friend Evan’s body prior to the burial.
In this gripping cinematic short, Adam absconds with his close friend Evan’s body prior to the burial.
America's Game
There's just no sport like the game of baseball. If you really love it, then you love America. If you don't. then get the hell out of our country.
There's just no sport like the game of baseball. If you really love it, then you love America. If you don't. then get the hell out of our country.
American Terror: Company Man
An awesome animated excerpt from the graphic novel "American Terror!" In a future of bombed-out cities and paramilitary oppressors, one lone rebel must take out the key scientist of the enemy, at any cost.
An awesome animated excerpt from the graphic novel "American Terror!" In a future of bombed-out cities and paramilitary oppressors, one lone rebel must take out the key scientist of the enemy, at any cost.
Amerika Idol
There are movements and there are phenomenon. In Serbia's small town/cities a few key players in the local culture embark on the construction of a monument - the Rocky Statue - that can re-inspire the people of their province. An epic saga, filled with triumphs, tragedy and humor.
There are movements and there are phenomenon. In Serbia's small town/cities a few key players in the local culture embark on the construction of a monument - the Rocky Statue - that can re-inspire the people of their province. An epic saga, filled with triumphs, tragedy and humor.
Another Bad Idea
A well-crafted short by a UArts Jr. animation student, Rusty Eveland, mixing live action and animation.
A well-crafted short by a UArts Jr. animation student, Rusty Eveland, mixing live action and animation.
Apprentice
A gritty and un-glamorized ghastly view of two users (losers) driven to sexual degradation, petty theft, and worse to get a fix. Boasting several fearless performances, bizarre comedic moments and some truly shocking scenes.
A gritty and un-glamorized ghastly view of two users (losers) driven to sexual degradation, petty theft, and worse to get a fix. Boasting several fearless performances, bizarre comedic moments and some truly shocking scenes.
Arab on Radar
A music film Rusty Nails made for Providence, R.I., noise-masters Arab on Radar.
A music film Rusty Nails made for Providence, R.I., noise-masters Arab on Radar.
Beirut Boys
If we could observe inner-city kids closer, what would we see, and what would they see? Looking through the eyes of adolescent Derrick Toler, Director El Sawyer uses the camera as a tool of self-definition for these young teens from North Philly, self-named “the Beirut Boys.” Yes, there's boyish bravado and vulnerability, but there’s also originality in their music and poetry. Fast approaching manhood with both exuberance and trepidation in their voices, it remains to be seen where their future will lead them, but that may be greatly influenced by their future reflections on this 27-minute time-capsule.
If we could observe inner-city kids closer, what would we see, and what would they see? Looking through the eyes of adolescent Derrick Toler, Director El Sawyer uses the camera as a tool of self-definition for these young teens from North Philly, self-named “the Beirut Boys.” Yes, there's boyish bravado and vulnerability, but there’s also originality in their music and poetry. Fast approaching manhood with both exuberance and trepidation in their voices, it remains to be seen where their future will lead them, but that may be greatly influenced by their future reflections on this 27-minute time-capsule.
Character Study
Do people still animate the old-fashioned way? Yes, and you can still impress audiences with a spark of real talent, as this (very) short film does.
Do people still animate the old-fashioned way? Yes, and you can still impress audiences with a spark of real talent, as this (very) short film does.
Clowns Without Borders
Three Philly-based actors volunteer to go Egypt to perform circus arts to traumatized children (who do not even know what clowns are), but the universal message of laughter gets through.
Three Philly-based actors volunteer to go Egypt to perform circus arts to traumatized children (who do not even know what clowns are), but the universal message of laughter gets through.
Dead Hooker Theater
For the sensitive: Don't be too offended, these hookers are in fact elevating the genre of 'Dead Hooker' flicks, by taking on America's classic literature. Comedy lives, with Philly's own SecretPants.
For the sensitive: Don't be too offended, these hookers are in fact elevating the genre of 'Dead Hooker' flicks, by taking on America's classic literature. Comedy lives, with Philly's own SecretPants.
Direction Without Instruction
An experimental multi-media stop-motion animation with a creepy score.
An experimental multi-media stop-motion animation with a creepy score.
