MKE Short Fest Blog: May 2024

Friday, May 31, 2024

2024 Films: That's Not a Tasty Pastry

That's Not a Tasty Pastry by TJ Hill

Middleton, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 3 minutes
Comedy

Sunday Sept 8th, 6:30PM + Awards
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A woman attempts to recreate her favorite recipe, despite her inability as a baker

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2024 Films: Dentildo

Dentildo by Natalie Feinstein
Cairo, Egypt (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 8 minutes
Comedy

Saturday, Sept 7th 4:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Words are purely the product of the writer's imagination. Any resemblance to actual acts is coincidental....more or less.

2024 Films: Lost Boys Pizza

Lost Boys Pizza by Cassie Llanas

Chicago IL (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 14 minutes
Comedy/ Horror

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

In a dystopian future, a safety inspector keeps watch over a residential unit in Cleveland,

Ohio. She is always there. She never sleeps. She is always watching. It’s for your own good.

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Website

2024 Films: Unit 17: Week 3

Unit 17: Week 3 by David Kaye & Theresa Stefaniak
Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 6 minutes
Drama/ Animation

Saturday, Sept 7th 4:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

In a dystopian future, a safety inspector keeps watch over a residential unit in Cleveland,

Ohio. She is always there. She never sleeps. She is always watching. It’s for your own good.

Instagram

2024 Voices Heard Films: Mending

Mending by John Carlo Rosillo
Milwaukee, WI

Running Time: 7 minutes
Horror

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

It’s 1974 and Gary Campbell has set out to go camping with his three daughters, Nancy, Judy, and Wendy. A planned vacation turns out to be a nightmare as no one gets along and side characters interrupt their family bonding.

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2024 Films: Spark Plug

Spark Plug by Cole J Sheldon

Sheboygan, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 13 minutes
Drama

Sunday Sept 8th, 3pm
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

What remains of a broken relationship, having ended with much left unsaid, is tested when Emma needs Oliver's help to fix her car. Each must learn to see things from the other's point of view if they want to finish the job and move on with their lives.

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2024 Films: Fine Valentine

Fine Valentine by Vincent Maslowski
Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 2 minutes
Horror/ Comedy

Sunday Sept 8th, 3pm
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

Back from a fine day at the office...

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2024 Films: Wiggle Room: Appendix A & B

Wiggle Room: Appendix A & B by Vincent Maslowski

Milwaukee, WI

Running Time: 2 minutes
Horror/ Comedy

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

Some strange happenings in a small, cozy chamber.

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2024 Films: 2064

2064 by 鸠李

Nanjing, China (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Horror

Sunday Sept 8th, 3pm
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

In 2064 AD, the city had already been destroyed, and hunters who had lost their family and friends came to the jungle to search for enemies.

2024 Films: Boo

Boo by Anthony Montoya
Wauwatosa, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 1 minute
Horror

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A young boy is stalked by a ghostly figure while alone in the dark.

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2024 Films: Aunque es de noche (Even Though It’s Night)

Aunque es de noche (Even Though It’s Night) by Guillermo García López
Paris, France (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 15 minutes
Drama

Saturday, Sept 7th 4:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

La Cañada, Europe's largest slum on the outskirts of Madrid, has been without electricity for over a year. In the firelight, Toni, a 13 year-old boy, discovers that his best friend Nasser is leaving forever. Amongst Roma legends of a possible future, Toni looks for a way to stay connected to him.

Press

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IMDb

2024 Voices Heard Films: Somewhere Over

Somewhere Over by Jazmyn Yun Babler

Madison, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 7 minutes
Animation/ Experimental

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A girl leaves her home and ends up in a strange place.

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2024 Films: End of an Era

End of an Era by Brian J Ewig
New Berlin, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 3 minutes
Documentary

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

After 130 years in the fishing business, Ewig Bros. Fish in Port Washington is closing its doors for good.

2024 Voices Heard Films: The Kingdom Call

The Kingdom Call by KayCee M Kelsey
Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time:8 minutes
Documentary

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

To commemorate their 38th founding anniversary, this short documentary tells the story of Pastor John W. McVicker, Sr., and his wife Marilynn from Milwaukee, WI. The documentary showcases their unwavering passion and dedication towards establishing one of the most prestigious Baptist Churches in the city of Milwaukee, the Christ the King Baptist Church.

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2024 Voices Heard Films: Freight Train

Freight Train by Jocelyne Berumen

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Music Video

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

In this 1920's murder mystery themed video, Lacey's ghost warns her friends in that past that something is going to happen - a freight train is coming!

Website

Instagram

2024 Voices Heard Films: Echoes of the Sacred Pool

Echoes of the Sacred Pool by Ramesh Kumar
Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 15 minutes
Mystery/ Fantasy

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

During their family spring vacation, three youngsters uncover the chilling truth about their vacation property's dark past, dating back to 17th-century slavery. As they stay in a house built on the remnants of a burned-down slave colony where countless lives were lost, the youngest among them, deeply affected by the haunting history, begins to sense the eerie presence of restless spirits.

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2024 Voices Heard Films: She's

She's by Yaya Edmonds

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Dance

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A dance film on defining a woman. The film covers four sections, each describing different facets of femininity.

