Episode X
The film festival occured from 9-11 November 2017 at the Candy Factory & The Elks Lodge in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
We presented 48 Official Selections from five categories (drama, comedy, animation, documentary and horror, 30 mins or less) and screened three other short Special Selections (from friends of the festival.)
Mike Lombardo of Reel Splatter Productions hosted the presentation of the Official Selections for Horror along with two Special Selections, his feature film I'm Dreaming of a White Doomsday and The Naught List by Paul Campion.
The 2017 Official Selections
The 2017 Official Selections
2017 GRAND PRIZE & Best Drama
2017 GRAND PRIZE & Best Drama
Le Monde du Petit Monde
Le Monde du Petit Monde
[A Whole World for a Little World]
[A Whole World for a Little World]
By Fabrice Bracq
By Fabrice Bracq
Drama, France, 15 min
Drama, France, 15 min
A woman tells a great story to her baby. In the manner of a tale with princes and princesses, she remains into his memories to pass on his daughter.
A woman tells a great story to her baby. In the manner of a tale with princes and princesses, she remains into his memories to pass on his daughter.
Best Animation
Best Animation
Light Sight by Seyed M. Tabatabaei
M.E., the imprisoned character in a room is attracted to a hanging light and tries to catch it. But the room itself becomes an obstacle on his way.
Iran | 8 min
Best Comedy
Best Comedy
Imaginary Friends by Jason C. Brown
An impetuous young woman with a laundry list of petty problems in her life has an imaginary friend who struggles to deal with his imaginary friendship with Jennifer and his real friendship with other imaginary friends. USA | 14 min
Best Documentary
Best Documentary
The Toothmans by Hansen Bursic
Quietly nestled in a rural town in Pennsylvania, a relatively normal family faces challenges as their daughter comes out as transgender.
USA | 8 min
Best Horror
Best Horror
La Sirena by Rosita Lama Muvdi
A psychosexual fairy tale about a woman who lives in a small fishing village and is having an affair with a married fisherman. A mysterious woman washes up on shore and she is forced to avenge her broken heart. USA | 25 min
Best Home Grown
Best Home Grown
Numbers by Hunter Polanskey
Left in a hopeless state of mind, Hank's post break up mood has been bringing down his room mates. There is only one thing that they think can help with this: throwing him a 'Hank-a-palooza.' USA | 24 min
Best Actor - Manne Gidlund
Best Actor - Manne Gidlund
Bitchboy by Måns Berthas
Lukas, a young dedicated metal head, is visiting his recently departed grandfather at the hospital. Despite the bloodline, he doesn’t want the old man to be buried in the family grave. Dark secrets come to light, and when opportunity comes, he seeks revenge. Drama | Sweden | 15 min
#taggedBy Martijn WinklerDrama | The Netherlands | 12m
#tagged is the story of Elise, a 14 year old girl, and her mobile phone. We watch as the content she posts on different social media gets out of hand, and out of her control. Her phone turns from being her best friend to her worst enemy.
#tagged is the story of Elise, a 14 year old girl, and her mobile phone. We watch as the content she posts on different social media gets out of hand, and out of her control. Her phone turns from being her best friend to her worst enemy.
3:08By Arash HadaviHorror | Iran | 4m
In the middle of night, he wakes up from a nightmare and he hears a sound from kitchen. He gets of the bed to look for the source of the sound and strange things starts to happen.
In the middle of night, he wakes up from a nightmare and he hears a sound from kitchen. He gets of the bed to look for the source of the sound and strange things starts to happen.
Born, Bone, 墓音。[Born, Bone, Boon]By GoriComedy | Japan | 25m
On Aguni Island, in a traditional ceremony, a family wash their late father's bones.
On Aguni Island, in a traditional ceremony, a family wash their late father's bones.
Bowmansville Roller MillBy David SpeaceDocumentary | USA | 25m
A documentary short about the historic and fully operational Bowmansville Roller Mill.
A documentary short about the historic and fully operational Bowmansville Roller Mill.