Don't Fall Down In the Hood
Violence and its ever-spiraling damages are not news in this city. And while millions upon millions of our dollars is spent to prevent it, the list of the incarcerated and the dead constantly grows longer. Director Diane Thompson follows a single group of kids who are part of a “last-chance” program for (multiple) juvenile offenders who are given the choice between this program and perhaps a longer stint in jail. The results are astonishing, as are the statistics (presented here). There is hope for youth in the hood it -- just needs mentors to remind them.
Violence and its ever-spiraling damages are not news in this city. And while millions upon millions of our dollars is spent to prevent it, the list of the incarcerated and the dead constantly grows longer. Director Diane Thompson follows a single group of kids who are part of a “last-chance” program for (multiple) juvenile offenders who are given the choice between this program and perhaps a longer stint in jail. The results are astonishing, as are the statistics (presented here). There is hope for youth in the hood it -- just needs mentors to remind them.
Downtown Train
A beautiful woman breaks social rules on the NYC subway in this very funny short.
A beautiful woman breaks social rules on the NYC subway in this very funny short.
80%
Dystopian future and decay is not-too-far-off in this made-for National Film Challenge 2008 short. Some people will do anything to stay alive. Anything….
Dystopian future and decay is not-too-far-off in this made-for National Film Challenge 2008 short. Some people will do anything to stay alive. Anything….
Eurydice She so Beloved
Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem, this short follows Orpheus’ sonic descent from a doorway of light, through the scaffolding of Hades, to the side of Eurydice, re-awakened by his aria.
Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem, this short follows Orpheus’ sonic descent from a doorway of light, through the scaffolding of Hades, to the side of Eurydice, re-awakened by his aria.
The Fairy Princess
A pedophile encounters more than he bargained for.
A pedophile encounters more than he bargained for.
Free the River Park -- The Story of Citizens' Fight for the Schuylkill River Park
The increasing industrialization of green spaces spurs an active campaign to restore the Schuylkill River Park Trail. $14 million dollars has been raised to date, no small accomplishment, but don't expect obstacles to disappear as things "progress."
The increasing industrialization of green spaces spurs an active campaign to restore the Schuylkill River Park Trail. $14 million dollars has been raised to date, no small accomplishment, but don't expect obstacles to disappear as things "progress."
Full Metal Slacks
On August 7, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing the massive use of U.S. military force in Vietnam. Two days later, on August 9, 1964, President Johnson ordered a pair of pants from his tailor in Dallas, Texas. This is the recording of that call.
On August 7, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing the massive use of U.S. military force in Vietnam. Two days later, on August 9, 1964, President Johnson ordered a pair of pants from his tailor in Dallas, Texas. This is the recording of that call.
The Greater Philadelphia Student Film Festival 2009 Winning Shorts
The Greater Philadelphia Student Film Festival (GPSFF) is run by college students across the Philadelphia region. Founded in 2006, its goal is to facilitate student film production and celebrate the results at its annual awards ceremony. GPSFF also organizes educational panels with leading industry members, hosts a networking kick-off party, and distributes student films via the internet and college cable stations. The festival runs GPSFF Connect, an online message board, as well as writing blogs about independent filmmaking and showcases the best film it finds on the internet. More information can be found at: www.gpsff.com. Preceding The Best of the Backseat Film Festival screening, we will showcase the winners of their film festival in the following categories: Comedy; Drama; Documentary; Animation; Experimental.
The Greater Philadelphia Student Film Festival (GPSFF) is run by college students across the Philadelphia region. Founded in 2006, its goal is to facilitate student film production and celebrate the results at its annual awards ceremony. GPSFF also organizes educational panels with leading industry members, hosts a networking kick-off party, and distributes student films via the internet and college cable stations. The festival runs GPSFF Connect, an online message board, as well as writing blogs about independent filmmaking and showcases the best film it finds on the internet. More information can be found at: www.gpsff.com. Preceding The Best of the Backseat Film Festival screening, we will showcase the winners of their film festival in the following categories: Comedy; Drama; Documentary; Animation; Experimental.
Hair and Diamonds. Episode 9: Shaving
The ritual of shaving. Made with: Canon PowerShot A400, iMovie, SeaShore, and Garage Band.
