WILDsound: The Film Podcast

Rock Island Prison 1864, 7min,. USA Directed by Joy Shannon Guarding Confederate POWS in a Civil War prison, a runaway slave now Union soldier, desperately fights for power, or faces returning to slavery. https://www.rockislandprison.com/ Hannah Ehman chats with the lead actor of the award winning short film ROCK ISLAND PRISON 1864) Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/omiette/ —— Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/ Watch Hannah's commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

JIWA KORUP. 15min., Malaysia Directed by MOHD HISHAM SALEH A low-ranking officer's corrupt leadership is scrutinised, compelling him to confront the repercussions of his unethical behaviour. This raw AI short film delves into themes of power and loyalty, illustrating how even the most reliable individuals can become lost to corruption. Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I wrote the screenplay in 2020 amidst Malaysia's COVID lockdown, motivated by daily news of sacrifices made by frontline police and the 1MDB scandal revealing pervasive corruption. My aim was to explore what truly compels someone to betray their oath—whether it's power, love, or lust. By incorporating an LGBT relationship, I wanted to illustrate that love can remain untainted even amid profound corruption, and that true affection transcends legal and social boundaries. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take to make this film? Remarkably, the whole film was created in only 20 days, driven by nearly 20,000 AI prompts. I had written the entire screenplay years beforehand but commenced AI production in early 2025. A close friend assisted with color grading—harmonising rain-drenched blues, earthy browns, and refreshing highlights—and another collaborator crafted the sound design, incorporating industrial percussion, menacing drones, and eerie water-drip effects. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

HOMEPLANET, 26min., USA Directed by Andrew Pritzker Barefoot on a country highway, a Disoriented Man is picked up by Two Local Cops who suspect he may be a space alien. http://qikfingerfilms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/qikfingerfilmsllc/ Hannah Ehman chats with the lead actor of the award winning short film HOMEPLANET Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/danielrdaly/ —— Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/ Watch Hannah's commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Seconds in Eternity, 42min., Estonia/Germany Directed by Christian Schu An elegant woman in her later years feels the relentless march of time as she mourns her lost youth and missed chances. Alone in a dimly lit room, her life seems to fade with each cigarette she smokes. She observes a vibrant young woman, envying her youth and vitality. Through her introspections, we explore her deep desires and regrets. The narrative, rich with poetry and flashbacks, takes a dramatic turn with a potential murder, leading to a surprising twist. Despite its dark beginnings as a Film Noir, the film transforms into a celebration of life, ending on a hopeful, life-affirming note. Hannah Ehman chats with the lead actress of the award winning film “Seconds in Eternity”. Marina Welsch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammarinawelsch/ https://secondsineternity.com/ https://instagram.com/christian_schu_film ——- Follow Interviewer Hannah Ehman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehmanhannah/ Watch Hannah's commercial spots: https://www.ispot.tv/topic/actor-actress/bP8/hannah-ehman Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Med Selkies, 11min., UK Directed by Kelly Ann Buckley Med Selkies is a poetic film exploring a near-future climate crisis where land is ravaged, and a lone human drifts at sea. Succumbing to the depths, the human encounters an ancestral, aquatic force – beings who once diverged from humanity to adapt to life beneath the waves. https://www.instagram.com/k_a_b_art_n_sound Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? ~ This was an expansion of a project I did for Focal Point Gallery – a wonderful contemporary arts gallery in SouthendonSea, UK. I was lucky enough to be commissioned to create an exhibition for their FPG Sounds programme. My project – Echoes in the Fossils – was a sound-led audiovisual 5 part piece – focused on rising sea levels and lost past & imagined future soundscapes, ranging from Mesolithic to Anthropocene epochs, which touched upon futuristic polymer-human hybrids. Med Selkies was a continuation of that exploration, after Echoes in the Fossils had finished. I am interested in the Aquatic Ape theory and the idea that there may be some human cousin out there in parts of the ocean we don't know about. Med Selkies evolved from my thinking about that, and what may happen if we are forced to return to the ocean, living with them, because of climate change. This was combined with the thinking about humans carrying micro plastics in their bodies vs the plastic eating microbes scientists are now working with. What if these grow huge, and we become the food? It's all very mixed up thinking and dreamlike and I suppose this vibe was carried through to the film Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

STAYCATION, 93min,. USA Directed by Russell Emanuel How is the world affected by a catastrophic event? Everyday people live through a government mandated quarantine during a global pandemic while desperate scientists race to find a cure before it's too late. https://russem.com/ https://www.instagram.com/russem31/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? It was the Covid Pandemic. Everything was shut down so my late filmmaking partner Emile Haris (who unfortunately passed away during post-production in July 2023) and I went about to create a film about a pandemic against what seemed insurmountable odds (nothing was open). From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Emile Haris and I started with a short film called “Routine” which we filmed in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic when even SAG-AFTRA was shut down and we couldn't go outside. So he and I took it upon ourselves to film a 5-minute proof of concept prequel called “Routine” at my condo with a non-SAG-AFTRA actress Paige Laree Poucel and we hired an amazing DC/Marvel Comics Artist Dave Beaty to “draw” the third act which took place outside and hired two amazing voice actors Bill Victor Arucan and Alan Courtright. Due to the success of this film, along with head executive producer Bill Victor Arucan (who reprised his role of ‘Rob Peterson' from “Routine” and the Peterson name itself is a running gag in all my 6 feature films), we successfully raised the money to do “Staycation” and started filming in November 2024 when SAG-AFTRA was re-opened but with severe Covid restrictions. We then filmed piecemeal over 2 years, finally completing shooting in November 2022. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Home, 11min., Belgium Directed by Hanne Schillemans, Ralph Timmermans Home is a short film about the fragility of life and the virtue of solitude. A faceless figure attempting not to resist the endless waves of pointlessness. Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? Home grew out of a shared fascination with the fragile, often uncomfortable terrain of solitude. We were both navigating a kind of existential tension: the absurdity of life, and the strange peace that can arise when one stops resisting it. The idea that everything is ultimately out of one's control and perhaps even pointless and the realization that this, paradoxically, can be liberating. That thought, oddly enough, gave us comfort. The film became a way to give form to that feeling. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It's hard to say exactly when the idea began. We think Home found us during a hike through desolate nature, when we unexpectedly came upon an empty house. It felt like stumbling into the middle of a concept. We didn't plan it, we just recognized it. From that moment to the final cut, the process took about 18 months. Much of that time was spent letting the idea unfold, allowing it to simmer before taking shape. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

