ABIGAIL
USA, 2003, Super16, 6 min. (Southwest Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Kristina Sisco, Prod: Tim Estep
Cast: Emily Miller, Deborah Miller, Allen Close

When Abigail is ignored at a party, she sneaks away to the attic only to find an imaginary world and the perfect dancing partner.

AIRBORN
USA, 2002, Digital, 10 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Daniel Foster • Cast: Daniel Foster

Worship nothing but air, and you may get what you’ve longed for. And so much more. When the man in AIRBORN becomes a disciple of teachers who are nothing but air - high hilarity opens a paradoxical doorway to deep significance. What we worship on our altars may be as inane as manic blow-up dummies stationed in front of used car lots. Unorthodox teachers - the best kind - never stick around long. and when they deflate, hilarity mixes with a pitiful yet tenderr ache. Such sentimentality over the fate of inane blow-up dummies? Therein lies the improbable magic of AIRBORN.

AMERICA'S MONUMENT
USA, 2001, Super35, 1 min. (Southwest Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Todd Felderstein, Prod: Tracy Mays
Cast: Ben Meyerson, Denise Meyerson, Daniel Emmett, Portia Williams

What could be more exciting than a cross-country adventure across this beautiful country we call America. Together, four great friends board their brand-new shiny red PT Cruiser then it’s off to New York City and that symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty, all while bopping to The Wiseguy’s "Oh, La, La" on the radio. Next stop, our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. before turning west to Mt. Rushmore. Continuing their journey it’s a visit to California and that famous Hollywood sign perched high atop the hills. Their anticipation is at it’s zenith as they motor their way up the coast to that ancient old growth Redwood and Sequoia mecca of "America’s National Forest". Except their arrival is met by large earthmovers and gargantuan tree-cutting mechanisms as they witness massive destruction and clear-cutting of the forest and all the life it supports.

ANNIE PAUL
USA, 1999, 35mm, 11 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2000)
Dir: Michael Levine, Writers: Mitchell Whitfield, Michael Levine, Producers: Michael Levine, Mitchell Whitfield
Cast: Mitchell Whitfield, Patrick Bristow, Leah Remini, Jeff Garlin

Follow Paul Berman, a 32 year old man, on his quest to star in America’s most beloved musical. Since childhood, Paul’s ambition has been to play the part of Little Orphan Annie on Broadway. We follow Paul on his journey through the audition process and meet some of those who share his vision and some who don’t.

ANNIVERSARY
USA, 2000, 35mm, 19 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2000)
Writer/Dir.: Amanda Gusack, Producers: Amanda Gusack, Gail Duncan, Aljor Perreras, Frank Smith, Jr.
Cast: Craig Strong, Judi Beecher, Jill Basey, Mary Jo Burger

A bickering couple celebrates their fifth anniversary, only to find they’ve been killed on the way to the celebration. Trying to escape the bizarre upscale purgatory they’ve been confined to, they rediscover their love for one another, and attempt a new commitment in death.

ANTEBODY
USA, 2004, 35mm, 17 min. (Los Angeles Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir: James P. Gleason • Prods: Stephanie L. Jones, Melissa Hook, James P. Gleason
Cast: Henry LeBlanc, Kristin Carey, Herb Mendelsohn, Pierre Stahrre, John Rocha, Lou Briggs

Lois Ambro has just received some terrible news. The body of her husband, Marty, has been found in the Los Angeles River. She is about to receive some even more startling news! The detectives are at a loss to explain it. The medical examiner has never seen anything like it. The Ambro family has no idea what happened, how it happened, who did it, or why, and are haunted by the prospect of a murder yet to come! The police may know how Marty died, Lois may know how Marty lived, but there’s something you don’t know about Martin David Ambro…

ART OF THE DEAL
USA, 1998, 16mm, 24 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 1998)
Writer/Dir: Guy T. Koepp, Producers: Ryan J. Blank, Guy T. Koepp
Cast: Gregory Beirne, Heidi Anderson, Chambers Stevens, Wally Wingert, Kerry Donovan, Guy Thomas, Kevin Ballentine

Death comes for a young man’s soul. Thwarting Death’s attempt, the young man ends up holding Death for ransom. In response, the conglomerate known as “Heaven” sends Jesus to negotiate terms of the hostage release.

