Special Screening (Feature Film) William “Dummy “ Hoy one of the first Deaf Major League Baseball players, not only overcame many obstacles to become one of the greatest players of his time, he introduced umpire hand signs for STRIKE and BALL. Directed by David Risotto
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After 2 years with live screening, we are changing it to broaden the audience with Online Screening Festival as well, and opening entries from all filmmakers and teams. This festival is not only to encourage filmmakers of ALL backgrounds with a passion to use the 7th art to create films that inspire others and make the world a better place but also to promote the teamwork between Deaf and Hearing filmmakers on set. We will host 2 ONLINE competitions which will be open for the whole worldwide audience. The film with most views will win the Audience Choice Award*. The winners and runners-up films will be screened live at the 3rd TSWY International Film Festival with Live Screenings in 2020, and the filmmakers will be invited to the Award Ceremony (in Los Angeles) to receive their prizes. Eligibility: Films are eligible if they consist of at least 1(ONE) of the following criteria: 1 - Film must have a positive and empowering message that impact the modern society and humanity. (i.e. films about abortion, addictions, rape culture, disability rights, racism) (Crew and cast CAN be all hearing or all deaf) OR 2 - Film must have been made by a Deaf AND hearing crew and cast where at least 1 Deaf and 1 Hearing worked in a prominent position of the crew or cast. (i.e. Writer, Director, Producer, Lead Actor) (Any theme/story/genre is acceptable) - Films previously submitted to the TSWY International Film Festival are not eligible for this year's festival. - ABSOLUTELY NO DOCUMENTARIES, MUSIC VIDEOS, WEBSERIES EPISODES/PILOT, ANIMATION. - ALL films MUST have OPEN CAPTIONS. Films submitted with close captions will be reviewed, however if in consideration, the filmmaker will be requested to submit an open caption version. If filmmaker fails to comply with the request or miss the deadline, the film will be declined. - There must not be a screening fee attached to the film. TSWY Film Fest will not pay a screening fee to any film featured in the Festival; there are no exceptions. - Films that have had a theatrical release, a television broadcast within or outside the United States or a release through an on-demand outlet such as Netflix, Amazon On-Demand or any other outlets are not eligible. RULES FOR SUBMISSION In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, filmmakers must comply with the following submission rules: - The submitting filmmaker must be either the producer or director of the film and have the all rights and copyrights to their films. By Submitting to the festival, filmmakers thereby grant TSWY Film Fest the right to screen their film. -Entries are accepted through www.filmfreeway.com ONLY - Payment of the non-refundable entry fee must accompany the submission. Payment must be submitted through FilmFreeway.com ONLY - Link to a functional streaming video file (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) in high definition 720p or 1080p. If the link is password-protected, the password is mandatory. Links may be included in the FilmFreeway cover letter or emailed to [email protected]. - Multiple submissions must be provided as individual submissions. *AWARDS/PRIZES $100 Cash Prize - Audience Choice Award (US Filmmakers ONLY) Trophy Laurel - Official Selection **TSWY International Film Festival is organized by KMB Entertainment and will be screening online from its online platform. We work in partnership with Belas Arts, a non-profit organization and all profit will be apply to Cash prizes and/or the upcoming productions of new films and live screening festivals.** WINTER SEASON: Open Submissions: January 1st, 2019 Close Submissions: March 15th, 2019 Notification Date: March 16th, 2019 Festival Dates: March 24th - March 31st, 2019 SPRING SEASON: Open Submissions: April 1st, 2019 Close Submissions: May 15th, 2019 Notification Date: May 16th, 2019 Festival Dates: May 23rd - May 30th, 2019 NOVEMBER 3RD, 2018 SPECIAL SCREENING Free to the Public 2pm - 3pm Filmmakers whose films are being screened at the festival will be interviewed in a talk-show style by Festival's Director; Katia Belas. This event will be ASL Interpreted. Interview Hostess Special Guest:
Event Locations:
Hasley Hall Theatre College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd Valencia, CA 91355 * ASL Interpreters will be available ** Free Parking
