Category: HollyShorts Film Festival
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OSCAR CONTENDER: MARION – A Glimpse into the Grit and Glory of Tradition
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: MARION – A Glimpse into the Grit and Glory of TraditionHaving spent my entire career behind the camera, I can tell you there’s something incredibly special about watching a film that not only makes you think but makes you feel. Marion – a short film directed by Joe Weiland and Finn Constantine – does both, in spades. The short follows Marion, a practitioner of the…
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OSCAR CONTENDER: MOEDER directed by Salomon Ligthelm unveils a haunting, cinematic tapestry
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: MOEDER directed by Salomon Ligthelm unveils a haunting, cinematic tapestryFrom the moment the camera opens on the Ukrainian landscape, MOEDER directed by Salomon Ligthelm unveils a haunting, cinematic tapestry that captures not only the geographical tension of the battle zone but also the internal conflict of its characters. As a retired cameraman, I can’t help but marvel at the technical choices Salomon Ligthelm makes…
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OSCAR CONTENDER: Wes Andre Goodrich’s MEAL TICKET – A Masterclass in Thriller Storytelling
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: Wes Andre Goodrich’s MEAL TICKET – A Masterclass in Thriller StorytellingWes Andre Goodrich’s Meal Ticket is a stunning example of how a short film can pack the emotional punch and narrative depth of a feature-length thriller. With its sharp pacing, moral complexity, and expertly crafted tension, this 12-minute film demonstrates that the thriller genre, often associated with longer runtimes, can thrive in a brief format. At the…
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OSCAR CONTENDER: Directing duo CLIQUA’s SHUT UP & FISH – A Visually Striking Coming-of-Age Drama on Identity and Belonging
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: Directing duo CLIQUA’s SHUT UP & FISH – A Visually Striking Coming-of-Age Drama on Identity and BelongingDirected by the duo Cliqua (Raul Sanchez and Pasqual Gutiérrez), Shut Up & Fish is a poignant and visually arresting coming-of-age drama that delves into the complexities of Latino youth culture in America. Set against the backdrop of gang initiation, the film follows Aiden, a young adolescent forced to reconcile the values he holds dear with the…
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OSCAR CONTENDER: RYAN CAN’T READ – It’s the small victories that add up
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: RYAN CAN’T READ – It’s the small victories that add upRhys Chapman’s short film Ryan Can’t Read stands out for its simplicity and honesty. It’s not the flashiest film you’ll see, but that’s part of its charm. Rhys Chapman’s direction feels personal — there’s a rawness to it, as if we’re getting a peek inside the lives of people who are often overlooked. It’s not…
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2025 OSCAR FEATURE: Jasmin Mozaffari on Oscar contender MOTHERLAND “I think it mainly looks at how painful and tricky trying to assimilate into a new culture can be.”
Read More: 2025 OSCAR FEATURE: Jasmin Mozaffari on Oscar contender MOTHERLAND “I think it mainly looks at how painful and tricky trying to assimilate into a new culture can be.”Jasmin Mozaffari is an emerging filmmaker known for her thought-provoking narratives and strong character-driven storytelling. Her short film, Motherland, delves into themes of identity and belonging within the context of the Iranian diaspora. Mozaffari’s work often explores complex emotional landscapes, with a particular focus on cultural displacement and generational trauma. Her filmography includes notable works that…
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2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: AUGANIC stands out for its intimate, internal journey
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: AUGANIC stands out for its intimate, internal journeyAuganic, directed by Krit Komkrichwarakool, is a captivating and deeply emotional short film that explores the complexities of a queer relationship, love, and personal growth through the lens of an unusual and transformative phenomenon. The film centers on a married couple, played with raw vulnerability by its leads, who are financially struggling when they discover…
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2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: TECHNICIANS tells a story of automation and immigrant struggles
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: TECHNICIANS tells a story of automation and immigrant strugglesTechnicians is a short yet impactful film that tells the story of David, an automation technician tasked with installing self-service manicure stations at a nail salon. The plot centers on his interaction with Hoa, a Vietnamese-American nail tech whose job is threatened by the very technology David is implementing. In under 20 minutes, the film explores…
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2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: FROM ABOVE – A touching and beautifully crafted short film
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: FROM ABOVE – A touching and beautifully crafted short filmFrom Above (2023), directed by Nicolaj Kopernikus, is a deeply moving exploration of redemption and reconciliation. Following the success of his Oscar®-shortlisted The Stenophone, Kopernikus once again proves his versatility, not only directing but also starring in this poignant short. The film follows Morten (Kopernikus), a homeless man trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter after eight…
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2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: CLODAGH explores themes of loneliness, repression, and moral conflict
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: CLODAGH explores themes of loneliness, repression, and moral conflictClodagh (2024), directed by Portia A. Buckley, is a poignant and visually arresting drama that delves into the moral quandaries of faith and desire. Set against the backdrop of a devout Irish community, the film centers on Mrs. Kelly (Bríd Ní Neachtain), a housekeeper for a local priest, who struggles with a growing attachment to…
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