New England’s Filmmaking Spirit Festival
Over recent years, it continually ends up feeling tougher and tougher to get through the day and have the drive that pushes you to enjoy your life. It can be especially tough for those that are work towards a career in a creative field, such as film. Yet, the filmmaking spirit, and the drive to tell stories in general, is a persistent one. These six filmmakers from New England showcased their short films, along with trailers from other storytellers in the region, and displayed how the filmmaking spirit is alive and is not going anywhere.
After the event, there was a Q&A hosted by “Everwinter Night” director Adam Newman where directors Ryan David Rogers and Mark J. Parker, “Wildcat” producer Marco Aguirre, and actor Kris Salvi (pretending to be director Samuel Carl Cohen) give insight into the films they worked on and/or talked about chairs.
Event Date: June 25th, 2023 at Chunky’s Cinema Pub – Coliseum Avenue, Nashua, NH
Trailers Featured in the Festival
Rooks – Directed by Robert Maynard
Your Last Summer – Directed by Mark J. Parker
Everwinter Night – Directed by Adam Newman
Fate – Directed by Manny Gonzalez
The Films That Were Presented
Anxietatem – Directed by Ryan David Rogers.
Latin for Anxiety, “Anxietatem” follows a young man (Paul) trying to enjoy a night out when his inner worries begin to affect him. Staring Samson Zilic, Katrina Chamberlain, and Steven Lawlor Jones. Featuring the song “New Day (Lion Mane Remix)” by Ryan Anthony Deachman and remixed by Lion Mane.
Casting Kill – Directed by Mark J. Parker.
A casting director and his coworkers are targeted by a deranged actor during a late night casting session from hell. Written, directed & produced by Mark J. Parker. Starring Mike Pratt and Gavin Damian-Loring. Cinematography by Bodhi Ouellette. Edited by Erin Waters. Featuring the song “Capslock” by Basic Bitches. Note: The version of the film that was presented was an In-Progress edit.
She, Who Dared – Directed by Gabrielle Rossen.
The micro-short version of the biopic about silent film director Lois Weber. Made to set the tone for the full short film and generate interest in the story that needs to be told. Both the micro-short and full biopic stars Katie Killourthy as Lois Weber and Paul Noonan as her first husband, Phillips Smalley.
Wildcat – Directed by Brandon Prentiss.
A college Freshman is confronted with a difficult decision: talk to his crush or let her slip away forever. “Wildcat” explores the fear of missing out and the power of missed connections. Staring Julia Labuski, Richard Sprague Jr, and Paul Noonan.
Rockets in Space: Rescue Above Neptune – Directed by Ethan Aho.
A rocket crew rescues others from a scientific expedition gone wrong. Inspired by 1930s sci-fi film series like Flash Gordon, Rockets in Space: Rescue Above Neptune to the big screen for the first time since it’s premiere in March 2022. Starring Mitch Foriter, Killarney Traynor, and Kris Salvi. Note: Only the first almost 9 minutes was shown with the full 40 minute film expected to be released on streaming sometime in late 2024.
Lumberjack: The Son Says Hello! – Directed by Samuel Carl Cohen.
A well-mannered assassin starts a relationship with the ex-wife of the short-tempered manic detective who’s tracking him down. Starring Kris Salvi, Marie Kottenstette, and Marc Powers. Note: Only the first 21 minutes was shown with the full 38 minute film having since been released.
Thorndike Productions has a newsletter! You’re welcome to subscribe to it.
New England’s Filmmaking Spirit Festival Opening Speech
Photos from New England’s Filmmaking Spirit Festival