Chasing Titles Vol. 1By Ryan EgyptDrama | USA | 25m
Desperate for money, a man runs a side hustle while working for an express mail company. When he loses his job and screws up his side hustle, he falls into deep depression which calls for desperate measures.
Desperate for money, a man runs a side hustle while working for an express mail company. When he loses his job and screws up his side hustle, he falls into deep depression which calls for desperate measures.
DollBy Tony Yang & Jia HeHorror | Australia | 6m
A girl is trapped in a house where an evil nesting doll captures souls
A girl is trapped in a house where an evil nesting doll captures souls
Doorway of 1,000 ChurchesBy Tiffany Echo WolfDrama | USA* | 12m
A young woman departs on a pilgrimage to understand life's mysteries.
A young woman departs on a pilgrimage to understand life's mysteries.
En Svensk Klassiker [A Swedish Classic]By Måns BerthasDrama | Sweden | 8m
A woman wakes in the forest to the sound of a deafening car horn. Her husband in the crashed car nearby, in bad shape but alive. In the wrecked interior, they start to talk about their relationship.
A woman wakes in the forest to the sound of a deafening car horn. Her husband in the crashed car nearby, in bad shape but alive. In the wrecked interior, they start to talk about their relationship.
Filling InBy Bradley HawkinsComedy | USA* | 22m
A gentle giant of man, down on his luck, considers a risky and covert career path. To help him learn the ropes, a grizzled vet in the field takes him under his wing.
A gentle giant of man, down on his luck, considers a risky and covert career path. To help him learn the ropes, a grizzled vet in the field takes him under his wing.
First DateBy Kyle Wayne MartinHorror | USA | 6m
A man and woman share an unforgettable night together.
A man and woman share an unforgettable night together.
FramedBy Marco JemoloAnimation | Italy | 7m
FRAMED is a noir animated short-film, which explores the sensitive subject of alienation in society.
FRAMED is a noir animated short-film, which explores the sensitive subject of alienation in society.
Hope Works Here: A Camden StoryBy Peter ProkopDocumentary | USA | 28m
HopeWorks is an award-winning non-profit organization in Camden, NJ whose mission is to provide education, counseling and entrepreneurship to young people while helping them sustain a future in one of the most dangerous cities in America.
HopeWorks is an award-winning non-profit organization in Camden, NJ whose mission is to provide education, counseling and entrepreneurship to young people while helping them sustain a future in one of the most dangerous cities in America.
InstinctBy Kevin QuinnDrama | USA | 10m
David takes his new stepson James on a hunting trip to find his first kill. However, when brought face to face with an eight-pointer buck, James can’t bring himself to pull the trigger.
David takes his new stepson James on a hunting trip to find his first kill. However, when brought face to face with an eight-pointer buck, James can’t bring himself to pull the trigger.
I Want CandyBy Patrick SebesHorror | USA | 7m
A creepy trick-or-treater in an Old Man mask shows up asking for candy, a special kind of candy.
A creepy trick-or-treater in an Old Man mask shows up asking for candy, a special kind of candy.
Kid FriendlyBy Theodore GibbonsComedy | USA | 22m
Fresh ten years out of college, three members of the former punk rock band “Vagina Revolt,” try to find success as children’s entertainers in New York City.
Fresh ten years out of college, three members of the former punk rock band “Vagina Revolt,” try to find success as children’s entertainers in New York City.
Kill The EngineBy Derek FreyComedy | USA | 11m
Three broken men decide to kill themselves by carbon monoxide poisoning, but the group suicide is foiled when the vehicle of their demise fails to start.
Three broken men decide to kill themselves by carbon monoxide poisoning, but the group suicide is foiled when the vehicle of their demise fails to start.
Knife-Bricker: The BrickeningBy Robert (Jack) CulbertsonComedy | USA | 7m
Mother, the night is cold. As steel. As a...steel knife. Father, the streets are hard. As a rock. As a...rock brick. I am the cold hard night for which Crime dresses warmly as it fears the name of... Knife-Bricker!
