Made in Utah (part 1)

Shinrin Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing by directors Mike Dewey and Kati Hetrick is a short film that covers their nonstop reality adventure that contains educational culture in japan. I admire those two directors for their braveness and being adventurous to follow their desires and to seek knowledge in regards to their research about the forest bathing. Since I am a nature lover, I wished that I could join directors Mike and Kati to their more forest adventures. Upon watching this short film, I can say that this is not just a short film where they want to deliver their art to us but instead, it contains a message stating that we need to leave modern technology for a while and embrace nature.

Voting has been an important obligation and responsibility that every countryman has. A nation is not about black or white, rich or poor or big or small. A nation should be united as one regardless of color, race, religion or beliefs. After Selma took me back to history where not everyone is given the right to vote. Racism and slavery is still rampant in the past and it needed people to sacrifice to show that this should not be happening. This documentary shows how history changed the present. I liked how information is presented very clearly making watching the documentary so interesting and engaging. I am so glad that I was able to watch this documentary as it made me value my right to vote today. It also reached out to people that a nation should be run by equality and respect at all times.

Jeffrey Hein’s short thriller movie “Passenger Seat” is intense. It gave me that nail-biting experience I have not felt for some time. This film checks all the marks for an outstanding thriller movie; excellently-written story (unpredictable and original), talented actors, and well-executed scenes. The caliber of this movie is way beyond the student filmmaker category (yes, it was a student film). This film is so much better than most acclaimed pro’s I have reviewed. Aside from the undeniable brilliance of its director, Emma Sutton and Joseph Vernon Reidhead left me hanging at the edge of my seat, they are so good in portraying their characters and complimented each other very well which added to the unpredictability of the film as well to the unidentified tension brewing. However, to be honest, the ending broke my heart. That is why as early as now I am already anticipating for an installment of this outstanding movie. Awesome film! Cheers to the whole team of Passenger Seat!

Harinath Babu Bodla’s feature film “Nuvvu Thopu Ra” is A-MA-ZING! It is Extremely Awesome, this is the first time in years that I enjoyed an Indian film. Everything is spectacular. It was entertaining, fun, exciting, not a dull moment at all. Director Harinath Babu Bodla exhibits his impressively exquisite Bollywood spirit and expertise and injects it to the western style of filmmaking and delivered undoubtedly the next Indian film that will rock America. Huge props to the whole team who worked for this film, the sound quality and the musical score was perfect and the cinematography is excellent, they were even able to dramatically feature wondrous sceneries around Utah. And of course, commendation for the whole cast from India and Utah, they were marvelous. The diverse group of people from different nationality, race, and religion blended well with the core of the story. They have added an immense factor in making the film interesting. And lastly, applauses for Sudhakar Kommakula for an impressive performance as Suri, Best actor material if you ask me. Congrats to this award-worthy film, make sure to clear your schedule as soon as it hits theaters and festivals near you!

The End is way beyond beautiful and I love it! Sage Bennett nailed to create a ‘wow’ film. I would love to see this short film become full length and it deserves to be showed to more people. It is well-written and brilliantly acted. I can’t help but be amazed with Pat Bennett Carr’s brilliance. She’s charming, lovely and ever lovable. This short film is a feel-good item that I enjoyed from start to finish. It offers a strong message that it is never too late to start over and live the life that you wanted to live. I am honored to get the chance to see this beautiful film and I am looking forward to seeing more of Sage Bennett’s creations.

Director Loki Mulholland brings forth the remarkable journey of American civil rights activist Medgar Evers in his wonderful feature documentary “The Evers” Through the eyes and testaments of his loved ones and the people who had the opportunity to personally know him, this film offers a lovely recollection of Medgar Evers’ life as a father, a husband, a friend, and a hero to many. Despite the racially motivated assassination that caused his death, this documentary presented how he fully lived his life, fighting for the freedom and rights of many. A highly recommended documentary!

Barrett Burgin brings a beautiful and heartwarming family drama in his short film “Father of Man” This film touched my heart because it showed me more than a family drama that deals with dilemmas and differences, it bridges the connection of our role in a family. The story expounds on the domino effect of our interactions and communications with one another until we pass it on to future generations. It also highlights the impact of the decision we made and the timing on when we made the decision. I love everything about this film, from cinematography, musical score, directing to casting, indeed outstanding! Pretty amazing for a student project if you asked me! Great Job!

I cried watching Lenni Uitto’s short film “Beach Retreat” This is straight to the core. As a woman, seeing another woman in this state is heartbreaking. The pain that was channeled through every scene felt genuine and raw, and the main factors that contributed to its outstandingly real depiction are our director’s exceptional vision and Rachelle Hardy’s award-winning and heartfelt performance. Also, it is evident that they wholeheartedly believe in the cause of spreading awareness against domestic violence. I highly admire our director Lenni, Rachelle, as well as the team behind this film for using their craft and passion to help a lot of women out there alone and silently fighting a battle just Tonya that it is never too late to get out and seek help. Amazing film, undoubtedly an award-winner!

I super love Spencer Coakwell’s short drama-comedy “Tiny House” It was super adorable and bittersweet at the same time with a little touch of fantasy and a whole lot of life’s reality. I also like that it is short but was able to channel the idea of the story in a very concrete way, great job on that. Plus, the cast was superb. I love the diversity of personality and opinion that defines the truth about life. It made me realize that even though you may live in a small house and keep your circle small when life throws something at you it always comes big. And it is all up to you on how you’ll embrace it. Super wonderful film, I am certain you’ll love it too.