Bond on Cinema

Director Rachel Annette Helson's Oscar-Qualified Short GOOD DAUGHTER: Interview and Film Breakdown

Ladies and gentlemen, GOOD DAUGHTER is a short film about a small-time con artist ripping off elderly dementia patients by pretending to be their daughter - until the con catches up with her.
They say you can’t con a con until the con becomes overwhelming and learning the con is starting to con you.
GOOD DAUGHTER has all the elements of the makings of a feature film as I want to see more of Samantha Sloyan’s character Rebecca. So much more to explore here and it seems we will all soon see it play out.
Film director Rachel Annette Helson's  feature film directing credits include "The Engagement Dress”, "How to Live Your Best Death" and "The Girl in the Window”. Her 2019 short film "Hatched" played at festivals across the US, and in recognition of her work, she was named a New Director to Watch by Shoot Online Magazine.
As a character-driven director, Rachel is heavily influenced by her acting background. Select credits include: "Full Circle" directed by Steven Soderbergh, "The Knick," "Law & Order: SVU," and the Netflix film "The Polka King”.
She also holds the distinction of being the Youngest Producer in Broadway history to be Nominated for a Tony Award for her work on Neil LaBute's "Reasons to be Pretty". 
Her 2023 short film "Good Daughter" starring Samantha Sloyan from "Midnight Mass” and "Grey's Anatomy" and written by Jesse Harris of Marvel's "Jessica Jones" played as an Official Selection of HollyShorts, Centre Film Festival and Catalina Film Festival (Best Actress Nomination, Samantha Sloyan) and is being developed into a feature to be shot in 2025.
Her Oscar-qualified short film GOOD DAUGHTER, a small-time con artist rips off elderly dementia patients by pretending to be their daughter - until the con catches up with her.
#oscars #academyawards #shortfilms #shortfilm #conman #writer #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #motherdaughter #alzheimers #dementia #filmfestivals

Oscar-Qualified Short SUNFLOWER with Polish Director Mateusz Balcerek: Interview/Film Breakdown

Ladies and gentlemen, SUNFLOWER was inspired by the true story of Danuta Górecka, Mateusz Balcerek’s grandmother. This film tells a gripping and inspirational story of a family’s perseverance in the face of unspeakable violence.
In a war-torn country, young Danuta and her family play a dangerous game of hide-and-seek with soldiers. Amidst the chaos, Danuta finds comfort and hope in a sunflower that connects her back with her loved ones.
Set in 1944 Poland ravaged by war, this beautiful short captures the vulnerability of a child lost in the violence of war and the beauty that exists in the smallest things — such as a sunflower, which symbolized not just survival but acted as a thread that tied her back to her loved ones. The film has qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards.
SUNFLOWER is an incredibly beautiful short film. The cinematography has a beauty that stands out among many of the Oscar-qualified films this year. The story moves from frame to frame with grace, yet captures the tenseness and sadness of the realities of war.
To keep this film as authentic as possible, 1940s Poland songs were used, but the sound mixing and sound editing is one of the best I have heard in any short film. Nothing was missed in the creation of this film SUNFLOWER. It absolutely deserves to be Oscar-qualified and only time will tell to see if this beautiful film makes the shortlist.
Polish filmmaker Mateusz Balcerek is a Forbes 30 Under 30 lister, is known for blending deeply personal stories with universal themes. As the Founder of Sounds Better Productions, with offices in London, Warsaw, and LA, he leads the company in producing premium content across scripted series, feature films, and unscripted shows. His previous work includes the Spectrum TV documentary "Cerro Gordo" in 2020, along with professional experience at Norman Lear’s Act III Productions and Bob Shaye’s Unique Features.
#oscars #academyawards #polish #poland #shortfilms #drama #wardrama #WW2 #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography #filmcomposer #soundmixing #filmcolorist #sunflower

Director AJ Babbra Discusses His Suspense Thriller Short INFIDELITY: Interview/Film Breakdown