The ritual of shaving. Made with: Canon PowerShot A400, iMovie, SeaShore, and Garage Band.
The Hives
Music video.
Music video.
The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon
A man encounters one of the most relentless serial killers of all time.
A man encounters one of the most relentless serial killers of all time.
I Don’t Sleep I Dream
A horrific car accident causes a woman to flee, leaving some important things behind.
A horrific car accident causes a woman to flee, leaving some important things behind.
I'll Tell on You!
Twelve year old Bruno wants a friend and thinks he finds him in Luca, his sister's 25-year-old cool, motorcycle-riding boyfriend.
Twelve year old Bruno wants a friend and thinks he finds him in Luca, his sister's 25-year-old cool, motorcycle-riding boyfriend.
In Absentia
This collaboration with Karlheinz Stockhausen creates a realm of palpable madness in which light reveals what we fear but remain curious to discover. Unbeknownst to the Quays, Stockhausen’s mother died in an asylum; during the film’s first screening, he wept.
This collaboration with Karlheinz Stockhausen creates a realm of palpable madness in which light reveals what we fear but remain curious to discover. Unbeknownst to the Quays, Stockhausen’s mother died in an asylum; during the film’s first screening, he wept.
Inside ARM UVI #1: Georges Bataille's Story of the Eye
George Battille's "Story of the Eye" isn't just a provocative feature by Repasky-McIlhenney, it was also a provocative installation piece during the Philly Fringe, seen here both raw and projected
George Battille's "Story of the Eye" isn't just a provocative feature by Repasky-McIlhenney, it was also a provocative installation piece during the Philly Fringe, seen here both raw and projected
The Institute of Séance
A dead-on homage to the silent era of filmmaking, one great short for fans of things that rock, haunt, creep and spook ya!
A dead-on homage to the silent era of filmmaking, one great short for fans of things that rock, haunt, creep and spook ya!
James
When James discovers that long buried secrets can lead to poor family relations, he feels it's time to confide a secret of his own with his only friend. A sensitive coming of age short set in Ireland
When James discovers that long buried secrets can lead to poor family relations, he feels it's time to confide a secret of his own with his only friend. A sensitive coming of age short set in Ireland
Kabumei: The Art of the Sharpened Grenade
A brief look at a little known early form of kung-fu involving a sharpened grenade. It’s a bloody good time.
A brief look at a little known early form of kung-fu involving a sharpened grenade. It’s a bloody good time.
Labyrinth
A paint on glass animated film in which a detective, after being given an enigmatic locket to protect, encounters strange phenomena and beings from the afterlife in this surrealistic film noir story.
A paint on glass animated film in which a detective, after being given an enigmatic locket to protect, encounters strange phenomena and beings from the afterlife in this surrealistic film noir story.
The Lady of Ephesus
Atmospheric animation observing the mystic rites of women bathing in the moonlight.
Atmospheric animation observing the mystic rites of women bathing in the moonlight.
The Last Duel
Gone is the duel of yesteryear, and with good reason. A smart silent comedy shot, stabbed and slapped together.
Gone is the duel of yesteryear, and with good reason. A smart silent comedy shot, stabbed and slapped together.
The Line
Men, you don't want to know what women do in the Ladies' Room - and women, you are exposed!
Men, you don't want to know what women do in the Ladies' Room - and women, you are exposed!
A Little Mouth to Feed
Gothic horror gets bloody when a deal with the Devil is made.
Gothic horror gets bloody when a deal with the Devil is made.
The M.O.D presents MoneyLEGS
An intense animation short involving a throng of money-lovers getting it on with their sweet sweet filthy dollars.
An intense animation short involving a throng of money-lovers getting it on with their sweet sweet filthy dollars.
Man vs Woman
A science-fiction action film about an explosive duel between four desperate scavengers -- a man, a woman, a cloned velociraptor and a heavily armed robot -- fighting for survival on a desolate dry planet.
A science-fiction action film about an explosive duel between four desperate scavengers -- a man, a woman, a cloned velociraptor and a heavily armed robot -- fighting for survival on a desolate dry planet.
