A documentary that has started a revolution. Jason Russell one of the founders of invisible children showing that there can be other ways to overthrow tyranny than fighting back with force. Using his experience as an excellent filmmaker; Invisible Children has produced 'Kony 2012', an experiment to make Ugandan Warlord, Joseph Kony visible to the world, so world leaders can take notice and get this guy arrested.
The "experiment" as it is called, is a really interesting way to make people stand up and watch in this digital viral age however, it is also an excellent documentary. Nearly thirty minutes in length but it felt as though it had been on for ten minutes this is cleverly edited and the story - fantastic. The combination of Russell's son and the Ugandan boy Jacob really creates an undertone of empathy for an audience.
Kony 2012 expires on December 31st and I really hope people stand up and take notice! In the meantime, take a look, learn and make this guy famous!
A short film that is now quite a few years old, but is still one that many people have not seen or heard of, which is a crying shame. 'Spider' will take you on a roller coaster where you have gone through twists, your turns and you think you're done, until it takes you in a completely different direction.
Produced by Blue-Tongue films, written, directed and starring the amazing Nash Edgerton - who as a filmmaker, is right up my street.
The story begins with a couple in a car being driven by Jill. Jack (Edgerton) has clearly upset Jill (Mirrah Foulkes) and is trying desperately to get a rise out of her. They stop off for petrol and he takes the chance to make a gesture of forgiveness. It's all good from there, and see if you can guess how it's going to end.
I'm a real fan of Nash Edgerton's material and I absolutely love the short film 'Lucky' he directed, and starred, in 2005. Originally a stunt man with some monster credits to be proud of, I think 'Lucky' is a perfect showcase of what he can do, as well as an Action fan's perfect short. Anyway, here is a link to 'Spider', have a ganders and then follow me on Twitter @kriswwalker, tell me what you think of it? I may even share a link to 'Lucky' because it's so God damn awesome!
One of my favourite short films of 2011 without a shadow of a doubt 'Webcam' runs for around seven minutes and is co-directed by Stefan Haverkamp, Jan Jaworski, Branden Kramer and Tom Kropp.
'Webcam' is about a young girl who is being secretly watched through her webcam by a computer hacker who takes hacking to a completely new level. A film that is not necessarily 'jump out your seat scary', but I don't think that is its intention. It's a film that makes you think, makes you stare directly into your webcam trying to work out if there is anyone on the other side, and it also very clever in terms of how easy it is for somebody to track you down. For example, the present, the door buzzer, the personal details over the phone etc.
I love the moment when we see the flicker of a man in the top corner of the screen seemingly stalking the unbeknownst Julia. 'Webcam' is what short film is all about; innovative, low budget, thinking outside of the box and constantly keeping the audience guessing. This is not a film where 'know it all' audience members can make comments like; "Why doesn't she shut down her laptop?". They don't because they are the ones who know that they do exactly the same things Julia is doing within the action and are instead thinking, "yeah, I'm gonna shut my PC down tonight".
Short films are always let down by wooden performances however, in 'Webcam' the completely natural performance of Jasmine Osborne was the major selling point to this film. Completely believable from start to finish and didn't overact it. We as the audience feel an undercurrent of something sinister but for Julia, she just has a faulty laptop. Very rarely do we get a performance in a short film whereby, an audience can connect with a character so quickly; laugh with, laugh at, relate to and feel sorry for. Thanks to the performance of Jasmine Osborne we as an audience go on that character journey and totally believe the message being put forward.
So here it is, the beauty of short film is that you can just watch it, approximately seven minutes, if you haven't seen it, take a look, if you have watch again because it's awesome.
A great way to kick off the first ever post on Film Network is to discuss the upcoming Sundance Film Festival which is coming to the O2 Arena, April 26th-29th 2012.
I am a massive fan of American independent cinema and with Sundance coming to the UK the announcement of the line-up has been long awaited. Fourteen films are showing and I must say that these are fourteen films that I am excited for every single one of them.
However, two films I am most intrigued by and will be watching with great interest. First is the comedy, 'Safety Not Guaranteed', directed by Colin Trevorrow, starring Aubrey Plaza and Jake M.Johnson. The plot centres around a guy who has placed a classified ad, seeking a companion for time travel. Three magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview and the rest is, excuse the pun, history!
This is going to be a massive hit at Sundance and with its stellar cast including, '24's' Mary Lynn Rajskub, 'New Girl's' Jake Johnson and 'Heroes' Kristen Bell, this is going to be the perfect satire of science fiction and cultural impact of the media.
Second is Josh Radnor's second swing at directing with 'Liberal Arts'. A comedy drama starring Radnor as Jesse, who when invited back to his alma-mater, falls for a nineteen year old college student, and has to cope with the attraction that surrounds them. Also starring Elizabeth Olsen, who is perfect casting for this part, Zac Efron and Richard Jenkins. After watching a clip from the movie I was instantly reminded of 'Lost in Translation' in which the chemistry between the two characters is somewhat hidden on the surface, but the playful awkwardness creates a romantic tension that is intriguing to watch.
This is Radnor's second gig as director previously debuting with 'Happythankyoumoreplease', a though-provoking, quirky drama that again has comparisons to 'Lost in Translation' as well as 'Garden State'. I liked 'Happythankyoumoreplease' and I saw similarities in Radnor as with Woody Allen.