ASHES
USA, 2002, Digital, 6 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2002)
Dir/Prod: David Mack, Writers: David Mack, John J. Ordover • Cast: Jeanne LaSala, Peter Mugavero

In a single scene, a romantic relationship and the physical universe both come to abrupt, tragic ends.

AT FACE VALUE
USA, 1999, 35mm, 27 min. (DWF 1999)
Writer/Dir./Producer: Steven K. Akahoshi
Cast: Felton Perry, Francois Chan, Anna Marie Horsford, Helen Martin, John Capodice, Terence Knox, Stoney Jackson

Set during the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson low-speed car chase, AT FACE VALUE focuses upon Black/Asian race relations. Duke, an African-American construction worker is having a hard day as he is admonished at work by his boss and harassed by the L.A.P.D. on his way home. Meanwhile Kee Sung Par, a Korean immigrant who owns a small grocery store in South Central L.A., is having problems of his own. The pressures of each man collide when an argument breaks out between them about the price being charged for milk. Before the argument can escalate into violence, it is their sons that remind them of the larger picture.

AUTOBANK
USA, 2002, 35mm, 10 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir: Matthew Ehlers, Prods: Joe Alessi, Matthew Ehlers • Cast: Daniel Mejak, Ken Dauer

The tale of a bored bank teller at a drive through window who meets the strangest customer that ever lived.

AWAKENING JOSHUA
USA, 2002, Digital, 9 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2003)
Dirs: Lorie Hope, Zoe Joshua Tree Crying Wolf, Writer: Lorie Hope • Prod: Taolo Productions
Cast: Lorie Hope, Zoe Joshua Tree Crying Wolf, Melissa Hirschenson, Todd Svoboda

One man’s journey from death to the life beyond.

THE BALL
AUSTRALIA, 2003, Super16, 5 min. (Southwest Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Anny Slaterm Prods: Lily Hamdan, Serafina Froio, Anny Slater • Cast: Max Gillies, Gabby Millgate

Ada has a passion for soccer! When her ball goes overboard, Ada jumps ship and finds herself washed ashore in Australia where she comes face-to-face with the fast-walking, fast-talking cricket-loving Aussie Prime Minister.

THE BAR
USA, 2003, HD24, 16 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Richard Warren Stern, Prods: Joel Shaw, Eric Reuther, Melanie Stern, Gillian Hemstead
Cast: Curtis Armstrong, Valerie Asselin, Jesse Goff, Edward Bogie, Joel Shaw, Eric Reuther, Steven Shaw

After one particularly bad night on stage, a struggling stand-up comic loses his last steady gig. Now facing his final curtain, he prowls the city streets looking for some new material. What he finds instead is a mysterious place known only as ‘The Bar’, where a beautiful bartender is serving up second chances on the rocks with a twist.

THE BIRTHMARK
USA, 2001, 16mm, 16 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2001)
Dirs: Mikael and Vanessa Kreuzriegler, Writers: Justin Wilson, Gonzo Teles, Prods: Ken Rodgers, Mikael Kreuzriegler
Cast: Norman Victor, Sophie Chahinian, Danny Winterbottom, Rosalind Newman

Based on the classic tale by Nathaniel Hawthorne, THE BIRTHMARK tells the story of a nineteenth century Alchemist and his fixation on the birthmark on his young wife’s cheek. THE BIRTHMARK is a haunting and lyrical story about love and obsession, and the search for perfection in an imperfect world.

THE BITTERNESS
USA, 2005, 16mm, 11 min. (DWF 2006)
Writer/Dir: Kim Putman • Prods: Brooke Gaston, Rocky Bice
Cast: Antoinette Saldana, Jon Chardiet, Annemarie Young, Yassmin Alers, Caryn Richman, Tom Chaney, Lindsay Petersen, Nicole Stewart, Terrah Wilson, Gerardo Reyes, Mark Bloom, Shawn Davis

Alex, a sixteen year old girl, is trying to grow up in extreme circumstances. After she witnessed the murder of her mother as a child she is now haunted every night into a state of muteness. Kids at school, faculty, her best friend Benny and even her older sister Kelli can’t help her overcome the one thing that stands in her way of normalcy, facing her mother’s killer.

