Category: Senza categoria

Not Without Gloves

BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR, BEST INSPIRATIONAL DIRECTOR & BEST POETRY SHORT FILM

The Priory of Sion

BEST EUROPEAN SCREENWRITER & BEST HISTORICAL FEATURE SCRIPT

Big Momma Earth

BEST DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR & BEST SCRIPT (Category: Comedy)

Ye ole Glorya

BEST ORIGINAL COMEDY & BEST CAST (Category: Comedy)

The Esteemed Priority

BEST ARTHOUSE ANIMATION & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Category: Animated Project)

Flint&Ema

BEST ORIGINAL ANIMATED SHORT FILM & BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Animated Project)

Monument to Love

BEST INDIE FILMMAKER & BEST ARTHOUSE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Katabasis

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE OF THE YEAR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY & BEST EUROPEAN SCREENPLAY

Pirandello’s Wife

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL FEATURE SCRIPT

Alta California

BEST ORIGINAL WRITER

Ghost Town, N.M.

BEST INDIE FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST ORIGINAL CHARACTER

Because We Are Too Many

BEST INDIE NARRATIVE FEATURE & BEST ORIGINAL EDITING

Thankful

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY OF THE YEAR & BEST HUMAN RIGHTS FEATURE SCRIPT

Eye of the Storm

BEST DIRECTOR, BEST BIOGRAPHICAL STORY & BEST EDITING (Category: International Documentary Feature)

Christmas Cards

BEST ORIGINAL FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST ARTHOUSE SCREENWRITER

Super Mashugee and Freeky Passover

BEST INTERNATIONAL COMEDY

The way of Mizoguchi

BEST CAMERA OPERATOR & BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

The Demon

BEST ACTING & BEST INTERNATIONAL ACTOR

The Pathos of Hamlet

BEST EXPERIMENTAL NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST INDIE FILMMAKER

The Stones of Rome

BEST AMERICAN NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & BEST CAST

Routine

BEST ORIGINAL INDIE DIRECTOR, BEST STORY & BEST ARTHOUSE CINEMATOGRAPHY

The Lost Village

BEST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR & BEST AMERICAN SCREENPLAY

Idiopathy

BEST ORIGINAL INDIE SCREENWRITER

Dojo

BEST ACTION SHORT FILM, BEST ARTHOUSE NARRATIVE SHORT FILM, BEST EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & BEST THRILLER

Omnipotent Resolution

BEST INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR, BEST DANCE SHORT FILM, BEST SONG & BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Cabaret Cuba

BEST SOUNDTRACK & BEST MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

A Hollywood Mom

BEST INDIE FEATURE SCRIPT

-) When did you discover Charlie Chaplin’s cinema?
 Nourishing   and   flourishing   speaking  memories   in this   film.  Golden beauty   of this creation .

-) Do you think that today Charlie Chaplin’s cinema can be understood by
younger generations?

 Yes  because   the genius    of Chaplin  is recognized  by identification   of his  I   in all  these art games  where burlesque  reigns  . But also this  serenity   akin  to peace exists  outside of time   and  Chaplin  found it  . In Eternity  it was    already  there  in this moment  where God  has given  his approval   to   us poor living  as far as  Chaplin   sings  by   the grace of God  and  the luminosity   of creation . And  in   this truth  of Cosmos  , all injustice   does not   exist   where the   marvelous   reigns .

-) The pacifist monologue we can see in “The Great Dictator” is still
very relevant today, as unfortunately, there are still many wars in the
world. WILD FILMMAKER has a dream, which may remain only an utopia: our
dream is to create Article 0 for all the constitutions in the world, in
which to insert Chaplin’s pacifist monologue. Would you agree with this?

 Yes  I  am agree .

 Nothing   ages in the red , behind   the  scenes  of   life , no more   than in art .  Everything  is  whispered, plays  hide and seek . All life ,  all creativity    board is a chance    to  continue   the path   of Humanity   at   the crossroads  of our destinies    who work   for peace   from this   beauty    chiseled  by inspiration .

-) Charlie Chaplin was a revolutionary poet. How much has his art
inspired you?

