2025 Voices Heard Film: the refrain

the refrain by DeMar Walker

Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Dance 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The second installment of the dance short film series features myself as a portrayal of a traveling man or “wanderer”. It explores themes of finding home and belonging as a commentary on societal expectations of race and gender through performance. The film features cinematography by Derek Schmitt.

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2025 Films: Behind the Bells

Behind the Bells by Katharine Craig
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 7 minutes
Documentary 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Students from Marquette University created this documentary to highlight the university's carillon bells. The students are excited to share Mark's story and bring awareness to this beautiful and unique instrument - with hopes of reaching a bigger audience!

Director's Bio:

I study digital media, advertising, and communications at Marquette University. I chose Marquette because they believe in the philosophy of high-quality education and having core values.

At work and in my personal life, I focus on following my core value of being the best version of myself. This involves being timely, creative, flexible, and always being open to try new things!

2025 Films: Bound In Rosemary

Bound In Rosemary by Reanna Madson
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 13 minutes
Horror/ Dance 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Bound In Rosemary is a horror short about a young woman who, after struggling with a new dance sequence, is interrupted by a stranger at her door. As the night goes on, not only does the stranger invade her house, but her mind as well. Soon the young woman finds herself in an invisible, yet barbarous battle to maintain control over her own body and mind.

Director's Bio:

Reanna Madson is a Director - Actor - Dancer. Primarily an actor, she has dipped her toes into Directing. "Bound In Rosemary" is her second short film with "Avelina" being her first short.

Reanna grew up in Eau Claire, WI and moved to St Paul, MN in 2021. She is a co-founder of the film production company New Neighbor Productions alongside Tim Schwagel, Nick Houchin, and Zach Staads. New Neighbor is based in Eau Claire, WI where most of their films are filmed including "Bound In Rosemary."

2025 Films: Between the Ears

Between the Ears by Timothy Lonsdale (Out of Competition)
Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 7 minutes
Documentary 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

If you called Diane and Chuck Gross mulish, they’d take that as a compliment. They, along with Josie and Traveler— their mules, not their children— have been to 21 states in pursuit of the trail-riding experience. Pulling a trailer that has charming and efficient living quarters in front for them, with comfortable and secure compartments in back for the mules, they traverse the country, stopping in national parks, state parks and anywhere there’s a beautiful trail to ride. And they make lots of friends along the way, many of whom they see at multiple campgrounds. For Diane and Chuck, it has truly become a way of life…and that’s fine by them.

Director's Bio:

Growing up in Wisconsin, Tim was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorer. He helped organize a train trip to the National Scout Ranch in Philmont, New Mexico. The next logical step was Special Forces. In 1968, he joined the Army, went to Jump School, became a Green Beret and spent a year in Vietnam as a sergeant with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Upon his discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for a BA in English and Theatre, and a BS in Secondary Ed. While there, he landed his first paid acting gig—he was cast in six radio dramas at WHA, the campus PBS station. He also acted in a play with classmate Jane (“Malcolm in the Middle”) Kaczmarek.

He decided to pursue an MFA in Acting. He chose to go to Southern Methodist University, where they offered him a full scholarship and a T.A. position. Besides, he always wanted to be a “Methodist” actor. While in Dallas, he performed with the Dallas Shakespeare Festival, got his Actors’ Equity card doing a dinner theater tour, and his SAG-AFTRA card when he was cast as a guest star in several episodes of “Dallas,” including three of the most watched TV episodes in history.

In 1981, he moved to New York where he acted Off-off-Broadway and in bit parts in multiple TV shows and films. He was accepted by acting guru Sanford Meisner for his private two-year program at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

The same week he was notified of good news from Mr. Meisner, he got a letter from the Directors Guild of America regarding an application and testing process he had begun six months earlier. The DGA was inviting him to join their two-year Training Program, which would ultimately lead to membership as an Assistant Director. He accepted the offer from the DGA. He knew he made the right choice when, on his first day on the job as a DGA Trainee, he was assigned to a movie starring Katherine Hepburn and Nick Nolte, directed by Tony Harvey.

