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Meet the Filmmaker: Josh Berkowitz, “Shame, Compassion and Defence”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
JB: I became a filmmaker because of John Cassavetes and David Lynch but that was much later on. I have been making films with the best friends I have had my whole life and still make films with these same people. I decided at a certain point somewhere in adolescence that being weird was way more important than being cool until I began to influence people through my films and that being weird was cooler than anything.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
JB: I made Shame, Compassion and Defence in my junior year of college when I was going through a really painful revelation of a childhood trauma and this vision came flying out of me and has snuck its way into other peoples psyche through its music and unexplainable nostalgic haunting quality. It has screened during a retrospective of my film work in 2017.

Q: What else are you working on?
JB: I am currently working on a play called The Family Rules, The Family Jewels, a psychodrama in three acts which is about all taking traumatic memories and turning them into song, dance and slapstick.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
JB: I always write about real things and the realer I get the less real it seems. I guess that is what I love most about life, the absurd and the surreal. I believe that magic comes from manure.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
JB: all inquires can be sent to joshberk11@gmail.com

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
JB: Super grateful that they appreciated my wackiness and essence.

Shame, Compassion and Defence will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: Lindsay Morrison, “Gyre”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
LM: I was a college art & design student when I started making films. I had gotten a taste of it earlier on through class projects, but when I met a fellow music-video-lover who wanted to team up with me to make music videos, I finally got a chance to start creating my own vision — and boy, was it a rush! I started with music videos and moved onto short films within a couple years. Creating moving images was a feeling for me like no other, and I knew I needed to keep going. So after receiving a BFA in art & design from Cal Poly SLO, I decided to go to film school to earn an MFA in film production from USC School of Cinematic Arts. And the rest is history! I still get a rush from filmmaking and from screening my films every single time; it never, ever gets old.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
LM: You will be seeing Gyre (2011), which was my USC graduate thesis film. The first public screening was in September 2011 on the USC campus, so this will actually be the 10th Anniversary screening for the film. It went on to play at over 10 film festivals in 2012-2013, including FRAMELINE 36, San Francisco’s International LGBT Film Festival. It also won Best Screenplay in the Experimental Film category at the Women’s Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles. 10 years later, it remains one of my favorites and I am so excited to see it on the big screen once more.

Q: What else are you working on?
LM: Back in 2018 I moved to Denver and started WOLF LUV FILMS with Gyre’s editor (and now my husband), Michael La Breche. We’ve mainly been in development mode for the past year and a half due to Covid, but we’re back in production now on a series of bizarre/raunchy stop-motion shorts for our Youtube channel. The series is called Let’s Get Weird and we’re planning to drop it sometime in the fall. We’re also starting work on a music video for local band, No Gossip in Braille.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
LM: One weird thing about Gyre is that I didn’t really realize I was making a horror film when I made it. I was calling it a “surreal relationship drama” or sometimes “experimental.” I didn’t fully clock that it was psychological horror until it got programmed in a horror shorts set at aGLIFF in Austin. Looking back I wish that I had submitted it to a few horror film festivals instead of only prestige festivals and LGBT festivals.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
LM: Go check out WOLF LUV FILMS on instagram (@wolfluvfilms) and youtube (https://bit.ly/2Yjd6jQ). You can also check out my director portfolio site at lindsaymorrison.com

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
LM: As always, I am grateful for EFP. I love the chance to see work from local filmmakers and have the opportunity to share my own as well. It’s been a great community to find here in Denver, and I look forward to being a part of it for years to come.

Gyre will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: John Aden, “Against Sand”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
JA: A school friend showed me his claymation of a dinosaur eating a man’s head and then pooping. I said to myself, “That’s what I want to do!” I went home and used my father’s home video camera (relatively new technology at the time that cost him $3,000) to make my own claymation – of a dinosaur eating a man’s head and then pooping.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
JA: On the soon-to-be-lost island of Atlantis, citizens are protesting an unpopular government mandate. Do sandbags mean safety or a loss of freedom? Find out in this COVID-themed toon by Shocking Beyond Belief Films.