 In this   heart  the beautiful   moves  through   this music of  Eternity . Indeed  , beauty  is anchored  in the  inkwell  of day   and  night. I experience   this immensely   great relationship  as a  gift  from heaven  . I rise or low myself  into the sublime  all fire  of truth  more than   crazy   about truth  . Secret  of the   scent of life . Harvests of ideas   that blend  with my deals  . Marriage of   beauty  , ice and fire .Tens  of thousands  of desires    that come  to life under  the sparks  of  my originality  as   Chaplin . Like   a sponge   exist !  Rebirth  of dust  and extreme   emotion   to give life   and power  to infinity  .

 Every poet as Chaplin   cannot  stand injustice  and  don’t  forget  the  perfection  is love !

 And  in the night   I  Prayed !

 And in the day    I  created  !

 A world  to change

 Where the light  shines

  In eternal moment

   Of  magnificence , kindness  and  sharing !  

  Like in my novel   and my screenplay :  “ The New  Triumph   of Camille Claudel”   published  by  Edilivre Editions .

Q: When did you realize that the story living in your heart had to be turned into a screenplay and then into a film project?

“Stories living in my heart”—that’s a great phrase because most of my stories live in my head long before they reach my heart. The idea for Cassandra Venice came to me in 2021. Each night after the Venice Film Festival, I’d return from the Lido to the city center, wandering through the silent labyrinth of streets and canals. The story started to take shape during those nocturnal walks.

By 2022, I had found the perfect leading lady, Polli Cannabis, during the Venice International Film Festival (VIFF). We booked a few days to film in Venice. In 2023, during the next VIFF, we shot the final footage and even tested the red carpet together. By 2024, the project had matured into its final form.

Venice itself was a major inspiration. Its labyrinthine canals, ancient architecture, and deep sense of history naturally evoke mystery and suspense—themes I’m passionate about. The city’s unique atmosphere, where beauty and decay coexist, was the perfect backdrop for exploring existential themes. Venice’s ability to blur the lines between reality and myth mirrors the internal conflicts and looming threats explored in the film.

---

Q: Is there a person you would like to thank for helping you bring your project to life?

Absolutely. When I create stories, I imagine an actual person who could embody the protagonist. Polli Cannabis was that person. Without telling her the exact story at first, I needed her to believe in my vision. Polli’s innate ability to convey depth and complexity made her perfect for the role of Cassandra. She brings a quiet intensity to the character, capturing her internal struggles with grace and nuance. Her ability to embody both vulnerability and strength was crucial for portraying a character who is both a prophetess and a victim of her own knowledge.

Polli went above and beyond, even helping with costumes and makeup, allowing me to focus on the camera, settings, and story twists. Her trust was vital, like during the scene where a character drinks from an imaginary coffee cup. I didn’t explain why at the time, but later clarified that it was a metaphor for the absurdity of life—going through motions while ignoring reality. She embraced it without hesitation.

Even when delays stretched the project into 2023, Polli remained patient and supportive. By the time we finished, the extra effort and time had paid off. I’ve always believed in her and our project, and that belief has a way of inspiring others.

---

Q: Which writer inspires you the most?

I’d rather talk about directors with unique visions than traditional writers. David Lynch, for instance, has influenced the surreal and dreamlike qualities in Cassandra Venice. Like Lynch, I’m drawn to exploring the darker, more mysterious aspects of human nature and the subconscious. In the film, this is evident in how reality and fantasy blur, creating a world where logic gives way to emotion and intuition. The symbolism, color, and sound design—essential for evoking unease and introspection—are inspired by Lynch’s storytelling approach.

M. Night Shyamalan’s use of plot twists and color symbolism has also shaped my work. I strive to create visually rich experiences that carry deeper meanings, much like his films.

---

Q: Do you think the Wild Filmmaker Community is helping to turn your dream into a reality?

I’m curious about that myself. I’ve just joined this community, so time will tell. But it wouldn’t be the first time a new project was born during a festival or industry event. Most of my projects have started this way. Meeting like-minded, motivated people is crucial, and I’m always open to collaboration.

Filmmaking began as a simple hobby but has grown far beyond what I expected. By sponsoring my own projects, I’ve gained the freedom to pursue ideas I truly believe in. While it’s not a path to wealth, that’s never been my goal. As the saying goes in the Bond movies: “Never say never.”

Traveling to festivals and connecting with creators worldwide is invaluable. Awards attract attention, foster collaboration, and offer recognition to the actors and crew involved. In the end, what more could I ask for?

