Festival Schedule
Friday, August 23rd
6:30pm -8:00pm
Red Carpet & Cocktail Reception
in the Regal Cinema Lounge
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Screenings and
Q&A with filmmakers
La Premiere
Star2 is a new man in this over-the-top music video “New Me,” which features performances from Soulja Boy and Luh Kel, directed by Chico Bennett and filmed by Hector Toro.
La Premiere
“The Shed” is written, directed, produced and starring Nathan Block. A young girl must protect her two younger brothers from her father who has been possessed. “The Shed” stars Brandon Rumfelt (“Shift”), Peter B. Buckley (“Uprising”), Rick Muelbach (“The Last Pope”) and Chloe Sorenson (“Stay Together”).
La Premiere
Four friends reminisce about their legacy after the wake of their friend’s passing. Revelatory private affairs force them to deal with life choices that tangle them closer together in a way they never expected.
US Premiere
A young WWII soldier posted on the Rhine River encounters three apparent strangers who challenge his perception of reality. Written by Lloyd Schwartz (producer of the Brady Bunch), produced by Millie Rose Heywood and directed by Australian, LA-based writer and producer Amanda Dow.
“THREE AM” stars Marcus Colby (“Designated Survivior”) and is written, directed and also starring Jeff Wolverton, writer of the Academy Award winning short film “The Chubb Chubbs!” Jeff is also a visual effects artist whose credits include, “Aquaman”, “Spiderman” and “I Am Legend” to name a few.
“Bombshell”, tells the tragic tale of the final days of Marilyn Monroe. Starring Kelly Mullis (“How I Met Your Mother”) as Marilyn, Jeff Rector (“American Horror Story”) as John F. Kennedy and Dean England (“Suburbicon”). “Bombshell” is written, directed and produced by award-winning photographer and cinematographer, Jason Lehel.
Saturday, August 24th
10:00am – 11:30pm
Action Adventure/Music Videos
In a parking lot, Omar’s life takes a terrifying twist when he becomes the target of an unstable abductor. With time running out, Omar must muster all his courage to outwit his captor and make a desperate bid for freedom.
WORLD pREMIERE
New to Las Vegas, a young man with dreams of becoming a headlining magician is derailed by tragic events and mental health battles that cause him to spiral into the violent and deranged crime lord that we all now know as Leslie Chow.
Music video about the history of country, rock and blues. Invitation to rock in your city. A song filled with epic sounds and memorable melodies.
“Annabel Lee” is a grownup twist of Lewis Carroll’s tale of rabbit-hole woes, via the journey of love-struck fools. Featuring David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets as the Mad Hatter, James Duval (Donnie Darko) as the White Rabbit and Darenzia as Alice. Directed by Tyler Hubby (Tony Conrad: Completely In The Present) and shot by cinematographer, Kinsey in the now defunct art installation, Cakeland, created by artist Scott Hove.
Annabel (Lee) are Sheila and Richard Ellis.
Legendary Rapper Big Syke, from “Thug Life”, recounts his personal life story detailing form his beginnings being raised in the hood to achieving street and eventually fame; whilst looking out for his own. Adapted by Gregory Nalbandian, and shot with in the tone of a Tom Clancy Action Thriller, “Last Thug Standing” was Big Syke’s passion project for the Big Screen and his worlds undying fans.
Unarchived, Re-Edited, Remastered in Stunning 4K, with an all new ‘Dolby Surround’ Theatrical Mix, we are proud to present “Last Thug Standing” completed with Big Syke’s authentic vision for the ultimate audience experience.
Mindy McCready is home alone on Christmas Eve when a gang of criminals invade her house looking for a stolen package. Mindy deals with them directly as her alter-ego, HIT-GIRL.
11:30am – 1:00pm
Comedy
Four wildly different co-workers arrive and get ready for the morning meeting. However, their thoughts are on anything BUT work. These are their inner resentments, insecurities, worries, and feelings.
“We’ll Figure It Out” is a film about two individuals who meet in person after connecting on a dating app. The story explores the uncertainties and awkward moments that arise as they try to determine if they are truly compatible. This narrative delves into the challenges of translating online chemistry into real-world connection, highlighting the nuances and unpredictability of modern dating.
Daisy Moreau’s dream is to become an actress and her goal is to get into a Performing Arts School. She must present her family background to the admissions director which may be a challenge – considering Daisy’s family history which includes professional wrestling, blackmail, and a deadly plastic baby.
Dramedy about a despondent widower who attends a grief and loss gathering in hopes of finding someone new.
A teenage girl grapples with feelings of shame and guilt after having sex for the first time, leading to a thoughtful exploration of generational shame, societal expectations, and self-worth.
1:00Pm – 2:30pm
Drama
Trapped in a bad marriage Tye Murphy struggles with accepting that the only way to heal is to leave behind the woman he’s been deeply in love with for over 10 years. Taken in by his brother (Ricky) and sister-n-law, they soon discover that the damage Tye has endured has taken a deeper toll on his life and that his rock bottom is just beginning. Separated by an unfortunate event, the two brothers struggle to find their way back into each other’s lives and to repair the trauma that haunts them both.