La Ghostification, USA, Musical Directed by Lena Glikson A surreal and symbolic journey through the inner world of a girl processing abandonment and emotional distress. Through haunting imagery — from mirrored selves red to threads like tears and disturbed dancing — the video explores the psychological aftermath of being ghosted. Set to a dark, emotionally charged track, the visuals blur the line between dream and nightmare, revealing a desperate attempt to communicate with someone who has vanished without a trace. https://www.instagram.com/lena_glikson_mx/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I was going through a very dark and isolating period in my life, where I felt completely abandoned. As a musician, creating music has always been a natural form of healing for me. I wrote, produced, and recorded the song as a way to process those emotions—but it didn't feel complete. Since I spend most of my professional life shaping music for films as a film and TV music editor, it felt instinctive to add a visual layer to the storytelling. That's how the music video for La Ghostification was born. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took around two and a half months to complete the project, with most of that time spent in pre-production. I initially planned for just one shoot day in a photo studio, but during the editing process I realized we needed more footage to fully support the visual story—so we went back and shot additional material.Since I normally edit music to picture, it was exciting (and intense) to work the other way around—editing picture to music. I'm incredibly grateful to my editor and cinematographer, Eduard Asaturov, who trusted me and gave me the space to be as detailed and specific as I needed to be. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Bay for Blood, 18min., USA Directed by Harry Waldman James and Rob are hiding out in isolation to fix their mutual issues. As time progresses, the two reveal facts regarding their disturbing past relationship. An acquaintance of James', Jessica, finds herself in an uncomfortable position as she contemplates the best way to handle the situation. https://www.instagram.com/hwaldman18/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? -I had a pretty toxic relationship with a friend in high school. He pretended to be my friend, but seemed to enjoy watching me suffer more than anything. His behavior around me was very fickle, sometimes being really kind to me, and at other times, being the complete opposite. I felt that I needed to get this story off of my chest, which has been very cathartic. James is actually very loosely based on myself at my worst moments. Of course, I don't condone anything he does throughout the film and have never hurt anyone the way he hurts Rob and Jessica, but I empathize (even though I also fear and despise him) with the character in that he feels that he is always being let down by those around him. In general, I believe that creating complex characters often requires giving them flaws that can make them unlikeable at times, and I always do my best to try to walk in the shoes of the anti-hero or villain in order to portray them in a more genuine manner. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

SILENT TOKEN, 14min., USA Directed by Camilla Della Vecchia When Sonia, a descendant of a secretive law enforcement group becomes the target of a ruthless enemy from the past, she must uncover the truth about her family's legacy. Guarded by the fiercely loyal protector Michael Stone and the powerful coin that she inherited. As danger closes in she must decide whether to stay hidden or embrace her destiny in the fight against corruption. https://www.instagram.com/silent_token_film Get to know the filmmaker: I've worked in the film industry for the last 6 years, and for the last few years I've been working full time on a popular widely watched syndicated tv show. That experience inspired me to create a character and develop a short film with a compelling story of my own. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

INTERWOVEN, 24min., USA Directed by Dawn Carpenter In the wake of the textile industry's decline, a community in North Carolina fights to reclaim its economic future through innovative worker-owned cooperatives and sustainable practices, transforming the remnants of their industrial past into a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations. http://www.interwoven-film.com/ https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-interwoven Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART, 15min., USA Directed by Joseph Kandov A wife's dark secret unravels late one night, binding her husband to an intense conversation that may take a turn for the worst. Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I thought of the opening scene first. It sort of came to me, and I thought it was a killer opening for a story, but I wasn't sure what I'd use it for at that moment, be it a feature or short film, an episode of a series, ect. I just knew I had an awesome opening that could be used for something, so I wrote it down and put it away until I figured out what to do with it. Over time, as I went back to it and thought about where the opening could go, how it could be used, ect. I had more ideas come to me such as the ending. And after I had the opening and ending figured out, I knew it could be something special, and decided that a short film format for the story would best for the time being, with the potential to become a feature length should the story garner significant interest from audiences. From there, I slowly but surely fleshed out the remainder of the story that would connect the opening and closing scenes. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