BLACK WEDDING
USA, 2003, 16mm, 20 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Scott Peters, Prod: Mimi Nguyen • Cast: Wayne Thornton, Lorrayne Matias, Drago Sumonja

A psychological horror about a doctor who can’t bear to part with his patient, even after her deatth. Inspired by a true story that is a haunting portrayal of a man’s decent into madness.

BLAME
USA, 2006, DIGITAL, 24 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2006)
Dir: Brian Buccellato • Writers/Prods: Brian Buccellato and Scott Tucker
Cast: Renae Geerlings, Scott Tucker, T S Joseph, Ryon Nixon, Glen Ratcliffe, Melissa Zanit, Amy Black

Megan is devastated by the sudden death of her daughter. She blames her ex-boyfriend Leo and seeks revenge in the hope of getting closure. But neither is prepared for the consequences of her actions. Graff is a veteran police officer on the payroll of a drug kingpin. Moss is his young partner who wants in. But when Moss is finally given the chance to prove himself to the grief stricken kingpin, Moss is confronted with the harsh realities of blurring the line between good and bad. Murder and revenge, are at the center of this dramatic thriller that explores the darker side of parental devotion and accountability.

BLESS YOU
USA, 2005, 35mm, 2 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Sheldon Gleisser
Cast: Emily Back, ShaRonda Brown, Brad Higgenbotham, Jason Donnelly, Adrian Ng

A class is given a lecture in Modern Folklore--with surprising results!

THE BOARDROOM
USA, 2002, 35mm, 3 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2002)
Dir: Mike Wollaeger, Writers: Jeremy Levin, Mike Wollaeger, Prods: Kayla Thames, Julie Quinn
Cast: Patricia Belcher, Benjamin J. Burdick, David Jahn, Michael O’Neill

After a home-improvement company comes off a losing quarter, a young executive draws criticism for his proposal to turn the company around.

THE BODY
USA, 2004, 35mm, 10 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2004)
Dir: Jeffrey Hunt • Writers: Craig Dittrich • Prods: Ruby Stillwater, Mark Murphy • Cast: Al Sapienza, Michael Wiles, Laura Grady

An arrogant criminal defense attorney defends himself in a cat and mouse police interrogation concerning thedisappearance of his attractive intern. As he coolly spins his lies to the dogged detective, the truth behindthe brutal rape and murder is revealed. But without a body, can the detective prove his case?

THE BOOGEYMAN'S BIRTHDAY
USA, 2002, Digital, 10 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Scott Patch • Cast: Bryson Lang

After thousands of years of frightening children in their beds, The Boogeyman is saddened to realize that he’s never had a friend. Despite his horrific physical appearance and lack of people-skills, he becomes determined to befriend a child in time for his birthday.

THE BOTTOM LINE
USA, 2003, Super16, 15 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Don Reilly, Prods: Karl Makinen, Kirsty Payne • Cast: Don Reilly, Courtney Rackley, Matt MacKenzie

A methodical accountant with a cryptic to-do list chooses suicide rather than face financial scandal. But one item on his list refuses to be checked off: his girlfriend. She discovers his intention and nearly shames him back to life in this farcical look at tainted love and corporate fraud.

THE BOX
USA, 2002, Digital, 3 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Dir/Prod: Joel Fendelman • Cast: RenaZance, Kyunnie Shuman

The poetic journey of a young man’s realization of the urban walls that surround him.

BOXED
USA, 2006, Super16, 13 min. (DWF 2006)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Jennifer Sharp
Cast: Susan Dalian, Gary Poux, William Charlton, Jossie Thacker, Carrie Ann Brooke

A short film about the baggage from our past that interferes with the future.

BREAKING UP WITH MAGGIE MOORE
CANADA, 2001, 35mm, 29 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2001)
Writer/Dir: David Burkman, Prods: David Burkman, Jamil A. Khan • Cast: David Noroña, Alison Simpson, Peter Bedgood

Fixated on bridal magazines and wedding rings, Maggie is obsessed with marriage, and all she wants is for her boyfriend, Alex, to propose. But Alex would rather spend time logging thoughts in his diary than relating to Maggie's needs. So when Maggie sneaks a peek at that precious diary of his and discovers his doubts about her and the future of their relationship, she breaks up with him. Alex scours his diary himself, propelling us into the past, in a search both moving and hilarious, to discover where things went wrong and how to set them right.

