Bond on Cinema

Twins Meet 20 Years Later in Prison Over a Chess Game: Oscar-Qualified Short OVER THE BOARDL The Interview

Ladies and gentlemen, OVER THE BOARD, a story about twin brothers who meet for the first time, under unique circumstances. Before they can come together, however, they must first overcome their differences.
Ian is a top collegiate chess player. Eric is an inmate with a gift for the game. Eric and Ian are identical twins who have never met, until today. When their worlds collide, one thing becomes immediately clear-they both share a passion, and talent, for the game of chess. But will this be enough to make them family? The only way to settle their differences, the only way to understand each other, is over the board.
This film keeps your attention because the storyline is focused and it blends seamlessly into the cinematography of being shot mainly in black and white, until the ending of the film when the use of color brings something very special. I will not spoil the end as this is a must see short film.
There is a bit of Ian and Eric in all of us. In this film we see book smart versus street smart or in this case prison smart creates incredible exchange of dialogue, thought and emotion. But when two people didn’t know each one existed, there is a growth period and we see that within the 27 minutes of this film.
#oscars #academyawards #chessmatch #chessgame #twins #identicaltwins #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #actor #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #cinematography #screenwriter #filmproducer #blackandwhite #chessboard 

Oscar-Qualified Short RYAN CAN'T READ: Interview/Film Breakdown of this Brilliant Endearing Heartwarming Story

Ladies and gentlemen, this heartwarming tug at your heart short film RYAN CAN’T READ delves into the struggles of Ryan, played by Lewis Ian Bray, a man facing immense financial hardship and the overwhelming burden of bills. His inability to claim benefits pushes him to the edge of despair. However, a lifeline is thrown his way when his friend Tyrone, portrayed by James Nelson-Joyce, offers him a chance at redemption.
This short film is a tearjerker, set against the vibrant backdrop of Liverpool, England, examines the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
With a screenplay co-written by Rhys Chapman and Lewis Ian Bray, RYAN CAN’T READ paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives and the profound impact of friendship.
We all have Ryans in our life and we all need to be more like Tyrone in helping those that need a bit of love, encouragement and motivation. We can all be mentors and this beautiful short teaches us that very thing.
RYAN CAN’T READ is one of my absolute favorite films of the year as I am a sucker for heartwarming and endearing stories that have the power to put tears in your eyes. And this film has put those tears in my eyes six times already.
My guests today are producer Bryony Pulizzi and writer/actor Lewis Ian Bray and their heartwarming and endearing Oscar-qualified short film RYAN CAN’T READ.
Bryony's debut as a producer was on 2022 BAFTA shortlisted "ROY" from Academy Award winning production company Slick Films, closely followed by "Ryan Can't Read" and "Gladstone Girls". She has also worked in the industry as a Casting Assistant for TV and Film. She is also a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Lewis Ian Bray is a neuro-divergent actor and screenwriter known for his commitment to authentic storytelling and underrepresented voices. He co-wrote and starred as Ryan in the Academy Award-qualifying short film RYAN CAN’T READ. Praised by Ken Loach as "touching" and "important," the film earned Lewis the Best Actor award at Tokyo's ShortShorts Film Festival.
In addition to his role in Channel 4's upcoming drama series PATIENCE, Lewis is involved in several exciting projects set to air in 2025/26. He is also the founder of Scribble Pictures, a neuro-divergent-led production company.
#shortfilms #illiteracy #cantread #oscars #academyawards #friendship #mentor #mentorship #heartwarming #endearing #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #screenwriter #actor #neurodivergent #ryancantread #bondoncinema #cinema #cinematic #cinematography

Oscar-Qualified Short DIVE: A Melancholic Exploration of Adolescent Love in a World beset with Violence

