 Date: Nov, 9th and 10th, 2012 Location: Lubar Auditorium. Milwaukee Art Museum. The Milwaukee Short Film Festival is proud to also say that the home of the festival is a Milwaukee landmark, The Milwaukee Art Museum's Lubar Auditorium situated in the world famous Calatrava. Located on Milwaukee's lakefront area. Our Goal: To spotlight emerging artists, and give a focus to Midwest filmmakers. Created by local and independent filmmakers, the Milwaukee Short Film Festival is proud to provide local talent with a venue for their work to be seen. Through community support, we are able to put on this festival every year. Named "Best Local Festival" by
 Session 1: Friday 11/9 5:15pm Ages 16 and up. Naagahaan, Zinat (Suddenly Zinat) (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Navid Nikkhah Azad (Iran) A decisive phone call changes the lives of three women. A Pilgrim's Journal (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Anthony Presti (MKE) On his way to thanksgiving dinner, a politician wrestles with a recent election loss as well as an unforeseen event which challenges his morality. Anima Mundi Directed by Katherine Balsley (MKE) "Anima mundi,” a latin phrase meaning “spirit of the world,” has been a fundamental principle of philosophical thought for centuries, representing the vital life force that animates all matter in the universe. This experimental piece combines thousands of individual images of flowers, both wild and cultivated, to create a unique, fluid aesthetic, celebrating the beauty of the natural world. All images were taken at the Schlitz Audubon Center in Bayside, Wisconsin, and the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners. Somewhere In Between Directed by Kelly Bronikowski (MKE) As he was, as he is. A portrait of my dad and an attempt on my part to encompass ones life. My Peach Directed by Vito Valenti (MKE) A young couple are excited to attend an upscale wedding in Chicago, on the way here, they stop to visit an uncle. He is happy to see them but they remain largely unaware that he has concerns of his own. The Periodic Table Table (World Premiere) Directed by Kirk Zamieroski & Adam Dylewski (D.C.) Some people collect stamps. Wolfram Research co-founder and author Theo Gray collects elements. Step into his office, and you'll see a silicon disc engraved with Homer Simpson, a jar of mercury, depleted uranium shells and thousands of other chemical artifacts. But his real DIY masterpiece is the world's first 'periodic table table.' Within this masterfully constructed table-top lay samples of nearly every element known to man, minus the super-radioactive ones. Q/A with attending filmmakers will follow. Session 2: Friday 11/9 7pm OPENING NIGHT EVENT! Ages 16 and up. Phil Koch  2012 Pace-setter Honoree Plus Milwaukee Premieres of Milwaukee Films. Soul Chamber (World Premiere) Directed by Mark G.E. (MKE) A surrealist tale of a father who becomes corrupted as he betrays his daughter. Removing her soul, he places it in a chamber and displays it and her doll-like body for profit throughout the countryside. For the daughter it is a journey of becoming herself and rising above betrayal through forgiveness. White Blood (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Khayam Abdullayev & Emeddin Aiyev (Azerbaijan) A nomadic family whose way of life has been destroyed and a wife’s resourcefulness in seeking to realise her husband’s dying wish. The message is that there is always hope. Nostalgia (World Premiere) Directed by Jared Stepp (MKE) Four years after watching her husband slip away in a hospital bed, Anita is trying to move on with her life by selling boxes of his old things at a local antique store. After coming across a crumpled wedding photo and a box of old LPs, Anita impulsively purchases a record player to revel in her nostalgia. To her shock, playing the couple’s favorite song conjures up more than just memories – it also brings back the spirit of her husband for one last dance. But will she allow the desire to relive her past to destroy her life in the present? Devil's Day Out (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Patrik Beck (MKE) The Devil is teaching his son how to drive a car, but the son resists. The Devil needs to convince his son of the importance of image. The Op Shop (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Lee Rogers (Australia) It came in a box. No name. No job description. Just a strange donation that three women at an op shop were determined to sell for $3.50. But then…and then again…and once more…they unlock the mystery. The Water Street Experiment (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Darren Alexander Cole (MKE) This educational, live Documentary that follows Elvis Thao and his band (The Creatives) on their 1year and ½ musical journey into sound as he forms his new band, and seeks o accomplish the making of his newest and most current album project “The Water Street Experiment”. In this viewing you will experience live in-studio sessions and rehearsals, along with artist and producer interviews plus shows and all the struggles and accomplishments that come with the territory. Engage with us on the life and times of The Creatives. Q/A with attending filmmakers will follow. 