BURNING PASSION
USA, 1999, 35mm, 20 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 1999)
Writer/Dir: Brian Belefant, Producer: Janet Ferrari • Cast: Danny Fehsenfeld, Montana Nolte, Cory Milano, Kirsten Newman

At 14, Matthew Miller discovers he suffers from an unusual sexual dysfunction - he ejaculates fire. Needless to say his love life is far from normal.

CAINARCHY
USA, 2004, Super16, 10 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir: Devon Kelly • Prods: Erin Smith, Mike Galatte, Devon Kelly
Cast: Sylvester “Sly” (the dog), Eli Fowler, Madden Page, Connie Ventress

17 year-old Freddie is convinced that his parents love Flapjack, the ancient and incontient family dog, more than they love him. When the two ‘brothers’ are left alone for the weekend, will the sibling rivalry be too much to bear?

THE CANDY MACHINE
USA, 2002, 16mm, 7 min. (DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Ami Z. Cuneo • Cast: Miranda Lopez, Sandra Caruso, Sidney Munshin

On a visit to her grandparents’ house, a young girl savors her grandmother’s treats. Or does she?

CASE STUDIES FROM THE GROAT CENTER FOR SLEEP DISORDERS
USA, 2002, Digital, 7 min. (DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Mitchell Rose, Prods: Ashley Roland, Jamey Hampton, Mitchell Rose
Cast: Mitchell Rose, Leslie Braverman, Eric Oglesbee, Ashley Roland, Jamey Hampton

A faux-scientific investigation of ASDICT (Adult Sleep Disorder Induced by Childhood Trauma) as we’re privileged to glimpse rare archival footage from the renowned (but fictitious) Groat Center for Sleep Disorders. Not a yawner.

CHALK
USA, 2006, DIGITAL, 18 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2006)
Writer/Dir: Matt Johnson • Prods: Matt Johnson and Theresa Arrison
Cast: Theresa Arrison, Max Shippee, Gil Glasgow

Jeanie Jurgess is a lost soul stuck in a grey world, lifeless and afraid – until an unexpected walk with her faithful beagle reveals a chalk phrase written in an alley…”Smile At Least Once Today.” Suddenly, a series of strange, colorful messages takes Jeanie on a journey she never expected.

CHANCE
USA, 2003, Super16, 23 min. (Los Angeles Premiere, DWF 2004)
Writer/Dir: Paul Baker • Prods: Christian Clarke, Jesse Muson
Cast: Michael Cavanaugh, Rainbow Borden, Dig Wayne, Edward Finlay, Gus Fraiha, Kimberly Estrada, Christina Carmel

A gritty tale about a man with Parkinson’s held hostage in his own apartment by an injured thief on the run. While the cops search the building for him, the to men connect in a bizarre way and try to teach each other to give life a second chance. This drama pits two distinctly different characters against each other as they engage in a physical, mental, and emotional showdown that could turn tragic as time runs out.

CHANCE MEETING
USA, 2006, DIGITAL, 5 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2006)
Dir: Todd Lampe • Writer: Marcy Kennedy • Prod: ErinRose Widner
Cast: Lisa Wardell, Geoff Erwin

A man and woman meet in a park and try to make small talk feel comfortable.

CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
USA, 2004, Digital, 14 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2004)
Writer/Dir: Ian McCamey • Prods: Yvette Memory, Ian McCamey • Cast: Blake Irving, Gail Fenton, Linda Davis, Colin Stuart, Josephine Zeitlin

Justin is on the edge, driven to half-hearted suicide attempts. Through a series of flashbacks to infancy we quickly discover why as we learn of his over-protective mother who showers him with affection from day one. It’s a case of chicken and the egg as the film explores who is more neurotic – the suicidal son, or the over-protective mother. With a deadpan comedic tone, stylish visuals, and stand-out performances from the entire cast, this deliciously dark comedy gives new significance to the idea of "unresolved mother issues" as it raises the question: How much is too much love?

