Bond on Cinema

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 

Actor Arkie Kandola Talks HOW TO DIE ALONE on HULU and more!

My guest today is actor Arkie Kandola, who stars in two TV series that have premiered this fall --- Natasha Rothwell’s How to Die Alone on Hulu and Chicken Sisters on Hallmark’s rebranded streaming platform.
The Canadian-born actor and producer, first appeared on screen in 2013 after being featured in a national Vitamin Water commercial alongside Steve Nash. He subsequently established a YouTube channel which has garnered over 22 million views.
Arkie has amassed credits in film & television including Fox's “Prison Break,” Freeform's “Siren,” CBS's “The Twilight Zone,” NBC's “Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist,” the award-winning comedy “Our Big Punjabi Family” and Universal's feature film, “Easter Sunday” with Jo Koy.
In addition to acting, Arkin Kandola is also a Partner at BMA Films, alongside Brandon Jay Mclaren & Max Topplin. The trio are in development with their first feature "The Book," which is a Canada-India co-production.
#punjabi #indian #india #canada #HULU #streaming #actor #filmproducer #filmmaking #filmmakers #cinema #acting #actorslife #thetwilightzone #NBC #fox #freeform #hallmark #lifetime 

Oscar-Qualified Short A GOOD DAY WILL COME with Writer/Director Amir Zargara: Interview/Film Breakdown Discussion

Ladies and gentlemen, director Amir Zargara’s Oscar-qualified short, A GOOD DAY WILL COME is the heartbreaking story of Arash, a professional wrestler with dreams of representing his country and winning gold medals. The country is in turmoil and its people are suffering. Arash must decide between using his platform to stand up to tyranny, or put his head down and remain silent.
 
This incredible film was inspired by real events and is dedicated to Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler who was sentenced to death and executed after a wrongful conviction during the 2018 Iranian protests. Afkari once said “Our only power lies in our united voice.”
A GOOD DAY WILL COME’s cinematography is one of excellence. The casting was perfect, the location gives you the sense that you are in Iran. The coloring is cold and lifeless which is what it should be to signify life under a tyrannical regime. The only way to bring life back into the lives living under such a regime would be to spill blood.
Even though Amir chose not to show the torture scenes, you do feel the brutality through the use of the audio and he gives us the glimpse of the aftermath of that torture. Freedom comes at a price and those who pay the price have chosen to spill their own blood so we can all be free.
A GOOD DAY WILL COME, the very words we must hold close and believe in our heart that in many places in the world, a good day will come.
Amir Zargara, an Iranian-Canadian writer and director, whose unique perspective is shaped by the cultural mosaic of Iran and Canada.
His journey, characterized by the resilience of an immigrant and the challenges of living with a stutter, deeply influences his approach to filmmaking. His films delve into the moral complexities faced by individuals, focusing on the gray areas of human character and advocating for empathy over judgment. His latest film A GOOD DAY WILL COME has qualified to be considered for the 2025 Academy Awards. 
#shortfilms #shortfilm #oscars #academyawards #interview #talkshow #filmbreakdown #filmreview #wrestling #sports #Iran #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmdirector #screenswriter #cinema #cinematography