Synopsis: When Annie falls in love, at the first sight, with AJ at a local cafe, she wasn't expecting the whole new culture and adventure that would come with it. Annie finds out soon enough that AJ is a very attractive gentleman that happens to be...Deaf. As all relationships are based on communication, Annie and AJ go through many trials and obstacles while trying to understand each other in different languages and ways of communication. Not counting also with their own, long time friends and roommates, Hank and Emma, who don't approve of their relationship. Director - Katia Belas Katia Belas graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Federal University of Rio De Janeiro Brazil. While in Brazil, she was invited to assist the producer of Brazilian Singer Elaine Guedes for her concert at the Municipal Theatre of Niteroi, RJ as well as the producer of Ricky Martin's concert on Feb. 2nd, 1997, in Rio De Janeiro. She came to America to improve her skills in film producing by taking a certificated program of courses in Film and TV at UCLA Extension, which has led her to Internships in TV and Film productions such as Crush (2000) from USA Network, Jane Bond (2001), a short film from Trillion Entertainment (Raleigh Studios). Katia's experience has also afforded her the opportunity to work in the production offices of Lynda Obst (Lynda Obst Productions), based out of Paramount Pictures, and in the personal office of Executive Producer Dan Halsted (Halsted Pictures). More work and IMDb credits: www.KMBEntertainment.com
Synopsis: “This is Ed!!,” is a lighthearted comedy based on a true story, illustrating that the difficulties two deaf friends have communicating with each other, can have a humorous side. In the summer of 1973, Steve and Ed are best friends living in the same apartment complex, when Ed finds himself in need of Steve to help him out before an important date. A hilarious conversation ensues is a frustrated Ed tries repeatedly to make Steve understand that he desperately needs his assistance. Steve, using broken and outdated body hearing aids, is completely clueless to his buddy’s predicament which only leads to frustration for Ed until he reaches the breaking point. Director - Bob Hiltermann Bob Hiltermann was born in Wiesbaden, Germany. Spinal meningitis left him deaf at the age of 4, which went undiagnosed for over a year. He suffered through years of difficulty with communication until he was accepted to Gallaudet University where he learned sign language and became involved in theater and music. Over the years Bob would perform in movies, TV, theater, perform as a drummer in the world’s only deaf rock band, “Beethoven’s Nightmare” which is still performing internationally, and he just finished producing and directing his first award winning movie, “This is Ed!!”
Synopsis: A traveler and a Deaf girl use their own way to find their own voice. By chance, they meet each other. What are found finally? Directors - Terry Tsoi and Desmond Chan
Synopsis: A brave Deaf woman searching for her missing friend encounters a Deaf alien struggling to come to terms with his traumatic past. Director - Mark Trifunovic Mark Trifunovic is a filmmaker from Leeds, U.K., now living and working in Toronto, Canada. Most recently, Mark wrote and directed Deafening Darkness, a Toronto Arts Council funded psychological drama/thriller, working with an all Deaf cast, that sought to address themes of isolation within the Deaf community while celebrating the richness and diversity of Deaf culture. Mark's filmmaking career started in the U.K. working as a production assistant and assistant director on various music videos, short films, TV dramas, documentaries and feature films, during which time he was able to start making films of his own. He received support from Leeds' BAFTA award winner Kay Mellor to make his short horror film, DRIP, after working with her on a production in Leeds. In 2015, Mark produced his first feature film, Busking Turf Wars, working closely with his younger brother Peter who co-wrote and directed the film. After a packed out premiere screening at Leeds' Hyde Park Picture House, Busking Turf Wars went on screen at film festivals in the USA, Canada and England, winning several awards including the coveted Audience Choice award at No Gloss Film Festival when it returned to screen in Leeds in October 2016. The film is now available to rent and purchase through VimeoOnDemand. Alongside a number of shorter form projects, Mark is currently working on a treatment for a feature length film to once again work with members of the Deaf community.