Atlas of Uncertainty

BEST ORIGINAL SOUND DESIGNER & BEST VIRTUAL REALITY PROJECT

The Dragonfly Dreaming Project

BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY SHORT & BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Arthouse Documentary)

Remnant

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURE, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & BEST DIRECTOR & BEST EDITING (Category: Narrative Feature)

Seijin Shiki

BEST ARTHOUSE NARRATIVE SHORY, BEST INDIE DIRECOR & BEST ARTHOUSE PRODUCTION COMPANY

Ye Ole Glorya

BEST DIRECTOR & BEST SCREENWRITER (Category: Comedy)

Big Momma Earth

BEST ARTHOUSE COMEDY

Not Without Gloves

BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM & BEST ARTHOUSE FILMMAKER

Hot Afternoons Have Been in Montana

BEST ARTHOUSE INDIE FILMMAKER & BEST VIDEO POETRY

Canta la gioia

BEST SPIRITUAL MUSIC VIDEO & BEST ORIGINAL SONG WRITER

Katabasis

BEST INDIE FILM OF THE YEAR, BEST EUROPEAN DIRECTOR & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER

Nossos Caminhos

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENWRITER (Category: Indie Feature Script)

Drowning

BEST ORIGINAL SONG & BEST SOUND DESIGN

Monument to Love

BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Documentary), BEST ORIGINAL STORY, BEST CAMERA OPERATOR & BEST ARTHOUSE DOCUMENENTARY FEATURE OF THE YEAR

Super Mashugee and Freeky Passover

BEST AMERICAN INDIE DIRECTOR & BEST ORIGINAL COMEDY

Thankful

BEST FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST ORIGINAL SCREENWRITER

Omnipotent Resolution

BEST DANCE SHORT FILM, BEST INSPIRATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

The Duchess

BEST ACTING, BEST CAST & BEST CASTING DIRECTOR

Alta California

BEST INTERNATIONAL WRITER & BEST ORIGINAL IDEA

The Boy Who Earned His Magic

BEST INDIRE BOOK/MANUSCRIPT 2024

The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & BEST ORIGINAL ARTHOUSE FILMMAKER

Routine

BEST ORIGINAL STORY, BEST SCREENPLAY SHORT & BEST ARTHOUSE CINEMATOGRAPHY

Amen-Amen-Amen: A Story of Our Times

BEST SPIRITUAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Organic

BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM & BEST WEB/TV SERIES

The Great Animal Escape

BEST WRITER (Category: INTERNATIONAL BOOK/MANUSCRIPT)

Colombano & La 21Esima Fetta

BEST EUROPEAN ARTHOUSE NARRATIVE FEATURE & BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Effata

BEST INTERNATIONAL SINGER, BEST DIRECTOR & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Category: International Music Video)

Dojo

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM, BEST ACTION MOVIE, BEST THRILLER & BEST CASTING DIRECTOR

Queen Vernita Conquers the Volcanic Islands

BEST INDIE WRITER (Category: INTERNATIONAL BOOK)

Am I a painter?/Czy jestem malarzem?

BEST DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR (Category: Animation) & BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

The Demon

BEST INDIE YOUNG ACTOR & BEST ORIGINAL ACTING

The Stones of Rome

BEST AMERICAN NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

The Pathos of Hamlet

BEST INDIE PRODUCER & BEST INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL SHORT FILM

Eye of the Storm

BEST INDIE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE, BEST BIOGRAPHICAL FILM, BEST ORIGINAL EDITING, BEST PRODUCTION COMPANY & BEST HUMAN RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY

Silence

BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO

You’re Safe With Me

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

Stay With Me

BEST ARTHOUSE FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST EUROPEAN SCREENWRITER

Two Stoners

BEST INTERNATIONAL SUPER SHORT FILM

1958

BEST DIRECTOR & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Category: Super Short Film)

How to Make Amends

BEST PRODUCER & BEST ORIGINAL IDEA (Category: Super Short Film)

Sous Tension

BEST INTERNATIONAL DRAMA, BEST EUROPEAN INDIE DIRECTOR & BEST ORIGINAL ARTHOUSE SCREENPLAY

The Brawl

BEST INDIE PRODUCER & BEST ORIGINAL IDEA

The Fatal Dilemma

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT SCRIPT & BEST EUROPEAN ORIGINAL WRITER

Remnant

BEST INTERNATIONAL PICTURE, BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Narrative Feature), BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Category: Film) & BEST CASTING DIRECTOR

The way of Mizoguchi

BEST EUROPEAN DIRECTOR (Category: Documentary Feature), BEST STORYTELLING & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Effata

BEST SINGER OF THE YEAR & BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTHOUSE MUSIC VIDEO

You Are Here

BEST EXPERIMENTAL CINEMATOGRAPHY & BEST ARTHOUSE EXPERIMENTAL SHORT FILM

In a Whole New Way

BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM & BEST ORIGINAL SOCIAL FILM OF THE YEAR

Errata in blue

BEST INDIE EXPERIMENTAL DIRECTOR & BEST ARTHOUSE EDITING

Fire Flies

BEST AMERICAN FEATURE SCRIPT

Walking In Memphis

BEST PILOT/TV SCRIPT

The White Chronicles:The Beginning?

