Bond on Cinema

Oscar-Qualified BUSCANDO ALMA: A Story of Identity and Unconditional Love After 20 Years of Separation

BUSCANDO ALMA is about a Honduran immigrant who is given the chance to meet her mother after nearly two decades of separation. As she grapples with the uncertainty of their reunion, she is confronted by traumatic memories of her past.
This film is so good. The storyline is emotional from the perspectives of Alma the mother as well as Cristina. Two lives connected yet separated for almost 20 years, like two spirits trying to find their way home.
The cinematography is beautiful, the flashbacks properly placed giving us the backstory. Not easy to do in a short film, but it was stellar filmmaking. From scene to scene to frame to frame the story and the love flow seamlessly together to the very end.
If you are a lover of film, you will want to replay the ending a few times, because it is not only something to see, it an experience to feel and you can feel the incredible power of a mother’s love in that scene. And you can feel the unconditional love and acceptance that Cristina receives from her mother.
Melissa Fisher is a member of the International Cinematographer's Guild and has over 12+ years of industry experience working on Academy and Emmy Award winning films and television series. Melissa worked her way up from the camera PA on Michael Bay’s “Pain & Gain,” to camera assist on films like "La La Land," to eventually running the camera department on hit television shows like “GLOW” and “The Dropout”.
Melissa has made several short films that have screened in Academy Accredited festivals.
Her most recent film "Buscando Alma" won the Oscar-Qualifying Jury Award at the Out On Film Festival in Atlanta.
Carolina Gutiérrez is a Colombian actress and has recently been nominated for best actress by the Association of Colombian Actors in the TV/Film category for her role as Sara in the Colombian television show "La Costilla de Eva”. More recently, her latest film "Buscando Alma" premiered at the Out on Film Festival and received first place for a short film becoming Oscar qualified.
Carolina has also appeared in several television shows, movies, including her role as assassin Emma Ruiz on NCIS LA, Marissa on The L Word Generation Q, Sara on La Costilla de Eva in Colombia, and the lead in a national car commercial with Nissan.
#buscandoalma #motherchild #motherson #motherdaughter #transgender #trans #identity #selfidentity #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematographer #cinematography #storytelling #equality #diversity #LGBTQ

MOEDER: Compelling Oscar-Qualified Short Film based on Flight MH17: Interview/Film Breakdown w/Director Salomon Ligthelm

Ladies and gentlemen, on July 17th, 2014, Flight MH17 crashed after being hit by a surface-to-air missiles, 50KM from the Russian-Ukrainian border, carrying predominantly Dutch passengers.
The miners of Rozsypne were the first to arrive at the crash zone and spent days retrieving and identifying hundreds of bodies scattered all over the highly militarized area of Donetsk.
298 died on flight NH17 that day. Many of the victims’ families attempted to reach their loved ones by reported hearing strangers speaking a foreign language, answering their calls.
MOEDER, Dutch for mother is a heartbreaking emotional short film that deals with the reality of that tragic day.
The cinematography of MOEDER is beautiful, but amplifies the tense drama, the emotional inner turmoil of a young Vitaly who is torn between wanting to tell the mother who keeps calling for her son that he has died and being told to go search and help locate the dead from flight MH17.
Salomon Ligthelm brings a very strong contender to the Oscar race with MOEDER and when you get a chance to see it, it is a powerful film.
#MH17 #Russia #Ukraine #RussianUkraineWar #planecrash #airdisaster #shortfilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography #cinephile #oscars #academyawards 

Oscar-Qualfied Short GABRIELA Explores Identity and Personal Resilience: Evelyn Lorena Discusses Her Incredible Film

