The Root

In this disturbing short film, four women make a sacred pact. If one of them ever strikes it rich, she must share her good fortune equally with the rest. As a faith-based film, the expectation might be for someone to struggle before doing the right thing, but this is no plain-vanilla Christian story. 

When a member of the group hits a big lottery jackpot, she does precisely and only the wrong thing. The evil thing. She digs in hard, and no moral boundary will stop her from hoarding the money for herself. 

Tennessee-based actress, writer and producer Courtney Lee Simpson makes her directorial debut with The Root, and the final product is bold. The Tennesseean explores the dark side of the human soul in a way that is both terrifying and compelling, a combination that will keep moviegoers on the edge of their seats.  

You can watch the trailer here: The Root Trailer

Direct Action

An idealistic teenager named Emily Phillips leads a street protest in London. In her crosshairs is a coal mine, an enterprise that she condemns as deeply outdated and culpable for global warming. The protest is blocking traffic and creating a public disturbance, which brings the ardent environmentalists face-to-face with local police. To top it off, Emily's father is opposed to her radical spirit. 

Soon she is on trial, and the question on the court's mind is whether a principled, if misguided, young woman can learn a life lesson and gain leniency, or head down the path of a permanent criminal record. The tension is high in this true-to-life drama from the United Kingdom. 

Award-winning writer and director Tor Kristoffersen, who based the story on his own protest experiences and environmental sympathies, brings a palpable sense of realism to this narrative short film. At times, it feels almost like a documentary, and no doubt Kristoffersen wants his film to form a basis for meaningful discussion. 

You can watch the trailer here (parental discretion advised): 

Because I Love You

In this chilling short film, Marco and Joanna live the American Dream. They own a mansion, attend glittering parties, and enjoy all the finer things in life. But Joanne seems to be hiding something from her powerful husband, and no amount of material success can salve his wound of jealousy. 

Marco is used to getting his way in everything, yet now he feels three inches tall. He trusts his instincts, and within that supreme trust, there is zero room for a simple misunderstanding. Therefore, he will confront this threat head-on. He comes up with a plan and sets it in motion. 

Award-winning writer, director, and producer Bob Celli is at the top of his game with Because I Love You.  Despite an impressive number of wins and nominations, he continues to innovate and create, making this latest project a thriller that will linger in your mind after the final credits roll. 

You can watch the trailer here: Because I Love You Trailer

The EKSPATS - We're Going to Africa

In this biting satire, a quintessential American family moves to Nigeria in search of better opportunity. Their main breadwinner is Bill Diamond, a middling consultant with a dim future here in the States. He leaps at the offer to work for a Nigerian magnate, Solomon Babatunde, and informs his wife they are moving. Having not been consulted, she balks until he assures her the trip will further his career. She wants to get ahead, too, so she agrees. 

The question of whether this is a wise move, and whether their lack of worldly experience leaves them naive to many risks, will be answered after their jet lands in Africa. They may not even make it out of the airport in one piece, but they will press on anyway, because that is what strivers do. 

Helmer Ron Myrick, an animation veteran with an industry career spanning over forty years, sends two distinct cultures on a collision course in this TV pilot. The chances for laughs, insights and social commentary are high amidst this offbeat plot, and he succeeds in scoring many points. At the same time, he leaves the audience wondering what will happen to this downtrodden family as they try to rise out of their mundane existence. 

You can watch the trailer here: The EKSPATS Trailer

Come Out, Wherever You Are

Set in the verdant landscape of Montana, this narrative short features a man whose western ruggedness is tested by deep wells of regret. All Vernon Parrish wants from this rural area is a little peace and quiet, but it's not likely he will get it. When a local newspaper publishes a hit piece as he arrives in town, the retired mayor from a Chicago suburb escapes to his cabin. 

Now things are on the verge of getting a lot worse. The director of the film, Caitlin Presberg, has a penchant for surprise. As Parrish settles into the slow pace of fly fishing and the front porch, forces far beyond his control are descending on the land. 

What happens next will leave you questioning who can be trusted and where, exactly, a person can find safety. You can watch the trailer here: Come Out, Wherever You Are Trailer