BEST ORIGINAL BOOK/MANUSCRIPT

Fascino d’altri tempi

BEST EUROPEAN NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST INTERNATIONAL INDIE SCREENWRITER

On My Special Day

BEST ARTHOUSE DIRECTOR (Category: Short Film), BEST EDITING, BEST INDIE SHORT FILM 2024 & BEST EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Searching for Camelot

BEST AMERICAN DIRECTOR & BEST EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Eye of the Storm

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY & BEST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR (Category: Documentary Feature)

Ye Ole Glorya

BEST ARTHOUSE COMEDY, BEST EDITING & BEST COMEDY SCRIPT

Big Momma Earth

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY & BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER (Category: Comedy)

Der Rote Klang

BEST ARTHOUSE FILMMAKER, BEST INDIE ACTRESS & BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY SHORT

Thinking

BEST EUROPEAN NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST ARTHOUSE EUROPEAN FILMMAKER

Monument to Love

BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE & BEST HUMAN RIGHTS FILM OF THE YEAR

I Waited for You

BEST DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR (Category: Experimental Film) & BEST EXPERIMENAL CINEMATIC PROJECT

Alta California

BEST AMERICAN WRITER & BEST HISTORICAL FEATURE SCRIPT

The Boy Who Earned His Magic

BEST INTERNATIONAL BOOK/MANUSCRIPT

Medea

BEST ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SHORT OF THE YEAR, BEST SCRIPT & BEST ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

Katabasis

BEST ARTHOUSE NARRATIVE FEATURE, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, BEST EUROPEAN ACTRESS & BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Emergency Musical Response: Part 1 – Journey to Netherworld

BEST FILMMAKER, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY & BEST EDITING (Category: Music Video)

Maiden Tower, The

BEST SCREENWRITER (Category: Feature Script) & BEST ORIGINAL IDEA

The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT FILM, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENWRITER & BEST ARTHOUSE CINEMATOGRAPHER

Routine

BEST ORIGINAL FILMMAKER, BEST INDIE CAST & BEST INDIE PRODUCER

Louie KR.ONE Gasparro 5POINTZ

BEST INDIE DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Dojo

BEST ACTION SHORT FILM, BEST SCREENPLAY SHORT, BEST THRILLER, BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM & BEST INDIE EDITOR

The Priory of Sion

BEST EUROPEAN HISTORICAL FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST EUROPEAN WRITER OF THE YEAR

Heart to Heart

BEST EUROPEAN MUSIC VIDEO

Miss Dress

BEST INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ FILM

Am I a painter?/Czy jestem malarzem?

BEST INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR

The Stones of Rome

BEST AMERICAN NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

The Pathos of Hamlet

BEST INDIE PRODUCER & BEST INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL FILM

Thankful

BEST ARTHOUSE FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST ORIGINAL CHARACTERS

Mashuga Wedding and Sheldon’s Jewish Christmas

BEST COMEDY & BEST DIRECTOR (Category: International Comedy)

The Demon

BEST ORIGINAL ACTING

Luzinete

BEST INDIE FILMMAKER (Category: Drama)

Nossos Caminhos

BEST ORIGINAL IDEA (Category: Feature Script)

Whispers of Love

BEST ROMANCE FEATURE SCRIPT & BEST ARTHOUSE SCREENWRITER

An Ever After Drama

BEST AMERICAN ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

Hot Afternoons Have Been in Montana

BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM & BEST ORIGINAL VIDEO POETRY

The Duchess

BEST CAST & BEST ARTHOUSE CASTING DIRECTOR

Sister

BEST INDIE FILM, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & BEST ARTHOUSE FILMMAKER (Category: International Narrative Feature)