When a Latina teen is depressed and suicidal, her parents struggle to know how to support her and two scenarios are played out of how they respond and each have very different outcomes.
Amid the lonely Joshua trees of California, a photographer stumbles upon a mysterious stranger who appears at unexpected moments. Each encounter reveals fragments of a tragic secret, and the only clue is an abandoned payphone that seems to blur the line between reality and the supernatural.
Marco and Joanna enjoy an electric marriage, until Marco is witness to a series of events that lead him to suspect Joanna is having an affair with a co-worker. Starring Bob Celli (Gotham), Jennifer Plotzke (Blacklist), Dave Roberts (Blue Bloods), and Melissa Joyner (The Morning Show)
We spend the day with Darcine Thomas (Kyla Diane Kennedy), divorced and jobless, as she struggles to get back on her feet. She plans to start a new business to help those living on the streets, and struggles to find her own new job, but hits obstacles at every turn. When propositioned by a good friend, she thanks him but returns to her lonely solace, going unseen for the help she really needs.
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Films by Women
A mother and daughter are forced to reevaluate their relationships when their partners become abusive.
Hope’s ordinary life in New Mexico is shattered when mystical visions and eerie encounters begin to haunt her. As she delves deeper into the mysteries, she finds solace in the wisdom of an elderly Curandera healer, a Native American Shaman, and his wife. Their guidance awakens a deep connection to her spiritual self. As Hope’s journey unfolds, she discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities that allow her to see beyond the veil of her everyday reality. But it’s not until she uncovers the shocking truth about her adoption that she begins to unravel the truth of her family’s past. The ring with archaic symbols left behind by her mother holds the key to her destiny, and the ancient Moroccan concept of Maktoub—”it is written”— will become her life’s guiding force.
Nancy Reagan has a secret weapon to keep the President safe, an astrologer from San Francisco named Joan Quigley. The President’s every move is mapped out by her star charts, but is she actually an astrologer, or does she have ulterior motives…
THE ADMIRED tells the story of Olivia Spencer who is down on her luck as a struggling actress. She fantasizes about being a glamorous Hollywood movie star of the 1940’s and gets her wish when she meets a charming, handsome man named Mr. Z, who seduces her with his magical tarot card readings and fulfills her dreams. But be careful what you wish for.
This Land Is follows Jesse as he’s rescued from a life of squalor with his mother, to the loving arms of his grandmother – and then back again, by circumstance, to the harsh reality of neglect with his mother.
“Logenberry Lane” is a compelling drama that explores the lives of a group of women brought together by an unexpected event—a robbery in their quiet suburban neighborhood. As they come together to deal with the aftermath, they form unlikely friendships and uncover shared struggles and strengths. Through their bonding, they find empowerment, resilience, and a renewed sense of community. The film delves into themes of solidarity, personal growth, and the power of coming together in times of crisis.
5:00Pm – 6:00pm
BREAK
6:00Pm – 7:30pm
Sci-fi, Fantasy & Horror Shorts
In 1830s Manchester, a young mother must confront the malevolent presence of ‘The Knocker’ to protect her family, amid the relentless struggles of urban cotton mill workers.
At the close of an interplanetary war, a soldier responds to a transmission signal from a comrade she thought to have been killed in action.
“PHANTOM” tells the story of Amy, a young woman whose partner mysteriously disappears. Despite her relentless efforts to locate him, including putting up missing posters and seeking assistance from authorities, Amy is met with frustration and haunted by nightmares. The pilot episode sets the stage for an uncertainty that lies ahead.
Edy really misses her father and she’ll move Heaven and Hell for just one more dinner with Dad. Well, mostly Hell.
Born of a poem written by a freshman girl for a high school English assignment- “It Was Only You” transforms into a powerful touch – a glimpse- a reverent homage to the most famous of all teen love stories- transcendent. The timeless truth and pain of first…… and sometimes last love.
Told by the only one who truthfully can – a 15 year old girl.
Filmed in one day on a state of the art LED Volume Stage, mixed in Dolby Atmos, utilizing AI tools and cutting edge technology,
Eva Ariel Binder conceived of her first short film with precision support from a team of master artists, VFX, and designers.
Written, directed and starring Eva Ariel Binder (“Greys Anatomy”ABC, “Dear Edward” AppleTV+) and Rio Mangini (“Wolf Pack” Paramount+ “Everything Sucks” Netflix)
Set in 1949, a Hollywood star mourns the loss of her beloved sister on the one year anniversary of her death. When the truth of her murder is revealed, a surprise visitor returns. Time is running out. Will justice be served? Tick tock tick tock…
7:30Pm – 8:30pm
Fantasy Feature Film
world Premiere
Experience the latest “Surge of Power” indie superhero movie, “Where There’s Smoke.” Surge teams up with The Smoke to uncover The Council’s plot. Watch as Omen guides Surge in forming a superhero team. Featuring sci-fi and superhero genre stars like Nichelle Nichols, Robert Picardo, Bruce Vilanch, and more. New additions include Tim Russ, Sam J. Jones, and Stephanie Ahn as Falling Apple. Discover Falling Apple’s revenge mission and her connection to The Council’s scheme.
