For many soldiers haunted by the demons of battlefield experiences, discussing them with ordinary civilians may prove unbearable. Even with their own health and well-being on the line, many would rather stay silent about their struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Filmmaker Stacey Stone brings this struggle to light through her documentary, My Own War. In it, she attempts to open up conversations and illuminate a path towards healing for all of those who suffer from PTSD.
Slim (Feature Critique)
Slim (Michael Arell) is an overweight archaeologist who doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in his life… That is, until his boss sends him on a mission to find the mythical Golden Dustpan. While Slim gets himself into far more trouble than he expected on his quest, he ends up learning about himself and who he wants to be in the world.
Directing Actors – Volume I (Training Review)
The relationship between a film director and their actors will make or break the final movie. Despite beautiful cinematography or excellent sound design, the performances will ultimately control the believability of the characters in any story. And as the director, one must guide and encourage the actors to deliver work that feels real, even though the film around them is artificially constructed. So how should a director approach this task?
LessLOST (Straight Shooter Film Review)
For soldiers who have survived the horrors of war, coping with the psychological trauma back home can be its own battle. Less Lost, directed by Chase Conner, follows Luke (Shane Fike), a medically-retired U.S. Army soldier who must now readjust to civilian life.
Big Gold Dream (Straight Shooter Film Review)
In 1970s Scotland, a musical wave swelled with energy. The genre of punk music attracted a tenacious following, thriving on the raw energy of its performers and fan base. So fast-moving that it almost instantly transitioned into post-punk, this movement suddenly gave many young people a voice- and a tenacious audience for their music.