Over the course of 34 years in production—7 in NY, 23 in LA and 4 in Atlanta—he has worked with about one hundred directors, including Marty Scorsese, Night Shyamalan, Martha Coolidge, Barnet Kellman, Harold Ramis, Shawn Levy and Carl Reiner. The scores of actors he has enjoyed working with include Meryl Streep (twice), Robert DeNiro, Gene Hackman (twice), Christopher Lloyd (twice), Bruce Willis, Jason Momoa, Samuel L. Jackson, Marlee Matlin and Jeff Bridges. He will not list the actors he did not enjoy working with.

Tim got the opportunity to direct prime time when he worked on “Charmed” (Aaron Spelling/WB Network) for five seasons as an AD. He successfully ended his “below-the-line” career when he worked as the Unit Production Manager on the first two seasons of “Stranger Things” (Netflix). Matt and Ross Duffer were nominated both years for DGA Best Directing Awards, and as such, the DGA also recognized Tim as the UPM and the Assistant Directors for their contributions as part of the directorial team. Due to the success of the show, he was invited to join the Producers Guild of America.

Now back in Wisconsin, Tim is focusing on “above-the-line” opportunities in writing, producing and directing. “Cricket” was the first film produced by his new company, Spring Lake International, llc.

2025 Voices Heard Film: So Others May Live

So Others May Live by Löki Ferno, Will Kaftan

Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Horror/ Sci-Fi  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

In the 1980s, a guilt-ridden firefighter, haunted by those he couldn't save, battles an ever-mutating horde of shadow entities—manifestations of his past failures. Riddled by survivor's remorse, he must confront his deepest fears or discover that the true horror lies in the blurred line between reality and his own haunted mind.

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Against The Ropes

Against The Ropes by Kleyon Prince Hampton
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Sports Documentary  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The Journey of Javier Zamarron, a boxer from Milwaukee, WI, making it to the professionals and the adversity he faced to achieve this level in his career.

2025 Films: Morning Yoga

Morning Yoga by Darrin Lile
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 9 minutes
Comedy 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A yoga class takes an unexpected turn when the new instructor introduces some novel techniques.

2025 Film: Divide

Divide by Jeanette Buck

Muncie, IN (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 9 minutes
Drama/ LGBTQ

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Two estranged siblings of opposing political persuasions clean out their mother's home after her death. They feel closer until a fight over the inheritance of a sentimental souvenir triggers their unresolved childhood issues and illuminates the political divide between them. Maybe the divide is too big to cross.

2025 Films: La Petite Grenouille (The Little Frog)

La Petite Grenouille (The Little Frog) by Claudia Krogmeier

Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Comedy 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Be careful what you order, and how. Exploring the surreal world that is French boulangeries.

2025 Films: Sucky

Sucky by Tommy Simms, Joe Ludwig
Wisconsin (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 6 minutes
Music Video/ Kaiju  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Trudging through the daily grind, a trio of average joes chance an opportunity of winning the lottery. What could go wrong?

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Dreams Fuel Greatness

Dreams Fuel Greatness by Justin Jackson

Wisconsin

Running Time: 4 minutes
Sports/Inspirational

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Dreams Fuel Greatness tells the story of a young athlete’s relentless pursuit of making it to the Show. Inspired by the journey of former professional baseball player and Director Justin Jackson, this film is more than just a reflection on baseball—it’s a celebration of the grind, resilience, and unwavering belief required to turn a dream into reality.

Set on the fields where aspirations are forged through sweat and sacrifice, Dreams Fuel Greatness follows a young Black athlete as he navigates the highs and lows of chasing his goal. Through powerful storytelling and striking visuals, the film highlights the dedication needed to push forward, even when the path is uncertain.

At a time when fewer young Black athletes are entering baseball, this film serves as both inspiration and a conversation starter—reminding athletes everywhere that the journey is just as important as the destination. While representation remains an underlying theme, the heart of Dreams Fuel Greatness is about the universal pursuit of excellence and the sacrifices made along the way.