Omnipotent Resolution

BEST INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL, BEST INTERNATIONAL INDIE SONG, BEST CHOREOGRAPHY & BEST ARTHOUSE SONG WRITER

Not Without Gloves

BEST EUROPEAN DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR (Category: Experimental Film), BEST POETRY SHORT FILM & BEST ACTRESS (Category: Experimental)

No Porn Avocado

BEST INDIE COMEDY & BEST COMEDY SCRIPT

Yetis

BEST INDIE SCREENWRITER (Category: Arthouse Feature Script)

The Dog (Il Cane)

BEST INDIE SHORT SCRIPT

Le féministe

by Daniele Pierosara

BEST HUMAN RIGHTS SHORT FILM, BEST ORIGINAL FILMMAKER, BEST SCREENWRITER & BEST PRODUCER (Category: Narrative Short Film)

The Bag

by Glen Dunzweiler

BEST DIRECTOR (Animated Short Film) & BEST PRODUCTION COMPANY

Vanités

by Alexandra Battereau

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT, BEST FILMMAKER, BEST PRODUCER & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Bodies

by Maria Maya

BEST LGBTQ+ FILM & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Frog

by Hattie Greenwood

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM & BEST ORIGINAL ANIMATION PROJECT

Golden Hour

by Julius Jaramillo

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY SHORT, BEST INDIE NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST INTERNATIONAL CAST

Boxed In

by Steve Hunyi

BEST ORIGINAL SHORT, BEST ARTHOUSE DIRECTOR & BEST EDITING

Purpose of an Ill Mother

by Jeremy McKnight-Lewandowski

BEST INTERNATIONAL YOUNG DIRECTOR & BEST STUDENT FILM

CASSANDRA VENICE, the RED Trailer

by Hugo Teugels

BEST INDIE DIRECTOR & BEST ORIGINAL CINEMATOGRAPHER

-When did you discover Charlie Chaplin’s cinema?

At the age of 73, Chaplin films have been in my life for a long time but it wasn’t until my later years, when I began to really write, that I allowed his creativity and direction sink in. As his films have begun to be restored and remastered it has opened up his early work to being streamed and shown in theaters that specialize in silent films. Even film channels such as Turner Classic Movies has shown his films so anyone should be able to enjoy his work.

-Do you think that today Charlie Chaplin’s cinema can be understood by younger generations?

They can be understood by any generation. They are simple yet very complex. It’s a matter of whether the younger generation “wants” to take the leap to understand his work. Every cinema student has their own “nitch” for their writing and film making. Different genres and styles are of the greatest importance and any Chaplin film can be interpreted several ways. Remember, Chaplin had virtually no dialogue to write, and what dialogue he did insert into a film was more of a story line direction setter. He had a story line, emotion and movement which is what every film today has, but now we have actors with dialogue to firm up the film in other ways.

As he moved forward in his career there came talkies which changed his process, but his underlying abilities stayed the same. As you can see, change in film is a given but those underlying abilities remain the base in everything he did.

Any generation can learn so much from his work if they look into what’s happening on the screen. Camera shots and lighting were different during his period. Hell, even cameras were different because they used film. No digital shots to adjust on a computer during editing. I don’t think they even teach film usage these days unless there is a special course in vintage film making. I personally feel younger generations of film makers should be required to study everything about Charlie Chaplin’s skills. If they’re smart, they’ll do it on their own because it will open their eyes.

-The pacifist monologue we can see in “The Great Dictator” is still very relevant today, as unfortunately, there are still many wars in the world. WILD FILMMAKER has a dream, which may remain only an utopia: our dream is to create Article 0 for all the constitutions in the world, in which to insert Chaplin’s pacifist monologue. Would you agree with this?

While it is a grand dream, is it really a possibility? Everyone has their own definition of what a utopia could or would look like. Maybe I’m a pessimist, but even if the world started over, there is always the rebirth of individuality which no one, even twins, are guaranteed to share. Today we have many definitions of what God should be and require us to do in service, and that in itself is the #1 cause for the most of the non-utopia issues in the world. With that, it is used as a power to control many.

Utopia is an individual thing. You must find your own utopia and never require anyone else to share it with you 100%. You can legislate it but never obtain a “single” utopia. It sounds silly but I love homemade potato salad with no apple cider vinegar and my closest friend hates it without the sharp tart flavor of vinegar. Simple-minded as an example but serious in all things that matter. We recently went to see Daniel Craig’s new film, QUEER. I thought it was controversial and thought provoking and he hated the film and started texting half-way through. I love Fred Astaire musicals others don’t. Chaplin is fascinating in his films while others may not understand him or enjoy his films. Individuality is inbred.