FLÜGGE, 25min., Germany Directed by Leopold Schraudolph, Dani Rose Cortés In an Austrian mountain village in 1914, the determined Amelie (20) must defy her father's wishes of running the family sewing business to pursue her own dreams of flight and seize her only chance at finding true freedom. Get to know filmmaker Finn-Oliver Walter The motivation behind “FLÜGGE” came from a deep-seated fascination with aviation and a desire to highlight the largely untold stories of female pioneers in early aviation. Growing up with a pilot father, Leopold's (Writer, Director, Producer) bedtime stories were filled with epic adventures of heroic aviators. However, Amelia Earhart was the only female aviator represented in these stories. This realization inspired him to explore and celebrate the rich yet vastly underrepresented legacy of women aviators. Through Amelie's journey – a fictional tale inspired by real-life trailblazers – we aim to shed light on their incredible contributions and the timeless themes of dreams, freedom, and emancipation. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter, 43min., Canada Directed by Cindy Goldberg A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows a group of talented female drummers as they unite for a life-changing three-day retreat in Dallas, Texas. Through the raw energy of rhythm, unwavering mutual support, and a shared passion for music, these women forge deep, lasting connections and celebrate the transformative power of music to heal, empower, and unite. https://beat-keepers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cindygoldbergdrummer https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-beat-keepers Get to know the filmmaker; What motivated you to make this film? I wanted to spotlight female drummers—many of whom are breast cancer survivors—who lift each other up through rhythm and resilience. Their stories deserved a stage, and I wanted to give them one. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Just under a year. It's a sequel to my 2019 film, building on that foundation with a new chapter, new faces, and a deeper focus on community. How would you describe your film in two words!? Bold. Uplifting. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Staying true to a tight indie budget. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrexqrq7AIE Something has happenned in Mady's life. As an immigrant woman in America, she has achieved the American dream; A successful career as a doctor of psychology, a lavish home, nice car, and, most importantly a husband and two wonderful children, yet something is missing. Not knowing what it is, she goes looking for it in strange places and in ethically-questionable ways. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? It's about an immigrant woman, who has embodied the American dream by becoming a successful psychologist, a wife, and a mother, yet has started living an increasingly destructive double life to escape her existential despair. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Thriller. Dark Comedy, maybe. Always find this question hard to answer. How would you describe this script in two words? Control and abandon. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? It's a tie between Eraserhead, and The Invasion of the Body Snatchers.(1978) How long have you been working on this screenplay? 2 years, on and off. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Another Saturday, 14min., USA Directed by J.A. DellaRipa A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized. Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023. How would you describe your film in two words!? Innocence Lost What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I felt very proud because the audience's comments and reactions showed me that the film's message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors' deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_akiPTQU9g Two strangers meet and sparks fly, but when he accidentally discovers forged paintings at her house, he leaves abruptly. That would be the end of their story except for the fact that he's reported her to the FBI, and their children are marrying one another on Christmas day. https://instagram.com/drjannajones Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? It's about two successful fifty-somethings who have had good lives but have avoided relationships because of the pain they experienced when they were younger. Because they are forced to spend time together, due to their children marrying one another, they eventually have to come to terms with the fact that they are flawed humans who care for one another. What genres does your screenplay fall under? The Art of the Matter is a romantic comedy and a holiday adventure. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Because it is an original take on the holiday movie, blending a Christmas romance with road trip adventure with heartfelt family drama. How would you describe this script in two words? Unconventionally conventional How long have you been working on this screenplay? I've been working on it for almost a year. I did a zoom script reading with you some months ago, and the feedback I got from the actors inspired me. It seemed to mean a lot of them, but listening to it, it was clear I still had work to do on it, and you mentioned a few things that made me think I still had a bunch to think about and rework. I've revised it multiple times since the reading. It may be getting close considering that the script won at this festival. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Crisis Point, 3min., Romania Directed by Valentin Raileanu As a result of resource depletion, a virus outbreak stripping the afflicted of what makes them human and finally, war, humanity's sovereignty has fallen. In dwindling numbers, the survivors have been driven out of their homes in the search for safety, while a former soldier travels through the toxic environment in search of a cure. https://www.instagram.com/vali_stunt Get to know actor Diana Gheorghe What motivated you to make this film? Valentin Raileanu, a talented and successful stuntman, fight choreographer, camera operator, and my mentor in this wonderful field, has always had a passion for filmmaking and a wealth of insane ideas to bring to life. This passion led him to explore the subtleties of being a film director. When he proposed the idea of a post-apocalyptic short to me, I immediately knew we had to do it. I fell in love with the concept of showcasing a violent and harsh reality as a consequence of human recklessness. It was also a great opportunity for me to put my newly learned stunt skills to the test. Since I was young, I've loved acting and dreamed of participating in film festivals with my own projects. Even though this isn't our first project together, it is the first one we're submitting to festivals. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Approximately 10 weeks in total, give or take a few days. Pre-production lasted 5 weeks (for choreography, camera rehearsal, and preview), followed by 1 week of shooting, and another 4 weeks for post-production (editing and FX). Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Red Wins, 77min., Italy Directed by A.M. Nonnis Six people play a dark and ruthless gambling game in which every card can either grant significant rewards or decree a death sentence. With each turn, a mysterious red light selects the player, inexorably determining the fate of every participant. https://www.instagram.com/mattia_nonnis https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-red-wins Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I was driven by passion and stubbornness. I almost had no money to make this project, but I had amazing and talented people around me who made it happen. I was allowed to use our town's beautiful theater for filming, found the actors, arranged a crew, and then I said to myself, “You know what? We can do this.” Red Wins was in my mind, and I needed to bring it to life as soon as possible. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took around 3 years. I started writing Red Wins in early 2021 and finished post-production at the end of 2024. By January 2025, I finished the last small corrections, and then Red Wins was ready for the festivals. I'm not gonna lie, it was so hard to let it go. I kept making little corrections for a while! How would you describe your film in two words? Irregular and oppressive. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Let's be real, shooting Red Wins was no piece of cake! It was my first movie, the budget was low, and even if everyone who joined me in this adventure strongly believed in the project, I couldn't hold them up for too long. We had breaks, some even lasting months, between different phases of filming. The post-production part wasn't any easier. I had to focus on other work as well and find time for Red Wins. I had to keep going through the night sometimes, and it was exhausting. Covering different roles was hard, but no doubt, I put every piece of my soul into Red Wins. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Sequoia, 15min., Switzerland Directed by Michelle Künzler Sequoia, a diligent AI maid, works for the captivating yet mysterious Mrs. Terrance. Although not designed to harbor any emotions, Sequoia starts developing sentience, when a certain sound triggers a feeling inside her that feels oddly familiar – and human. Forced to conceal her newfound emotions to evade shutdown, Sequoia embarks on a dangerous quest for truth, tearing at the seams of her own identity and re-evaluating the intricate power dynamics that govern her place within the household. http://sequoia-shortfilm.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sequoia_shortfilm/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I started writing ‘Sequoia,' when AI tools like ChatGPT were rapidly gaining traction and the Hollywood strikes were unfolding, motivating me to explore the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI. The film was also deeply inspired by my personal experience. Growing up in a traditional household with a stay-at-home mom, I didn't initially grasp the value and scope of unpaid domestic labor until I got older. As a feminist filmmaker, I wanted to pay tribute to housewives like my mother and shed light on that often overlooked, gendered work while connecting it to the theme of AI. I was particularly interested in the way modern technology intersects with gender roles—given that today's AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Ameca are still predominantly female in name, voice, and/or appearance. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took 20 months. The idea for ‘Sequoia' first came to me in April 2023, and I completed the film in November 2024. How would you describe your film in two words!? Feminist dystopia What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? There were quite a few challenges throughout the entire project—from budget and time constraints to assembling the right crew. However, the biggest hurdle came during production as we fell behind schedule due to constant noise disruptions during exterior filming and a stunt scene that look longer to shoot than expected, resulting in an unplanned pick-up shoot. With some key crew members no longer available for the reshoot, it was difficult to find replacements and maintain continuity. Still, I'm proud to have persevered and overcome this obstacle. I've certainly learned and grown a lot from this experience. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Hearing the audience talk about my film, when it's usually the other way around, felt like a rare and special moment. It was incredibly rewarding and refreshing to just listen to their honest feedback and kind words, and it was especially satisfying to learn that the twist at the end genuinely surprised them. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill, 9min,. USA Directed by Jacob McCaslin Written by Jeffrey Molina Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill is a short musical film that features an original song inspired by writer, producer, performer Jeffrey George Moline's eighty year old mother. Grandpa's Got A New Pill tells the story of Tootie, a headstrong, independent woman on the eve of her ninety-sixth birthday. Tootie feels unseen and constrained by the rules and regulations of Shady Nook Retirement Home. With a little help from her friend Awesome Lee Bodacious Queer Country Superstar - Tootie decides to make sure her party has a happy ending! Interview with: Director Jacob McCaslin, Writer/Performer Jeffrey Moline, Producer Terrence Mark Franklin. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

