In Block C of the Digi60 Filmamkers’ Festival, directors interpreted the theme of escape with 11 short flicks about intrusive thoughts, a carjacking, and a dreaded crypto scam. Here are reviews of the films in the 60-day filmmakers’ challenge for Block C.
Also read our reviews from Block A and Block B‘s films.
Hold and Secure by Petra Watzlawik-Li
A woman and her elderly neighbour are taken hostage in her vehicle during a shelter-in-place order in this crime-thriller carjacking flick. When a police officer pulls over the car, an airborne golf ball takes out the officer thanks to the woman’s husband and his poor golf game. The film’s tension steadily rises, making it a nail-biter with a hilariously unexpected end. Hold and Secure was beautifully shot and among the top five films of the festival.
Work in Progress by Meral Tan and Pablo Medina
Work in Progress is a short drama that observes a woman lounging in her messy apartment and walking outdoors as she struggles to write. As she reads others’ work, she concludes that maybe no one can write but they ought to anyways. The film’s editing of simple moments and narration lend the feeling of disjointed time strung together only by thought.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time by John Nyce and Deidre J.
First-time directors at Digi60, John Nyce and Deidre J. produced a crime-thriller about gun violence and the question of guilt. A man, who asserts his innocence, is accused of shooting another man dead. The film’s direction adds a palpable pressure as the main character is questioned about his role in the murder.
Impulse Control by Mikey Tachuk and Sarah Marks
The cheeky dramedy Impulse Control depicts a woman’s everyday activities, but with a devilish sidekick. Her new friend urges the protagonist into irrational, and often fun, antics like screaming in a quiet public place. The picture reels viewers in with its very first scene and carries them along for a delightful whirlwind. Impulse Control was recognized by the jury for its masterful directing, ranked in the festival’s top five films, and won for best acting.
He Talks to Fish by Chelsey Fawcett and Audrey Lanoux
While doing the dishes, a new mom battles postpartum depression and intrusive thoughts. Dish soap swirls in the sink as her mind carries her away into a poetic monologue. The film’s direction shows how inner dialogue compares to reality.
A Found Cause by Michael Di Salvo
A Found Cause is a family drama about an alcoholic father who is separated from his son by the child welfare services. Thankfully, the dad sobers up and the pair reunite at a park. With diffuse lighting during the dad’s alcoholic blackouts, the movie represents what the blurry haze of a drunken stupor might look like.
This is Not Financial Advice by Nathan Yee
In the comedy This is Not Financial Advice, a young man gets an investment lead from Reddit, but, unfortunately, it turns out to be a crypto scam. The comedic timing of the film is incredibly sharp. Its scenes are richly coloured and smartly edited to unravel the main character’s unrealistic pipe dream. The crypto-obsessed man, who eventually loses his fortune, is all too relatable.
Keep Your Head Up by Anna Della Zazzera
An alien enjoys a neighbourhood walk with a bright blue balloon on a fall day in this oddball dramedy from Anna Della Zazzera. Sadly, the creature loses his beloved balloon, which is eventually brought back to him by a young girl. Through a series of bodily contortions and long-stride struts, the silent actor manages to make the lanky and awkward alien expressive despite wearing a mask.
Antonia by Tchayé Briat
Antonia is a drama-thriller that asks us where we go when we sleep. A woman is followed by a shadowy figure and a violinist into the night. Nightmare and reality overlap, but it seems she can’t wake up. The film’s combination of persecuting characters and eerie soundscape leaves viewers feeling overwhelmed and suffocated.
Alive by Terence Ho and Julian Bate-Vergette
Terence Ho and Julian Bate-Vergette’s Alive puts viewers in the passenger seat of an anxiety attack with an intrusive character. But the intrusive character winds up being the protagonist who turns on himself in this psychological thriller. The filmmakers’ use of blur and cuts give a heart-pounding sense of uneasiness, complemented by the long actor’s believable protrayal.
I Dream of Pugman by Colin Masterson and Eric Lee
I Dream of Pugman is a far-fetched comedy about one man seeking redemption and escape from a man with the face of a pug. Despite the oddball theme, the film contains lighter moments that any movie lover will enjoy.
Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival is a yearly film festival in Ottawa. More information, including year-round initiatives, can be found on the Digi60 website. Follow the festival on Instagram and Twitter.
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