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Director Bio:

Justin Jackson is the Co-Owner of Media Bolt Productions, born and raised in Asheville NC. He moved to Milwaukee in 2016.

Prior to Justin’s film career he played Professional Baseball for 10 years. At the end of his playing days he grabbed a camera to record coaching content for YouTube and fell in love with the craft. 3 years later he graduated cum Lade with a Bachelor’s of science degree in Digital Filmmaking from The Los Angeles Film School.

Being a Director and Cinematographer at heart Justin has written and Directed short films, shot music videos, and created corporate commercials and documentaries for brands like the Milwaukee Brewers & Northwest Mutual.

2025 Films: Tricked Out Tailspin

Tricked Out Tailspin by Mark G.E., Alexander Eberhage

Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Music Video

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The official music video for the Xposed 4Heads song.

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2025 Films: The Cormorant's Shadow

The Cormorant's Shadow by Barbara Peikert

Switzerland (World Premiere)

Running Time: 1 minute
Animation/ Experimental

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A funny cormorant relaxes on a buoy in the lake and watches an animation that reveals a plan behind it: AI or the urge to take part in the spectacle?

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2025 Films: i hope you're happy.

i hope you're happy. by Gretchen Mahkorn
Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 14 minutes
Drama/ Relationship/ Addiction

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Under the shadow of the opioid crisis, four friends come together to grieve the loss of their friend to addiction. When more is revealed, tensions run high, anger and blame are reckoned with.

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain

Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain by Hisonni Mustafa
Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 16 minutes
Sports Documentary

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

From childhood dreams to Olympic triumphs, Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain unveils the resilience, sacrifice, and heart of an athlete whose pursuit of greatness redefined what it means to be a legend.

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Director Bio:

Hisonni Mustafa is a Guyanese American filmmaker hailing from the city of Milwaukee, WI, which has been labeled as one of the most segregated cities in America. With a remarkable range of skills, Hisonni has made significant contributions to the world of filmmaking as a writer, director, cinematographer, editor, and producer. He has successfully crowdfunded numerous projects, resulting in the creation of a dozen award-winning films.

Hisonni's work has garnered recognition from over 200 festivals, including renowned events such as Cinequest, Hollyshorts, Frameline, and Urbanworld. His short films and web series have collectively amassed more than six million views online, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. In acknowledgment of his talent, Hisonni's works have received award nominations from esteemed organizations like LA Webfest, The VH1 Streamy Awards, Marseille Webfest, The International Academy of Web Television Awards, and even Marvel's Stan Lee.

Among his notable achievements, Hisonni's independent film titled "Take Out Girl" can now be enjoyed on Hulu. This film has been bestowed with accolades from The Bentonville Film Festival, Dances With Films, Ashland Independent, Cinequest, and Indie Memphis. Furthermore, Hisonni's directorial skills have been recognized with the Best Director award at the American Black Film Festival and the HBO feature film competition at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. He was also honored as a Gemstones Rising Storyteller Search Finalist.

Continuing to make strides in his career, Hisonni was selected as a fellow of the 2023 Commercial Directors Diversity Program. In a remarkable feat, he became the first filmmaker from Nevada to secure victory in the prestigious $175,000 Cordillera Film Festival pitch fest.

2025 Films: Andrew Ginger/Likes Dogs

Andrew Ginger/Likes Dogs by Amber Rose McNeill

Wisconsin

Running Time: 11 minutes
Horror/ LGBTQ+/ Queer Cinema

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Everything in Amile’s life is the same dull note. He’s bored with his job, his friends, himself… that is, until he meets the doting Andrew on an online dating app. Amile quickly falls head over heels for a man he’s never met, seen, or spoken to. A modern fable about the delirium and disillusionment that can accompany dating in the digital age.

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Director Bio:

Amber Rose McNeill (he/him/hers) is a queer Australian Film Director, Intimacy Coordinator, Editor, and Film Programmer based in Wisconsin. He is also an Educator, teaching Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a research focus in gendered violence in film and media, as well as queer cinema.