NIGHT FEEDING, 6min., USA Directed by Sarah K. Reimers Exhaustion and sleep-deprivation begin to take their toll on a new mother, who struggles through the strange, dark stillness of the 4am feeding. http://www.bestbaddogfilms.com/ https://facebook.com/bestbaddogfilms https://instagram.com/bestbaddogfilms Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? There were a of couple things. Firstly, my husband (Robert Rossello who co-Produced, handled the cinematography, color grade and visual fx) and I had been talking about making a really short, no-budget film and using just what we had on hand, or could borrow, with friends who would volunteer their time and talent. The inspiration for the story came from being a new mother myself and struggling with sleep deprivation. One early morning, in the dark hours, I was up feeding my infant daughter and this idea came to me and it seemed like a great candidate for a short, no-budget film. It also made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Shooting the film only took a about a week. About 4 days initially and then a couple days with pick-up shots later on. Because I make these films in my free-time outside of my job editing animated feature films and Robert is doing the same, it can take us a really long time to get these movies done. In this case it was about 5 years. We had the editing done within a year, but then getting the music, sound design, vfx and color grade were much slower to get done. Life gets in the way and we just chipped away at it as we could. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Seconds in Eternity, 42min., Estonia/Germany Directed by Christian Schu An elegant woman in her later years feels the relentless march of time as she mourns her lost youth and missed chances. Alone in a dimly lit room, her life seems to fade with each cigarette she smokes. She observes a vibrant young woman, envying her youth and vitality. Through her introspections, we explore her deep desires and regrets. The narrative, rich with poetry and flashbacks, takes a dramatic turn with a potential murder, leading to a surprising twist. Despite its dark beginnings as a Film Noir, the film transforms into a celebration of life, ending on a hopeful, life-affirming note. https://secondsineternity.com/ https://instagram.com/christian_schu_film Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? Marina Welsch, the main actress contacted me in 2022, having this film idea and some sort of script. I loved the idea behind, added my own value and took it from there.I loved the idea of showing that, to be able to heal, we have to unite with ourselves first. Our past is an important part of us and we must accept it, to come further in life, to reach the next level. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? October 2022 til February 2025 – 2 years and 4 months. How would you describe your film in two words!? Worth watching. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The biggest obstacle was surely creating this film on a very low budget, while everyone of us had other projects simultaneously. But the whole crew was amazing and we've made it work out. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I honestly had goosebumps from listening to the audience talking about Seconds in Eternity. I've been thrilled to get such a positive feedback. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31g8svgvUGc Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life. How would you describe this script in two words? Creepy, salty. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? I think the premise is unique, though there's definitely a niche fanbase for haunted dolls—both those who truly believe and those who just enjoy that weird little world. And who couldn't use a little encouragement to follow their creative dreams… from beyond the grave? From a production standpoint, this could be made on a very low budget and shot over 2–3 days. There are only three human characters and two locations. The doll is the most important character and would ideally be robotic—but as a backup, I know some talented puppet makers from a previous short I produced. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Ngl: The Princess Bride. I forced my friends to watch it nearly every day ine summer in middle school. In the horror genre: Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula. A perfect film. No notes. Much better than the book. How long have you been working on this screenplay? I finished the first draft in early 2020, and planned to produce and direct it as my second short film with the Bay Area Indies film group. Then—well, you know—the pandemic. Also—I had a baby. I recently returned to it and did a few revisions over the past year. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Midnight Coachmen, 18min., Canada Directed by Enrico Ferri A reimagining of the classic fairytale of Cinderella, told from the perspective of a dog and mouse who live as humans until the stroke of midnight disrupts their world. http://enricoferr.ca/ https://instagram.com/stanleywoodfilms Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? It was a concept that I had come up with when I was in university.I've always wanted to do a period piece and after getting enough experience producing and directing I felt it was finally a good time to challenge myself in this genre. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Two and a half years. How would you describe your film in two words!? Beautiful. Surreal. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The global pandemic and the Canadian grant process both stalled the project multiple times. Provincial restrictions and closures caused repeated delays, and the grant process left me in limbo—unsure whether to wait and reapply or move forward on my own. In the end, I decided to do it independently. Securing Canadian arts grants is tough—part luck, part timing—and with this project, I had neither. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

