Budding filmmakers rarely have the chance to see their work screened in an actual movie theater in front of a live audience — particularly if they have made a short subject, a film of, at most, ten minutes in length. But area artists will soon have that chance at the second annual Maumee Film Festival, September 24 at the Maumee Indoor Theater, a showcase of short films by local filmmakers, created independently for the Festival’s Open Short Film Showcase or 48-Hour Film Challenge.
Inside The Box
Michael DeSanto has found creating work for the festival to be a battle against the clock. DeSanto has participated in the film festival both years, creating films for the 48-Hour Film Challenge — a contest that has contestants making a complete short subject in under two days. DeSanto took second place for his short Wait, Go Back in 2015, and he’s back this year with a new film in the contest— even though his own time limit seems to always be constrained by his real life responsibilities.
“In both cases— last year and this year, for me— I didn’t actually have the full 48 hours to work on my films, because both times I’ve had to work one of those two days. So it’s always, for me, the 24-hour film festival,” DeSanto said with a laugh.
Luckily, DeSanto had a vague concept for a project that fit the guidelines (including the genre and a mandatory prop) he was given. “I already had an idea that I wanted to do. And when I saw what the genres were, what the prop was, and what the line of dialogue was, it kind of fell together really quickly.”
The resulting film, The Box, is a tour de force of tension, centered on one character played by Charles Wetzel Jr., an actor who has been in almost every film DeSanto has made. “It’s basically him, in one room, acting his heart out.”
Shine goes Indie
Virginia Shine has worked on screenplays since 2001, but her new short, Go Indie, Go Home, is the first movie where she has served as both writer and director. Go Indie will be screened as part of the Open Short Film Challenge, where films created independently over the past few years can compete, but only if they are less than 10 minutes in length.
“I came up with the idea for Go Indie when I was bouncing around 48-hour script ideas,” Shine said. “I wrote the script, a friend of mine read it and told me it was good, that I should make it. So I put out the social media call for help, and found awesome local actors and crew.”
The story of a film student struggling with debt and depression, the film was shot in Maumee in one day. “Michael Carnevale on camera, Ty Powerz and Pam Hays did a fantastic job acting. We had a blast, so much fun. Spencer LeGros did amazing work on the music. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”
Shine said she hopes attendees come away from her contribution to the festival with a bit more hope– whether they are moviemakers themselves, or just film fans.
“I think we all struggle at times and lose hope, especially filmmakers trying to follow their dreams. I hope this film leaves the audience feeling good with a positive message and a smile on their face.”
The Maumee Film Festival will take place 6 pm September 24
at the Maumee Indoor Theater on Conant Street.
Admission is $6.
For tickets or more information, visit MaumeeFilmFestival.com.