Her directing work centers around challenging social attitudes towards normative sexuality and traditional gender roles. As well as the critique of violence in film and media, and the interplay between the production and consumption of violent media within Western culture. Her scope of practice incorporates digital, 16mm, 8mm, and sampled media within the genres of feminist horror, queer cinema, experimental documentary, and social commentary.

Amber Rose has been an Intimacy Coordinator since 2017 with a specialization in queer cinema, the horror genre, and scenes that deal with elements of violence.

Amber Rose has been editing since 2020, having developed her own style of editing that he has coined, “choreographical editing”. This editing style is inspired by rhythmic editing, smash cuts, and dance theory, approaching the edit much like composing a piece of music or choreographing movement.

Amber Rose is the Founder, Festival Director, and Lead Programmer of Milwaukee Illuminate Film Festival (miff.). An underground, intersectional film festival which highlights the work of marginalized and underrepresented voices in film, video, and the cinematic arts.

Director's Statement:

As a queer filmmaker I wanted to make a horror film where the default heteronormative relationship was discarded and a gay couple inhabited the lead roles. Not as a major statement about queerness within the film’s narrative, but rather for their queerness to be a natural part of the characters.

My aim with Andrew Ginger/Likes Dogs was to create fully developed queer characters that interact and relate to each other in a genuine way with nuanced, idiosyncratic and at times flawed personality traits.

Queer horror is slowly making its way into mainstream horror cinema, but queer horror films are still primarily written and directed by cisgender, heterosexual men rather than being created by queer filmmakers. There is also often the issue of straight men being cast in queer roles, which is why it was important to me to cast queer actors for this film.

Essentially, I wanted to make a short horror film that comments on the risks associated with meeting people in the digital age. Andrew Ginger/Likes Dogs also dips into the loneliness that internet hookup culture creates and the ways in which we can often ignore the red flagged realities within online relationships because we are so starved for intimacy in real life.

2025 Films: The Picnic

The Picnic by Cory DeMeyers
Sherman Oaks, Ca (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 2 minutes
Comedy/ Action/ Romance

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A sunny picnic, a casual question, and a little too much confidence—what starts as a charming first date quickly takes an unexpected turn in this fast-paced comedy about instincts, miscommunication, and the fine line between flirting and fighting.

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2025 Films: Life Hacks for Lovers

Life Hacks for Lovers by Marc Grey

Israel (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 15 minutes
Comedy/ Dance/ Romance

Contains Adult Subject Matter.

Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Roberta finds her recipe for love. A comic fantasy about love and creation starring two of the dance world’s most exciting performers.

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2025 Voices Heard Films: Puff Puff Bang

Puff Puff Bang by Ricardo Tenorio

Milwaukee (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 12 minutes
Comedy/ Crime 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Two stoners are forced to retrieve money from the dangerous dealer known as Shotgun Jimmy. They prepare for the heist but maybe things won’t play out like they expected.

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MKE INT Short Film Fest welcomes miff!

 

(Milwaukee) The Milwaukee Independent Film Society (MIFS) is partnering with the Milwaukee Illuminate Film Festival this season during the 27th Annual MKE INT Short Film Fest this September at the Avalon theater.

Milwaukee Illuminate Film Festival (miff.) is an underground, intersectional film festival illuminating the work of queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islanders, all People of Color, Jewish, femme, fat, neurodivergent, & disabled filmmakers. As well as filmmakers who are survivors of sexual violence. They had their previous two seasons at the Fitzgerald, and festival director of miff.,  Amber Rose McNeill will bring the miff. staff with her to plan programming for session blocks at the upcoming MKE INT Short Film Fest. Festival Director and president of MIFS, Ross Bigley is excited about giving space to miff. "It's vital programming this city needs, and Amber Rose runs a fantastic festival". The miff. identity will be front and center for their programming.

2025 Films: Miles and Flowers

Miles and Flowers by Danny Volosozhar
Ukraine (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Animation/ Thriller/ War

Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A buddy road trip movie about two guys just trying to escape the horrors of war on a journey that might be their last shot at survival. One is desperate to save his family, while the other is seeking redemption for his past.

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