Learn how to create a suspenseful short film like "Infidelity" with AJ Babbra! This video covers the themes of stalking, infidelity, and cheating in a short film format. Perfect for aspiring filmmakers looking to create gripping content!
Writer/Director Ajitpal Babbra a London based filmmaker. Primarily a writer/director, he has also produced several short films over the last few years. He seeks to create meaningful stories and characters he can share with the world.
As of 2024, his films have been showcased at various film festivals around the world and have won multiple awards. He seeks to continue to collaborate with talented individuals in the future and to grow his filmography.
His newest short film the multi-award winning INFIDELITY is a twisted suspense thriller where a man hires a private investigator when he suspects infidelity.
AJ takes us through the story of Daniel and Scarlett, with feelings of suspense, adding in twists to the story that come forward at the right time. He never gives the complete story away, which allows the audience to enjoy the ride without ever figuring out the full story until the climatic end.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #suspense #thriller #suspensethriller #drama #storytelling #film #cinema #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinematography #screenwriter #stalking #infidelity #cheating #girlfriend #privateinvestigator #cinephile 

Oscar-Qualified I'M NOT A ROBOT with Writer/Director Victoria Warmerdam and Producer Trent: Interivew/Film Breakdown

Ladies and gentlemen, this brilliant short film I’M NOT A ROBOT is a multi-Oscar-qualified film, a very rare feat to accomplish. I loved everything about this film. The cinematography makes you feel as if you are watching a full length feature film.
Actress Ellen Parren gives a stellar performance as the ‘is she human or is she a robot’ Lara. Her emotional confusion and frustration can be seen and felt throughout the film. I can’t wait to see more of her on screen.
This is a film in which you must keep a watchful eye and ear to everything that happens to Lara. There are clues of her origin, or maybe those clues are there to throw us off track. Either way, I’M NOT A ROBOT is a brilliant ride and I will be the first in line if this film becomes a feature film.
The ending is open to interpretation, and that’s the beauty of a short film. Let the audience decide how the film ends or how it should end. This is a film that creates conversation long after the film is over.
#oscars #academyawards #robot #humanoid #hybrid #captcha #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #filmproduction #Belgium #cinephile #cinema #cinematography #shortfilms

Oscar-Qualified Short IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS: Interviews with the Director, Actress and Producer- Film Breakdown

My guests today are director Julia Elihu, screenwriter and lead actress Ava Lalezarzadeh and producer Aaron Lemie and their Oscar-qualified short film IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS.
Ladies and gentlemen, the pulsating drama IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS is set on a beautiful spring day in 1988 on the looming backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war. The film follows sixteen year old Caroline as she takes her last car journey with her father to the Iranian countryside, where a new future awaits her. This beautiful, tension-filled short has qualified for the 2025 Oscars for winning “Best Live Action Short Film” at the St. Louis International Film Festival.
The story is based on Ava Lalezarzadeh mother’s own journey. It’s a story that resonated deeply with those who have endured religious persecution.
IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS is a beautiful film. The cinematography, a mixture of 16mm film and digital which blend so very well.  The acting is stellar with great and deep emotion and you feel every scene and every moment.
But the importance of this film is the story of a father and daughter. This compelling, emotional and moving film is a story of the utmost importance of millions around the world who are not able to worship freely.
Religious persecution is real and even today governments are threatened by those who worship a God more powerful than they. We need more films and stories like this one to keep moving humanity forward.
#oscars #academyawards #shortfilms #garden #tulips #filmdirector #filmproducer #screenwriter #filmmakers #filmmaking #cinema #cinematography #filmbreakdown #filmreview 

Oscar-Qualified Short THE LAST RANGER: Interview/Film Breakdown with guests David S. Lee, Darwin Shaw & Will Hawkes

Ladies and gentlemen, The Last Ranger is an incredibly compelling, heart stopping and heart breaking short film. It teaches us many things about life. We have been called to steward, amplify and enjoy creation on Earth. We’ve been the keepers of the gate since the days of Adam and Eve, but we’ve left the gate open to poachers.
THE LAST RANGER is a multi-award winning film and Oscar-qualified for good reason. The most important element of this film is that it reaches to the very depths of our soul and shows you again, how precious life is, animal and human.
For example, rhinos are facing extinction with about 16,800 white rhinos and 6400 black rhinos left in the world. There are only two northern white rhinos remaining.
Poaching in South Africa rose by 900% between 2009 & 2013. 1,349 rhinos were killed that year and they were placed on the endangered species list. On average one rhino is poached every day. Over a ten year period, 1,000 rangers have lost their lives protecting them.
About the Guests
David S. Lee has appeared in blockbuster projects such as GEOSTORM, GET SMART, BLACK PANTHER and BLOOD DIAMOND. On television he has been in THE BOYS, NIKITA, LOST, N.C.I.S and THE LIBRARIANS.
He is the Executive Producer, Actor, Story & Co-writer of The Last Ranger, playing the part of Robert in this stunning film.
Darwin Shaw is co-founder of When The World Stopped and Producer/Co-Writer of The Last Ranger.
He can be seen in a variety of feature films, including CASINO ROYALE, PRINCE OF PERSIA, PROMETHEUS, SON OF GOD, JOHN CARTER, and notably played Saint Peter in the Emmy-nominated television series, THE BIBLE.
Will Hawkes is also co-producer and writer of The Last Ranger and has worked as an actor and director for over 10 years with TV roles in GRIMM, BIG LITTLE LIES, THE POLITICIAN, and HOLLYWOOD. His film credits include the indy hits SUN VALLEY,  FIRST COMES LIKE, and DEVIL'S HOLLOW.
#oscars #academyawards #parkrangers #endangeredspecies #poaching #poachers #jamesbond #casinoroyale #prometheus #sonofgod #grimm #biglittlelies #hollywood #geostorm #blooddiamond #blackpanther #getsmart #film #shortfilms #cinema #africa #africansafari #safari #cinematography #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinephile 

Oscar-Qualified Short CORPSE FISHING by Jean Liu: Interview/Film Breakdown

Ladies and gentlemen, Jean Liu’s vividly haunting short film CORPSE FISHING explores grief and longing in a marginalized community. Set in southern China, this mysterious short follows a despairing girl named Yan as she strikes a deal with a stranger to go fishing for bodies in a desperate attempt to find her missing father. This incredible story is inspired by ‘body fishermen’ in China who scan the river looking for cadavers, which they then sell back to grieving families.
The cinematography of CORPSE FISHING is worthy to Oscar shortlisted and even nominated. The cool gray coloring of the film adds to the story. The dialogue between Yan and the corpse fisherman is something you want to pay attention too as it tells a deeper story of Yan’s grief, her loneliness and a desire to either find her family or find a new family.
CORPSE FISHING is a must see short film and one of the best films in this year’s run up to the Academy Awards. I would definitely keep an eye on this one.
About the Guest
Jean Liu, a filmmaker from the UK and China. She specializes in telling stories about personalities and subcultures that put a highly individual stamp on issues of broader interest. Her portrait-style films have been featured at SXSW, Slamdance and numerous other film festivals around the world.
Jean Liu’s vivid short CORPSE FISHING explores grief and longing in a marginalized community. The short film follows a despairing girl who strikes a deal with a stranger to go fishing for bodies in a desperate attempt to find her missing father.
This film was presented at the Tribeca Film Festival and was part of the official selection at HollyShorts, and was made as part of Indeed’s Rising Voices program - an initiative set up to discover, invest in and share stories created by BIPOC filmmakers and storytellers.
#oscars #academyawards #filminterview #bodyfishermen #corpsefishing #china #filmbreakdown #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmfestival #HollyShorts #tribeca #BIPIC #RisingVoices #grief #loneliness #family 

Oscar-Qualified Short TECHNICIANS by the Luu Brothers: Interview/Film Breakdown - Automation to Replace the Human Connection

