SHORT FILM FESTIVAL LINE UP

Announcing...

September 11th-13th 2009, Milwaukee, WI

Eisner American Museum of Advertising and Design (contains adult content) ages 16 up.

The Milwaukee Independent Film Society has chosen to honor Kathy Fischer and Mark Metcalf with the Milwaukee Independent Film Society Pace-Setter Award. This award is given to mark their accomplishments and trend-setting in the realm of film in the Milwaukee area.

The awards will be presented Friday, September 11th, 2009 at the Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design at a ceremony hosted by the Milwaukee Independent Film Society. This award ceremony will officially sound the beginning of the 11th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival (September 11-13th) and will feature:

Basket Bronx (Spain) 14 min Directed by: Martin Rosete

Alex is an African-American kid from the Bronx who dreams of playing basketball as his idols. However, the gang of older guys in the neighborhood keeps reminding him that he cannot.

The Anchorite (Atlanta, GA,) 10 min Directed by: Matthew Maloney (student film)

This moving mural is a dream-like account of an artist struggling with his painting. It is a visual poem designed to portray the inner emotional state, drawing from surrealism and the fading mythology of the United States superpower

FOT-The next big thing (New Zealand) 9 min irected by: Alex Dorn, Rhys Darby Collaborating Director

Welcome to the fantastic world of FOT, Gods gift to himself. In this installment we find FOT in the changing sheds, giving a somewhat deluded account of the days action on the football field. Rhys Darby (HBO's Emmy nominated 'Flight of Conchords' also stars with Jim Carrey in 'Yes Man' and the just released 'The Boat That Rocked) is co writer and stars as FOT.

No Good Reason (Michigan) 11 min

Directed by: Michael Mierendorf, Lawrence Marshall

Musicians and singers from around the country, people who have never met and who are currently or recently homeless, gather in Boston to record a song written by a 15-year girl who was homeless when she wrote it. Natalie Merchant (formerly of 10,000 Maniacs) has less than three days to arrange and record the song - in a process that normally takes weeks or months. Working with several artists who have never set foot in a recording studio, Ms. Merchant completes the track, which winds up on a new CD featuring artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Jewel, Bonnie Raitt and many others partnering with unknown artists who are currently or recently homeless. The goal: to increase awareness of homelessness in America.

How To Not Kill Everyone (Milwaukee) 5 min

Directed by: Kathy Fischer, co-directed with Drew Foerster

Smart Guy has a problem. As someone with an extremely high I.Q., he is constantly surrounded by idiots, and every interaction in daily life is a nightmare. In an effort to control his murderous fits of rage and find happiness, Smart Guy tries various methods... with varying degrees of success.

Shot on Super16 in Milwaukee, this fast-moving 5-minute comedic short is narrated by Mark Metcalf.

1pm Event Ages 10 up.

The Snow Maiden (Japan) 6 min Directed by: Yumi Yoshida (student film)

A childless elderly couple creates for themselves a daughter out of snow. But the human world is an unfriendly place for someone who is created from winter. Through brief new encounters with the world, the main character soon finds how unlike she is to those around her, and how difficult her life is as a result. Perhaps some things are never meant to be...

Locally Unwanted Land Usage (Milwaukee) 7 min Directed by Kate Balsley

A satirical depiction of the production and maintenance of garbage which exposes the ways in which our everyday behaviors contribute to mountainous landfills, smog filled air and polluted water sources.

8 Tire on the Ice (Canada) 4 min Directed by: Nicholas Humphries (student film)

A relationship is rekindled during a scavenger hunt to win the perfect marriage.

BOTNIK! (Chicago) 10 min Directed by: Jacqueline Smessaert Brennan

A frustrated artist who longs to win the heart of a sexy beatnik chick goes to robotic extremes to create the ultimate art show.

Small Comforts (Chicago) 10 min Directed by: Hannah Dallman

Small Comforts is a childhood drama about a little girl, Moira, who accepts her new family arrangement by recreating the comforts of home herself. Homegrown Film Festival, First Prize in the drama category, Kankakee, IL, U S A, April 2009.

Blow Ye Winds (Milwaukee) 5 min Directed by Isaiah Justin Wells

A group of seamen answer the call to search for a great white whale.

Rain Rain (Los Angeles) 11 min Directed by: Matthew Brown

Trapped inside on a rainy day, a young girl discovers a family secret, which unleashes her devilish imagination upon her house. Won Best Short at The Burbank International Film Fest 2009 & a Silver Ace at the Las Vegas Film Fest 2009.

2:30 Event Ages 16 up.

Happy Boy / One of Those Days (Marion, WI) 13 min Directed by: Craig Knitt

We follow a likeable looser throughout a segment of his day as he realizes an earlier purchase might not have been such a great idea. He pumps $12.00 worth of gas into his tank and only has $10.00 in his wallet then must figure out what needs to be done to solve his dilemma. When that doesnt work the choices get even more insane!