Synopsis: After leaving her hometown for big city life, Rose must return home to care for her ailing mother. It is the 1950s, and Rose is a trailblazer at a time when the role of women was beginning to change. Back home, she befriends James, a deaf man. Although the role of women was evolving, deaf people were still typically seen as outcasts. Rose is intrigued by James. She learns that just because he cannot hear or speak, there are many ways to communicate, and finds that he is intelligent, thoughtful and creative. Although her family and friends discourage the unlikely friendship, the two grow to appreciate each other and fall in love. Sometimes you find what you are looking for where you least expect it — and coming home, Rose discovers herself, finds love, and learns to appreciate the life she left behind. Director - Deborah LaVine Deborah LaVine is the Program Director of the graduate level Film Directing Program at California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS). An award winning director, Deborah’s most recent work is the short film, UNINTENDED. The film features Jeff Perry, a founding member of the Steppenwolf Theater Company and co-star of the television series, SCANDAL. UNINTENDED is scheduled for completion in August 2016. Other recent film works include, LOST MUSIC, a lyrical exploration of loss and memory featuring Barbara Bain that played the Newport Beach Film Festival and the Sedona Film Festival among others. Deborah’s short film, PRAIRIE SONATA, screened at the Moondance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado winning the Spirit of the Festival, and Audience Favorite awards there. It has also played the Reel Dakota Festival, The Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Black Hills Film Festival. PRAIRIE SONATA, filmed in South Dakota, served as an inspiration for WILD PRAIRIE ROSE. Theatrically, Deborah has directed over 300 professional productions across the United States for which she has received many prestigious awards including 4 Ovation awards, 16 Drama-Logue/Backstage West awards, and a NAACP Image Award citation among others. Select Los Angeles productions include NAPOLI MILIONARA at the Road Theater (Ovation award winner Outstanding Director and Best Production), THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI at Theater Exchange, Deaf West Theater’s STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Ovation award Best Production), KINDERTRANSPORT and A SHAYNA MAIDEL at the Tiffany Theatre, THE ACCOMPLICES at the Fountain Theater, and Edgemar Center for the Arts multi-award winning BLACK CAT CABARET.
Synopsis: The story of two twins separated at birth, Hedy and Heidi: The Lost Sister follows two twin sisters who lead drastically different lives. After decades of vivid dreams and intuitions about an unknown sister, HEDY (Heidi Branch) discovers the existence of her so-called twin, HEIDI (Heidi Branch- yes, it’s the same actress.) Determined to find closure behind the true meaning of her dreams, she leads viewers on a hilarious and charming quest to find what she truly hopes will be the sister she’d been dreaming of. Bumping into improbable situations and unique characters along the way, Hedy finally finds the woman she believes to be her sister. Her abrupt arrival quickly causes discord in the family. Heidi’s busy life is soon thrown into disarray by the arrival of this quirky and seemingly incompetent stranger. With an increasingly frustrated husband and two teenage boys, Heidi is forced to learn how to balance life and Hedy’s shenanigans. Will Heidi reach a breaking point? Can Hedy ever win the love of her new family?
Synopsis: Alcoholic English teacher, Andrew, does a hit and run. Five years later, his flashbacks haven't stopped, and his guilt increases when he comes face-to-face with his victim who suffered the consequences of his actions. Director - Lucy Jordan Lucy Jordan (also known as videowave101 on YouTube) is a filmmaker and actress. Lucy began creating and sharing 'Binweevils' gaming videos at age 11 and soon went on to editing movie-fandom music videos. After feedback she would receive from classmates and influence from actor, Alan Rickman, Lucy decided to pursue her hobby for making videos, later turning into a professional passion for filmmaking, by creating and sharing her own visual content (including music videos, short films, travel videos, and so on) on what still is, her YouTube channel, 'videowave101'. Since launching 'videowave101', Lucy has gained an overall viewcount of 1.5M+ and 4000+ subscribers. Aside from being an active YouTuber, Lucy has completed a L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and a BA in Digital Film Production, where she has continued to achieve overall distinctions grades. Alongside her studies, Lucy has been taking classes in British Sign Language, where she has achieved L1 & L2 qualifications in BSL. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys playing the piano, drawing, and modelling in Japanese fashion shows.
Synopsis: Charlie is trying to save his relationship with his girlfriend. The captioner of the movie is not helping his efforts. A hilarious battle of wills ensues. Director - Jeff Vande Zande Jeff Vande Zande teaches English and Film Production at Delta College in Michigan. In addition to publishing novels and short fiction, he has seen many of his short films selected for inclusion in numerous film festivals. He came to filmmaking later in life through screenwriting and just recently moved into shooting and editing his own films. Trent Wade served as an advisor for the film. Wade teaches American Sign Language at Delta College.
