Films clearly have the ability to point to important ideas. Among the films at HollyShorts Film Festival are some that aim to have “Social Impact”. These are stories that ask us to see things that may need changing—or perhaps just inviting us to care.
What We Wished We Could Be (20 minutes, UK, directed by Luke Shelley) is a story of losing dreams. When Aiden was young, he was treated for hemophilia with contaminated blood products, infecting him with HIV. When he has a chance at treatment, it may change the life he has with Charlotte and their dream of children. But it is a difficult treatment that he will need her help to get through. It highlights the ongoing issue of people who received contaminated blood decades ago.
The Last Ranger (27 minutes, South Africa, directed by Cindy Lee) is a story of courage and hope. Young Litha is taken into the bush by a wildlife ranger to see rhinos. Poachers attack one of the rhinos and a deadly gun battle ensues. Litha discovers a terrible secret. The film is based on the story of a rhino who survived such an attack. [Note: The Last Ranger is a finalist for Best Live Action film at the festival.]
Note of Defiance (15 minutes Ukraine, directed by Brian Henderson) is about surviving through culture. In war-torn Kharkiv, dancer Roman Taranenko and violinist Vera Lytovchenko continue with their art even though the Opera and Ballet Theatre are closed because of the war. They do perform and teach wherever they can. It is more than performance. It is an act of defiance in order to maintain the cultural history of Ukraine.
Twenty (15 minutes, UK, directed by Jason Hogan), tells of the struggle to follow a dream. Emily is an aspiring dancer, but has no real home. The film alternates between an important audition, and the day before as she desperately tries to connect with a place for the night.
Ladybug (19 minutes, US, directed by Daniela Schrier Kafshi) can best be summed up buy the line, “Today I’m going to blow up the NRA.” A year after her daughter was killed in a school shooting, Ronnie sets off to get her own idea of justice. Will she add to the violence and the killing of innocents, or will she find some other way for her voice to be heard?
The Golden Boy (15 minutes, UK, directed by Elizabeth Peace) is about being different. Michael struggles with school. His sister thinks he needs special help. His mother brings in a pastor to do an exorcism. Michael is autistic. Will the family find the right answer?