That said, the monologue is, in some ways, the same words that started WWII because of the reason for their use and by whom. There is always individuality involved and it may not be for everyone. If everyone has the same utopia, every film would be exactly the same. There would be no need for difference or thought provoking scripts. The characters would be the same, doing the same thing because they must be in an over-all utopia. It is an illustrious dream but, is it really possible? Would it truly be happiness?       

-Charlie Chaplin was a revolutionary poet. How much has his art inspired you?

Revolutionary is an understatement. Once you’ve witnessed his works and styles, it has to inspire you in some way. It has me. My genres are multi and my writing styles in each is different, as was his. As I believe he did, I see every moment of each of my scripts. I see the character speaking each line and where they are as I write them. In The Taste Of Rain, I feel the rain as the lead character, Roman Barkley, stands in the rain or spirals during his flashback episodes. I see him at the Eiffel Tower drinking champagne with Voleta as he falls in love. I truly believe that is how Chaplin created. That is his effect on me, deep in my creative soul.

The Esteemed Priority

BEST ANIMATION & BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR

I Waited for You

BEST EXPERIMENTAL INDIE FILMMAKER & BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTHOUSE EDITING

Thankful

BEST ORIGINAL INDIE WRITER 2024 & BEST INDIE FEATURE SCRIPT

Katabasis

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR, BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Narrative Feature) & BEST ACTING

Non temere

BEST SONG OF THE YEAR & BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO

Not Without Gloves

BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT FILM, BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Arthouse Experimental film) & BEST ORIGINAL IDEA

Monument to Love

BEST INTERNATIONAL INDIE DOCUMENTARY 2024

Artists & Aliens

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCI-FI & BEST ARTHOUSE DIRECTOR

Alta California

BEST SCREENWRITER 2024 (Category: Feature Script)

The Boy Who Earned His Magic

BEST INTERNATIONAL BOOK/MANUSCRIPT

Eye of the Storm

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER & BEST BIOGRAPHIVAL DOCUMENTARY 2024

The Fatal Dilemma

BEST ARTHOUSE SCREENPLAY

The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands

BEST DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR, BEST ORIGINAL IDEA, BEST INDIE SHORT FILM & BEST CAST

Routine

BEST INDIE PRODUCER, BEST ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST CINENATOGRAPHER

Nossos Caminhos (Our Paths)

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITER

Luzinete

BEST SCREENPLAY SHORT & BEST EDITING (Category: Narrative Short Film)

Amen-Amen-Amen: A Story of Our Times

BEST DIRECTOR (Category: Documentary) & BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

The Duchess

BEST DRAMA & BEST ACTING

The Stones of Rome

BEST ARTHOUSE ACTOR & BEST ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

The Pathos of Hamlet

BEST ARTHOUSE EDITING, BEST POETRY NARRATIVE SHORT & BEST INDIE FILMMAKER

The Demon

SPECIAL MENTION BEST ORIGINAL YOUNG ACTOR OF THE YEAR

Dojo

BEST ORIGINAL SHORT FILM, BEST ACTION MOVIE, BEST THRILLER, BEST EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BEST CASTING DIRECTOR

Emergency Musical Response: Part 1 – Journey to Netherworld

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

“Emancipacion” con los campeones Julian y Bruna – Tango Bardo

BEST FILMMAKER (Category: Indie Music Video) & BEST SOUND DESIGN

For RINGS OF THE UNPROMISED 💍 

-2023 — 8 & HalFilm at Cannes (8th Edition) Wins

* Best Narrative Feature —  

Producer/Director Michelle Arthur, Sr Assoc Producer Jeff Vernon, Composer R. Kim Shultz, 

DP Andrew Giordano

* Best Director — Michelle Arthur

* Best Original Screenplay — Screenwriter Michelle Arthur, Contributing Writer Stacy Newton

-2023 — 8 & HalFilm at NYC (2nd Edition) Wins

* Best Picture — Producer/Director Michelle Arthur, Sr. Assoc Producer/Film Editor Jeff Vernon, Composer/Sound Designer R. Kim Shultz, DP/1st AD Andrew Giordano

* Best Producer — Exec/Producer Michelle Arthur, Sr Assoc Producer Jeff Vernon, Associate Producers Jayme Butler and Maureen Mahon