Mother, the night is cold. As steel. As a...steel knife. Father, the streets are hard. As a rock. As a...rock brick. I am the cold hard night for which Crime dresses warmly as it fears the name of... Knife-Bricker!
LacrimosaBy Tanja MairitschDrama | Austria | 19m
A young girl Mila wakes up in an unknown world full of mysteries. On her journey through ever changing surreal landscapes she meets her lover Theo. Mila has to learn that love also means to let go.
A young girl Mila wakes up in an unknown world full of mysteries. On her journey through ever changing surreal landscapes she meets her lover Theo. Mila has to learn that love also means to let go.
LatchedBy Justin Harding & Rob BrunnerHorror | Canada | 17m
A woman unknowingly awakens a vile fairy corpse. When she discovers the creature’s terrifying intentions, she will have to put her creativity to good use to lure the repugnant beast.
A woman unknowingly awakens a vile fairy corpse. When she discovers the creature’s terrifying intentions, she will have to put her creativity to good use to lure the repugnant beast.
LegerdemainBy Rob UnderhillDrama | USA | 10m
Max offers Sally the opportunity of a lifetime to try out for the role of assistant in his wildly successful magician's road-show. But it is a take-all contest, and indeed the loser loses EVERYTHING.
Max offers Sally the opportunity of a lifetime to try out for the role of assistant in his wildly successful magician's road-show. But it is a take-all contest, and indeed the loser loses EVERYTHING.
Lobster CageBy Justin Feinman & Sean GeisterferDrama | USA | 17m
A death row inmate being served his last meal attempts to make a personal breakthrough with the rookie prison guard assigned to carry out his execution.
A death row inmate being served his last meal attempts to make a personal breakthrough with the rookie prison guard assigned to carry out his execution.
Nje Muaj [A Month]By Zgjim TerziqiDrama | Kosovo | 26m
A 40-year-old unmarried blind woman who lives with her four sisters. Their pact concludes that every one of the four sisters will take care of Ana at their respective homes for a month each.
A 40-year-old unmarried blind woman who lives with her four sisters. Their pact concludes that every one of the four sisters will take care of Ana at their respective homes for a month each.
おべんとう [O Bento]By Motoyuki ItabashiDrama | Japan | 23m
A young man who really loves his bento lunch.
A young man who really loves his bento lunch.
On The RoadBy Bartosz NowackiDrama | Poland | 23m
A woman picks up a hitchhiker. The man does not come across as trustworthy and the woman decides to pick up another person. The characters hide some secrets that, revealed in small steps, will lead to tragic events.
A woman picks up a hitchhiker. The man does not come across as trustworthy and the woman decides to pick up another person. The characters hide some secrets that, revealed in small steps, will lead to tragic events.
PietasBy Robert WatersComedy | USA | 4m
Sometimes the toughest part of your day is explaining it to a loved one.
Sometimes the toughest part of your day is explaining it to a loved one.
Reverse PsychologyBy Maria BuonoComedy | Canada | 8m
A mentally ill patient violently resists getting any help from his therapist.
A mentally ill patient violently resists getting any help from his therapist.
ScatteredBy Ellie Harvey & Audrey Martin Comedy | Canada | 10m
Two women venture into the woods to scatter their friend's ashes and fumble for a way to say good bye.
Two women venture into the woods to scatter their friend's ashes and fumble for a way to say good bye.
Searching SkiesBy Vivian HuaDrama | USA | 9m
When a Syrian refugee family is invited to a Christian family's house for Christmas dinner, they are caught between opposing viewpoints for and against them -- until an unexpected event suddenly occurs.
When a Syrian refugee family is invited to a Christian family's house for Christmas dinner, they are caught between opposing viewpoints for and against them -- until an unexpected event suddenly occurs.
She FollowsBy Bennett ShuppHorror | USA | 10m
A recent college graduate finds himself being followed by a young woman who is searching for answers.
A recent college graduate finds himself being followed by a young woman who is searching for answers.
SummertideBy Amin ShaikhDrama | USA | 5m
Three teenage girls return to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the summer of 2016, hoping to find each other where they used to spend much of their youth.
