What’s up, everyone?
Just wanted to start talking about the films we’re watching for Slamdance 2021.
Like Sundance a couple weeks ago, this year Slamdance is virtual, and there’s a lot of material to get through.
While we’re not watching everything they have on tap (because after Sundance, frankly, we’d die), we’re getting a pretty good smattering of all the categories.
Ready?
Episodes
Early to Rise (Pilot)
Director: Alec Cohen
Producers: Alec Cohen, Mike Cabellon, Adrien Pellerin, Katie Sicking
Screenwriter(s): Alec Cohen, Mike Cabellon, Adrien Pellerin, Katie Sicking
Cast: Mike Cabellon, Adrien Pellerin, Katie Sicking
Synopsis:
On the way to a distant planet, three less-than-qualified astronauts are awoken from stasis 90 years too early and trapped inside their hibernation pods. Alone in the endless void, they can’t kill themselves, and they can’t kill each other, so they’ll just have to kill time.
You know, this one might be better down the road, but honestly, even I, with my (admittedly) stunted sense of humor, found the actually “killing time” solution to be so ridiculously juvenile and predictable, I almost wish I hadn’t watched this one.
And that surprised me.
The Little Broomstick Rider (Episode #4)
Director: Matteo Bernardini
Producer: Neverbird Productions
Screenwriter(s): Matteo Bernardini (Based on a short story by Ludwig Bechstein)
Synopsis:
When a nine-year-old boy in 1620s Bavaria goes on trial for witchcraft, a flabbergasted court must decide the child’s fate.
This Italian piece wasn’t quite what I was expecting it to be, although to be fair, I’m not really sure exactly what I was expecting…
It’s done in still-life, paper doll animation, with no voices, only dialog card/bubbles. The throwback animation style is incredibly appealing to the eye, and the fact that you can see the animator’s shadow as the people and dialog raise up into the frame makes it even more… spectacular.
Yes, I just said “spectacular.”
It really is great. I was just smiling through the entire 37 minute run time.
Can I get a DVD with the entire run of The Little Broomstick Rider, please?
Department of Anarchy
Routine: The Prohibition
Director: Sam Orti
Producers: Alex Cervantes, Sam Orti
Screenwriter(s): Flora Cuevas Montes
Synopsis:
In a dark world, devastated by lies and dominated by fear, we continue with our self-destructive routines towards extinction.
This is a great stop-motion piece from Spain, and despite the fact there is no intelligible dialog (nor subtitles), the thrust of the story shines through.
Greed and class struggle, told in terms of the single most basic of human survival needs.
Thumbs up.
For the film, not the greed displayed therein.
Bare Bones
Director: Meryem Lahlou
Synopsis:
Who are we when we all share the same face?
This one is a bit more esoteric. With almost robotic narration, much philosophy is bandied about, some more accessible than other.
The copy-paste CGI figures lend to the air of hopelessness which permeates the piece, and by the end, I was glad it was over.
But I can’t decide whether I was happy or sad about it…
ASMR For White Liberals
Director: John Connor Hammond
Cast: Randall Otis
Synopsis:
Are you White? Are you Liberal? Let ASMR for White Liberals help you get through these tough times!
Honestly, I’m not going to spoil this one for you, but I will say that, after much consideration… I’m shocked that this one made the festival.
But that could just be my preconceived notions talking…
Don’t worry; there’s plenty more stuff to talk about, so follow us on twitter (@VSMoviePodcast) or just subscribe on the website (VSMoviePodcast.com) to make sure you get this written stuff that obviously doesn’t make the podcast feed on your favorite streaming platform.
And remember, if you like what we do, consider throwing a couple bucks our way to help us keep on entertaining you. Use this link:
Or, you can help us our by heading over to Teespring and picking up some VSMP merch. You can get t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and even facemasks, and we’ve got a couple additional designs on the way, as well, so check back often. Click HERE (teespring.com/stores/vsmp-store) to head over there.