Tag Archives: youth

SFW FILM PICKS: Street Ships and Just The Beginning


Street Ships-CG Meetup

Just The Beginning-CG Meetup

Film School Shorts: Salt and Sweet, Sweet Country

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Salt *trigger warming*

This was a well-crafted film. I could instantly feel the profound emotion with each scene; it was almost melodic in delivery. I thought the actors were great at their roles and nailed a bizarrely beautiful film. I am surprised the boy did not tell anyone sooner what he witnessed; I assume he wanted to have a moment to pay his respects to her. Not that she could have been saved, but her distraught family would have been able to grieve her loss much sooner.

One of two things was troubling the girl. She was either mentally ill and lost in this altered reality, or two, she genuinely believed in the folktale and was blinded by her child innocence.

Sweet, Sweet Country *content warning*

This is an authentic film about a young refugee inevitably forced to survive in the U.S. on her own. Turning to illegal prostitution to support herself, she dutifully sends any excess money back home to her unassuming family in Somalia. When her family unexpectedly arrives in the U.S., the young refugee is confronted with harsh judgment from her father and the potential loss of a primary client.

Film School Shorts: Bookends, Prom, and When We Were Young

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Bookends

This film is a must watch film because it has all the makings of a top-notch thriller. The anxiety that builds up while you are watching is palpable, until the particular moment when the short ends, and you are left inquiring what will happen next.

Prom

Based on a true story. Prom is a film that will leave you speechless. I’m sad the young man in the film didn’t go to his prom anyway, but I understand his reason why. Seeing your date out with another person is heartbreaking. Her parents were OK with the two of them studying together, but not with them extending their friendship beyond those confines. A sad story, but one that happens all too often.

When We Were Young

This was a sad but heartwarming film about the beauty of family, and all the memories we share together. I liked how the film emphasizes her family’s uniqueness and authenticity. Particularly, her grandmother’s relationship with her. It is cute because her grandmother raised her, and now that she is older, despite the fact that things have changed, she is repaying the favor by taking care of her. It is a beautiful animated film.

Also, other films to watch:

We Are Immigrants

This is a film that aims to visually represent what a typical journey could be like for a family crossing the US-Mexico border. It is animated, detailed, and sadly does not have a good ending.

Fanny Pack

I enjoy the immediate humor in this film. The father’s character is comical, and it is effortless to relate to, if you have overbearing parents.

Promising Young Short Filmmakers

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Without a doubt, the previous generations produced some of the most talented individuals ever seen. They paved the way for the more recent generations and created so many ample opportunities for them to showcase their creative talents in independent filmmaking. 

The following filmmakers should receive some praise:

John Prince Wright is an Australian filmmaker, writer, director, and producer who has garnered recognition and popularity from a young age for his budding talents. In 2014, he received an award as the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year and has since produced many exemplary movies. His growing reputation steered him to create his own independent film production company, named Price Wright Productions.

Conrad Faraj is an American filmmaker who has wisely directed three films: “The Colors of Desire,” “Fighting the Sky,” and “The Wind is Watching.” As a 27-year-old, Faraj is extremely talented and undoubtedly has plenty of time to further develop their craft.

Ozlem Altingoz is a Turkish filmmaker who has produced several short films, the most popular of which is her horror-filled thesis for her school project, titled “Birth.” She is another young filmmaker to look out for their accomplishments.