Milk Run
A rapid-firing animated short by UArts senior in animation Erin Filson which deals with one tough gal who never backs down from a fight - not even with space monsters.
A rapid-firing animated short by UArts senior in animation Erin Filson which deals with one tough gal who never backs down from a fight - not even with space monsters.
The Moth and the Firefly
A beautifully simple animated fairy tale about a moth in search of a light to call its own.
A beautifully simple animated fairy tale about a moth in search of a light to call its own.
Naked Ape
Sexy zombies get down and dirty.
Sexy zombies get down and dirty.
Neighborhood Bike Works
Made by the folks who live at the bike shop (almost literally) and Scribe Video Center. An educational and fun doc that demonstrates how a bike can serve as a springboard for positive self-esteem, and true growth.
Made by the folks who live at the bike shop (almost literally) and Scribe Video Center. An educational and fun doc that demonstrates how a bike can serve as a springboard for positive self-esteem, and true growth.
Next Floor
A grotesque group of carnivorous foodies gorge themselves, but as the table and the guests get more laden, the floor(s) give way. Time to start a diet…and go vegetarian!
A grotesque group of carnivorous foodies gorge themselves, but as the table and the guests get more laden, the floor(s) give way. Time to start a diet…and go vegetarian!
Old Days
A sweet, nuanced, well-produced character study of one senior's reluctant arrival at a retirement home, where tedium abounds.
A sweet, nuanced, well-produced character study of one senior's reluctant arrival at a retirement home, where tedium abounds.
The Painter of Skies
Multi-award winning animated short about a painter tormented by the ghosts of his past.
Multi-award winning animated short about a painter tormented by the ghosts of his past.
The Phenomenauts
Music Video
Music Video
Pie of the Day
UArts serves up a tasty dish of rival critters and some unsavory realities.
UArts serves up a tasty dish of rival critters and some unsavory realities.
Piñata
Meet the Piñatas, a normal everyday couple, who want nothing more than a quiet evening at home, if only those damn humans would stop poking at them.
Meet the Piñatas, a normal everyday couple, who want nothing more than a quiet evening at home, if only those damn humans would stop poking at them.
Poet of Poverty
Narrated by Martin Sheen (who volunteered his time), the writings of Father Doyle of Camden are a combination of poetry, anger and calls-to-action, which (after 40 years as priest) contain enormous wisdom and insight.
Narrated by Martin Sheen (who volunteered his time), the writings of Father Doyle of Camden are a combination of poetry, anger and calls-to-action, which (after 40 years as priest) contain enormous wisdom and insight.
Rite
Today is the big day for a young girl to become an adult.
Today is the big day for a young girl to become an adult.
Riverboat Gamblers
A video made for an Austin Punk band.
A video made for an Austin Punk band.
Robot Bastard
Special agent Robot Bastard is sent into space to rescue the President's daughter Catherine from the clutches of a sinister kidnapper, but it isn't as simple a mission as he planned.
Special agent Robot Bastard is sent into space to rescue the President's daughter Catherine from the clutches of a sinister kidnapper, but it isn't as simple a mission as he planned.
Rx/OTC
Mysticism, cannibalism, drugs and a hallucinatory score mixed with chaotic B+W imagery of a wasteland (shot in multiple formats). Brace yourselves -- there are some things worse than death.
Mysticism, cannibalism, drugs and a hallucinatory score mixed with chaotic B+W imagery of a wasteland (shot in multiple formats). Brace yourselves -- there are some things worse than death.
Side Effect
Blood curdling tale of pill-popping babysitter…gone wrong
Blood curdling tale of pill-popping babysitter…gone wrong
Smut Cave
Delving deep into the Internet's anus and finding pure gold isn't easy, but the Spelunker dares. D.I.Y. filmmaking at it's most hardcore.
Delving deep into the Internet's anus and finding pure gold isn't easy, but the Spelunker dares. D.I.Y. filmmaking at it's most hardcore.
Stille Nacht I
The Quays transform dancing iron filings into aesthetic objects, symbolic drifting snow, and Robert Walser’s encroaching madness.
The Quays transform dancing iron filings into aesthetic objects, symbolic drifting snow, and Robert Walser’s encroaching madness.
