Short Film Review: SURPRISE!

Somewhere in Surprise, AZ, Nancy and Brian Silverstein are expecting their first child, a boy, Joey. After a while, they have another child, a girl, Lisa.

Life goes as usual until Lisa starts to develop a dislike of the color pink and long hair. That’s the sign of something much bigger. How will the Silversteins handle the situation when they notice that Lisa is better at baseball than Joey?

The story delves into the concerns of parents who find out that their kids turn out to be something different than expected. It’s an exploration of a soul-searching journey into acceptance and support. How do parents nurture their kids regardless of their personal choices? The message comes out clearly, and with basic equipment, the film has an indie and heartfelt spirit.

Written, directed, edited, and executive produced by Nicole Picard, Surprise! has received some significant accolades such as the California Indies Film Festival Best LGBTQ Short Film, 2021, the Vegas Short Film Festival Nicole Picard, Best Actress and Best Comedy Short, 2022. Gaining momentum, this indie short film will continue its run in the festival circuit.

Surprise!

Writer/Director Nicole Picard, Associate Producer Paula Achter and Executive Producer Nicole Picard.

Cast: Nicole PicardDavid EdelstienJason McCriteAbigail Thompson, and Laura Walker. Also, Logan LaurelJake GetmanMelody ParraPiper MajorCat HealyKelly McDevittCassie CarpenterWillow HuntGeorgia ArnoldLiv SchachterEllen BurrPaula Achter, and Melodee Piper.

Creative Team: Theme Song Nancy Luca, Script Consultant Nicky Zarchen, Director’s Assistant Laura Walker.

Film Review: Gloss

A group of friends planning a night out. What’s supposed to be a fun event turns into a nightmare to the protagonist (Cruz St. James). How to get over a traumatic experience? How important is a support system? How to regain your self-esteem?

Director Grace Smith shows a deep understanding of the language of film. Her artistic choices are a rich palette of elements that serve the story and capture in detail the pain and trauma of sexual assault. The short was filmed with a Canon EOS 90D and a Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The astonishing scenes were shot using natural lighting, adding an organic touch of naturalism. Despite the dark subject matter, Cinematographer Ezra Spurrier delivers an impressive work of poetry in motion, capturing the damage of the aftermath, but also the hopeful road to recovery.

Smith exteriorizes Tal Chatterjee‘s introspective dialogue with close-ups, silences, and aerial shots of James in the ocean. To contrast the moods of before and after, Smith uses color and black and white scenes, which gives the film an aura of Old Hollywood, augmented by the choice of music.

James, once again, shows his dramatic talents, this time portraying the insecurities and emotional scars of a victim of violence. Glamgical reviewed two of his previous live theatre performances at the memorable Altadena Music Theatre HairCabaret, where he displayed an amazing talent as an actor, dancer, and singer. His light continues to shine in an ascending manner.

Gloss is currently in the festival circuit and has received the following awards:

International New York Film Festival
Best Actor

Actors Awards
Best Actor, Best Performance of Fest

Independent Shorts Awards
Best LGBTQ

Oniros Film Awards® – New York
Best Actor

Modern Black and White Film Festival
Best Short, Best Actor

IndieX Film Fest
Best Experimental, Best Actor Nom

Best Actor & Director Awards – New York
Best Director (Grace Smith) Best Actor

World Premiere Film Awards
Best Experimental Short (Judge’s Choice), Best Actor

New York International Film Awards™ – NYIFA
Best Actor

Los Angeles Film Awards
Best Actor in an Indie Short

Cal Film Festival
Best Experimental Short

Eastern Europe Film Festival
(Special Award – Actor, Cruz St. James)

Indie Short Fest
Best Actor Nom, Best LGBTQ Nom

Gloss

Directed by Grace Smith

Written by Tal Chatterjee

Starring Cruz St. James, Chelsea Maker, Scarlet Sheppard, Cassidy von Kronemann, Sarah Lopez, and Todd A. Jackson

Cinematography by Ezra Spurrier

Edited by Jared Skolnick

Produced by Hello Moon Pictures