We are excited to announce the first round of Official Selections for the 2015 Nevada City Film Festival. This is far from the complete list. Continue to check back as we update the list below.
Altrove (Elsewhere), dir. Fabio Gregorio & Luigi Manzi
The physical and spiritual condition of contemporary souls and voices from the past split between revolutionary, unconventional and sometimes conscious life changing choices and situations imposed by the dramatic scenery of the first world war. The elsewhere represented in this film is not a dimension of isolation, but a love testimony towards the other and the universe. Italy. 39 min.
Anatole’s Little Saucepan, dir. Eric Montchaud
Anatole always pulls along behind him his little saucepan. It fell on him one day. We do not really know why. Since, it gets caught everywhere and stops him from going forward. One day, Anatole has had enough. He decides to hide himself. To no longer see or be seen, But, fortunately, things are not that simple. France. 6 min.
Bear Story, dir. Gabriel Osorio Vargas
An old bear goes out every day to a busy street corner. Through a tin marionette theater of his own making, the bear will tell us his life story. Chile. 11 min.
Billy the Kid, dir. Sam Johnson
It’s Billy first day at a new school. He was bullied out of the last one. By most people’s standards, Billy is pretty normal. 15-years-old. Bright. Not bad looking. Except that he lives his life as a cowboy. Dresses like one. Behaves like one. Quotes John Wayne and carries a lasso. UK. 15 min.
The Birds’ Blessing, dir. Serge Mirzabekiantz (Belgium)
Boxeadora, dir Meg Smaker
Since Castro’s Revolution, Cuba has won more Olympic gold medals in boxing than any other country in the world. Although this boxing powerhouse has more than 19,000 male boxers, female boxing is nonexistent on the island – the result of a ban on female boxing put into place after the revolution. Boxeadora follows Namibia, a Cuban woman who has been training in secret as a boxer for five years, hoping the government would lift its ban. USA. 16 min.
Connectivity, dir. David Nicholson, Matt Gottschalk, Camen Hodges
In March of 2014, Nevada City Artist and Skateboarder, Tahiti Perhson traveled to South Africa for a solo art show where he connected to with long time skateboarding friends. This Documentary explores the relationship that connects Art & skateboarding across the globe. USA. 10 min.
The Comedian, dir. Clay Weiner
A dramatically absurd stand-up comedy performance that destroys convention through overindulgence. USA. 7 min.
Decorations, dir. Mari Miyazawa
A quaint kitchen in a house tucked away in the outskirts of the city. Amidst preparations for a banquet, the birth of a new life brings turmoil and change. And then, she heads off on her own journey. Those who send her off recall the day they embarked on their own journeys, just like her. Japan. 7 min.
Fisherwoman and Tuk Tuk, dir. Suresh Eriyat
A poignant story of a middle aged fisherwoman who dreams of owning an auto rickshaw and the subsequent consequences that ensue. India. 15 min.
Forever in My Heart, dir. Carolyne Moss
A young, soon-to-be mother faced with challenges finds friendship and an unexpected, unlikely reunion. Written by Jessica Burgess. Forever in My Heart won Best Screenplay at the Foothill Films competition. USA. 10 min.
Forever Over, dir. Erik Schmitt
Mia and Tim have been together forever. At least it feels like that. Seeking that which has become lost over the years, they invent a game – they each have to help the other one fulfill their dearest desire. No matter what it is. Germany. 15 min.
Forgiving Chris Brown, dir. Marquette Jones
Forgiving Chris Brown is a dark comedy short that follows the follies of “Rihanna”, “Halle” and “Tina”. These stylish girlfriends hope to heal their battered hearts through the old-fashioned way – Revenge. The emotional baggage they carry ties them together and makes for some unorthodox fun. Add these three heartsick ladies plus one bound & unrepentant man to the hot desert and watch them sizzle on screen. USA. 12 min.
Golden Stories of our Past, dir. Zoe Toffaleti
“Golden Stories of Our Past” is an oral history of Nevada County, as told by it’s citizens. It spans from the booming mining and timber industries to modern day, with flashbacks of beautiful black and white footage of yesteryear. Learn what life was like in Western Nevada County through the eyes of over 30 long-time residents, many whose families date back to the 1850’s. Their stories about gold, timber, Lake Olympia, the freeway, and more will touch your heart in the film created for the community to celebrate The Union Newspaper’s 150th Anniversary. USA. 60 min.
Grandpa’s Debtor, dir. Beka Sikharulidze
A family of swindlers search for the funeral services of rich people noted in the newspapers. Afterwards, a visit to these families with news that the deceased person owed money ensues. Georgia. 17 min.