Stille Nacht II
An attempt to sell useless objects: diabolic ping-pong balls and “socks with only one vocation in life”.
An attempt to sell useless objects: diabolic ping-pong balls and “socks with only one vocation in life”.
Stille Nacht III
Explores the genesis of rare, asymmetrical deer horns caused when a bullet wounds one testicle, creating an abnormality in the respective horn’s growth.
Explores the genesis of rare, asymmetrical deer horns caused when a bullet wounds one testicle, creating an abnormality in the respective horn’s growth.
The Storymaker
A dark fable about a woman whose role it is to create stories for her world.
A dark fable about a woman whose role it is to create stories for her world.
Street of Crocodiles
Inspired by the writings of Bruno Schulz, murdered during the Holocaust, a puppet awakes in a metaphysical labyrinth within a rusty kinetoscope...
Inspired by the writings of Bruno Schulz, murdered during the Holocaust, a puppet awakes in a metaphysical labyrinth within a rusty kinetoscope...
Subconscious
Dynamic use of still photography and an experimental flair for animation make for a wildly ambiguous short.
Dynamic use of still photography and an experimental flair for animation make for a wildly ambiguous short.
Thanks Blood
Far funnier than it reads, transgressive multi-media artist Hartner slices up old porn video with his own insane animated style, while freaking with your mind.
Far funnier than it reads, transgressive multi-media artist Hartner slices up old porn video with his own insane animated style, while freaking with your mind.
This One Time in Paris
A tired Mr. Passon takes an unexpected trip to the city of Paris. Did he really buy the wrong ticket OR is this fate leading him on his way to the Eiffel Tower and his true love? This intimate short, is also damn funny (like love is).
A tired Mr. Passon takes an unexpected trip to the city of Paris. Did he really buy the wrong ticket OR is this fate leading him on his way to the Eiffel Tower and his true love? This intimate short, is also damn funny (like love is).
This Unnameable Little Broom
In this reduction of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the "hero" sets a trap to capture and tame the wild man, Enkidu, by sending a temple prostitute to seduce him.
In this reduction of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the "hero" sets a trap to capture and tame the wild man, Enkidu, by sending a temple prostitute to seduce him.
Trees
"listen son, if you don't kill the trees...they'll do it to you" Hugo and his friends don't just watch funny cartoons, they make them.
"listen son, if you don't kill the trees...they'll do it to you" Hugo and his friends don't just watch funny cartoons, they make them.
Treevenge
Christmas will never be the same again in this Sundance 09 crowd pleasing blood soaked gorefest!
Christmas will never be the same again in this Sundance 09 crowd pleasing blood soaked gorefest!
Tyger
Based on the poem Tyger by William Blake. Blends puppetry, illustration, and photography.
Based on the poem Tyger by William Blake. Blends puppetry, illustration, and photography.
Ursula Rucker: Poet
This city can be a tough town, and a rewarding one all at once. Few local icons, especially within the ever-growing music scene, can measure-up to the outspoken Ursula Rucker: poet, spoken-word artist, mother, activist and proud Philadelphian.
This city can be a tough town, and a rewarding one all at once. Few local icons, especially within the ever-growing music scene, can measure-up to the outspoken Ursula Rucker: poet, spoken-word artist, mother, activist and proud Philadelphian.
Waves
A skillfully illustrated animation dedicated to dolphin-safe tuna fishing.
A skillfully illustrated animation dedicated to dolphin-safe tuna fishing.
White Radishes
What’s that strange thing growing in the house next door?
What’s that strange thing growing in the house next door?
Women in War Zones: Sexual Violence in the Congo
This unflinching documentary peers up close into the lives of two young women, Helene Wamuzila (22) and Bijoux Mateso (13), as they as they undergo many operations in an effort to reclaim their lives and come to grips with their violent and tragic past.
This unflinching documentary peers up close into the lives of two young women, Helene Wamuzila (22) and Bijoux Mateso (13), as they as they undergo many operations in an effort to reclaim their lives and come to grips with their violent and tragic past.
2009 TLA Entertainment Group, Inc. / 2009 Philadelphia Cinema Alliance