8:30Pm – 10:30pm
Horror Feature Film
& Music Video
World Premiere
“Freaknight Festival” Music Video Welcome to the show! All creatures are invited to our Freak Night Festival! In this music video, no one is excluded. It’s time to party till the sun comes up!
World Premiere
THE MYTH “The Legend of the Lane Victory” is a gripping and horrifying tale masterfully intertwining the corrosive effects of greed, the dire consequences of meddling with the supernatural, and the researchers who navigate the treacherous ghost ship in their quest to find the truth behind its legendary curse. Who will survive?
Sunday August 25th
10:00Pm – 11:00pm
LGBTQ+ Shorts
On his first day in rehab, a young gay songwriter in the throes of meth addiction makes a startling admission: he’s actually a prophet who must save New York City from Judgment Day.
Waking from a nightmare where he’s killed by Trent, his long-estranged twin, David Manners is comforted by his lover Lance. Later, at breakfast, David proposes to Lance, who happily accepts. Six months earlier, Trent finishes convincing his son Kyle to help him in his plot to kill David and–as the closest living relative–get the family inheritance that went to David as the favorite son. Kyle then finagles a chance meeting with David and befriends him, even introducing him to his friend Lance along the way. Back in the present, Kyle now works as a security guard for David’s office and, one late night, arranges safe entry for Trent while David’s working alone. David’s nightmare seems about to come true as Trent faces him with murder on his mind. Blood is indeed shed…but with some unexpected twists.
At his local gay bar, sixty-something Gary encounters twenty-something Julian. What can each learn from the other and is a friendship possible?
Arlo, a trans teen runaway, discovers his missing poster with his deadname. After accidentally speaking to his mother on the hotline, he defiantly corrects the poster. A group of girls, intrigued by his shoplifting, offer him supplies as part of a class project. Arlo shares his dream of reaching the ocean.
As he shelters from the rain, Arlo’s brothers find him, bringing up unresolved family tensions. Faced with continuing his solitary journey or reconciling with his past, what will Arlo choose? Will his quest for identity lead him home or towards an uncertain future by the sea?
11:00am – 12:30pm
LGBTQ+ Feature Film
“A Moment For Love” is a fairytale rom-com about Trevor (Adam Huss), a singer songwriter haunted by a terrible secret, who meets out and proud Asian fashion designer Bobby Love and becomes his magical chosen family. As their friendship grows, Trevor interacts with the Wonderland that is Bobby’s world and is finally able to let go of his ghosts and be able to surrender to love
12:34pm – 1:41pm
Short Documentaries
Shot in Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, London, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Australia, both overtly and covertly, “Land of the Free: OUT OF THE SHADOWS” goes where no film has ever dared to go before to expose the full depth of subversion and the disinformation campaigns perpetrated by the trophy hunting industry.
Featuring icons, legends and real life superheroes including Priscilla Presley, Tippi Hedren, Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, former President of Botswana Lt Gen Seretse Ian Khama, Dame Dr Jane Goodall, Dame Virginia McKenna OBE star of the immortal classic “Born Free”, 2019 Albert Schweitzer Award recipient John Thompson, BAFTA winning actor Peter Egan, Sir Roger Gale MP (UK), those indigenous peoples on the ground where trophy hunting is occurring and many others.
Through the compelling interviews of the lead prosecutor, the defense attorney and the police chief, “Guiding Light” tells the story of a young teen (Polly Hannah Klaas) in a small town in America who was kidnapped from her bedroom during a slumber party while her family was in the house. In “Guiding Light”, India Mitchell, a teen growing up in the same town thirty years later brings a fresh perspective and highlights the importance of the legacy of this case to the continuing endeavor to keep children safe.
“Stand Up – Speak Out” The history of American women’s reproductive rights, from no say over our own bodies, to rights to contraception and abortion, to Dobbs v. Jackson and the on-going fight for reproductive autonomy.
2:00Pm – 3:00pm
BREAK
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Feature Film
“Bau, Artist at War” is based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau, whose wedding took place in the Plaszow concentration camp during WWII, an event immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. This film is a war drama, love story, and espionage tale that needs to be told in this era where survivors are dying, and the Holocaust is slipping from memory. Using his artistic skills and his sense of humor in the camps, Joseph stays alive and helps hundreds to escape. Miraculously, he finds love in the midst of despair—a love that will last a lifetime. Years later, when called to be a key witness in the trial of the brutal Nazi officer who tortured him and killed his father, he is thrust back into vivid memories of the Holocaust and calls upon this love and resilience of spirit to face the ultimate demon of his past.