Evelyn Lorena is an actress and filmmaker. Her production collective Nouvelle Entertainment, where she has written and produced films that have premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival, Outfest Los Angeles, and Festival Regard. 
Evelyn was one the directing semi-finalists for the inaugural Brisk Creator's Class, sponsored by Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society.
Her latest short, and directorial debut, “Gabriela,” was awarded with the prestigious Latino Film Institute’s Indigenous Latino Fellowship supported by Netflix.  
Evelyn’s short film GABRIELA is a visually captivating coming-of-age story, with a poetic reflection on identity and personal resilience – and the liberating power of water.
Ladies and gentlemen, Evelyn Lorena’s Oscar-qualified short film GABRIELA about a young undocumented Guatemalan woman, who pursues her dream of swimming for a prominent Country Club swim team. Despite her single-minded determination, Gabriela is continually confronted with her over-protective mother’s fears, limitations on her economic and legal status, and her own self-judgment. As she questions her self-worth against the structures of contemporary American Southern life, Gabriela embarks on a quest towards personal freedom and self-acceptance.
This film goes beyond the normal storyline, this is a film that should help each of us reach down and pull out those long lost and/or dormant dreams we were called to pursue. When a dream is birth from inside, only the Creator put it there and it was made to be watered and fed so it can come to life.
Dreams were made to pursue and this film GABRIELA should be viewed as an inspiration and a motivation for you to step out in faith and get going. 
#shortfilms #shortfilm #latino #latinox #hispanic #motherdaugher #opportunities #dreams #cinema #cinematography #cinematic #cinephile #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #latinofilm #oscars #academyawards 

Oscar-Qualified Short Documentary ANAIS: Interview with Director Hélèna Hadjiyianni and producer Shanice Mendy - A Story of Resilience, Determination & Passion

Ladies and gentlemen, ANAIS, a tale of survival and strength. Anaïs is 32. Her body is her weapon as much as her shield, to conquer the battle of life. She plays against the clock, from breaking records on the asphalt to night-shifting at the hospital, or battling a stage Ill breast cancer
This documentary short film is pure inspiration and motivation. A film that inspires the never giving up spirit that lives in all of us. One’s test becomes their testimony and in the midst of adversity, we can find victory.
My guests today are film director Hélèna Hadjiyianni and producer Shanice Mendy, and their short film documentary ANAIS.
Hélène is a director and photographer. After ten years at the music conservatory practicing singing, piano, and cello, she studied acting in Paris.
Visual rhythms and the movement of bodies and souls are central themes in her work. She captured the lives and training of athletes such as Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
In 2023, she directed her first documentary short, ANAIS, a portrait of Anais Quemener: French marathon champion, and breast cancer survivor at 24. Which is our subject today.
Shanice Mendy is a French-Senegalese producer with a diverse portfolio spanning the past eight years, particularly in the sports industry. She ventured into the cinema industry, notably with the short documentary “ANAIS."
Shanice has served as the lead producer for Nike in Paris, as well as in London, New York, and Johannesburg for the Jordan Brand. Her passion for content production is reflected in her extensive experience with major brands such as L’Oréal, the French Olympic Committee, and Canal+, France's premier sports broadcasting channel.
#anaisquemener #marathonrunner #marathon #marathonrunning #ultramarathonrunner #filmdocumentary #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmdirector #filmproducer #film #cinema #cinematography #truestory #documentary #cancersurvivor #nike #olympics #sports #femalesports
 

Oscar-Qualified Short Film NIGIQTUG: Interview/Film Breakdown with Writer/Director Lindsey McIntyre

Ladies and gentlemen, in 1938, having left her Nunavut home with her mother Kumatna, young Marguerite must come to terms with her new life in the South and the unstated responsibilities that await her. When an extraordinary letter arrives from home, Marguerite discovers what’s really expected of her.
Based on the director’s grandmother’s story, Lindsay McIntyre’s phenomenal film explores the historic tribulations suffered by one Inuit family and the lives they subsequently lead.
This film and its story is one of determination, resilience and even love. The film is dramatic in tone and in story. The cinematography, the coloring and the music score synergistically dance together along with the dialogue to shows the audience, life isn’t easy, because you are different.
Just like in America, our native brothers and sisters had to endure hardship from people who came from a far distance land.
In this film, NIGIQTUG, Lindsey McIntyre shows us that not much as change since 1938. This film is reminder that as nations become more culturally diverse, at the end of the day all anyone wants is a better life, a better education, and a better opportunity.
About the Guest
Director Lindsay McIntyre, an award-winning filmmaker of Inuit and mixed settler descent who works primarily with analogue film exploring place-based knowledge, portraiture, and personal histories.
Having made over 40 short films over the past 20 years, she is currently developing her first feature THE WORDS WE CAN’T SPEAK, which won the coveted Women in the Director’s Chair Feature Film Award and is connected to the award-winning short The South Wind.
She is a Fellow of the Sundance Institute, Forge Projects and Cousin Collective and is a member of several artist-run film labs. She is an Associate Professor of Film + Screen Arts at Emily Carr University of Art + Design on unceded Coast Salish territory in Vancouver, Canada.
#NIGIQTUG #shortfilms #shortfilm #oscars #academyawards #inuits #canada #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screemwriter #cinema #cinematography #sundance #vancouver #northwestterritory