Section 1 (Beyonce) - She is regal.
Section 2 (Jill Scott) - She is soft.
Section 3 (Chris Brown) - She is sexy.
Section 4 (Shawnna) - She is a "city girl."

Defining a woman is impossible because She isn't just her physical attraction nor the traditional beliefs of womanhood. She is also masculine and powerful. A woman is undefinable. She is the programmer not program. She is everything, everywhere all at once. A fragment of beautiful chaos.

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2024 Voices Heard Films: Observations

Observations by Nati Rosa Rodriguez

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Documentary

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

(Synopsis not available)

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2024 Films: Science Fiction

Science Fiction by Debra Zarne

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Music video

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A journey through the complexity, stresses, beauty and joy of the contemporary world via a music waveform and visual narrative.

2024 Films: When Did I Become a Senior?

When Did I Become a Senior? by Bob G Tapp

Racine, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Documentary/Comedy

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

Your mirror has told you that you've gotten older. What do you do? Make a short film. Use embarrassing video and pictures of yourself - throw in some Midwestern-style of humor, to show all that you approve of a continuation of your life.

2024 Voices Heard Films: Maladjustment

Maladjustment by Anatasha Blakely
Kenosha, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Horror/ Thriller

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A married couple working remotely during a pandemic slowly begins to unravel.

Instagram

Website

Press

2024 Voices Heard Films: Night Hag

Night Hag by Brandon Champ Robinson

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Horror

Saturday Sept, 7th 1:30PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

The lines between dream and reality become blurred as a woman battling sleep paralysis becomes the target of a relentless demon, the Night Hag.

A woman battling sleep paralysis becomes the target of a relentless demon, the Night Hag.

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Website

2024 Films: Top Secret Jazz

Top Secret Jazz by Tommy Simms & Joe Ludwig
Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 7 minutes
Comedy/ Western/ Fantasy

Sunday Sept 8th, 3pm
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A lone stranger rides into a weathered settlement and tussles with the locals. After a lethal encounter, the gunslinger is transported to a mysterious lounge, where he learns secrets of a trade he never imagined.

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2024 Films: [I Love you Very Much Redux]

[I Love you Very Much Redux] by Amber Rose McNeill

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 2 minutes
Experimental/Feminist Cinema

Sunday Sept 8th, 3pm
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

[I Love You Very Much Redux] takes a pointed analytical approach to the violence that women, femmes, and queer people endure in all social systems under heteronormative, patriarchal, late-stage capitalism.

A mosaic of two previous films from the filmmaker, Normal Porn for Normal People (2020) & [I Love You Very Much] (2023); this piece inspects the zodiac of abusive patterns in media, culture, and interpersonal relationships with a more acute and candid critique than in her earlier gender-focused works.

Segments of famous love letters by Orson Wells, James Joyce, & Johnny Cash are read by serial killers, family annihilators, and perpetrators of femicide. Violent imagery loops the love letters as a cinematic doppelgänger for real-world cycles of abuse. Vintage vignettes of romance and feminist revenge pop spark through the spiraling brutality in an attempt to break the abuse syndrome.

[I Love You Very Much Redux] is aware of its own commentary, using the words of prominent serial killers to dispel any illusion to the conscious complacency of our cultures which unremittently ignore gender-based violence. Two ironies remain; the utilization of Ted Bundy and Jeffery Dahmer to communicate this crucial feminist message, and the systems that speak of liberation and change while continuing to conceal and silence survivors of abuse.

Website

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Facebook

2024 Films: The Avon Lady

The Avon Lady by Carolina Espiro
Granada Hills, CA (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 13 minutes
Comedy

Saturday, Sept 7th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

A hilarious film inspired by the director's mother. A 65 year-old Chilean immigrant named Rosa has finally decided to face her fears of speaking English and become an Avon Lady. However, she's a fantastic failure until she meets an eccentric customer who shows her she'll need more than English to make that sale.

2024 Films: When You're Here, You're Pizza!

When You're Here, You're Pizza! by Tim Schwagel
Eau Claire, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time:8 minutes
Thriller/ Horror/ Comedy

Sunday Sept 8th, 6:30PM + Awards
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

River orders the same pizza every day. What could go wrong?

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2024 Films: Flash Cube

Flash Cube by Alexander Eberhage

Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 3 minutes
Music Video

Saturday, Sept 7th 4:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

TICKETS

Three fashion models ditch their professional photo shoot to have fun in the city for the day when a young amateur photographer comes across them and starts to take pictures of them. They playfully pose for him, but eventually leave. Enamored with one of the women, he looks for them through the subway to catch up with them. In the end, they assert their confidence by turning the tables on him; photographing him with his own camera.

This music video was created by award winning filmmaker Alexander Eberhage who is currently studying directing at DePaul University. He brought together a group of friends to make this video for Xposed 4Heads. Alexander has won awards for his recent epic sci-fi short Galacta Raider and is currently submitting his current short about time travel entitled Defunction to film festivals. Prior work with Xposed 4Heads has included the award-winning animated Dance with the Krampus, Fun Girls and the holiday classic Sleigh Ride.