Three teenage girls return to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the summer of 2016, hoping to find each other where they used to spend much of their youth.
The ArchivistBy Gregory BurackerDrama | USA | 12m
In a time when memories are put on 16mm film reels, all cataloged in a library, The Archivist who preserves the memories must pursue the Bandit who has stolen his, before they are destroyed.
In a time when memories are put on 16mm film reels, all cataloged in a library, The Archivist who preserves the memories must pursue the Bandit who has stolen his, before they are destroyed.
The CondoBy David ZhouComedy | USA | 23m
A comedy about best friends and roommates, Steven and Rahul, who open their condo into an underground casino in order to raise money to pay off a debt owed to the Chinese gambling syndicate.
A comedy about best friends and roommates, Steven and Rahul, who open their condo into an underground casino in order to raise money to pay off a debt owed to the Chinese gambling syndicate.
The FallenBy Justin LundDrama | USA | 18m
A distressed husband hires a conspirator to help him murder his wife's lover, but soon finds his own life in jeopardy.
A distressed husband hires a conspirator to help him murder his wife's lover, but soon finds his own life in jeopardy.
The Legend of GimghoulBy Daniel SpillerComedy | USA | 7m
The Legend of Gimghoul follows the "named after a city" Boston as he faces his first date anxiety and ends up on a blueberry filled adventure with the "named after a state" Carolina.
The Legend of Gimghoul follows the "named after a city" Boston as he faces his first date anxiety and ends up on a blueberry filled adventure with the "named after a state" Carolina.
言葉のため息[The Sighs of Language]By Slowny SowDrama | Japan | 24min
In Tokyo, a fateful encounter in front of a bright chandelier. They can't understand each other but there is a special connection between them. A pure love story to keep a promise left in a hidden message.
In Tokyo, a fateful encounter in front of a bright chandelier. They can't understand each other but there is a special connection between them. A pure love story to keep a promise left in a hidden message.
The UnderdogBy Tyler BonnerComedy | USA | 8m
Blood, sweat, and a soviet hockey team stand in between underdog Tom Cameron and his quest to win the 1987 Wet T-Shirt Regional Finals.
Blood, sweat, and a soviet hockey team stand in between underdog Tom Cameron and his quest to win the 1987 Wet T-Shirt Regional Finals.
ToastBy Michael McGuirkComedy | USA | 24m
After a long-term relationship ends, a man tries to save what's left by making a slice of toast.
After a long-term relationship ends, a man tries to save what's left by making a slice of toast.
TrickBy Alexander MonelliDocumentary | USA | 4m
"Trick" is a short documentary about Tom Shultz, who fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a magician at 80 years old.
"Trick" is a short documentary about Tom Shultz, who fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a magician at 80 years old.
ウォーターカラーズ[Water Colors]By Takashi YoneokaAnimation | Japan | 2m
When nobody is in a room, tiny watercolor painters jump onto the canvas. The white watercolour watches them from afar because he has no colour.
When nobody is in a room, tiny watercolor painters jump onto the canvas. The white watercolour watches them from afar because he has no colour.
White GuiltBy Ben EdmundsComedy | United Kingdom | 8m
Louis is racked with guilt after an innocuous and misconstrued joke is made by his best friend, Patrice. Worried that Patrice might think he is racist, Louis attempts to heal hundreds of years of inequality in a single night. Patrice just wants some sleep.
Louis is racked with guilt after an innocuous and misconstrued joke is made by his best friend, Patrice. Worried that Patrice might think he is racist, Louis attempts to heal hundreds of years of inequality in a single night. Patrice just wants some sleep.
Whoever Was Using This BedBy Andrew KotatkoDrama | Australia | 20m
A married couple is woken in the dead of night by a mysterious phone call. Unable to sleep, they are drawn into an unsettling examination of their fears and desires. Based on a story by Raymond Carver (Birdman), starring Jean-Marc Barr (The Big Blue), Radha Mitchell (Man on Fire) and Jane Birkin (Blow Up).