Bond on Cinema

The Making Oscar-Qualified Short TEA with Director Blake Rice: Interview/Film Breakdown Discussion

Ladies and gentlemen, in an homage to everything 1990’s, TEA asks the audience to take a step back to simpler times; where the summer days were long, the cool kids were terrifying and saying “hi” to the girl of your dreams was beyond insurmountable.
This dramedy short film TEA takes us through the eyes of Nicholaus Steep (played by Michael Gandolfini), we watch the tenderness and bravery of a young man who is doing all he can just to connect with someone. When his bad luck turns worse, will the girl of his dreams (played by Olivia Nikkanen) will she be able to save his life?
This film will take all of us back to the time we asked someone out on a date, our first date most likely. Some of us are shy, insecure, nervous, but somehow the experience isn’t always fun or enjoyable.
For us guys, just getting someone to say yes feels like we just made it to the top of Mt. Everest.
TEA is a wonderful film. A short filmed in one location, gives us the look and feel of real film. The story is to the point adding in youth, the pursuit of young love, it’s endearing, and all of that disrupted by a hornet’s sting.
Who knew that an EPI-pen could not only save the day, but bring Nicholaus’ crush into his life.
In a world of worry, insecurity and a lack of confidence and courage, we need to heed the words of Olivia, “That wasn’t so hard was it?”
About the Guest
Writer/director Blake Winston Rice, an award-winning director who launched his professional directing and screenwriting career in 2018 with the film TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, which was acquired by DirectTV.
Follow up projects included PEOPLE LIKE YOU, where he received Best Director at the New York City International Film Festival in 2019. Soon after, he directed THE CREEPERS CURSE, and THE RECOVERY CALL, both licensed by Prime Video in 2020.
After numerous short films over the past few years, he brings us the endearing dramedy, TEA. The short premiered at the Cannes Film Festival as the only U.S. film. It has qualified for Best Short Film at the Nashville Film Festival, as well as Woodstock, Palm Springs and HollyShorts Film Festivals. It is now Oscar-qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards.
#oscars #academyawards #cannes #shortfilms #shortfilm #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproduction #screenwriting #lovestory #dating #relationship #filmfestival

Oscar-Qualified Short MEAL TICKET: Would You Choose Morality or Opportunity: Interview/Film Breakdown with Wes Andre Goodrich

Ladies and gentlemen, MEAL TICKET is an anxiety-filled  thriller about a manager: Saint, who is forced to decide what to do with life-changing news he receives about his client: a young hip hop star, twelve minutes before goes onstage for his debut tour.
In this world we all seek opportunity, but what if your meal ticket was threatening your big break or your current job? Will you do what is morally right or will you protect your opportunity of future success? Wes Andre Goodrich gives us a poignant short film to ask ourselves this important question.
This film leaves the audience choosing sides and that’s the power of film. Is there a right or wrong answer here? Only you can decide that when you see this Oscar-qualified film for yourself.
Brooklyn-based writer/director Wes Andre Goodrich. Last year he was on the festival circuit with two shorts: SPEAK UP BROTHA! and PALM SUNDAY.
He recently directed the short film MEAL TICKET for Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices Fellowship, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and was part of the official selection at HollyShorts. Wes was selected by Filmmaker Magazine as one of the 2023 New Faces of Film.
MEAL TICKET 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. Rising Voices was created in collaboration with Lena Waithe, Hillman Grad Productions, Ventureland and 271 Films.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #oscars #academyawards #morality #opportunity #hiphop #performer #cinema #cinematography #storytelling #screenwriter #risingvoices 

BAFTA/BIFA Qualified Hilarious Short TWO MINUTES with Jamie Benyon: Interview/Film Breakdown

Writer/director Jamie Benyon and his BAFTA and BIFA-qualified short film TWO MINUTES.
His screenplays have won the IMDb Script To Screen Award, Top 10% on the Coverfly comedy short film list, been shortlisted for BBC Comedy Writers Programme, and a semi-finalist in the Shore Short Script Competition, a quarter-finalist in the Screencraft Fellowship and Top 40 at the UK Film Festival.
Jamie Benyon’s short titled TWO MINUTES, is an endearing short film comedy and I love it. Starring Ted Lasso’s Annette Badland, and Samuel Bottomley from How to Have Sex and Sundown as well as Ashley Margolis from Brassic and Silent Witness.
TWO MINUTES won First Prize for Best Comedy Short Film at Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Best British Comedy at Discover Film Festival. It's also an official selection at this years BFI London Film Festival, as well as premiering in Canada at the Oscar qualifying Edmonton International Film Festival along with many BIFA qualifying films across the UK.
Ladies and gentlemen, Jamie Benyon’s anxiety-filled endearing short film TWO MINUTES left me wanting more and more. Following the death of their Grandfather, two brothers decide to rob a convenience store in which they have two minutes to grab what they can before the police arrives. But their Nan unexpectedly walks by creating more tension during their attempted heist.
Everyone who has the opportunity to see this film will fall in love with TWO MINUTES. All I want to see is more of these three characters as I think there is either a streaming series or a feature film within this film. Could Nan become a ringleader in a family-based crime syndication of bubbling wannabe robbers? Only Jamie Benyon knows the answer to that.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #comedy #BAFTA #BIFA #BFILondon #interview #filmbreakdown #caper #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #awardwinning #cinema #cinematography #family

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