A CIGAR AT THE BEACH
USA, 2006, 35mm, 15 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2006)
Writer/Dir: Stephen Keep Mills • Prods: Daniel Dubiecki, Stephen Keep Mills
Cast: Billy Gillespie, Cathy Shim, Rumi Bunya, Svetlana Efremova, Martin Clark, William Joseph Hill, Jermaine Jackson, Radu Vlad, Stephanie Nash, Charlie Schmidt

A man withdraws to an empty beach to smoke a cigar and fantasize. An approaching storm out across the water mirrors the storm inside him as his fantasies propel him to the very edge of himself and to a surprise yearning greater than flesh or adventure.

CIGAR BY CAR
USA, 2002, 35mm, 10 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir: Marlo Angell, Prod: Peter Jasso • Cast: Jesse Harper, Ellen Johnson, Karen Hastings, Tom Hughes

A narcoleptic cigar attendant follows a young shoplifter through a mystical cow pasture and wakes up to the beauty of life.

CITY HALL
USA, 2003, Super16, 13 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Jeffrey Williams, Prods: Al chan, Jeffrey Williams • Cast: Liche Ariza, Myrav Osofsky

Mox is an unstoppable hitman who finds himself at the mercy of an unbeatable enemy - the surreal bureaucracy that employs him. One part black satire, one part Kafka-esque drama, CITY HALL is an engagingly bleak look at the modern workplace.

CIVIC DUTY
USA, 2005, Super16, 6 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir: Pil Pilegaard • Prods: Alla Shemer, R. Emery Bright
Cast: Bruce Robert Cole, Adam Vanderwielen

The year is 2173: David Johnson, a married man and father of three is summoned by the superior Court to perform his Civic Duty under Section 345 of the Patriot Act. However…there is a catch!

CLOSE TO YOU
USA, 2003, Digital, 12 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Mirai Konishi, Prod: Stephen Viens • Cast: Suzanna Filip, Sam Levine, Tom Tully, Angela Stimson

Sarah has her very own stalker. Her father insists she move back home but the independent co-ed is determined to uncover the motives and identity of the stranger. It’s a chase which leads her to a most unexpected place - romance.

CLOWN CAR
USA, 1998, 35mm, 6 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 1999 - GRAND JURY AWARD)
Writer/Dir: David Garrett, Producer: Mary Clayton • Cast: Brian Lally, Chrisanne Eastwood

Two clowns breakdown in the desert with nothing to live on but cream pies and seltzer water.

CLOWN KARMA
USA, 2000, 35mm, 7 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2000)
Writer/Dir: David Garrett, Producer: Mary Clayton • Cast: Elizabeth Tobias, Doug Sadler, Christopher Burns, Julie Cooper, Sandy Murphy

The creators of CLOWN CAR take on the drama of life and death in the emergency room.

COMPTON COWBOY
USA, 2004, 35mm, 10 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2004 - AUDIENCE AWARD)
Writer/Dir: Randall A. Bobbitt • Prods: Eric Morgan, Adrienne Fulle
Cast: John Myers, James Hurd, Carlin Smith, Brandon Gunn, Brian Davis, Dominique Purdy, Affion Crockett, Johnollie Nelson, Eric Morgan

Travis Brown grew up dreaming of singing country music. The only problem is Travis lives in Compton California; he never experienced anything country in his life. The annual talent show is soon approaching, a perfect place for him to showcase his talents, only if he had some. With pressure from his Father and brother, Travis decides to give up his dream. But an unlikely neighbor shows him the true meaning of country.

CREAMPUFF
USA, 1998, 35mm, 27 min. (DWF 1999)
Writer/Dir: Jared Seide • Producers: Jared Seide & Paul Domick • Cast: Scott Harlan, Jared Seide, Kristen Trucksess

An intense and darkly romantic short film about Robert and Jack, two men snared between desperation and disgust and clinging to a destructive, dependent relationship as a last stand against despair and pain. As they prepare a birthday celebration for Jack’s daughter, tensions escalate and the relationship strains to the breaking point. When Jack’s ex-wife, Suzanna, arrives without his daughter, Jack is devastated. CREAMPUFF is an exploration of the craving for and power of intimacy and the grace of love beyond affliction.