Growing Up Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) 20 min Directed by: Amber Beard (student film)

Taylor, an isolated, withdrawn tomboy hangs out at the casino where her single mom works as a cocktail waitress. There Taylor meets a lovable, washed-up Elvis Impersonator who takes her under his wing. But what are his true intentions? Action/Cut Short Film Competition, Best Student Film, U S A, September 2008.

:60 (Wisconsin) 2 min Directed by: Mark Mazur and Trent Hilborn

Time is taken for granted, but how precious is it and what could happen in: 60?

Sprinkles (Chicago) 8 min Directed by: Josh Hope

The true tale of a dead dog

Shiva Street (Wisconsin) 7 mins Directed by: Vito Valenti

A spiritual, transformative journey from innocence to disillusionment to a fuller understanding of life, the redemptive power of love and the joy that life can naturally bring.

Suzukishoji (Japan) 12 min Directed by: Kazuo Kono

Kono had been fired and kept a dissolute life. But Kono decides to work at Suzuki & Co.

Director Statement: Now, internet auction is very popular in Japan. Quite a few people make living by internet auction. And...I was one of them before, too. Leading actor Teruki Suzuki is a work friend before my thing. He had a slightly odd character. When I met him, even if he was over 30 years old, the work was the first job for him. It looked very interesting to me. These two matters fused and became this short film. In fact, I think that this small story expresses present Japan. And this short film was made by only 3 persons, Kazuo Kono, Teruki Suzu ki, Asuka Suzuki. The machine parts progressed. The work production with the small number of people was enabled thereby. I feel it glad. Strasbourg International Film Festival, Honorable Mention, Strasbourg, France, September 2008

Without Name: Ignition (Milwaukee) 6 min Directed by: Anthony Christian Mikkelson

A stranger drives down a road and is hit by another car, he loses his memory. Its a perceived journey of reality versus imaginary.

Film Noir (Oak Creek, WI) 9 min Directed by: Brenton Thom

A private investigator, surrounded by corruption, is on a never-ending quest for booze.

The Wintress (Glendale, CA) 24 min Directed by: Bill Elverman

Mike's concern for his friend reveals horrific abuses on a cold winter day in Wisconsin.

Love Struck (Houston, TX) 6 min Directed by: Jason Clemons

What happens when the world's unluckiest girl meets the man of her dreams?

5pm Event- Korporate Media! Hosted by David R. Overbeck

6:30 PM EVENT Ages 16 up.

Last Deal At the Mt. Carroll Gun Club (Chicago) 20 min Directed by: David Guffey

Real estate developers threaten to level the cabin where a bunch of old guys have played poker for decades. The members struggle to save their clubhouse and discover their friendship in the process.

Self-Determination (Milwaukee) 11 min (adult Content) Directed by: Iverson White

Pursued and loved; well at least made love to at 29, married at 30, pregnant at 31 and again at 35, and left mostly alone at 36, she contemplates divorce, other men and suicide.

The Motel (New York) 11 min (Adult Content)Directed by: Joseph Zentil

The Motel is an observation of a dysfunctional couple. The characters relationship and actions are left vague and ambiguous in order for the audience to associate their own assumptions, experiences and connections.

I Want You To Know (Milwaukee) 16 min (adult Content) Directed by: Derek Kimball and Matthew Konkel

A bated tension and quiet disclosure provides the milieu for this father and son camping narrative about reserved honesty and stunted youth

Spammed (Chicago) 1 min Directed by: Brett Thompson

Why oh why does Kurt get so much spam???

Vagrant (Los Angeles) 10 min Directed By: Eric Gerber

A homeless man finds unique ways of surviving in the streets, at the same time, he introduces something new to the city... filmmaker bio - Eric Gerber received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee film department in 2005. Gerber currently lives in Los Angeles, California where he works as a freelance camera operator and filmmaker

The Box (Milwaukee) 7 min Directed by: Jonathan Richter and Justin Crowley

Its not an average day at work for our protagonist, who happens upon a mysterious box that contains a terrifying power

The Hands (Oak Park, IL) 10 min Directed by: Charise Studesville

A daughter explores her relationship with her dying father and becomes fixated upon his hands as a representation of who he was as a man.

Eat Your Fill (Milwaukee) 13 min Directed by Mark J. Irving

Milwaukee Adman and professional eater Phil Wesson embarks on his annual mission to consume every food item at the State Fair that is either A) deep fried, or B) on a stick.

The Parable of the Chanced-Upon Briefcase (Fargo, ND) 6 min Directed by: Gregory Carlson

Two young novices make a choice between matters of the spirit and earthly treasure

9:15 EVENT Milwaukee Independent Film Society presents the Milwaukee Premiere of the feature film: NEW DAY (ages 18 up)

NEW DAY is the first feature film from L'oiseau Blanc Films.

Produced by R. Michael Gull, Jon Anne Willow and Jason Williams

Directed by Jason Williams

Starring: Nathaniel Ross, Debra Lopez, Carolyn Kanter, Brian Green,

R. Michael Gull Featuring: Dylan Avery, John Waite, Walt Sloan, Jeff Skorik, Ryan Berard, Bruce Spielbauer, Michael Sottile, Eric Von, Faithe Colas, Katie Shay, Jon Anne Willow, Brent Allen Caputo, Tommy Dallace, Emily Margaret Heitzer, James Ervin Berry

With new music from John Waite.

