2024 Academy Award Qualified Short Film ‘Perspectives’ in a Nutshell

On a hot day in Israel, a young female soldier named Ari goes from having fun with her girlfriend on a bus trip to slipping into a tense face-off with a man named Khaleel whom she suspects is a suicide bomber in the 2024 Academy Award qualifying short film Perspectives, written and directed by Neer Shelter.  

Ari must now choose between the other passengers’ lives and a potentially innocent man, with the world watching via live streams. Blending found footage with movie cameras, Perspectives is a 9-minute thriller that sends viewers on a choose-your-own-adventure journey while delving into the intricacies of how social media and cultural biases influence the narratives to the point of people being unable – and in some circumstances, unwilling -- to separate reality from fiction. 

Carmel Bin and Joy Rieger star in 'Perspectives' a 2024 Academy Award qualified short film directed by Neer Shelter. For Your Consideration in the Live Action category for Best Short Film.From the onset of the film, the two main characters seem glued to their cell phones and so fixated on snapping selfies that at first glance, it’s easy to wonder whether they are YouTubers or long-lost lovers. 

 As the plot thickens, we're quickly reminded that even in this hyper social world, many people remain stuck in their ways, living within narrow minded social bubbles while consuming propaganda from the news and social media feeds that keep people fearful and angry. 

Khaleel is silent throughout the entire movie, communicating only through body language. Ari thinks he’s weird and is concerned about him looking at her. Yet, she didn’t care about the older woman passenger who seemed annoyed with her making out with her girlfriend earlier during the bus trip.

Carlos Gharzuzi and Joy Rieger star in 'Perspectives' a 2024 Academy Award qualified short film directed by Neer Shelter. For Your Consideration in the Live Action category for Best Short Film.So, what makes Khaleel innocent, or is he a suicide bomber as Ari suspects?

If you’ve concluded that the latter applies in this situation when you watch the film, then what led to him becoming that way?

As a soldier, is Ari just trying to do her job or is she hateful or Anti-Arab?

Or, is she paranoid based on past experiences and/or teachings that have informed her thoughts and beliefs, and as a result, how she behaves in this particular situation? 

Perspectives illustrates how biases rooted in conflict that appear to have lasted from one generation to the next, leads to harassment and discriminatory acts as well as racial, ethnic and religious profiling that too often escalates into violent attacks – especially now in a time when social media tends to instigate drama, exploit harmful narratives and hinder pathways to peaceful resolutions between people from different cultures. 

Watch Perspectives here at this link to make up your mind about whether this interaction went well or sideways! 

Perspectives is currently vying for a spot on the Oscars shortlist for Best Live Action Short Film, following its premiere at BAFTA and Academy Awards qualifying Flickerfest.  

Perspectives also won Best Screenplay and Best Film at the Academy Awards qualifying St Kilda Film Festival. 

Aliens Rain Fire, Romance and Beach Vibes in Sci-Fi Comedy 'Higher Grounds'

If you want a good laugh and enjoy Sci-Fi comedy films with a retro twist, Higher Grounds has arrived just in time for summer! It’s a 16-minute extraterrestrial adventure about Ralff, one slacker alien who comes to destroy earth with his fellow “field drone,” Razzorakk.

Soon they find themselves sidetracked by gastrointestinal issues, a supply shortage and a mob of people who think they are generous visitors here to save the planet from rising temperatures. The biggest distraction of all, however, is Ralff’s quest to hook up with the hot café barista, Cleo. Suddenly, our survival depends on whether this space-schmuck can get her number, before his plucky partner blows us sky high.  

Written by Joe Kramer (who also directed this film) and Christian Sarkis Graham, Higher Grounds is set in Philadelphia on a typical Saturday for working Americans. That is, most working Americans except Julie, another café barista who takes advantage of a parking situation that leaves Cleo stuck at the café on her only day off – putting a dent in her plans to get a nice tan at the beach.  

It doesn't take long for Ralff to believe he's a “Gracious God” based on little more than speculative propaganda distributed by local news reporters, TV broadcasts and a growing crowd of neighbors who put him on a pedestal. Ralff takes things a step further by deciding it was destined for him to come to earth at this particular time, and be at this particular location. 

It’s nuts how misinformation and propaganda spreads like a viral disease when people refuse to do their own due diligence to understand what's happening around them, why it's happening, and what they can do about it. This leads to group thinking, which can often take a destructive turn when people believe things just because they heard it on the news or because it's the norm in their culture or locale.  

As the plot in Higher Grounds illustrates, this is hard to do when your Mayor, NASA and other leaders share false narratives while the local media gives them a platform to do so, thus perpetuating the nonsense. It's alarming to not be able to trust many, if not all, of the sources of information we have come to rely on for news, exploratory findings and leadership. 

The good news is the first act sets you up for a funny ride through a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon that is, like Cleo, easy on the eyes. Kudos to director Joe Kramer and cinematographer Daniel Brennan on the great shots. It's really a treat to see a film that delivers all sorts of angles that make the story even more visually pleasing. 