CRIES FROM RAMAH
USA, 2005, 35mm, 15 min. (DWF 2006)
Dir: Loren E. Chadima • Writer: Nathan Scoggins • Prod: Marc Ferrero
Cast: Anat Topol, Anoush NeVart, Mark Ivanir

A bombing on a Tel Aviv street takes the lives of a Palestinian and an Israeli. Later, at a police station, their mothers encounter one another, neither aware of who the other one is.

CROSSING
USA, 2002, 35mm, 12 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir: Jeremy Passmore • Prod: Edward Parks • Cast: Cy Carter

A young streetkid addicted to near-death experiences stages violent accidents in order to con money out of unsuspecting drivers.

CULT LIFE
USA, 2005, HD, 19 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Dir: Lawrence Herman • Writer: Joel Austin • Prod: Phil Mell
Cast: Joel Austin, Todd Purvis, Bob Hoover, John Michael, Elizabeth Madden, Steve Todey

SOOLOO and ASAIR were not their birth names… but the names given to them when initiated into the MOONLIGHT FOUNDATION; a mysterious cult that operates under the guise of full moons and shifting spring tides. Meet NICK and LOU, two offbeat and seemingly unassuming counterparts lured into a bizarre community with the promise of hope, enlightenment, and a higher quality of living. Nick and Lou keep a low profile and make little effort to conform to the theology and stringent ground rules ingrained in the foundation, instead opting for a more leisurely lifestyle. As the next spring tide draws near, the cult’s underlying and darker intentions are revealed, as are the intentions of Nick and Lou.

CUSTODIAL CODE
USA, 2003, 35mm, 15 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2004)
Writer/Dir: Andrew Zilch • Prods: James E. Vidal, Jessica Otto, Andrew Zilch
Cast: Jordan Belfi, Roger Donzelli, Aaron Vattano, Brett McDermid

An action-packed comedy that features ordinary janitors as extraordinary heroes. When a corporate office worker attempts to resolve a bizarre “problem”, he finds himself caught up in the battle between an aging janitor and his mischievous nemesis, Wayne Pop.

CUTTING TOM FINN
USA, 2001, 35mm, 26 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2001)
Writer/Dir: Robert Taleghany, Prod: Robert Taleghany, Jason Loughridge • Cast: Jason Loughridge, Brandon Douglas

Following the accidental death of his brother, Tom Finn becomes a cynical young man whose constant wry observations reflect the essence of alienation.

DAILY ROUTINE
USA, 2006, 16mm, 5 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2006)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Christopher Swank
Cast: Christopher Swank, Nathan Pipho, Nimish Parikh, John Zizza, Steven Fagliarone, Andrew Bigelow, Ernie Bean, Jimmy Crocker, Rekha Shaikh, Carolanne Trask Murphy, D. Scott Bell, and Jeff Coakley

DAILY ROUTINE is an experimental music film that follows the paths of a few individuals as they begin their day. Everyone has a certain routine that they follow, but in the case of these individuals, timing is everything!

THE DANCING COW
USA, 1999, 35mm, 21 min. (DWF 2000 - FUSION AUDIENCE AWARD)
Writer/Dir: Taz Goldstein, Producer: Robert Moniot
Cast: Byrne Offutt, Butch Hammett, David Finkel, Otto Coelho, Seth Goldstein, Liz Sinclair, Kate Rodger

Evan Lepsow’s directorial debut has Hollywood’s top brass in a feeding frenzy...only problem is, they’ve been watching the wrong film. With instant access to Tinsel Town’s most powerful moguls, Evan struggles with ethics vs. opportunity as he secretly begins his comedic quest to discover who really directed “The Dancing Cow.”

DARK DECISION
USA, 2004, DIGITAL, 14 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Dir: Michael Mihail • Writer: Justin Latona • Prods: Justin Latona, Eric Olmstead • Cast: Justin Latona, Stacey Scheller, Sal Williams, Glenda Simmons, Joe Dee, Joe Tyler Gold, Annette Harper, KJ Lodge

Struggling boxer Brian Dean finds himself forced to make the decision of a lifetime in an attempt to accomplish what he could never achieve on his own... The praise of his father. In a morally compromising position Brian will have to choose between what he thinks is good and evil. In a parallel dimension however, nothing is, as it seems.

