2017 Short Films Program

The Best-Laid Plans image: Rock Garden

Project: 2017 Short Films Program: The Best-Laid Plans
Program Book page for Mendocino Film Festival 2017 Short Films Program. I wrote the program description and edited the film synopses. My co-curator Ann Walker edited my work. Graphic design by Torrey Douglass, Lemon Fresh Design. Photo courtesy of The Good Mother.

Full Text:

SHORT FILMS PROGRAM: THE BEST-LAID PLANS

Life doesn’t always go as planned. From the surprising to the serendipitous, a variety of sometimes serious, sometimes comical developments throw a wrench in the works for our protagonists, who find themselves forced to improvise solutions for problems ranging from impossible birthday requests to Sisyphean treks to dead-end jobs. The heroes and anti-heroes of our Short Films Program may not always succeed, but they’ll make you laugh and win your hearts all the same. This year’s program, curated by Ann Walker and Kira Wojack, features three 2017 Academy Award Nominees, one Academy Award Winner, a U.S. Premiere, and a California Premiere.

(Q&A with filmmakers after screening.)

Proudly sponsored by Fowler Subaru.

The Good Mother

Directed by Sarah Clift. In spite of her political convictions, a Mexican mother embarks upon an epic journey to fulfill her son’s birthday request — a Donald Trump piñata. Mexico/UK. 6 min; Best International Short Film, Kinsale Shark Awards; Official Selection, London Short Film Festival.

Ascension

Directed by Florian Vecchione, Caroline Domergue, Martin de Coudenhove, Colin Laubry, and Thomas Bourdis. In the early 20th century, two devoutly religious climbers carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary ascend a steep and rugged mountain, hoping to reach the summit. France. 7 min; Official Selection, Annecy International Animation Film Festival; Best Short Film, Angoulême Film Festival.

High Chaparral

Directed by David Freid. A theme park dedicated to America’s mythic Wild West in wintery Sweden opens its doors to Syrian refugees. Though they do not fully understand the park’s cowboy focus — or the concept of snow, for that matter — the Syrians have embraced their strange surroundings, adapting to their unique new home, in this astonishing and charming true story. USA/Sweden. 9 min; Audience Award, Palm Springs International ShortFest; Official Selection, DOC NYC.

Timecode

Directed by Juanjo Gimenez. Luna and Diego are security guards for a parking garage. Luna works by day, and Diego has the night shift. Spain. 15 min; 2017 Academy Award®Nominee, Best Live Action Short Film; Palme d’Or, Best Short Film, Cannes Film Festival.

Aftermath

Directed by Ralf Beyerle. When you wake up in a strange bed the morning after a party, it’s often the little details that raise the biggest questions. Germany. 10 minOfficial Selection, Edinburgh Short Film Festival; Official Selection, Los Angeles CineFest.

Jakkals 13

Directed by Ari Kruger. After a sniper’s high-stakes mission is compromised, he must rely on his self-centered housemate to see him through. South Africa. 9 min; Official Selection, Shnit International Short Film Festival; U.S. Premiere.

A Writer and Three Script Editors Walk into a Bar

Directed by Matthew Saville. A man tries to tell a joke to his colleagues. Complications ensue. Australia. 3 min; Official Selection, Adelaide Film Festival.

Pearl

Directed by Patrick Osborne. Following a girl and her father as they crisscross the country chasing their dreams, Pearl is a story about the gifts we hand down and the love they carry. USA. 6 min; 2017 Academy Award® Nominee, Best Animated Short Film; Official Selection, Tribeca International Film Festival.

1+1

Directed by Rubén Pacheco. A mathematician working on his thesis at a cafe is distracted when a beautiful young woman begins distributing flyers outside. After they make eye contact, he returns to his calculations, this time to figure out the probabilities of a successful relationship — that is, if he can work up the nerve to talk to her. Spain. 7 min; California Premiere.

Piper

Directed by Alan Barillaro. This adorable Pixar film follows a hungry sandpiper hatchling who must leave her nest to dig for the food buried under the sand by the shoreline. The only problem? First, she has to overcome her fear of the ocean. USA. 6 min; 2017 Academy Award® Winner, Best Animated Short Film.