Greenland, dir. Oren Gerner
Oren comes to his parents’ house to pack his belongings to move out with his girlfriend. During this day, out of seemingly simple interactions, the family dynamics reveal themselves, exposing the protagonist’s conflicting positions: child vs. adult, intimacy vs. Alienation. The house constitutes the space in which past, present and future mix into a chronicle of separation. Israel. 17 min.
Guilty., dir. Carolyne Moss
Would a guilty verdict have been avoided if additional laws had been presented during a trial? Based on a true story. Written by Chris Sharp. Guilty won Best Overall Film at the Foothill Films competition. USA. 10 min.
Hangloose, dir. Patrick Brice & Sammy Harkham
Transient surfer returns to his small central California coast hometown, stirring up the unresolved relationships of his past. Starring Kyle Field aka Little Wings. USA. 8 min.
The High Country, dir. Heather Donahue & Matt Herman
‘The High Country’ is a half hour, single cam television pilot that takes a look at the world of medical marijuana growers. Stacks of Franklins and pint sized mimosas, baby mamas and sheriffs, the weed world is flush with cash, sort of illegal, devoid of sense, and overripe for comedy. USA. 30 min.
Hold My Handle, dir. Ethan Barrett
Two cups imprisoned by a cruel, rather sloppy owner fall in love. When one of them is discarded they have no choice but to escape, though they will not get away without making huge sacrifices. USA. 8 min.
Hotel 22, dir. Elizabeth Lo
Each night in Silicon Valley, the Line 22 public bus transforms into an unofficial shelter for the homeless. This film captures one dramatic night on the “Hotel 22” bus. USA. 9 min.
I thought I told You To Shut Up!, dir. Charlie Tyrell
In 1977, David Boswell created the comic book anti-hero Reid Fleming, the World’s Toughest Milkman. More than 30 years later, the big screen Hollywood adaptation remains in contractual limbo. USA. 13 min.
The Journey of a Seed, dir. Alyson Collom
Encanto Jewels, an Eco-Friendly Tagua seed jewelry company, take you on a journey to show how the amazing transformation of this rainforest seed also transforms the lives of the people and the environment that surrounds it. This film shows people how their shopping choices can positively impact other people’s lives. It also shows people a side to Colombia that is one of raw beauty, cultural collaboration and rich heritage. USA. 17 min.
La Reina (The Queen), dir. Manuel Abramovich
Memi is 11 years old, and she is going to be Queen of the Carnival. It’s a dazzling honor, but you have to suffer to be beautiful. Argentina. 19 min.
Lilly, dir. Wil Kristin
Lilly explores the space between what people believe happened and what truly happened when a 12-year old girl disappeared from a back-to-the-land community on the North San Juan Ridge in Northern California in 1992 and was never found. Shot primarily using Super 8 film, Lilly is based on the memories of people who knew her as a child. USA. 3 min.
Little Block of Cement with Dishevelled Hair Containing the Sea, dir. Jorge López Navarrete
A dog and a mare embark upon a voyage together. With every step they take, the differences between them become inevitably clearer, and yet the profound mutual knowledge they develop over time shows the potential to suddenly produce a luminous moment between the two. Spain. 16 min.
Little Hero, dir. Jennifer Medvin & Marcus McDougald
Little Hero is a documentary about a six-year-old boy’s autism as seen through his twin sister’s eyes. USA. 11 min.
The Magic Time, dir. Kine Aune
This is a film inspired by the Sami culture, history, legends and fairy tales. The film tells the story of a reindeer-calf and his journey to becoming a grown, white buck. A grown white buck can according to Sami culture represent a shaman. Norway. 9 min.
The Mill at Calder’s End, dir. Kevin McTurk
Nicholas Grimshaw has returned home to unearth the dark secret of the Mill at Calder’s End. USA. 14 min.
Mother & Brother, dir. Dustin Cook
A window into the lives of two Brothers burdened with the care of their abusive mother. On his wedding day, Younger chooses to confront the guilt haunting their lives and carry a new burden alone. USA. 17 min.
Music in Mali: Life is Hard, Music is Good, dir. Aja Salvatore
Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good showcases the incredibly rich culture of West Africa’s largest country, Mali. Through its role in the slave trade, the Manding Empire became a major influence on the culture and music of the Americas with its direct relationship to Western musical genres such as Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Hip-hop. Through various artists, the film explores the different styles of Malian music, while also documenting the recent political turmoil, civil war, and ban on music; and its effect on the people and music scene.
Music in Mali is narrated by award-winning actor Danny Glover, directed by local filmmaker Aja Salvatore and was made by a local team of videographers. Filmmakers and special guests will participate in a Q&A following the film. USA. 140 min.
Myrna the Monster, dir. Ian Samuels
A heart-broken alien dreamer from the moon transitions into adult life in Los Angeles like any other 20-something. Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna is the voice of Myrna. USA. 14 min.