THE DAY I TRIED TO LIVE
USA, 2003, 16mm, 13 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir: Sam Goldberg, Prods: Terry Wesley and Megan Lawrence
Cast: Matt Braaten, Charity Peters, Jeff Henry, Ben Shields, Jennifer Madden

Wes is being murdered, but he has a plan. He must pass for a corpse. It all started earlier that night when Wes decided to become a better man by losing his insecurities and seizing the day. It was a good idea, he just picked the wrong day.

THE DAY OF THE GRACKLE
USA, 2005, DIGITAL, 14 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2005)
Dir: Michael Berry • Writers: A.K. Murray, M.B. Murray • Prods: Michael Berry, Rod Weber, Michael Butler Murray • Cast: Michael Butler Murray, Lori Haley Fox, Joelle Graham, Joey Tesselela Maltz Larkin, Luis Saguar, Samy Langs

When a large territorial bird, known as a Grackle, invades a man’s life, his docile existence is turned upside down. The man sets a fatal trap for the bird, which not only fails but is the first push of the dominoes that sets in motion a battle between man and beast. The action escalates into a full on war, culminating in the transformation of our man’s life to a destiny far beyond his wildest dreams.

DEAR SWEET EMMA
USA, 2003, 35mm, 6 min., Animation (DWF 2004)
Writer/Dir: John Cernak • Prods: Out Of Our Minds Animation Studios • Cast: Gene Johnson

As the search is given up for Emma’s latest husband, Tucker, a private look reveals that Emma has a secret and uncontrollable darkside. The sweetest angel and favorite citizen of Fishtickle would indeed pose an uncomfortable dilemma for all if her problem were ever found out.

DEATH
USA, 2005, DIGITAL, 7 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Dirs: Andrea Fellers, Blake West • Writer: Andrea Fellers • Prod: Andrea Fellers
Cast: Alisa Gerstein, Andrea Fellers, Diane Chambers, Zokai Holmes

Convinced that a man is stalking her, a young woman’s delicate mind is put to the test when her greatest fear (Death) appears to become reality.

DELICIOUS LOVE
USA/FRANCE, 2004, 16mm, 18min. (Los Angeles Premiere, DWF 2005)
Dir: Manuel Cuotemoc Malle • Writers: Sarah Canner, Manuel Cuotemoc Malle • Prods: Manuel Cuotemoc Malle, Nicole Kassell • Cast: Sarah Canner, Jeff Buehl, Jeff Ware

Two people meet, fall in love rapidly…..mutilated. Murder? Suicide? A mystery about the all consuming power of love.

THE DELIVERY
USA, 2002, Digital, 6 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2002)
Dir: Daniel Whitehill, Writer: Roger Motti, Prods: Daniel Whitehill, Roger Motti • Cast: Roger Motti, Lauren Bullock

A Woman, frustrated by her day job, finds solace in the arms of a co-worker without him even knowing it.

DELUSIONS IN MODERN PRIMITIVISM
USA, 2000, 16mm, 17 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2000 - GRAND JURY AWARD)
Dir: Daniel Loflin, Writers: Daniel Loflin, Karl Moore, Kurt D. Christenson, Producers: Daniel Loflin, John McCalmont, Chris Magid, Kurt D. Christenson, Kristin Christenson, Cast: Karl Moore, Kurt D. Christenson, Kris Ingersoll

In this verite’ style "comedy-noir" you will meet Jerome; tortured soul. Bored with his extensive collection of tattoos and piercings we follow Jerome on his trek across Dallas for the next, newest form of body modification as he seeks meaning, identity and acceptance from this harsh world in the form of a new scar.

DINNER AT THE TARANTINO HOME
USA, 1998, 16mm, 2 min. (DWF 2000)
Writer/Dir./Producer: Sheldon Gleisser, Cast: Kevin Hayes, Zak Kozberg, Michelle Cuomo

This film postulates what a typical dinner at home might have been like for film director Quentin Tarantino when he was growing up.

