Great films.

Blokes
dir by Marialy Rivas
My favorite short in the program, and I promise it’s not just because there was a really hot masturbation sequence.  At its best moments, it captured the complete overpowering desire that befalls you when you’re an adolescent and you have just realized you are a sexual being. I found myself back there instantly, holding my breath for a lot of the more charged sequences. And in the end realizing, no matter how much we want to stand up and do the right thing, we are all flawed individuals. 

We’re Leaving
dir by Zachary Treitz
Sweet piece about a couple with a pet alligator who have to move out of their home after 26 years.

Babyland
dir by Marc Fratello
Twisted tale of what people will do in times of desperation. I actually really liked this piece a lot and thought the lead was great.

sexting
dir by Neil LaBute
Neil LaBute is like nails on a chalkboard to me.  This short was no different, though it felt way longer than eight minutes. Starring Julia Stiles who, to her credit, did the whole shoot in 4 hours. But gross gross gross. 

Brick Novax Part 1 & 2
dir by Matt Piedmont
If this were a web series I’d totally watch it. Great art direction, hilarious dialogue. Really creative and just awesome.  

The Wind is Blowing on My Street
dir by Saba Riazi
Wow this story. Shot in Tehran, a young woman is accidentally locked out of her apartment without her head scarf and has to sit on the street waiting for someone to unlock the building. The shame and scorn she faces in the brief minutes she’s outside. The actress was listed as Anonymous, so that should give you an idea of how scandalous this movie is.