Speaking of storylines, there seems to be two that intersect throughout Higher Grounds in a surprisingly organic way. That is, if running into aliens on a mission to destroy the planet is business as usual for you. Much like the annoying traffic and parking headaches that motorists and SEPTA bus riders often experience in center city, South Philly is notorious for its parking issues. So, those who live in or nearby Philadelphia can relate to the parking headaches that sometimes turn into a life altering ordeal. 

Sprinkled with funny lines that have great timing, Higher Grounds, also has some likeable characters to root for and others that remind you of people you’ve met that make your life hell. You know, that co-worker who calls out at the last minute or doesn’t do their job so you end up taking on their responsibilities. Some quips in the film, like the Elroy Jetson reference, might fly over your head depending on how in tune you are with pop culture and your age. 

I appreciate the hustle of the café owner, Gus, who believes its fate that aliens have come to earth to keep the lights on. Gus’s humorous attempt to save his small business by advertising the café during a viral scene in the film shows how he’s willing to act quickly and take advantage of good opportunities that may be available -- even in a crisis. 

Cleo’s desperate attempt at a staycation using what she has available in the workplace is hilarious. There seems to be a longing and desperation that permeates through the mindset and behaviors of some of the characters in this film. Desperate to be liked. Desperate to escape from work or debt. Desperate for answers and acts of God. Cleo just wants to go to the beach. Ralff just wants to get her number. Razzorakk just wants to find a bathroom and Gus just wants someone to work the Cuisinart so he can capitalize on all this foot traffic from the alien visitors. The people in the community, at least on the surface it seems, just want cooler temperatures and fresh air. Then, there’s the litter that tells a different story. 

If you’ve been a longtime reader of this blog, you already know that littering is one of my pet peeves. As someone who participated in Blog Action Day and supports several causes addressing issues such as pollution, access to clean water and disaster relief, I was aggravated by the way some characters in Higher Grounds were single-handedly and collectively destroying the quality of life in their own environment while looking for an external solution at the same time. They're so fixated on a foreign invasion of "Gracious Gods" that they aren't looking at what they can do themselves to save the planet from extinction. 

You might also recognize actor John O’Hurley, best known for his role on the TV sitcom, Seinfeld, as the alien commander who sends Ralff and Razzorakk on a mission to actually “roast the planet” in Higher Grounds. As these alien foot soldiers prepare to “rain fire on all of these women and children,” I was bothered by the way that killing only seemed morally wrong when women and children are involved.  

There's a brutal grocery store scene that highlights the differences in Ralff’s moral compass when it comes to him questioning his job duties, which led to me liking him less. I mean, there are men on planet earth too and they shouldn't die just because the half naked female human you're chasing is "easy on the eyes." 

Higher Grounds is a quick, slice of life weekend adventure that had me rooting for the aliens in some scenes. Well, except of course for that grocery store scene. That one made me mad at Ralff along with the times when he’s so wrapped up in his own world that he’s oblivious to the needs of other people and that of what’s really going on around him. 

I loved the song "Last Train to San Fernando" in this film, along with Higher Grounds' composer Randy Sutin's musical score in general. The "Last Train to San Fernando" tune lends itself to the timely message that I took away from watching it, which is that you must make the most of the time you have on this earth because it will be over -- whether by natural, extraterrestrial or man made disasters -- before you know it!

The film also gives you some of the explosive and stylized elements that you would anticipate in a summer blockbuster, with local charm. In the midst of the frenzy surrounding the arrival of visitors from outer space, Higher Grounds is full of underlying tones reflecting global and societal issues. In 2022, the film was nominated for an Audience Award at the Raindance Film Festival satellite event, the Japan Indies Film Festival. It also screened in the Coney Island Film Festival in early May. 

If you're local in the Tri-State area, or up for a day trip to New Jersey -- a popular destination for tons of people who enjoy their summer at the shores in this coastal area; just sayin.... -- Higher Grounds is showing this weekend on Sunday, June 11th at the LBI Historical Association Museum during the Lighthouse International Film Festival. 

You can also stream the film here from the comfort of your home, at the office during your lunch hour or while stuck on a side street sitting behind a double-parked car. This short film made my day and just might do the same for you! 

Do you believe in destiny or fate?

When was the last time you went to the beach?

What do you think is the biggest issue plaguing our planet?

What Happened to Samuel? Media Day Puts Horror Films, GDPR and Ice Cream Habits in Focus

Guest Filmmaker Samantha Tan attends Media Day. Photo by Dan Barends.Kicking off a weeklong Anniversary celebration, I hosted a meetup in May with Philly media and guest filmmakers, to preview the 2018 Short Film Slam. Following a chat about the pros, cons and hiccups of blogging platforms including Blogger, Squarespace, WordPress and Ghost, attendees were treated to a mix of trailers and full length shorts from Rounds I through III.