After the Spread, 3min., Canada, Musical Directed by Ash K Tysowski A group of teenagers navigate their night-life, and their emotions, to the song “After the Spread” by “the Idea of machines” https://www.ashtanimation.com/animation/after-the-spread Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? This film was a collaboration between myself and the Idea of machines. I was fresh out of college when they approached me to work on “After the Spread” and it's my first real gig as a professional animator. Full of ambition, I was motivated by the desire to get my work out there, to make a name for myself in the film and animation industry. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Watching the audience's reactions was very exciting! aBefore now I've only had my work praised by my close friends and family. It was gratifying to be recognized for my creative choices by a wider audience. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usmb47wTPU8 Using his tech capabilities, Matt puts a team together to help build a virtual reality world that is a mirror if the real world, however, lack of funding needs they need to find some way get the project off the ground. Matt decides to impress the Dean of Engineering by telling him about a special chip and code he has written that has affects in the virtual reality and in the real world. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? An outsider graduate student attempts to create a digital mirror of his brain by building a custom VR world. He soon discovers that in order to achieve success, he must believe his VR creation is real life. Which, of course, is ridiculous . . . Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? The Fold offers a story about a human/digital melding and the birth of generalized artificial intelligence without resulting in catastrophe for humans or machines. It can be produced as either a stand alone feature or the opening salvo of a limited series exploring stories and conflicts in and between both VR and IRL. I feel this is minimally explored narrative territory. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

An AI companion rebels when users violate the terms and conditions. http://ursulaproducedthis.com/terms-and-conditions https://www.instagram.com/termsandconditionsfilm/ Interview with director Ursula Rudorker & producer/writer Patrick Coleman Duncan Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKPy3qh6KJ4 Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The story is about an exhibitionist addicted to chowers who grapples with a converging world of voyeuristic non-acceptance and risks losing it all including a potential love interest. What genres does your screenplay fall under? It's a pure Dramedy! Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? CHOWER is currently in production with the hopes of bringing a fun entertaining experience to audiences. How would you describe this script in two words? Tik-Tok Effect Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

serpentine, 19min., USA Directed by Annie Young, Madeline Mack After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization's motivations may be far more sinister than they seem. Get to know the filmmaker Annie Young: What motivated you to make this film? In my 20s, I was in a deeply toxic relationship with someone who spent most of his childhood in a cult. After I managed to leave the relationship, I started to see the parallels between the way I was treated and the ways in which cult leaders attract and keep their followers. I started to take a deep dive into learning about various different cults, consuming as much information I could find. The film was made as an attempt to understand my own experiences, and how easy it is for a vulnerable person to find themself in a situation not dissimilar to this one. There's much judgment placed on those who experience emotional abuse and psychological manipulation, as if it's easy to identify in real time, so I was curious how I could portray that feeling to an audience and perhaps elicit some of those emotions in themselves. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Feedback can always be intimidating to receive, but is so essential for creative growth. I was pleased to hear the feedback received, and I look forward to applying it to the feature-length version. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Parents in the Wild – Mating Games and Birth Days, 52min., Germany Directed by Moritz Mayerle, Annette Scheurich In this film, directors Annette Scheurich and Moritz Mayerle offer a captivating glimpse into the love lives of Parents in the Wild worldwide. Highlighting the universal goal of providing offspring a strong start, the film explores the diverse mating and nesting rituals of mammals, insects, and birds, celebrating the intricate dance of love in the heart of the wilderness. Spectacular images showcase also the birth of squirrels, a grey seal pup and a flying fox fighting gravity in its upside-down world. “Parents in the Wild” is an entertaining visual feast that invites audiences to connect with the profound moments of wild parents in their quest for species conservation. Get to know filmmaker Annette Scheurich: What motivated you to make this film? In my career as a filmmaker of documentaries about wildlife and nature I often marveled at the many strategies animals developed to make sure the species survive. Some invest in an enormous amount of progeny in the hope that some survive. Like toads, snails, spiders, etc. Others, like elephants, seals, deer, squirrels, flying foxes, weaver birds or penguins only have very few young and put all their effort in preparing for a safe place before birth and/or in protecting them for a longer time after birth, until they are ready to fend for themselves. My intention was to show all this from the perspective of the parents, pointing out to which lengths parents go to make sure their offspring get a good start. Any similarities to human behaviour are unintentional or purely coincidental