The New Species, dir. Katerina Karhánková
This is a story about three kids who find a mysterious bone and their journey in trying to find the creature that the bone belongs to. Czech Republic. 7 min.
Night at the Dance, dir. Annie Silverstein
A profile of the last days of a Czech dance hall in rural Texas–and the old-timers who come there to polka. USA. 13 min.
The Numberlys, Dir. William Joyce
The Numberlys is an epic homage to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, but for kids. Friends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 live in a world where there is no alphabet – only numbers. One day, they decide they want something different from their orderly, black-and-white world. They set out to create each letter of the alphabet and bring color, creativity and jellybeans to their world. USA. 12 min.
The Overnight, dir. Patrick Brice
Alex, Emily, and their son, RJ, have recently moved to Los Angeles’ Eastside from Seattle. Feeling lost in a new city, they are desperate to find their first new friends. After a chance meeting with Kurt at the neighborhood park, they gladly agree to join family pizza night at the home. But as it gets later and the kids go to bed, the family “playdate” becomes increasingly more revealing and bizarre as the couples begin to open up. Stars Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman, Judith Godreche. Sat. 8:30pm
Papa Cloudy’s Restaurant, dir. Akiko McQuerrey
Papa Cloudy, a gentle cloud with a mustache works as a chef at a seaside restaurant. A customer, the lady piggy orders octopus dish. Meanwhile in the kitchen, a little octopus escapes from the fish tank and makes her way to the dining area. Her mischief puts Papa Cloudy’s restaurant into panic. USA. 6 min.
Pink Grapefruit, dir. Michail Mohan
A young married couple brings two of their single friends out to Palm Springs for a long weekend. It does not go as planned. USA. 9 min.
Pride of Strathmoor, dir. Einar Baldvin
Strathmoor is simply a masterful feat of animation as director Einar Baldvin envisions a gothic interpretation of excerpts from the journal of a pastor from Strathmoor, Georgia, who ruminates on the perceived decay of the American South. USA. 9 min.
Sawdust and Sand: The Art of Douglas Miller, dir. Jason Blalock
Since 1970, ubiquitous local artist Douglas Miller has shot a roll of film per day– that’s 350,000 spontaneous snapshots on the streets of Laguna Beach. At times moving and at others hilarious, this documentary examines the 44-year relationship between photographer and hometown. USA. 33 min.
Shotgun of Faith, dir. Brittney Shepherd
As the number of literal cowboys in Texas dwindles, can Barry Chinn, an ailing Texas cowboy pastor, grow a church based on a way of life that hardly exists anymore? With an intimate observational style, this short film reflects the complexity of what it means to welcome inevitable change while attempting, in part, to stay the same. USA. 11 min.
Time Quest, dir. John Dilley
2047. Humanity is on the verge of extinction. Ben Walker has been chosen to be the first to attempt time travel. The fate of mankind rests on his shoulders. However, he has other plans. He’s going back to seek out his younger self. And that’s when things get weird. USA. 7 min.
Trampoline, dir. Maarten Koopman
This animated film shows the cinema screen as a trampoline on which people and animals are frolicking. From under the trampoline pad, we watch their capers in amusement, until things take an unexpected turn. Netherlands. 3 min.
Traditional Healing, dir. Raymond Caplin
A young woman dances in a devastated forest. Then a miracle occurs. Canada. 2 min.
Transilvania Frumoasa, dir. Ingrid Serban
‘Transilvania Frumoasa’ is a short documentary portraying some of the aspects of peasant life in rural Transylvania. Those things which do not change become the healers of our broken present. Romania. 5 min.
Visitor, dir. Fedor Sever and Tatiana Skorlupkina
Two well-brought-up and friendly dogs meet a Stranger – the Tiger. After the initial confusion, the Tiger is accepted and invited to their home. Russia. 4 min.
We Can’t Live Without Cosmos, dir. Konstntin Bronzit
Two cosmonauts, two friends, try to do their best in their everyday training life to make their common dream a reality. But this story is not only about the dream. Russia. 16 min.
Wombo, dir. Daniel Acht
Wombo the alien lands in distress on planet Earth. He is chased by a dog, ends up in a vegetable basket and nearly gets cooked for dinner! But why is it all happening to him? The reason is simple: our alien friend happens to look like a potato. Germany. 8 min.
World of Tomorrow, dir. Don Hertzfeldt
You may already know Don Hertzfeldt from films like “It’s Such a Beautiful Day,” “The Meaning of Life,” “Billy’s Balloon,” and “Rejected.” His work has played around the world, receiving over 200 awards. “World of Tomorrow” tells the story of a young girl named Emily, who meets a clone of herself from the future. USA. 17 min.
Zebra, dir. Julia Ocker
Everybody knows zebras are black and white and everybody knows no two zebras are exactly the same. But this little zebra is really having some problems getting its stripes together. Germany. 3 min.