DIRTY MARY
USA, 2005, HD, 19 min. (DWF 2006 - AUDIENCE AWARD)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Christopher Swank
Dir: Stuart Rogers • Writer: Daniele Ferraro • Prods: Daniele Ferraro, Dave Rosen, Alicia Ferraro, Mike Draghi, Stuart Rogers, Woody Schultz
Cast: Daniele Ferraro, Thomas Burr, Drake Simpson, Jeff Kerr McGivney

Mary: No matter what, I am not going home with him tonight!
Kyle: Next scene is you naked, cooking him breakfast.
Mary: NO! Absolutely no breakfast. I’ve already set it all up.
Kyle: Set what up?
Mary: My mission. My strategy. My game plan! This is a battle plan of the strictest form and order!

DIWALI
USA, 2001, 35mm, 16 min. (DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir: Nick Sivakumaran, Prod: Christopher W. Yan, Nick Sivakumaran
Cast: Maulik Pancholy, Mehrunnisa Hassan, Rick Cowley, Reginald Basco Hernandez, Ajay Vidure, Alphonsus McFadden

A self-revealing story of a young Indian-American man who discovers his cultural identity as he attempts to win the love of a beautiful Indian girl.

DOMINANT SEVENTH
USA, 1999, 35mm, 22 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2000)
Writer/Dir./Producer: Martin Nowak, Cast: Ray Laska, Nicholas Pappone, Marjorie Austrian

The story of a desperate, alcoholic father who doesn’t appreciate the prodigious musical talents of his nine-year-old son.

DON'T GIVE ME THE FINGER
USA, 2004, Super35mm, 15 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir: David Rick Balcorta • Prods: David Rick Balcorta, Adam Lesh
Cast: Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, David Rick Balcorta, Tanya Boyd, Jastereo Coviare, Adrianne Galliher

The meeting of a flawed man down on his luck and his antithesis, an elegant but twisted high stakes gambler. They find themselves trapped in a tawdry spider web of cat and mouse and in this game winner take all.

DONUT HOLES
USA, 2002, 35mm, 13 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2003)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Vincent Foster • Cast: Vincent Foster, Colette O’Connell, Rhonda Lord, Nikki Bedwell, Elizabeth Smith, Charles Anteby

A farce about a man, Charles Pendleton, who begins his day by going to his girlfriend’s house to propose, and walks in on her having sex with a man wearing a turban. the rest of his day continues to be filled with calamities, but in the end, Charles still believes in a place called love.

THE DO OVER
USA, 2005, HD, 10 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir: Dave West • Prod: Chris Marsall
Cast: Michael Tassoni, Jenifer Shaw, Walter Cline, Jennifer Loto

An over-worked, over-stressed event planner is offered a chance at re-living a moment. The twist is that he’s not being offered the chance to re-live his own moment but the chance to re-live that of a friend. He is confronted by a messenger who offers up a choice that defies his character but not who he is.

DOUBLE D
USA, 1997, 16mm, 12 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 1998)
Writer/Dir: Laura Bennett, Producers: Laura Bennett, E. King • Cast: Naomi Odes, Roxane Russel, Paul DuBois, Christine Verdi

Abby is still growing, but her parents are falling apart, so she has a very special role model who can help her.

DRAW THE PIRATE
USA, 2003, HD, 7 min. (West Coast Premiere, DWF 2004)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Jeff Hopkins • Cast: David Rees Snell, Jim Lichtsheidl, Jeff Hopkins, Pete Colburn

A man attempts to gain acceptance into an art school advertised on a matchbook cover. After multiple rejections, he begins to wonder of his critics--who they are to judge? He heads to the art school, planning extreme measures to find the answer.

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM FOR ME
USA, 2001, Digital, 16 min. (Southwest Premiere, DWF 2002)
Writer/Dir: Ned Farr, Prods: Ned Farr, Dreya Weber • Cast: Dreya Weber, Troy Ruptash

DRIVING AROUND, FOLLOWING STRANGERS
USA, 2004, 16mm, 13 min. (WORLD Premiere, DWF 2005)
Writer/Dir/Prod: Michael Harring
Cast: Joel Harmon, Maya Lawson, Michael G. Harring

Distraught over the death of his grandmother and trouble with his girlfriend at home, Carl spends an awkward summer with his grandfather. Bored and frustrated, Carl decides to explore the unfamiliar area in his grandfather’s car when he encounters an attractive young woman. Intrigued and momentarily diverted from thoughts of problems, he begins to follow her through town.