* Best Soundtrack — Composer R. Kim Shultz, 

Singer Songwriter Nina Kruse

2023 — 8 & HalFilm at American Film Market 

(1st Edition)  Wins

* Best International Filmmaker —  

Producer/Director Michelle Arthur 

* Best Screenwriter — Michelle Arthur 

* Best Picture — Producer/Director Michelle Arthur, Sr. Assoc Producer/Film Editor Jeff Vernon, Composer/Sound Designer R. Kim Shultz, DP/1st AD Andrew Giordano

THE WISTERIA MANOR 🌿 

-2022 — 8 & HalFilm  Wins

* Best Actress — Michelle Arthur

* Best Original Screenplay — Screenwriter Michelle Arthur, Novelist Scott Nixon

For FATE’S SHADOW: THE WHOLE STORY 🌹 (feature)

-2024 — Wild Filmmaker/8 & HalFilm

Indie Filmmaker Hall of Fame Awards  Wins

* Best Indie Narrative Feature — 

Producer/Director Michelle Arthur 

* International Videopoetry — 

Poets Tom Squitieri, Sandra Kaye

* Sound/Score — Composer R. Kim Shultz

* Makeup — Renae Goodhew, Maksim Leonov, Betsy Webb, Betzaida Barrantes

* Best Cast — Michelle Arthur, Kevin Caliber, 

Patrick Stalinski, Linney Allen, Kathleen Randazzo, Maria Bobeva, Jeff Vernon, Karen Sharpe, Kat Kramer, Sherwin Ace Ross, Roosevelt Palafox, Armando DuBon Jr., Silviya Belcheva, Stacy Newton, Michelle G. Stratton, Maksim Leonov, Elena Nesterova, Surinder Bamrah, Gopal Nunemacher, Dan Kennedy, Pamela Francesca Rubino, Justice Joslin, Edythe Davis, Oliver Stafford

-2024 — Wild Filmmaker/8 & HalFilm 

Special Edition in Cannes  Wins 

* Best International Indie Feature Film — 

Producer/Director Michelle Arthur 

* Best Arthouse Picture — Director Michelle Arthur, Film Editor Jeff Vernon, Composer R. Kim Shultz  

* Best American Actress — 

Lead Actress Michelle Arthur

* Best Indie Production Company — 

Producing Crew of Michelle Arthur, Surinder Bamrah, Maureen Mahon, Todd Tetreault, and 

Jeff Vernon 

FATE’S SHADOW (short) 🌹 

2024 — Wild Filmmaker/8 & HalFilm Awards 

Indie Filmmaker Hall of Fame Awards Wins

* Best International Indie Narrative Short — 

Producer/Director Michelle Arthur

* Best Producer — Executive Producer/Producer Michelle Arthur, Executive Producer Surinder Bamrah, Associate Producers Natalie Rodriguez and Jeff Vernon 

* American Cinematographer — 

Anup Kulkarni, Alex Pollini, Diego Ferres Devotto 

1st Assistant Camera Deep Sawant

* Indie Director — Director Michelle Arthur, 

1st AD Hector G. Magana, 2nd AD Meng Meng

* Best Actress — Lead Actress Michelle Arthur 

 -Which writer(s) inspire most?

Robert Bolt, Rod Serling, the Epsteins and Howard Koch for CASABLANCA for screenwriting; 
James Joyce, Herman Melville, and Shakespeare for the written  word.

-What is the main challenge you encounter while writing your work?

Trusting the original concept even if I have doubts about how the story will roll out. If it’s there thematically, the     details of plot eventually follow. Just have patience and never stop thinking about it. Funny how the brain     continues to work even when fingers do not.

-Is there someone you always turn to for their opinion as soon as you finish writing?

Although there have been others, Robert McCullough, who started Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Competition, is my go-to guy on all of these projects. He has a special talent for spotting errors of all kinds and a keen sensibility of what works and what doesn’t.

-Are you currently working on a new screenplay?

Currently working on a three-act theatrical play, a comedy, set at at a pool deck in a famous Palm Springs hotel. It pokes fun at the city, the residents, hoteliers, kitsch art, and tourists. (This one I didn’t want to do at the start of 2024 and suddenly all  three acts are almost ready for Robert McCullough to review. So, somehow I believed in the original concept).

-If you had to describe your writing style?

Persistent, positive, and patient. (stuck in the “P’s” not intentionally)