INDIE SHORT FEST

This film is a dark comedy based on a group of Rhode Island has-beens that never were. However, the names have been changed to protect the ignorant. “The Lolipop Gang” is comprised of a group of amateur gangsters that want to make a quick buck. Nick the Genius Sargenti played by critically acclaimed actor Joe Nemchek portrays a person who is a combination of an opinionated Archie Bunker, a smart Ralph Kramden and a less violent Tony Soprano. In the film, he is a successful Rhode Island businessman who owns several properties. His best friend Tommy Windmill played by Joe Cockers guitarist Cliff Goodwin has struck a deal with selling illegal lollipops. However what they are doing is very legal and in fact, breaks no laws. They actually lose money in the endeavor. Part of the reason they lose money is because they have to pay extra for shipping and both Tommy and Nick are not very good at basic math. Many of these individuals that are part of their gang are having a midlife crisis and feel they need to prove themselves. Nick is involved with Kim F’ing Barnes played by Jeanne Basone from the Original GLOW series. Kim in the film was one of the best strippers in the state of Rhode Island until she snapped her pelvis in a horrible mud wrestling accident. Her best friend Shelly Nunchucks Vera played by ECW pro wrestling legend Angel Orsini has a brother Tiny Very played by World Record holder and award-winning director Christopher Annino. Tiny is Nicks right-hand man and just like the rest of the members of The Lolipop GANG believes in his BS. The film focuses on how a small town can be very small minded both in growth and in thought. It is a new modern-day emperor’s new clothes.
Directed by Christopher Annino (USA)

“Sare jahan se acha” is a story of a little girl who has a little secret stored inside her little heart, a secret that breaks her heart into a million pieces when she thinks about it. The movie uses Iqbal’s famous tarana-e-hind to showcase the ground reality of a nation called great by many. The little girl’s trauma is used as a background to explain the deplorable condition our nation is in. It addresses the issue of child abuse in a subtle manner, just giving a glimpse of what it feels to be robbed of one’s honor and dignity at a tender age. Also, it focuses on the issue of mental health of children who get abused sexually and have no one to share it with. This movie is a window for the little give to show to the viewers what millions of girls and boys go through in their childhood and don’t get the help and support they need.
The story also reflects on how contradictory our teaching in school is to the actual condition of our nation. This movie is an effort to give voice to hundreds of children who suffer during their childhood but whose story remains unheard and unvalued. This story is a glimpse into a disturbed childhood and how it questions the very nature of the future of our beloved nation.
Directed by Gurprasad Singh (India)

Follow characters, who are all connected to each other in some way, as they portray their best selves on social media while reality is catching up to them.
Directed by Mariya Ranieli (USA)

After a year and a half away, Juan decides to go home to Madrid. To celebrate his return, he takes his good friend Veki out to dinner, in a favorite restaurant of his. But fate’s bringing along another guest…

What if you were to run into the love of your life… again?
Directed by Fernando Bonelli (Spain)

The age old story of star crossed lovers. She is 36 he is 21 will it work.
Directed by Gary Winstead (USA)

A short film about the moments in time after we are last seen alive.

A chance encounter brings comfort for a broken man as he connects with a young woman bearing her own unbearable sadness.
Directed by Dan Walls (Australia)

When a socially awkward Midwestern woman inherits a porn studio, she plans to take the money and run – until her dead father and a band of misfits force her to face her fears, and learn that misfits are people too.
Directed by Ronn Kilby (USA)

Mother-daughter relationships can be complicated and this is especially true at the end of life. Rosie struggles on how to understand her mom during the final weeks of her mother’s life. In the end, Love is what matters.
Directed by Tracy McClung (USA)

“Lucky!” is a pilot/short film about an average Joe who wins the lottery and what he and his friends will do now that they’re filthy rich. It’s an everyday man’s Entourage.
Directed by Riley Wood (USA)

A surveillance and intelligence specialist who is under suspicion by his employer, finds both his personal and professional worlds on an unstoppable collision course. On his final international assignment, his decisions will come under question, his movements will be tracked and ultimately retribution dispatched. 
Directed by Mark Solter (USA)