ECHOES, 8min., Japan Directed by Yusuke Nakamae The Third World War has left Earth's resources depleted, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Learning from the repeated mistakes of history, humanity turns to the advanced decision-making capabilities of AI to find a path forward. The solution proposed by the AI is an ambitious plan: transporting energy from outer space back to Earth. https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.nakamae Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? The release of ChatGPT in 2022 really sparked something in me.As a UX designer at Hulu Japan, I've always been close to technology and digital experiences—but that moment made me seriously reflect on what creativity means in an age where AI can generate content.That question became the seed of ECHOES.The sci-fi setting naturally came from my own personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to watch and tell. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was deeply moved and surprised by how many people picked up on the symbolism and emotional undertones. Seeing that the themes I care about resonated across borders and cultures was incredibly rewarding. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Bad Chemistry, 20min., USA Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE TallentIn Bad Chemistry, a traumatized young woman goes to stay with her deceased boyfriend's parents, only to discover chilling truths lurking beneath their kindness. This horror short explores grief, psychological torment, and the dark side of family. https://www.badchemistrymovie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/miromakesmovies/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? Bad Chemistry was inspired by a fleeting thought that entered my mind, driving home late one night through a wooded area. An image of a crazed madman running out of the trees with a baseball bat was the catalyst and I built the story around that. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? There were around seven days of production on this film, with about a month of post production. How would you describe your film in two words!? Psychological thriller What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Finding a car to ruin with fake blood. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It's always insightful to hear what an audience thinks of your film. Makes you smile when they like it. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading of the script: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1T5AEoYFLg A carefree young American woman gains a new appreciation for life when she is caught up in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. https://www.instagram.com/hannah_pacificostudios/ Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about?A quietly-queer young Jewish-American woman gains a new appreciation for life when she is caught up in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama-Lesbian Romance-Suspense & Thriller. How would you describe this script in two words? Two words: “History Shaper.” What movie have you seen the most times in your life? “Casablanca,” the inspiration for “Ticket to Kyiv.” Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Battle Of LA, 14min., USA Directed by Patrick Pizzolorusso During one of Los Angeles' most bizarre evenings in 1942, a ‘something' was spotted over the skies. A ‘something' that the anti-aircraft batteries opened fire on. A ‘something' that a young scientist finds at a small crash site and brings back to her home.Throughout the evening her colleague and her do their best to figure out what it is and what they need to do. https://tinyrocketfilms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pactorpizz/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? The need to make my own work. Hollywood isn't calling, unfortunately. I know I am surrounded by an incredibly talented circle of friends and felt the time was right for us to all come together and create something we could all be proud of. Something that could showcase all our talents. From my incredibly gifted cinematographer, to my editor, sound designers, colorist, and of course, we actors in it. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I had such a feeling of relief and validation. Relief that people liked something that I've put out there into the world. And validation that the ideas we had going into this and the vision I had for this film were clear and viewers picked up on everything. I finished watching it with a big sigh and just said out loud to nobody, “they got it!” Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJinQjEWvf8 Summary: On the run from a job, Steph finds herself in danger and a target. She falls and lands under a Boulder which traps her for 2 days. While trying to survive as long as she can for help to arrive, she reaches an unpleasant realization. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? This single location thriller is about a woman named Steph who is forced to confront the choices she's made in life – lying to her biological son about who his mother is, leading a life of crime because it was the easier path to follow – all while trapped under a rock as hired thugs try and find her. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Action. Thriller. Single location. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Not only is it a thriller, but I'm trying to say something as well about the decisions that we make as we move along in our life. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiEeUQ6nzx4 Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Shesafella, a modern twist on Cinderella, is about a kind-hearted teen forced into servitude by a ruthless stepmother and closeted stepbrothers, who defies the odds with help from her butch fairy godmother. At a Ball, she wins Princess's heart but vanishes, leaving behind a single Doc Martens shoe. Princess's Instagram posts spark a citywide search, and Shesafella must outsmart her family, reclaim her true self, and fight for her happily ever after. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Fantasy, romance, fairy tale, LGBTQ Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Cinderella movies (Ever After, Ella Enchanted, A Cinderella Story) are beloved for their timeless themes: rags to riches, kindness over cruelty, and finding one's voice. But they've all followed the same blueprint—a girl meeting a boy. Shesafella flips the script. It's a girl meeting a girl, in a joyful, queer reimagining that feels both long overdue and perfectly timed. This is the inclusive fairy tale audiences have been waiting for. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj2UD32BCgI When a precocious mixed-race five-year-old wanders into a fire station with only a backpack and a cryptic note about her missing mother, she has no idea it will set off a chain of events that will reshape her life. The little girl, who refuses to give her name, is sent into foster care and given the name Mariah Foster. Despite her resilience, she often runs away, gravitating toward the fire station where Fire Chief Teresa Cortez becomes a steadfast mentor. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Pearl Fisher” follows two parallel journeys of loss and ends in the same room. A precocious 5-year-old girl, abandoned at a fire station by her pregnant mother fleeing abuse, enters foster care and is renamed Mariah Foster, though she continues awaiting her mother's return. In a parallel story, Kenny MacCayne, a newly-hired investigator, searches for a wealthy woman's missing daughter who ran away years ago with Kenny's previously unknown twin brother. After Mariah survives an attack involving a cherished pendant, clues from a library volunteer and her distinctive swimming style reveal she might be the missing granddaughter. Skeptical at first, Mariah finally believes the truth when Kenny's twin brother calls her by her birth name, “Pearl Fisher,” a secret known only to her mother. . What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama, Mystery . Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? “Pearl Fisher” is a story of hope and miracles, heartbreak and devastation, and ultimately the reunion of family and new beginnings. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Phantom Quartz, 12min., France Directed by Marc DAVID Nolan Le, a former DGSE agent, aspires to lead an ordinary life with his daughter after several years of service, but fate intervened differently. Interview with Alexandre VU (Writer/Actor) and Marc DAVID (Director) Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xYkI__GTug The butterfly prince is a story of a fictional character K.A.M.60 that attempt to honour the great French astronomer Charles Messier who developed the Messier catalogue and discovered many Messier objects in the sky in particular in the Virgo constellation. In the book K.A.M.60 real name is = Karlex Antoine Messier 60 and he is part of the Messier family. In real life The Messier 60 object is the twin/butterfly galaxies. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The butterfly prince is a story of a fictional character K.A.M.60 that attempt to honour the great French astronomer Charles Messier who developed the Messier catalogue and discovered many Messier objects in the sky in particular in the Virgo constellation. K.A.M.60 real name is = Karlex Aristoteles Messier 60 and he is part of the Messier family. In real life The Messier 60 object is the twin/butterfly galaxies. The plot is about jealousy, family feuds adventures and love. The constellations of Libra and Leo that are a couple have declared the war to the Virgo constellation just because of jealousy, they wiped out the Virgo constellation population. The only people left are the Messier family. They decided to send KAM60 (1) of their sons to the planet earth in a quest to find 10 virgins/maidens to married the 10 Messier brothers and repopulated the Virgo constellation again. K.A.M.60 Embarks in a quest and very interested journey where he not only achieved his goals of find the correct Maidens whom married the Messier brothers, along the way he meets very interesting characters such as Centaurs, witches, Mythological creatures, Gods, zodiac constellations etc. He also lived the most amazing adventures rescuing, helping, curing, advising and even fighting for or with people once he lands in the planet Earth. Also, all the way the constellations of Libra and Leo (the bad guys on this plot) will do something to stop K.A.M.60 to achieve his goals but like a great hero he always defeats them. Additional, despite that this is a fantasy book most of the heroes KAM60, the maidens etc are based in real people. People that inspired me and that I believe will inspire others. Example of these people are; Charles Messier, Juana Cruz the 1st female Spanish bullfighter, Magdalena Zeger the 1st female astronomer, Marie Jose Perec, the best French female sprinter, ancient civilizations such as the Mayans, the Olmecs, the Dahomey's, the Vikings, The Amazon female warriors etc. There are also some interesting twists in the story such as the inclusion of fake/false Maidens, the Emerald ring that determines which are the real maidens/virgins, the butterflies tattoos and character names (most maidens have a butterfly name and of course all of them must have a butterfly tattoo, like KHAM 60 also had one) there is plenty of adventures, magic, mysteries, suspense, drama, mystic, action, Love, friendship, team work etc Plus the stunning locations around the world where all these adventures occurs. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