Written by R. Michael Gull and Jon Anne Willow

THE STORY

Robert and Alison Logan were married less than a year when Alison boarded American Airlines Flight 77 on the morning of September 11th, 2001. Later that morning, Robert watched in horror as televised news reports told him that Alison's fight had been hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon.

Eight years later, Robert has pulled his life back together and relocated to the Midwest. Still haunted by the memory of Alison, he has married Rachel, a clinical psychiatrist, and they share an idyllic life with Rachel's daughter Carly.

The peaceful calm of Robert and Rachel's life is torn apart when a research project Rachel is working on includes a brain damaged patient at a secure hospital who bears a striking resemblance to Alison. Both Robert and Rachel embark on their own personal investigations, for separate reasons, to discover the truth about the woman in the hospital.

Their inquiries attract the attention of the ruthless Agent Ross, who will stop at nothing to keep the identity of the woman in the hospital a secret.

Social/Mixer 3PM-6PM ART BAR

722 East Burleigh Street. Milwaukee

6:45 ORIENTAL THEATRE JURIED FILMS ages 18 up.

Birthdate (New York) 11 min Directed by: Jeremy Brunjes

When Kim realizes she wants to meet the son she's never known, it may already be too late.

Out of Nothing (Brookfield, WI) 11 min Directed by: Jason Servi

The short film Out of Nothing follows a mother and son as they work to repair their relationship, choked by business-like tendencies. With a big new project at work, Ethan is close to success. However, with bone cancer worsening, Gloria is wondering if she will ever truly know her son

Open Your Eyes (Pasadena, CA) 13 min Directed by: Susan Cohen (Adult Content)

A journey of self-discovery begins when a woman diagnosed with breast cancer finds herself locked in a bathroom with a stranger during a bridal shower. Lead, Traci Dinwiddie, has starred alongside Rachel McAdams in THE NOTEBOOK and Kevin Costner and Demi Moore in MR. BROOKS. Beverly Hills Shorts Film Festival, Winner - Best Film, Best Drama, Best Actress (Traci Dinwiddie), Best Director, Beverly Hills, U S A, February 2009. Winner of the American Film Institute Jean Picker Firstenberg Award for Excellence DWW 2008.

This is Umberto (Milwaukee) 6 min Directed by: Anna Krutzik

In this video youll meet Umberto. Umberto wants to be your friend, but you have to wash your hands first

Mannen Med Kulorna (Stockholm, Sweden) 14 min

Directed by: Hans Montelius

Two thirty-something brothers play marbles for their inheritance

H5N1 (Milwaukee) 9 min Directed by: Joseph Kraemer

Three men are on the run from a dark fate the entire world has inherited. As they take flight down the deserted back roads of a rural landscape, but it soon becomes clear that there is something seriously wrong with one of them. . .or more. H5N1 is the scientific term for avian bird flu.

How To Not Kill Everyone (Milwaukee) 5 min Directed by: Kathy Fischer, co-directed with Drew Foerster

Smart Guy (Larry Thomas) has a problem. As someone with an extremely high I.Q., he is constantly surrounded by idiots, and every interaction in daily life is a nightmare. In an effort to control his murderous fits of rage and find happiness, Smart Guy tries various methods... with varying degrees of success.

Shot on Super16 in Milwaukee, this fast-moving 5-minute comedic short is narrated by Mark Metcalf.

E Finita la Commedia (Belgium) 13 min Directed by: Jean-Julien Collette

A parked car in a residential neighborhood. A father and his son slowly set up a discussion. Love, sex, mother and death. An atypical connivance, a fusional relationship. Time goes by, tone rises and some questions stay in abeyance: what are they waiting? And above all what are they about to accomplish? La Pedrera Short Film Festival, Best directing, La Pedrera, Uruguay, January 2009. SF Shorts, Director's Special Recognition award, San Francisco, U S A, August 2008.

LIMINAL (Topanga, CA) 14 min (contains nudity) Directed by: Stephen Keep Mills

Think it's a dream? The nudity in this piece highlights the primitive, vulnerable, and mythic nature of this psychological drama and is in no way pornographic or even erotic.

Honolulu International Film Festival, GOLD KAHUNA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILMMAKING, Honolulu, U S A, March 2009. New York Short Film Festival, SPECIAL MENTION GRANTED BY THE JURY, New York, U S A, February 2009. Mar del Plata Short Film Festival, BEST SCREENPLAY, Mar del Plata, Argentina, March 2009

Sinking Ships (MKE) 1 min Directed by: John Van Slyke (Out of Competition)

Lending a helping hand can be rewarding, but keep a hand on your change. Featuring Amanda Shalhoub and Robert W.C. Kennedy.

Created by local and independent filmmakers, the Milwaukee Short Film Festival is proud to provide local talent with a venue for their work to be seen. We're also thrilled that MSFF was named the "Best Local Festival" in Moviemaker's Winter 2006 issue.