Q: What else are you working on?
JA: We at Shocking Beyond Belief Films are in pre-production for the pilot of Anomaly, a TV show of Steampunk meets The Love Boat meets Star Trek.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
JA: We try to make sensational films with a political theme. Here Come the Brides!, for instance, was gay marriage meets Reefer Madness. It is important for us to be able to be relevant in the day’s political climate.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
JA: shockingbeyondbelief.com

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
JA: We love screening our projects at EFP and truly appreciate the support it gives to local filmmakers. We also have our premieres at the Bug.

Against Sand will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: Eddie Portoghese, “Francine”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

EP: Since I was young I have had an affinity for film and always wanted to be part of the movie magic.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

EP: This is a neo-noir piece of a longer script. It is a sort of cryptic short with some self-interpretation involved. It will make its premiere at the BUG! I am currently shopping it around to film festivals.

Q: What else are you working on?

EP: I am stunt coordinating a few upcoming projects for others

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

EP: I typically start each of my films with a quote!

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

EP: https://vimeo.com/user5342709

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

EP: Glad you’re back…we missed you!

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Meet the Filmmaker: Zach Eastman, “Leather Brown”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

ZE: Growing up alone, films were my best and most loyal companions. The stories I would see unfold would move and thrill me and I wanted to try my hand at it. I thought at first I’d want to be an actor, but as I learned more about directing and writing, my ambitions trended towards the behind the scenes. Ultimately, it has been the desire to tell stories I want to tell from my own lens that has kept me at it.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

ZE: You will be seeing an effort pit together by an amazing crew amid the pandemic last year. While adhering to all the Covid Protocols, our team put together a film because we were still itching to tell stories. This one, written by Haydn Winston, is a film that allowed me to address certain emotions I have felt in regards to relationships and how we operate as humans at a crossroads. Having Haydn and the always amazing Risa Scott in front of the camera to tell that story is a delight to have witnessed. In stories of two parting ways, Leather Brown is one that tells it as its aesthetic shows, in black and white. It debuted online last year and has been featured on ThinkShorts, a wonderful company that has been a delight to collaborate with.

Q: What else are you working on?

ZE: I am a weekly podcaster for two shows. First is Reel Nerds Podcast, where I and my friends chat about a featured new release and everything else in movie land. My second is Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue, where I chat with a guest each week about the early days of cinema and talk about the historical context and lessons the films have to teach.
I am also currently developing two feature films, another short film, and am on post on a short film I shot this year with much of the same crew as Leather Brown. It’s called Heavy Hangs the Sky, and it is a very warm piece that I think the world needs amidst much of the sadness.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

ZE: I have a hard time winding into happy endings. My films tend to, as I’ve noticed, end on the hint of hope but shrouded in a bit more gloomy and or dark realm. On the surface, they seem to be downers, but if you look hard there is hope.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

ZE: You can check me out on my two podcasts: ReelNerdsPodcast.com and BallyhooRevuePodcast.com. I am working on creating a site for my film work, but until then you can find my works here:

Twombley: https://youtu.be/E3E_ClLM0iE

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

ZE: I am delighted to be back here and other filmmakers need to submit to this wonderful program. You will have an amazing time, learn from other filmmakers, and embrace your cinematic vision on a big screen, which even in a post covid world is of the utmost value and spectacle. Welcome back EFP!

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Meet the Filmmaker: Kyle Homan, “Book Buddies”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

A: I became a filmmaker because I’ve always had stories on the mind, even since I was really young, and I always thought film was the best way to bring those stories to life. It’s the best way to clearly communicate what’s in your head to the audience, in an authentic and controlled manner; I think it’s the ultimate art. I’ve also always cherished the collaborative side of filmmaking, as a way to bond with old friends and to form relationships with new ones. Working with such a wide array of brilliant creative minds is something I never take for granted.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

A: At EFP, we’ll be screening a short film I wrote, shot, and edited in 48 hours during the pandemic quarantine last year for the Stuck At Home 48 Hour Film Project. My sister helped with the writing process and stepped up as our lead actress, with our dog supporting in a self-titled role. We also got a huge amount of help from some friends at Picasso Media, who lent us their time and gear. The film screened in a few online film fests last year, but this will be its first in-person screening! I don’t really have any plans for the film beyond this. Although you better believe I’ll be taking on my seventh 48HFP later this year!