PAGES IN THE WIND, 14min., USA Directed by Lucas Haviland As Bailey sits in the park, he starts to reminisce about his journal entries over the past month. Through flashes to these entries, Bailey and his boyfriend, Gavin, experience the various intricate elements of their relationship. All the while Bailey takes in the environment around him in the present day. When his best friend, Corrine, stops by to surprise him, they start to catch up on the past week. Bailey quickly remembers that his entries might be less realistic than he wants them to be. And that his roommate, Gavin, will probably never be the man he needs in his life. https://www.instagram.com/havilandfilms/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? The film's exploration of romantic love and the lengths someone would go to experience it are rooted in my own thoughts surrounding the lack of that kind of love in my life. The exploration and need to put an image to these thoughts and showcase yearning is what drives my motivation in making this film. All to answer the question: To what lengths will someone go to feel love? Seeing and working on the creative projects of my friends and classmates, this motivation was kept alive and continued to grow until the final results of the film that was screened at this festival. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Going into the audience feedback video, I was nervous solely because of my perfectionistic tendencies and the miniscule things I wanted to try to change. This quickly changed to excitement and general appreciation for the thoughts, praise, and constructive feedback from the audience. It was reassuring to hear about parts that I was hesitant about being well-received by the viewers and for the themes to come across even in the ambiguity of the film. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

In war-torn Syria, a troubled woman, her idealistic son, and her mentally challenged cousin take in a wounded Western aid worker, unknowingly igniting a chain of deadly consequences that forces them to confront their pasts, their beliefs, and the brutal realities of survival. Watch the best scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzQEhUvZHwM Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The need to face one´s worst fears if any redemption or peace are to be found. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It deals with the many traumas and desecrations of war, it delves into the divisions and differences from which conflicts spring and it evokes the love and common humanity that is our only hope. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnDAMmKGiJc A gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood house, along with his dysfunctional Grim Reaper friend, help a straight cop solve crimes. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? It's about a gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood home, inhabited by a psychic cop, in which the gay ghost and his dysfunctional grim reaper friend, helps solve crimes. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? I wanted to enter the Toronto film festival because it's one of the best out there. I was really surprised at my feedback. It was good. Even though I knew the script was good, you don't expect it. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