Ladies and gentlemen, the short film DIVE is a melancholic exploration of adolescent love in a world beset with violence. The drama follows Roman and Julia, two young adults enjoying the vitality of their youth, when their day out on the beach is suddenly shattered by the looming presence of war.
The very minimum use of dialogue allows you to experience the film on a deeper level into you subconscious to relive your long lost youth. We can see how youth is fleeting, from a moment of love, joy, freedom and a bit a living in a dream. And all of shattered with the strong introduction of war, an element of life that we can’t control.
War steals adolescent, youth, hope and dreams. In this poignant film called DIVE it leaves us wanting relive our own youth.
The cinematography is beautiful and the use of real film gives it depth, just like the souls of Roman and Julia, even before they dive into the ocean.
The soundtrack adds so much emotion. As Roman and Julia dive Into the water, the music brings them together in an aquatic dance that is beautiful and free, exactly what love should be. Being under the water and away from the realities of life is a feeling we need to experience more and Aldo Luliano gives us that feeling in this compelling film.
Director Aldo Iuliano and he is known for his award-winning short films, both in Italy and internationally. In 2016, he directed Penalty, which was shortlisted for the Nastri d'Argento, selected for four Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the 2017 Globo d'Oro. His debut feature film, Space Monkeys, was released in theaters in 2022.
His newest soulful short film DIVE premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, where it was in official competition, the drama was further selected for other Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the Special Award at the 2024 Nastri d'Argento. The film has qualified for the 2025 Oscars.
#shortfilms #oscars #academyawards #beach #youth #RussianUkrainianWar #Italy #ocean #swimming #landmines #wartime #lostyouth #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #art #artistry #cinematography #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #screenwriter #filmdirector 

Oscar-Qualified Short A PLACE TO FALL DOWN: Brilliant Storytelling with Duane Hansen Fernandez - THE INTERVIEW

Ladies and gentlemen, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN, a film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose's emotional journey as he grapples with balancing his daunting real-life workload with the profound sense of loss.
Through an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. and a gripping sound design that acts as a character in the film, "A Place to Fall Down" explores themes of grief, empathy, healing and the power of love. It's in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of unconditional love shine the brightest.
Duane has created elements you must watch very closely. The environment is dark, an environment in which grief lives, but with glimpses of light. The cinematography close ups on Clifton are poignant because grief can feel like the world is closing in on the one who is experiencing it.
Writer/director Duane Fernandez and he has had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders in the industry, from Netflix, Disney, Marvel, A24, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate, to Paramount and Sony Pictures to name a few.
The his directorial debut of A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a poignant short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief he feels after losing his beloved wife.
If you are dealing with grief, seek counseling and don’t go at it alone. 
Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr., A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: Can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma?
#shortfilms #grief #depression #mentalhealth #oscars #academyawards #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #garage #automotive #mechanic #cinema #cinematography #storytelling #cinematic 

Oscar-Qualifying Short FROM ABOVEL Interview/Film Breakdown with Danish Actor Nicolaj Kopernikus

Ladies and gentlemen, this beautiful and endearing short film, FROM ABOVE is about a father looking to reconnect with his child after falling on hard times. The story follows Morten, once well-respected but now homeless, as he attempts to turn his life around after a chance encounter with his daughter after eight years apart. 
Morten looks his daughter in the eyes for the first time in 8 years. After that he decides to get in touch with her again and uses very unconventional and spectacular methods to get her attention and forgiveness.
Everything about this film is wonderful. The storytelling is superb, the cinematography is what you would expect coming from Henrik Christensen and the Academy Award winning M&M Productions and of course the acting is incredible.
This is the type of film that wins awards, but more importantly it wins hearts. And it has won my heart and I will not soon forget this wonderful short film.
Ever since graduating from theater school in 1994, Nicolaj Kopernikus has become a prominent figure on stage, film and television. He made his big breakthrough in the 1997 feature film “Let’s Get Lost” and is also known for his portrayal as an alcoholic in the drama film “The Bench” alongside Jesper Christensen.
Nicolaj gained worldwide recognition for his role as the killer in the BAFTA and International Emmy nominated TV series “The Killing”, which had great success around the world and spawned an American remake. Nicolaj has recently taken a seat behind the camera and directed various TV series and is currently working on numerous TV and film projects.
Following the success of his Oscar shortlisted film “The Stenophone”, well-renowned Danish actor is back with FROM ABOVE, which he has written, directed and also stars in. Once again he teams up with multiple Academy Award winning production company, M&M Productions. 
#shortfilms #denmark #fromabovce #perspective #fatherdaughter #divorce #filmmaker #filmmaking #actor #filmdirector #screenwriter #nicolajkopernikus #danish #thekilling #jesperchristensen #oscars #academyawards #art #artfilm #homelessness #reconnection #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #cinematography 

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