Synopsis: Aaron and Eva have been dating for almost a year and believe their relationship is headed on the right track. It isn't until a night out, that a misunderstanding comes between their love. Now they must reevaluate their relationship, while reliving the first time they met and the night in question. Can love speak in more than one language? Director - Manuel Montanez While doing missionary work in Africa, Manuel Montanez was inspired to study film after creating a short documentary called, On the Field (Liberia, West Africa.) A son of Northeast Los Angeles, he is an alumnus of Pasadena City College and completed its Cinema Program in 2013. It was there that his thesis film Culture made its world premiere and went on take home the Audience Favorite award at the PCC Film Festival
Synopsis: Using silent vignettes, music, and sign language, “Sign” uniquely tells the story of a relationship between Ben, a hearing man, and Aaron, who is deaf. Director - Andrew Keenan-Bolger Andrew Keenan-Bolger is an actor, director and bestselling author currently starring as “Jesse Tuck” in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway. Other Broadway: "Crutchie" in Newsies, Mary Poppins, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast. Film/TV: The Rewrite, Marci X, Are You Joking?, “Nurse Jackie”, “Looking,” “Naked Brothers Band,” “One Life to Live.” As a filmmaker, he’s been profiled in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, AP and New York Magazine. Co-director of the short films The Ceiling Fan, Sign and critically acclaimed webseries, “Submissions Only.” Co-author of the book series Jack & Louisa (Penguin Random House). @KeenanBlogger
Synopsis: Jakob, born with only one normal eye, has been given a gift at a very tender age and he does not understand the sacrifice and the love of his Mother until it is too late. Growing up, Jakob is mocked and bullied about his scar and his one-eyed Mother. The stigma of his mother’s blindness is piercing and he does not want to be associated with it. Born of frustration, anger and disdain for his Mother, Jakob rejects her unconditional love and leaves home to make a life of his own. Jakob is then summoned by a friend of is dying Mother to return home. The truth behind his scar is revealed and the irreparable damage of his decisions and actions unfolds. Directors Phillip Randell; A Man Of A Thousand Names. Born on October 27, 1974 in Stockton, CA and still calls it home regardless of where he goes on his journey. Phillip attended California School for the Deaf, Fremont and Gallaudet University. A Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and an Actor for hire. Phillip considers projects like this a blessing and lives with a thousand characters inside his head that he brings to life through his writing. Phillip extends his gratitude to you for your appreciation of his work. Timothy C. Hickerson founded the Artistic Stage language in 2002, a theatrical stage performance by and of the Deaf Community for the northern central valley. Tim had directed and produced " Love On The West Side". Artistic Stage Theatre Company close off a year later in 2003. Currently Tim is employed as a Customer Advisor with a state job, however, Tim has recently join up with Heart Touch Production. He's giving in his stage directing talent to help forth a positive outcome of a short film, "Eye of the Beholder" through film Production which is a new opportunity for him. Tim was born on September 23, 1964 in Vallejo, California. Attended Cleveland school, Lincoln California, then onward to El Dorado School in Stockton, California, before attending California School for the Deaf, Berkeley. The school relocate to Fremont, California where he graduated in 1983. Tim is a third generation deaf family. Favorite hobbies are writing lyrics, writing short scripts, composing poems, making music, singing and song signing performance and Tim enjoys outdoor extracurricular activities.
Synopsis: Greta lives alone. Her tranquility is disrupted when her son hires a caretaker for her. Being the strong willed woman Greta is, she refuses any help from Mary, the caretaker. Greta must learn to accept that she's not as young as she once was and accept help even if she doesn't want it. Director - James Elinski James Elinski, a Pennsylvania native, is a film production major from Chapman University. At 21 years old, he has created films ranging from minute long pieces to feature length films. After going to Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA for two years, he decided to move to California and continue his education at Chapman University. As a member of the LGBT community, he strives to normalize the portrayal of the gay community in film. In addition, James’s goal is to create a completely inclusive environment for all backgrounds within the film industry. |
2019
In Alphabetical Order: Honor Crimes Miles In Love Our Basketball Dream Over The Pain Return Flight Romance Routine Silent Ruin The Matter At Hand TSWY-A Culture of Silence Special Feature: The Silent Natural In Alphabetical Order:
Awkward Silence Eye of the Beholder Hedy and Heidi:The Lost Sister Greta, My Love Oh, Sugar! Relationshit Sign - A Silent Film Talk to the Hands - A Prologue Tempo Telltale Signs This is Ed!! White Noise Wild Prairie Rose 2017
Festival Information List of Winners Body Language Crushed Dawn of the Deaf Deaf and Dumb Found on South Street How to... Impetus Mute Pittsburgh Sense The Crackdown The Quiet Ones The Sound of Fear |