MOTHERLAND: One of the Most Talked about Short Films: Interview/Film Breakdown with Jasmin Mozaffari

Ladies and gentlemen, MOTHERLAND is set in 1979 at the height of the Iran Hostage Crisis, writer-director Jasmin Mozaffari’s film follows Babak, a young Iranian immigrant, who calls into question his future prospects in America after he embarks on a trip to meet his fiancé’s parents.
The political social climate in America was still a bit raw from the end of the Vietnam War, then in 1979, the Shah of Iran, a friend of the United States was overthrown and then the Iran Hostage Crisis becomes headlines news for 444 days.
MOTHERLAND is inspired by the story of Jasmin’s father who married an Albertan during this tumultuous period in American and Iranian history.
The film is powerful and compelling, and captures the emotion of that time period of Iranian immigrants in America dealing with the backlash of the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
Everything about this film is a reason why every entertainment magazine is naming MOTHERLAND one of the films to watch this Oscar season.
Jasmin Mozaffari is a visionary filmmaker who brings stunning visual artistry to the silver screen with powerful storytelling. The casting was perfection and I can say this again and again, one of only a handful of short films this year that have Oscar written all over it.
#motherland #motherlandfilm #shortfilms #iranhostagecrisis #1979 #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography #cinephile #screenwriter #discrimination #america #oscars #academyawards 

Oscar-Qualified Short DOVECOTE: A Cinematic Masterpiece for the Body, Mind & Soul

Ladies and gentlemen, DOVECOTE explores prison life and its aftermath. Filmed inside Guidecca's working women's prison on an island in the Venetian lagoon, the carefully constructed script of this delicate and spiritual experience of a short film starring Zoe Saldaña, vividly recreates the final hours before her release, while examining the emotional realities faced by her fellow prisoners (portrayed by 20 actual inmates of the prison). 
This film is a visual experience for the eyes, an audible experience for the ears and a spiritual experience for your soul. The fluid motion of the cinematography provided by Javier Julia takes us on a tour behind the walls of the prison. The motion gives you the feeling of an out of body experience that is rarely captured on film. The editing is so seamless you will believe the whole film was one long continuous shot and editor Andrew Leven provided his masterful touch on this film.
The beautiful music score provided by Sebastian Kauderer just multiples the cinematic experience and the spiritual motion and emotion of this film. Craig Mann provided the incredible sound mixing and again, it’s a spiritual experience for the ears.
We must showcase the incredible talent of actresses Zoe Saldana, Marcello Fonte, Gaia Scodellaro and Marilena Anniballi. DOVECOTE was created by the stellar team with Producer Enzo Sisti, First AD Lorenzo De Nicola, Line Producer Fabrizio Cerato and DP, Lorenzo Sisti.
Thank you Marco Perego, Alexander Dinelaris and Michael Cerenzie for sharing this beautiful film with me today. Much success to all of you in your journey to the Oscars.
#dovecote #oscars #academyawards #Venice #masterclass #cinema #cinematic #cinematography #cinephile #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #guidecca #italy #zoesaldana

Oscar-Qualified Short SPIRIT OF PLACE: Sometimes What You're Looking For Finds You

Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Cooper Stimpson’s Oscar-qualifying short SPIRIT OF PLACE, Athel and Edward enjoy visiting the wetlands. It offers them a sense of escape and much needed respite from life in the city. Edward likes watching the birds, whilst Athel seems to enjoy what the environment gives her emotionally. This is a place they both rely on. But, when Athel discovers an ancient artifact in the water, she is forced to reexamine her entire relationship with this place she loves. A meditation on access to nature, identity and even Wellington boots.
The cinematography of this short film is beautiful. The colors are vibrant and airy. Giving you the feeling of the freshness of being outdoors and being one with nature. The use of the sun flares and the natural sounds of nature move us along the story of Edward, Athel and the man standing in the water. It’s beautiful film with a beautiful and poignant story of getting a fresh perspective of self-discovery.
Jack Cooper Stimpson, who is an award-winning writer, director and environmental campaigner from South London. He trained with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and has since written and directed numerous features, short films and pieces for TV.
In 2018, Jack wrote, directed and produced ‘Alex’s Dream’, starring Alex Lawther and Emma Corrin.
The following year, he wrote and directed the political satire ‘Extinction’, starring Academy Award winner Emma Thompson. Jack developed ‘Extinction’ into a six-part series for BBC Studios and directed his first feature-length project, ‘Way Down Bundy’, in Los Angeles for No Good Films.
#oscars #academyawards #shortfilms #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography #wetlands #friendship #discovery #selfdiscovery #screenwriter #london #england 

Short Film: DIARY OF A GHOST Explores the Impact of Grief on the Human Psyche, Personal Experience of Silently Dealing with Pain, Scars, and the quiet struggle for Acceptance

Ladies and gentlemen, 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from mental health problems, with a particular spike in young women. Only 1 in 3 affected are actively seeking treatment.
What exactly grief does to the human body and mind isn’t fully understood yet. It’s an experience everybody goes through at some point in their lives and even though we all do, we often do so alone. Prolonged grief disorder is a persistent and disabling form of grief and a fairly unexplored condition.
Diary of a Ghost delves into the poignant odyssey of Sage, a young woman grappling with the profound loss of her first love, Riley.
A year after his passing, Sage retreats into isolation within her grandmother's house, where eccentric behaviors and an immersive diary paint a portrait of her struggle. In this self-imposed seclusion, the diary becomes a portal to an imaginary realm where Riley's ghost persists, a manifestation of Sage's pain. But the diary's pages are linked to a deadline—once the final chapter is written, Riley will depart, forcing Sage to face an unaltered reality. As she battles her own constructed world, the arrival of her estranged friend Hailey adds a new dimension to Sage's emotional turmoil.
Diary of a Ghost explores the impact of grief on the human psyche, delving into the universal yet uniquely personal experience of silently dealing with pain, scars, and the quiet struggle for acceptance.
Director Carrie Hajny who has with a particular interest in portraying narratives that explore the themes of coming of age, human connection and mental health in film.
Her first short film LAST DANCE premiered at the 2019 Underwire Film Festival in London where it was nominated for best U25 production. Since then, her visually distinct style has led to collaborations with brands and artists such as Puma, Tinder, Dua Lipa, Red Bull Racing, Barbour and Amazon.
#shortfilms #redbullracing #amazon #puma #dualipa #tinder #grief #suicideawareness #griefcounseling #counseling #imagination #imaginary #diary #mentalhealth #mentalillness #cinema #cinematography #storytelling #filmdirector 

Oscar-Qualified Short MUSCAT: Interview & Film Breakdown with Writer/Director Philippe Grenier

Ladies and gentlemen, MUSCAT was inspired by a story told to Grenier by his grandmother, with the ending of the film mirroring the heartbreaking travel experience of her distant cousin.
The Philippe found it necessary to tell the story through the fictional character of Samir, a young homosexual boy coming to terms with his sexuality in a country where gay individuals are still harshly persecuted.
Philippe Grenier, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizes his privilege, living in a country where he is free to love whoever he wants and feels it is his goal to bring more divisive stories such as MUSCAT to the screen and to defend the rights of the LGTBQIA+ community.
The cinematography of MUSCAT is very cinematic and the colorization from scene to scene moves with grace and adds to the telling the story of Samir, who struggles with his sexuality in a community that frowns upon homosexuality. Many people around the world can truly relate to Samir’s struggles of identity and seeks the freedom to live beyond his current location.
Philippe Grenier, known as a director of Premier Trio’s TV series broadcasted on Radio-Canada - for which he won the Gémeaux Award for Best Directing and Best Youth Program in 2024.
#shortfilms #oscars #academyawards #muscat #LGBTQ #identity #morocco #canadian #cinema #filmmakers #filmmaking #screenwriter #cinematography #storytelling