While media makers enjoyed the unique perspectives showcased in all of the films, shorts leaning toward the horror genre sparked the most discussion. In the suspense thriller, Samuel’s Got a Sweet Tooth directed by Angel Rosa, a strict disciplinarian delivers a sinister tale of her son's late-night penchant for ice cream. Media Day attendees disagreed with the momma character's rigid house rules for little Samuel, with whom they collectively empathize while watching this film. "I don't think I've ever eaten ice cream BEFORE 7pm," says Sarah, a local marketing and entrepreneurship maven.

See 'Samuel's Got A Sweet Tooth' directed by Angel Rosa at the 2018 Short Film Slam, Presented by The Madlab Post.Jacob, a local University student, also jokingly suggested that product labels be placed on ice cream containers to warn Samuel of potential side effects such as "this product can cause upset stomach and death."

 The chills continued with My Bedroom, an experimental horror film directed by Temple University student Samantha Tan who was also in attendance during Media Day. An Official Selection of the 2018 Short Film Slam, presented by The Madlab Post, My Bedroom is about a young girl named Emily who wakes up in the middle of the night because of the noises in her bedroom.

Sound design became a central focus after the screening, as Tan discussed her love for playing with sounds; choosing to utilize her strengths in post-production after deciding to shoot the movie without showing the main characters' faces. Tan’s use of voiceovers, sound effects and strategically placed human figures were some of the characteristics I like most about her film because it took a different approach to the horror genre; there is no one identifiable villain, running around stabbing, slicing and dicing people up.

See 'My Bedroom,' an experimental horror film directed by Samantha Tan in the 2018 Short Film Slam, presented by The Madlab Post.A viewer also commended Tan's approach and pointed out how horror films containing a lot of gore lessen the scare factor; whereas My Bedroom resonates with that terrifying feeling toward the unknown.

In addition to being nominated for a WILD CARD Award, Tan's film later prompted a discussion about dreams as Media Day attendees shared their own experiences with the frightening feeling of not being able to escape or wake up from a nightmare.

Speaking of nightmares, our topic of the day turned to the EU’s anxiety-inducing General Data Protection Regulations (otherwise known as GDPR) and its enforcement that went into effect last month. GDPR has become a major headache for bloggers, e-commerce businesses and even filmmakers who are still figuring out how to adhere to its tedious, confusing and time-consuming compliance demands -- so as to prevent having to deal with hefty fines up to 4% of a company’s annual global revenue OR €20 million (whichever is higher).

Discussing films, GDPR, dreams and nightmares at Media Day hosted by The Madlab Post. Photo by Dan Barends.I even considered just blocking the European Union altogether from my mailing lists, blogs and related online activity where data collection and management is involved. That was until Sarah reminded me of my Switzerland ties. 

Olivier van der Hoeven and I need to have a talk because this relationship is not exactly working for me right now. Although the topic of GDPR was an unexpected turn of events, this part of the Media Day discussion was quite enlightening and productive as attendees learned about a lady who developed resources that can get people up to speed on becoming GDPR compliant.

As it turns out, blocking the European Union may seem like a viable solution in theory but not the best in practice. Especially since that’s where a lot of the best films in the world come from such as Short Film Slam Finalist Just Go!, which was a favorite among Media Day attendees including photographer Dan Barends. In this action film, directed by Pavel Gummenikov, a young man who lost both his legs in a childhood accident comes to the rescue of the girl he loves when she is victimized by villains.

Attendees also appreciated the video presentation given by writer-producer G. Robert Daily, who introduced his comedy film Caregiver Wanted. Made in California, Daily's film is about an elderly man who had a stroke and is looking for a caregiver, yet, verbally attacks the candidates he interviews for the job.

See Julien Jennequin's French horror film Le Grand Show (The Big Show) at the 2018 Short Film Slam, presented by The Madlab Post.French filmmaker Julien Jennequin's Le Grand Show (The Big Show), a fantasy horror film about a family's tug of war over their TV, took an unexpected turn for Media Day viewers including one who commented on how the film became really political.

Attendees also noted how much they liked the acting performances in Cindy’s Birthday Party, a horror film directed by August Aguilar. Made in Philadelphia, Cindy's Birthday Party is about a child named Jonas who is the first to arrive to a birthday party and begins to worry when he notices there are no other children, decorations, and the party is in the basement.

Beyond witnessing how audiences responded to the dozen films on view, highlights of the day were learning more about what went into making My Bedroom directed by Samantha Tan, meeting new people and providing local media makers with networking opportunities, and a good time.

A fireside chat about sound design and voice acting with 'My Bedroom' director Samantha Tan. Photo by Dan Barends.

There are many great short films that people near and far have been missing out on…until now.

Want to watch these (and more) award nominees during the Short Film Slam, presented by The Madlab Post? CLICK HERE to be notified when the next screening is playing near you!

What is one of the scariest dreams YOU’VE ever had?

What concerns do YOU have about GDPR and how it can affect YOUR blogging, filmmaking or business activities?