Five Past Ten

Shot on locations of Lanzarote, Las Canarias (Canary Islands) — in such otherworldly landscapes as Las Salinas Del Janubio, El Golfo, El Lago Verde, Timanfaya, and Puerto Del Carme — this highly atmospheric music video explores themes of home and physical desire through space rock-like musicianship and tectonic, primal imagery of Earth. Director Lara Celenza of Italy incorporates a motif of the American western, as well.  

The inspiration for this NHFF Official Selection is Italian blues rock musician Nico Greco's studio album, Stone Three Home (2013), which he says is all about finding your home, the place where you truly belong. Celenza develops his concept through her deft use of Eastern religious imagery, sunlight, and a broken down, isolated edifice that says less about home as an ideal where you return than it does about a place where you already exist. 

Five Past Ten will be screened with music videos from around the world. You can watch the trailer here: Five Past Ten Trailer

Retreat

In the midst of the American Civil War, soldiers on both sides have seen things that will haunt them for the rest of their days. But two Union soldiers are more concerned with what's waiting for them back home. Together by chance in the same regiment, they find themselves clashing with more than just their common enemy. 

The production values alone make this period drama an impressive student debut, but there is even more reason to take note. Retreat began as a short story by Pennsylvania teenager Nick Theorin, whose older brother Kurtis adapted it into a screenplay; their brother Kris Theorin, also a teenager, directed and edited the film. They received their funding through a Kickstarter campaign.  

This film is a shining testimony to the dedication and talent of a new generation's emerging filmmakers, who often get things done through their own drive and organizational skills. You can check out the preview here (parental discretion advised): Retreat Trailer

Acceptance

Acceptance is the story of a mother's journey through the seven stages of grief after finding out her nine-year-old son, Josh, has Asperger's Syndrome.

Based on filmmaker Laura Shapanus's real life experience, this self-financed short has plenty to say and lots of heart. Acceptance will move you and stay with you long after the final credits have rolled. You can watch the trailer here: Acceptance Trailer

Insomniacs

Insomniacs is an emotionally charged, romantic drama about two lost souls who connect through a shared misery.

One restless night, on opposite sides of a London flat complex, Jade and Theo are suffering from insomnia. Burdened by lovesickness, Theo spots a light on during these late hours: he observes Jade from a distance, becoming intrigued by a young woman who suffers from a similar affliction, then attracted as he watches her move about.

In the manic episode that follows, Jade escapes to the rooftop and Theo follows. And sparks soon fly. Filmmaker Charles Chintzer Lai, who bases himself in Brooklyn, delivers this kinetic short film with delightful cinematography and a realistic sense of what it's like to be single in a megacity. 

You can watch the trailer here: Insomniacs Trailer