9:15 MIFS FEATURE FILM WORLD PREMIERE: White Wind by Dan Wilson and Brooke Maroldi.  Sprawled at the edge of dairy farm country, a primordial marsh shelters countless endangered species, including a burgeoning whooping crane population. Sam ventures into the marsh with his camera. Although the area seems deserted, Sam has several unnerving encounters with two strange men. As they grow increasingly threatening, Sam simply tries to return to his car and leave the marsh. Has he stumbled upon a conspiracy that threatens the marsh, its inhabitants, and even his own life? Sam becomes so unhinged that he can no longer tell the difference between what he has captured with his camera or conjured with his mind. Starring: Brian James McGuire, Rick Fresca and Jay Hoard. White Wind will be a special presentation during the 14th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival on Friday November 9th at the Lubar Auditoriun, Milwaukee Art Museum. After Party to follow at: 924 East Juneau Avenue The Winning Films: On Saturday Nov 11th the awards were handed out at the end of the juried selection, film star Bai Ling was on hand to give out the awards.
 Kara Mulrooney, Tyler Spindel & Susan Kerns
BEST FILM & AUDIENCE FAVORITE:
Bai Ling hugs Best Film winner, Tyler Spindel
2nd Place/Honorary Mention Best Wisconsin Film:
Bai Ling with filmmakers Susan Kerns & Kara Mulrooney
Best Director:
Best Actress Artistic Acheivement
2012 Judges: Robert K. Elder is a journalist,author, film columnist and the founder of Odd Hours Media, LLC. Pulitzer-winner Studs Terkel calls Elder “a journalist in the noblest tradition” in his introduction to Elder’s book, Last Words of the Executed. Dead Man Walking author Sister Helen Prejean called it, “a dangerous book.” Last Words of the Executed received rave reviews in The Economist, Harper’s Magazine, and The New York Review of Books,among many other outlets. The New Yorker called it, “…A harrowing portrait of our justice system.” Praise for Elder’s 2011 book The Film That Changed My Life came from the Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips, who called the book, “A great and provocative read…it’s addictive.” Film critic Leonard Maltin also said, “You’ll havea hard time putting this book down.” Elder is also the editor of “John Woo: Interviews,” the first authoritative chronicle of the filmmaker’s life, legacy and career. He has also contributed to books on poker, comic books and film design. A former member of the Chicago Film CriticsAssociation, Elder has taught film classes at Facets Film School.
Dan Laske: Recognizing the importance of Arts and Culture to local economic development and over all quality of life, Dan Laske founded the Southeastern Wisconsin Arts Guild in 2010. Dan developed S.W.A.G as afoundational resource to help promote growth in the arts and cultural communities, in any economic climate, through expanded relationships with stakeholders. Today, the Southeastern WI Arts Guild is a highly regarded partner for arts and business organizations that seek to expand theiraudience, promote their programs, and develop strategic ties with individuals, non-profits and businesses throughout the region. As its head, Dan is apassionate community builder and arts advocate and thrives on introducing new audiences to the great arts and cultural attractions of southeast Wisconsin. Jeffrey James Ircink has worked in theatres and film in Milwaukee, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and LosAngeles. Favorite roles include Tom in THE GLASS MENAGERIE, Jack in JACKAND JILL, Mickey/Narrator in BLOOD BROTHERS, Martin/The Old Man in FOOL FOR LOVE and Space Punk in STARMITES. Jeff’s original plays have taken him to Belfast, Sydney, Manhattan, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Dayton, Bel Air, and Milwaukee. Among his written work for the theatre: Stan’s Addiction, Chromosome 21, How ToKill A Boy, Reveille!, A Promiscuous Rape, A Sigh & A Grunt, Jesus Pushed AGrocery Cart, Billy Balfoor Wants An Apology (short film in post-production in Australia) and The Bed. The short film, PASS THE SALT, PLEASE, anadaptation of Jeff's award-winning, 10-minute play, has been screened in 32 film festivals around the world, including England, Poland, Serbia, Australia, China, Spain, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Milwaukee and Austin. It wasawarded a Jury Prize at the 2011 Palm Springs ShortFest, a Special Jury Prizeat Cinequest Film Festival (San Jose) 2012, a Gold Remi Award at WorldFest/Houston 2012 and the Golden Horn/Audience Favorite at The Really Funny Horny Goat International Short Film Festival 2012 (Milwaukee). He lives in an “original” in Greendale, WI. Read his Twitter bio – http://about.me/jeffreyjamesircink
Timothy Lonsdale grew up in Manitowoc, writer/director Timothy Lonsdale considers himself a Wisconsin native. After three years as a radio communications sergeant with the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret), he received a B.A. and a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Three years in Dallas lead to an M.F.A. in Theatre (Acting) from Southern Methodist University, work in the Dallas TV series, the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, as well as radio and TV commercials and a Midwest tour playing Dickinson in 1776.
