Thursday Evening Short Block Showcases NH Talent

Thursday evening’s short block at the 2018 New Hampshire Film Festival closed out the night with an array of engaging homegrown films from filmmakers across the state. A short Q&A followed, where cast and crew from The Guard, Teddy, Incandescent, and Somewhere in July were present, as well as one three-legged canine friend. The directors who were present shared their inspiration, and hopes for future projects.

The block opened with Incandescent, a dystopian exploration of a not-so-distant future in which extraterrestrial beings have threatened our very existence by draining our most prized resource. The 15-minute sci-fi flick comes to a climax when our protagonist, Evelyn Taylor, must justify our humanity. The film is directed by Alfred Thomas Catalfo, and produced by Alfred Thomas Catalfo and Gina Catalfo Nelson. Starring Amanda Dane and Andrew Govatsos, and guest starring the Far Out Diner of Dover, NH.

If you missed Friday’s screening, catch it Sunday afternoon at 3S Artspace. Learn more on the film’s Facebook page.

Quiet Hours, winner of the NH Film of the Year, is directed by Paul Szynol. This documentary follows the daily life of America’s Poet Laureate and winner of the National Medal of Arts, Donald Hall. The film straddles the line between solitude and loneliness as we watch Hall recount love had and love lost, reflect on the process of aging, and journey through grief.

You can see this film again on Saturday afternoon at 3S Artspace.

Somewhere in July tells the story of July, a 10-year-old girl who is caught in a crossfire between her family. On one side, her staunchly religious grandparents, and on the other, her two mothers, one of whom has recently come out as a transwoman. Through superb storytelling, we watch as July navigates love, acceptance, and denial. The film is directed by Laina Barakat, produced by Laina Barakat, Christine Altan, and Dave Leross, and written by Laina Barakat and Aaron Wiederspahn. It stars Emma Wiederspahn, Joslyn DeFreece, Lisa Bostnar, and Sarah Sandback. Learn more on Facebook.

Catch Somewhere in July again on Sunday afternoon at 3S Artspace.

The Guard is a painfully close-to-home narrative of a father-to-be who has become wrought with intrusive thoughts of harming his wife and unborn child. He tries tirelessly to hide his pain from his friends and family, and rid his mind of the images he fears will become reality. In a frantic ending, we see the protagonist give one final effort to protect his family from himself. The film is directed, written and produced by Mark Battle, and co-produced by Pamela Conway and Matt Pappathan, and stars Bryan Veronneau, Erika Thormahlen, Michael Coppola, and Jeremiah Kissel.

Learn more on Facebook and Twitter.

Teddy is a short horror film with the right dose of humor that will remind viewers of their favorite ’80s slasher flicks. Shot against the backdrop of Portsmouth and its residents during last year’s Halloween Parade, Teddy shows the terror reigned by a murderous mystery figure with a cute and cuddly costume. The film is directed, produced, and written by Scott Millette, and stars Dali Mcdaniels, Michael Zuccola, Ray Dudley, and Campbell Mattiello.

Learn more on Facebook and Twitter.

The last short of the block, Boy Boy Girl Girl, follows a gay couple seeking a surrogate mother. After multiple failed attempts, the couple finally finds a lesbian couple -a pregnant meth-addicted woman and her criminal girlfriend- who appear to be their best bet. In a comedic and tender moment of realization, the hopeful fathers must make a defining choice. The film is directed by Ross Kauffman, produced by Nicole Galovski, and written by Addie Morfoot and Ross Kauffman. The film stars Katie Holmes, Ajay Naidu, Scott Organ, and Tara Summers.

As you plan your festival weekend, be sure to make time to see these NH-based shorts! View the full schedule here.

By Steph George