Ladies and gentlemen, Kevin and Kelly Luu’s Oscar-qualifying short film TECHNICIANS, explore themes of automation and job replacement. The story follows David played by actor J. Alphonse Nicholson, a struggling automation technician tasked with installing self-service manicure stations at a nail salon, where he meets a Vietnamese American nail tech Tippi played by Cathy Bui whose job is under threat. 
This film is a must see short film. Every one of us can relate to the story and the characters. For you ladies out there, you may find yourself supporting your local nail salon even more, because there will always be something very special about small conversation with strangers and even a bit of human touch that can keep humanity intact and in harmony.
About the Guests
Kevin and Kelly Luu are a writer-director duo were inspired by their parents’ harrowing journey to America. The twin brothers are drawn to stories that explore identity from the perspectives of under-represented voices.
They wrote and directed several award-winning short films, including REAL BOY, which won best Sci-Fi film at USC’s First Look Festival, and THE MATTRESS, which received the SCA Edward Small Directing Award and was invited to premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
The brother’s newest film explore themes of automation and job replacement in the Oscar-qualifying short TECHNICIANS. The story follows David, a struggling automation technician tasked with installing self-service manicure stations at a nail salon, where he meets a Vietnamese American nail tech Tippi whose job is under threat. 
This film was presented at the Tribeca Film Festival, was part of the official selection at HollyShorts, and was made as part of Indeed’s Rising Voices program - an initiative set up to discover, invest in and share stories created by BIPOC filmmakers and storytellers.
#oscars #academyawards #technicians #shortfilms #filmfestival #automation #humanconnection #nailsalon #manicure #pedicure #vietnamese #vietnameseamerican #nailtech #risiingvoices #BIPOC #HollyShorts #Tribeca #asinapacific #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenplay #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography 

Director Colin L. Racicot and his Oscar-Qualified Animated Short WHERE RABBITS COME FROM: Interview/Film Breakdown

Ladies and gentlemen, writer/director Colin Ludvic Racicot’s WHERE RABBITS COME FROM immerses viewers into a cold dystopian world, weaving a heartfelt tale of oppression and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. A story of resilience, love and hope in the face of darkness. 
Through stunning animation and the captivating score, the film follows a widowed father rabbit as he seeks to reignite wonder and magic in his daughter's life after the mysterious disappearance of her mother. Drawing inspiration from Colin’s personal journey through fatherhood, this heartwarming film has qualified for consideration at the 97th Academy Awards.
WHERE RABBITS COME FROM is a beautiful animated short film. The animation is a thing of beauty and the use of color and color transition is perfection and adds depth to the telling of the story. The music score moves us effortlessly from scene to scene to the present to the past and into a colorful future of hope and love. This is a must see animated short film and absolutely deserves to be Oscar-qualified and more.
About the Guest
Canadian writer/director Colin Ludvic Racicot and his Oscar-qualifying animated short film WHERE RABBITS COME FROM.
WHERE RABBITS COME FROM captivated audiences of all ages during its international film festival tour, winning multiple awards in the process, including becoming Oscar-qualified. 
The film was produced by rising talents Simon Allard and Bertrand Paquette, also founders of OUTPOST MTL, a cutting-edge post-production house and key partner in the film’s creation. WHERE RABBITS COME FROM marks the debut of Studio Niloc, embodying its artistic vision of creating inspiring works that showcase the exceptional talents of Quebec artisans. 
#oscars #academyawards #animatedshort #animation #animator #shortfilms #shortfilm #filmdirector #canada #canadian #family #fatherdaughter #storytelling #cineme #cinematography #dystopian 

Harris Goldberg's Rise to Filmmaking Success with Hollywood Stars

Harris Goldberg shares his journey to success in the world of filmmaking, working with Hollywood stars along the way. A must-watch for any cinephile or aspiring filmmaker!
Harris Goldberg shares his journey to success in the world of filmmaking, working with Hollywood stars along the way. A must-watch for any cinephile or aspiring filmmaker!writer/director Harris Goldberg who started doing stand-up at age sixteen.
When the time came to head to Hollywood, upon his arrival in LA, he sold his first screenplay within a week and was then signed to William Morris the week after.
Twenty-five studio films later he scored his biggest success with Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo in 1999 with Rob Schneider, then The Master of Disguise in 2002 starring Dana Carvey and produced by Adam Sandler.
Harris went onto direct "Where's Angelo" starring Michael Madsen, Beverely D'Angelo and Robert Forster in 2003, which premiered at The Hollywood and Santa Barbara Film Festivals.
He went on to write the autobiographical "Numb," his directorial feature debut. Starring Matthew Perry where it premiered at The Tribeca Film Festival and winning Best Feature Audience Awards in Chicago and the O-Hi Film Festival.
Harris Goldberg veered into television writing pilots for top networks such as HBO, NBC, ABC and others.