Jason Buss co-founded the Wildwood Film Festival in 2001 and the event has been “Celebrating Wisconsin Film Talent” ever since. The 12th event is set for March 16th at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. Jason attended college in Minnesota and Wisconsin although his film background is self-taught. Most of his knowledge is drawn from the over 500 independent short films he has screened for the festival, the projects that he has been a part of, combined with his personal favorites.
JUDGES CRITERIA The films are judged on the three merits of:
The Audience Favorite film is picked by the audience on the closing night of the festival. The votes are tabulated and the film awarded that evening. Each year we do our best to get industry professionals from Los Angeles and the Milwaukee area to jury the films. Previous judges were Mark Metcalf (Animal House, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Zack Ward (A Christmas Story, Transformers), Uwe Boll (Postal, House of the Dead) Timothy J. Lonsdale (Speed, Species) and David Streit (Jurassic Park III, River's Edge) .
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Ages 16 and up. BEST OF 48 HOUR PROJECT (MKE) Linked by Your Mother Is Productions Sibling Rivalry by Traveling Lemur Productions Until Death by Flip Eleven Creative The Deliverist by Blackbox Visuals Super Villain Rehab by AI Crazy Ranch Preparation, Hard Work Sacrifice by Green Beans Productions Pull by Gross & Difficult Productions Priorities by Inside Outsider Productions Something Borrowed by Electric Dragon Fix Anything Shop by Cross Word Films Psyd-Kicks by Moleskin Productions Life's A Beach by Art Institute of WI- Team One Telepathic Virgins from Mars by The Back Burner Session 4: Saturday 11/10 3:15pm Ages 16 and up. Promises (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Craig A. Knitt (WI) After a terrible fight, Maria and Frank reach a point in their relationship where everything will change. Maria does not deal well with guilt and she hopes Frank will not forget the things he's promised her. Frank has problems of his own that could keep him from making the right decisions. SOLSTICE (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Megan Monday & Brijetta Hall Waller (WI) SOLSTICE captures the unique and revelatory experience of Madison, Wisconsin's annual summer solstice celebration. From a quiet morning assembling a bonfire of recycled wood, to a family-friendly giant puppet parade celebrating biodiversity, to a flame throwing, drum beating, fiery climax, SOLSTICE vividly chronicles this artistic and community-inspired celebration of the longest day of the year. S T R E T C H (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Arturo Cubacub (Chicago) " I stretched my mind so open that I felt a crack.' This short subject piece is a sensual representation of an internal transformation process catalyzed by the shedding of one's former identity. Featuring the electronic ballad, 'S T R E T C H' by Sarah Weis. Good News, Oklahoma! (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Doug Hannah (L.A.) A satire about a well-intentioned liberal who gets fed up with salacious local media and creates her own show dedicated to good news, inadvertently paving a path of destruction that undermines everything she stands for. An Cluiche (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Cathal O Cuaig (Ireland) A short tale of a young man who supports his football team more than his girlfriend. Aidan has just managed to get a ticket for the most important game of the season when he realizes that he has a date with his girlfriend. What will he choose? Viscosity (Milwaukee Premiere) Directed by Paul von Stoetzel (MN) |
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