Q: What else are you working on?

A: I’ve been staying busy with a mix of photo and video work. I am a Photographer for Liquid Descent, a whitewater rafting company in Idaho Springs, which gets me up in the mountains and gets my hands on my camera regularly. I’m also an Editor specializing in branded content, social videos, and more; currently, I’m working on some various pieces for Airstream. And I fill in what little time I have left Set PAing on commercials of all shapes and sizes, from cars to ice cream to hospitals, and everything in between.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

A: Maybe not weird, but heartwarming. At the end of the credits for all the movies I’ve edited, I include a special thanks to “Every One of You” for everyone who watched my movie, and sat through the credits.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

A: Check out my website at khomproductions.com. It hasn’t been updated in awhile but gives you an overview of some of my work. I’m also hoping to soon launch a new brand, L1media.co, focusing primarily on stories revolving around the outdoors.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

A: The EFP is amazing, and I’m so happy it’s back! I seriously missed out on live screenings so much all of last year, something I didn’t realize I took for granted. And EFP has always been a great venue to show your work, meet other cool and creative filmmakers, and see a wide array of films. So stoked to be back!

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Meet the Filmmaker: Amanda EK, “The Supermarket”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

A: My creative partner with Glass Cactus – Jesse Livingston – and I have been developing a TV series and submitting our pilot to fests and contests. Last summer we decided we’d like to make a short film (Second Surface – nominated for Best Experimental Short & Best Mobile short at IndieX Fest) as a way to back up our screenwriting projects, and as a way to stay creatively focused during the pandemic. Over the winter we decided it best to work remotely, which led me to teaching myself the basics of Final Cut Pro and turning an idea I’ve had to use my childhood Polly Pocket toys to show a variety of raw and heartfelt pandemic stories. As a synesthete, I’m drawn to filmmaking because it gives me an opportunity to express my cross-sensory experiences in ways that aren’t possible to convey in writing alone.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

A: The first episode of my Pandemic in Pollyville web series, “The Supermarket,” will be screening at the EFP. This will be its first live screening. I’ve been submitting it, along with other films in the series, to local and international film fests. Episode 9, “The First Date,” was just nominated for Best LGBTQ short and Best Web Series by Indie Shorts Fest. Eventually I’d like to host a screening of the entire series, with future plans for a gallery exhibit where each film is playing on separate old TV sets, and possibly a comic book version of the series.

Q: What else are you working on?

A: I have five more episodes of The Pandemic in Pollyville in the works, as well as a TV show that I’m writing and pitching with Jesse Livingston. Individually, I’m also pitching a memoir about the effects of growing up in evangelical purity culture, co-producing a Low Orbit podcast episode on Christian Rapture stories, co-editing a religious trauma anthology, writing a monthly erotica column for Out Front Magazine, and offering one-on-one creative coaching sessions.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

A: While filming, I treat the Polly dolls like actors. They need coaxing and direction in order to get the right pose and facial expressions out of them…and to keep their damn masks on.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

A: For more information about me and my work, you can head to my website AmandaEKwriter.com. I’m most active on instagram @amanda.ek.writer and @glasscactus_prods, and you can watch all of our films on our Glass Cactus YouTube channel.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

A: I’m excited to get to know other local filmmakers via the EFP as I seek to expand my community of like-minded creatives.

The Supermarket will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: Bradley Haag, “The Legend of Drunken Brewmaster”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

BH: It’s been so long since I started, I’m not even sure anymore. I know it has something to do with getting my friends together and turning our absurd fantasies into something that exists beyond our own imaginations.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

BH: You’re going to see an alcohol-induced fever dream / Karate Kid rip-off called “The Legend of Drunken Brewmaster” that was produced for the 2020 Four Points Film Project, which is like the Denver 48 but you get an additional 24 hours to complete and competes against the whole world. The required elements were that it be a Martial Arts film that included the character of Andy Wright, School Psychologist, use a sugar packet as a prop, and someone should speak the line “It’s crazy how that always happens.”. It screened at the 2021 Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival and won “Best Comedy Short”.

Q: What else are you working on?

BH: Other than getting that JCVDDV BD/DVD done, I’m trying to get a feature film made. I’ve made so many shorts. So. Many. Shorts. I’d like to have something at least 90 minutes long in my portfolio before I reach the grave.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

BH: One weird thing? How do I narrow it down? Ummm… we sacrifice the blood of an innocent before each production. Is that weird?

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

BH: You can look deep inside yourself and believe in yourself! Or you can go to nebulusvisions.com

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

BH: It was a mistake to screen this film and you’ll regret it. Seriously though, thanks for providing at platform for local indie filmmakers to screen their work.

The Legend of Drunken Brewmaster will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: Rebekah Fieschi, “The Unvisited”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

RF: I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love movies. Books, movies, imagination and storytelling were always a big part of my life. At 9 years old Titanic made a huge impression on me and a friend and I wrote a (terrible, two page, dialogue-only) sequel (we called it Titanic 2, even though the boat wasn’t in it, and, yes, Jack came back to life). Then, at eleven I saw Edward Scissorhands and something clicked in my brain telling me that movies don’t just pop into existence, that they’re made by people who first have to imagine them. Since I was always very visual and imaginative and I struggled in school because of dyslexia, understanding that it was possible to capture these visual thoughts and communicate them to other people through film blew my mind. I decided then and there that that’s what I wanted to do, even though I had no clue how.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

RF: The Unvisited is visually inspired by the Hammer movies and the Addams Family. It’s a fantasy/comedy about an old couple in a spooky mansion that enjoys sharing the twilight of their lives but yearns to be visited by their neglectful daughter before it’s too late. There’s such an emphasis on our differences lately that it’s easy to forget that we are more alike than not. I wanted to make a simple, silly and relatable film everyone could enjoy. In a lighthearted way, the film explores themes of growing older, the fear of dying alone and the desire to be reunited with one’s family.
It has screened in a few festivals in France, it just screened at the Queens World Film Festival in New York, it won the Best Fantasy Short award at Sick Chick Flicks and it will be screening at one of Hollyshorts’ monthly screenings. After that, I will be looking to distribute it on a platform which will allow the most eyes on it as possible.

Q: What else are you working on?

RF: I am working on a few works of prose (because the downsides of dyslexia can be overcome). I’m also working on a short film about a six-year-old kid who misunderstands a conversation she overhears and becomes convinced that her half-sister lives in the sea and she becomes determined to find her. And, I am developing my first feature film which is a psychological horror/thriller.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

RF: I can’t think of anything that’s not weird about me or my movies.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

RF: My website: www.horromance.com (where ways to watch my previous films can be found)
Instagram: @horromance or @rjffieschi
Twitter: @horromance or @theheadlessbeki

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

RF: I think it’s awesome to give local filmmakers the opportunity to screen their film. I’ve screened at the Bug before and know it’s a great place to watch movies, have your film be seen by an actual audience and exchange with other filmmakers. I actually met Kathi Baerns, the co-lead in The Unvisited, at the Bug during the Colorado Independent Women of Film Festival.

The Unvisited will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.

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Meet the Filmmaker: Shane White, “The Raven”

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Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?

SW: I’ve loved stop motion since I saw “Nightmare Before Christmas” when I was 5 and started making animated films in junior high by quickly hitting record on and off on my parents old cassette tape style video camera. I’ve always wanted to be an animator.

Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?

SW: “The Raven” was produced by local production house “Burn Studios” as a Halloween special for their ongoing web series “The Nug Nation” created by Mikey Peterson. Our hope at the studio is for the show to gain a wider audience so we can make more episodes!

Q: What else are you working on?

SW: In addition to the “Nug Nation” show we also have a series “Hemp in History” with episode 2 posting by the end of the summer.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?

SW: I was new to the studio and asked the producers at Burn to allow me to make “The Raven” as a means to learn how to animate the Nug puppets for future episodes. I ended up with a film they were happy with and wanted to release.

Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

SW: Visit thenugnation.com and find Burn TV, Burn Studios, and The Nug Nation on social media. Or my personal Instagram @shanewhitenoise

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

SW: EFP is very important and they deserve all of your money.

The Raven will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at The Bug Theatre.