Director: Faryal, Marc Saltarelli, Soledad Lopez, Joaquina Nunez, Francisco Huergo
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El Nido Vacio follows a rather manic sex therapist as she attempts to confront her son about a certain “member”, which seems to be troubling him. It opens the door to crises at work and conspiring with her insubordinate maid. Given the premise, there is a pressure on the film to deliver on humour, which it does ‘Carry On’ style. The acting is joyously tongue-in-cheek and you share the actors’ sense of fun as they play out the ridiculous narrative. The film is shot very well and every cut is in perfect time: the editing and shot-length is pitch-perfect. The laughs are many and the actors leave you with a smile; this short delivers no messages but entertains well.
What Are You Looking At? – Director: Faryal
A Pakistani girl in a hijab and a drag queen get stuck in an elevator…What Are You Looking At? by young director Faryal delivers the punchline. A premise which has so much potential for cheeky comedy sets a pretty high bar. The development of the relationship between the two does have its moments, with a few laughs digging at prejudices and stereotypes hitting home; making you think as well as chuckle. The characters are like-able enough, the film short and sweet. Technically it is well shot and edited together with an assuring confidence.
Pride – Director: Marc Saltarelli
Ending the short films for day one was Marc Saltarelli’s Pride. It has certainly been one of the highlights, mainly because of the range of its highs and lows. At its best the film is hysterical, brilliantly acted (spot NCIS’ Pauley Perrette almost stealing the show), well shot and deeply touching. At its worst, Pride is bizarre, tacky and unconvincing. With some guerilla footage at a Pride festival and corny opening scenes undermining the tight editing and crafted shots intermittent throughout the film, it feels disjointed. The least convincing of the acting is put into sharp focus next to some real standout performances. Despite the shortcomings, at the heart of this film is a message. And it’s a big message; and a big heart. You can only hope the people who need to receive the message are not put off by the first act’s misfire.
The story focuses on a man who threw his son out of his home at 16, having beat and tormented him for being gay. Now, Anthony is suffering dementia, unable to remember his own prejudice, and the transgressions he committed, which still plagues his son. Place the unsuspecting, aged man in the middle of his son’s parties during LA Pride and the result is a series of revelations which take you from laughing out loud to tearing up. Anthony is the pride of the party, and his son’s friends (from bullied kid to gay-loving straight couple) share with him their touching stories of overcoming persecution and experiencing tragedies of the heart common to all humanity. Anthony objectively judges men such as his former ilk, for their cruel treatment of these warm and welcoming people. You will love this film’s message and the manner of its deliver, and you will hate its pitfalls. This film is flawed, no doubt there. But it is beautiful at its best.
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