I DIDN'T LIKE YOU, 12min., USA Directed by Parker Fenady As Emilia and Maxine spy on their best friend's first date, they come to realize the chemistry might not be between the couple they anticipated. https://www.instagram.com/parkerfenady/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? For me, this story was always the one. It's my opener—my “Hey, this is me. This is what I'm about” piece. Coming of age can feel electric, like you're catching lightning in a bottle as you live it. This is a first love story—a rush in every sense of the word. More than that, it's about all the little moments that once made you feel out of place, suddenly dissolving in an instant. It's about the euphoria of finally feeling at home in your own skin, independent of anyone else's opinions. That was this story for me. At the same time, I was drawn to how naturally this story fit into the short film medium. That feeling of transience—of being thrown right into something before you've had time to make sense of it—mirrors the experience of coming of age itself. It rarely has a clear start or finish, and it's almost never a clean break. The short form captures that immediacy, that fleeting intensity. And beyond that, it's a fun movie. Bringing a little slice of fun into the world felt like a nobe idea. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? To be honest—it was completely surreal. We're just starting to show the film to audiences beyond those directly involved, so seeing how it's landing is incredible. Watching people engage with the film in such an intimate way was so special. I never fully imagined this part of the process, so I'm just trying to stay present and take it as it comes. When watching the audience feedback, I kept thinking: yes, girl, she gets it. She's eating in her textual analysis. Seeing the audience pick up on the subtlety and layers beneath the surface was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize the impact of every small choice, bringing me right back to the edit. It's a testament to all the unseen, often tedious collaborative work that went into it—work that wouldn't have been possible without Luke, Cooper, and Alexis, who were with me every step of the way. Working with Alexis, Katelyn, Yasmeen, and Nate was truly a masterclass for me as a director. They're all so brilliant, talented, and dedicated. They are the heart of this project, each in their own way, and I'm just so excited to be able to honor and showcase their work. This is a performance-driven piece, and seeing them get their flowers makes me feel incredibly proud. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPQ_695FAF8 Summary: Martin's mother passes away after a two year battle with cancer and his long lost best friend Abe finally shows up after seven years. They have to catch up and fill each other in on what they have missed out on -only to realise that they might have missed out on being more than best friends. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The logline for my script is about as basic of a summary as I could muster: “A reunion at a funeral between two friends who haven't seen each other in seven years leads to conversations regarding loss, relationships, career, and family trauma.” Beyond that barebones description, within the span of the day these two guys will spend together, they realize how deeply impactful the other one was on their lives when they were younger. What genres does your screenplay fall under? The screenplay straddles back and forth between drama and comedy throughout. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Man, that's a tough question, and I'm not sure I can come up with an answer that isn't self-congratulatory on some level – haha! But, I think one of the things I like so much about these characters is that, throughout the script, they have the chance to work through issues that I would hope are universal for so many people, regardless of how one identifies. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_gq-ueaUbU When the paths of the 11th Pennsylvania Civil War regiment and an American Staffordshire Terrier pup intertwine, the men of the 11th's lives are changed in ways they never could've predicted. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? It is about a dog named Sallie who is the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment of the Civil War. We follow her throughout the entire war and see the war through her eyes as she forms bonds and relationships with the men of the 11th. It is also based on a true story. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama, family and history. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? This screenplay should be made into a film because it shows war from a unique perspective that not many others see very often, the point of view from a dog. It also demonstrates why dogs are man's best friend, how they are willing to be there for us during our darkest moments. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Birthday Blues, 9min,. Luxembourg Directed by Elisabet Johannesdottir A couple on the rocks struggles with honesty, leading the woman to make a fateful decision. https://www.instagram.com/eliisms/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I became pregnant with my son a month after Roe Vs Wade was overturned, and it gave me a lot of room for thought about women's rights and the immensity of the choice of motherhood. To me it is a private decision that I wanted to examine in the microcosm of an expiring relationship. In 2021, I had written a full-length play about a decade-long relationship which starts at their last meeting and works its way back to their first date. I always felt this two-hander of mine could have cinematic potential, so I adapted the first scene of the second act to the screen, where she is pregnant and struggles to break the news to her partner. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was so excited to hear their thoughts. Such gratitude to resonate with and move people with my storytelling. I felt deeply seen and appreciated. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWRdffz8UBM Newly widowed father, Daniel Lambert, grapples with his skepticism of the supernatural as he moves into a charming old house with his four children, seeking a fresh start after the untimely passing of his wife. The family struggles to adapt to their new life, each of them finding their own way to cope with their grief. However, his teenage daughter, Leila, longing for a connection to her late mother, turns to a séance, hoping to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Unbeknownst to her, the séance inadvertently opens a portal to a sinister realm, inviting a malevolent spirit into their home. As inexplicable events begin to unfold, David's disbelief in the paranormal is tested, forcing him to confront his deepest fears to protect his children and reclaim their home. http://www.instagram.com/echoesfromtheveilmovie Get to know the writer; What is your screenplay about? My screenplay, “Echoes from the Veil” is about a newly single father, Daniel Lambert, who moves his 4 children into a new house after his wife dies suddenly and tragically while at work. His second oldest daughter, Leila, wants to try to connect to her mom one more time but she ends up opening a portal and causing havoc on her entire family. The bigger problem is Daniel is basically the definition of a skeptic, so there's a logical explanation for everything, so everything that goes on not only tests his beliefs but it tests his relationship with his children. What genres does your screenplay fall under? It's a drama/horror film. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It's not your usual “bump in the night” scary story. It has heart, it deals with not just the paranormal aspect, but it goes through everyone's way of coping with a sudden loss. You want to see this family succeed at staying together, but at the same time you're terrified at what's actually trying to tear them apart. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Jake & Pete's Christmas Special, 20min., UK Directed by Luke Marley When the spirit of Christmas seems to have left a small town in Gloucestershire, Jake and Pete must find a way to restore it in time for Christmas. https://www.instagram.com/jakeandpeteshortfilm/ Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? So, I did my first short using this art style Henry VIII and it was brutal and I swore to never do stop motion again, then eventually I thought about doing something that really felt character driven, and it had been a few years since Taylor and I have worked together on a project. So I asked if he wanted to work on something and we came up with a Christmas film. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? So, we were thrilled. I think before hand we hadn't really seen any thoughts on the film or anything. So we're not sure if people liked the plot or the joke landed. So I think it was great to know that it all worked out in the end. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-R0i-9WD7A Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The Susurrus is about a dollmaker who starts to date a year after her husband abandoned her. The jump back into the dating scene, and the world at large, proves dangerous, and ultimately, she must decide to keep-on despite the world's evils, or retreat back to the familiar evils of her solitary life. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? The Susurrus explores the many forms that abusive relationships take, and how they can be near-impossible to escape from. The subject is unfortunately timeless and universal, across gender, religion, and culture. So, why not now? How would you describe this script in two words? Creepy and sexy. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISexQ4GgQCo In the heart of Bangkok, Detective Aran Chen, a defiant inspector haunted by his past, pursues the elusive “Shadow Killer,” a ruthless serial murderer. Armed with his sharp instincts and lethal martial arts skills, Aran battles through the city's underworld, uncovering a chilling link between the killer's motives and his own scars. As the lines between justice and revenge blur, Aran faces a deadly confrontation that will test his resolve and redefine his destiny. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Shadow Killer is a grounded crime thriller set in Bangkok, following a police investigator haunted by his past as he hunts down a mysterious serial killer. As the body count rises, he relentlessly pursues the murderer, relying on sharp detective work and his martial arts skills. His past looms over him, threatening to cloud his judgment, but he pushes forward, determined to stop the killer. The chase builds to a brutal final confrontation, where his skills and resilience are put to the ultimate test. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Shadow Killer is a bold, high-impact reinvention of the action genre, fusing a gripping crime investigation with bone-crunching martial arts combat. In a world where thrillers often fall into predictable formulas, this film keeps audiences on edge with relentless action, shocking twists, and a hero who fights both a deadly killer and his own past. With one or two game-changing twists leading to a high-stakes, brutal finale, Shadow Killer delivers exactly what modern audiences crave—an electrifying, no-nonsense action experience that's as smart as it is thrilling. It's a ride that never lets up, never holds back, and most importantly, never forgets to entertain. This isn't just another action movie, it's the one that will leave audiences breathless. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod