Tag: Independent Film

Layma’s Poem Prepares Us for a Magic Carpet Ride

The pen is mightier than the sword, and in Layma’s Poem care more than your standard mystical meaning as a world in chaos tries to wreck one poor girl’s soul.

Layma’s PoemFreestyle Digital Media
On Demand (Apple TV+) and Digital, Feb 21st

In Syria, a young girl (voiced by Millie Davis) is getting ready to embark on a magic carpet ride while a civil war breaks out in Aleppo. And what we witness in Layma’s Poem is a tale that delicately balances between the reality of her life and another fantasy that’s not too different from Pan’s Labyrinth. Thankfully, it’s not totally scary. But to help her during this trying time is a book of wisdom by Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī. This author is more commonly known as Jalaluddin Rumi.

It helps her understand everything that’s going on not only from his time (800 years ago) but also now. What we hear can also teach us something too about patience and virtue. Although the younger version of this poet hasn’t earned his recognition as a person of wisdom yet, what he learns from his peer and later imparts to the girl is very inspiring.

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Want A Bloody Valentine? Vampus Horror Tales Are Here!

I wouldn’t call these tales presented in Vampus Horror Tales exceptional, but they do poke at what makes this upcoming day uniquely red.

Vampus Horror TalesUNCORK’D ENTERTAINMENT
ON DEMAND AND DIGITAL, FEB 14, 2023

Although Mr. Fettes (Saturnino García) is not a household name, I’m sure Latino fandom will love him! He’s not like Narciso Ibañez Serrador yet, but I’m sure the movie Vampus Horror Tales will help this gravedigger get some recognition. This actor gives his all to the role, and honestly, I loved these interludes a lot more.

This modestly budgeted horror anthology features other strange pathos going on, but to show why this cemetery custodian is tops, we have to wait to witness how he introduces each tale by the stroke of his own hand.

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Relax, I’m From the Future. So What Can Absolutely Go Wrong (or Get Right)?

Luke Higginson’s movie doesn’t borrow a lot from the well known flicks of yesteryears. Instead, Relax, I’m From the Future plays with the tropes differently.

I'm From the FuturePlaying at the Victoria Film Festival
Odeon 2, Feb 8th, 8:30pm (limited tickets left at the door)

Casper (Rhys Darby) is from the future, and he’s out to change history just a little …. or a lot! However, in Luke Higginson‘s expanded version of his short film, Relax, I’m From the Future, what he’s altered has ramifications to more than the lives of those he met. It’s also about preventing that world he left from happening. For those curious as to where this movie will screen next, please visit the official Facebook page.

Many fans of this genre are aware these tales concern cause and effect. This time traveller is after Percy (Julian Richings), and it’s not because this down-and-out punk rock artist is ready to end his life. To interfere must mean something. Fans of this British-Canadian actor know him best as Death from The CW‘s Supernatural and depending on how well one knows his vast filmography, he’s a much loved character actor. I think seeing him in a non-enigmatic role is a huge sell.

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More Punk Than Just A Death of a Rockstar

Röckët Stähr’s Death of a Rockstar recalls everything that we love from 70s and 80s era Rock n Roll!

Death of a RockstarAvailable to view on Roku and Tubi
DVD, Bluray and Soundtrack can be purchased through the official eBay store.

Röckët Stähr’s Death of a Rockstar has redefined what a concept album can look like as an animated movie experience. There’s honestly not enough material in this specific subgenre for fans to enjoy (the other is Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem), and I love them all! The throwback animation style may not be for everyone, and I find parts of it very nostalgic. It felt like watching a Fleischer Studios cartoon with classic rock and roll music added on top.

Here, we’re presented with a story about the fate of a four-armed frontman (Stähr) as his show comes to a finale. After this band delivers a rousing performance to a packed house, someone in the crowd fires a gun, and the title card is displayed–he’s presumably killed. As this dying musician vibes back to his rise, what’s shown shows his success didn’t come easy. Also, there are even some moments which remind me of Nelvana’s Rock n’ Rule, as this star sings his heart away. One detail I love is the lyrics rendering in real time like a karaoke video! Usually, this option is rarely offered until a work gets offered as a sing-along to an anniversary celebration.

What we hear are songs recounting his life. The flashbacks include his creation, which is almost straight out of Frankenstein. He’s created by a mad scientist, Creigh A. Tor whose goal is to spur a movement to free the world from C. Czar’s oppressive regime. Röcky’s birth is no different from any other creation myth, and he’s lucky to not live an existence in excess. In regard to what he learns and expresses via song deserves attention.
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Greywood’s Plot, An Early Halloween Style Trick or Treat!

Ultimately, Greywood’s Plot is about freeing that personality hiding within. And as for what Greywood does, well, that’d be telling.

Greywood's PlotSpoiler Alert

Some nightmare scenarios come from not waking up to smell the roses. And in Josh Stifter‘s movie, Greywood’s Plot, Dom (played by this filmmaker) has to deal with facing his problems head on. He’s a bookworm and wannabe cryptozoologist who podcasts out of his parent’s basement. Despite efforts from his mom to get him out to learn about the world, it seems he’s done nothing fruitful.

Technically, he’s the hero of the story, and the way he treats Miles (Keith Kadichel) makes up part of the tale. After receiving a mysterious videotape confirming there are creatures skirting around his neck of the woods, Dom drags his pal along, and they nearly have a fight. Their friendship is in jeopardy, and when they split up, it’s safe to say, “ut-oh. This won’t go well.”

They’re lost in the woods of some remote part of Minnesota, in a search for answers to life, universe, and everything.

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