Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts in Film Festival
July 30, 2022 - Filmmaker A.D. Cooper (PUT AWAY)

PUT AWAY was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the June 2022 FEMALE Film Festival.

Project Links

Director Biography - A. D. Cooper

From a copywriting background, A. D. has written and directed a string of short films and longer theatre productions. Many of her films have been screened at international film festivals and won a number of awards. More info at https://hurcheonfilms.com

Director Statement

During the lockdown, I wondered how the isolation I felt could be worse. This is a proof of concept for a feature project set in the same location.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 27, 2022 - Filmmaker Ally May (THE LAST PICTURE)

THE LAST PICTURE was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the June 2022 FEMALE Film Festival.

Ally May attended the UCLA Writing Program, the Academy of Film Writing, SF Film School, the Directing Actors Workshops and Sundance Directing Actors Programs. Ally has written 7 award-winning screenplays. She has been an Athena Finalist, Austin finalist, ScreenCraft Finalist, Page Finalist, Final Draft Finalist and more. Ally has directed 6 short films which have placed in festivals including - NOLA, Napa Film Festival, Sonoma Film Festival, Oregon Film Festival, Toronto Independent Film Festival, Los Angeles Independent Film Fest and more.

Watch the Festival Today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 26, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Jonathan Gellis (THE TRYOUT)

THE TRYOUT played to rave reviews at the June 2022 Under 5 Minute Film Festival.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video from the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-tryout

Project Links

“The story of a young man who tries out for a big league baseball team, whether you like it or not.”

Watch the Festival Today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 24, 2022 - Screenwriter Julian David Hoxter (TRAMPS LIKE US)

TRAMPS LIKE US us the winning TV PILOT from the Black & White Film Festival. Interview with Julian Hoxter followed by the best scene reading.

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/tramps-like-us-tv-pilot

“The diverse crew of the tramp steamer Stella Maris sails into fantastic danger in the South Seas in this horror adventure set in the 1930s.”

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 23, 2022 - Filmmaker Anthony Gordon (12 SHADES OF GREY)

12 SHADES OF GREY was awarded BEST FILM at the June 2022 SCIENCE & NATURE Festival.

Watch the Short Film Trailer: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/12-shades-of-grey-short-film-trailer

“To have followed mainstream media for best on four decades, together with countless films and television programs relating to the Great White Shark, its no surprise that the overwhelming public and social sentiment is one of fear and loathing.

In a similar light to foreign and domestic governments inoctrinating the populations to despise a supposed enemy, the Great White has become the common foe of people throughout the globe. There appears to be a gap between public sentiment and the views of scientist and shark enthusiasts across the board. The question remains, how to we bridge this gap?”

Conversation with Anthony Gordon on the making of the film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 21, 2022 - Filmmaker Charles William Lane (WE ARE THE APOCALYPSE !)

WE ARE THE APOCALYPSE ! was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the June 2022 WILDsound Festival.

Project Links

“An “arts collective” turns to terrorism to enact a grand scheme of social justice, but their plans go awry when they realize they’ve been conned from within. With nothing to lose, they change tack and return to what they know best.”

Director BIO:

Charles is a New York based television producer, writer and director, living in Jackson Heights, Queens. Working mostly in the true crime genre, he has produced programming for ABC, CBS, NBC, Identification Discovery, CNN and the Oxygen Channel. He also has an extensive background in theater and music, which he draws from in his writing.

Playing at the Festival APP today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 20, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Jason Spizzo (ME & ME)

ME & ME played to rave reviews at the June 2022 CHICAGO Feedback Film Festival.

https://vimeo.com/477883126

Me and Me is a short film about reconciling the person you were with the person you will become. It's also about time travel... sorta.


Conversation with animator Jason Spizzo on the making of this project.

Playing at the Festival APP next month! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 19, 2022 - Filmmaker Joey Xuetong Zhao (FINDING VEGA)

FINDING VEGA played to rave reviews at the June 2022 WILDsound Feedback Film Festival.

https://www.mutualityfilm.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mutualityfilm

Director Statement

After I flew for twelve hours to the dry climate of Los Angeles in the autumn of 2019, my nose started to bleed severely during the first shoot in AFI, and I was sent to the emergency room. I passed out and had a transient loss of consciousness, and I felt like I was continuously falling to a bottomless black hole. It was so dark and deep; all I could feel was that I wouldn't remember anything that happened in my life before. It was for the first time I was so close to death.


Then I had a tough time during the one-year-quarantine since March 2020, experiencing an intimate friend's death, and undergoing the darkest hour in life, as I felt further-away from home than I ever had before. During this time, I thought a lot about life and death extensively. I had this vision of rowing a small boat, lonely, on the endless sea surrounded by danger, and the only light was the stars above. To me, those stars were family affection. There is a Chinese saying that says, "You can't know about life without knowing death." I didn’t realize what I had and how blessed I was in terms of my parents' love until I was faced with my friend’s and my mortality.


I always wonder what if we could find the time we lost? What if we could regain the warmth and beauty that we buried deep in our minds? And I discovered that Eastern philosophy and Western science make this possible on the screen. As an individual, what responsibilities do you need to take towards the ones loving you or the ones you love? And what are the “invisible” larger group social issues behind the superficial dilemma?


In this era of speed and consumerism, many people are used to talking about the intangible macroscopic world, but seldom observe the daily minute details around them. Still, it is precisely the trivial bits that determine the temperature of life. Especially after experiencing so many deaths and losses worldwide, how will human beings evolve? As a storyteller, I want my audience to think about what is most important to them in life. I strive for them to feel love and be in love and treasure what they have from the womb to the grave.

Playing at the Festival APP Today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Taylor Weiss (SUCCUBUS)

SUCCUBUS was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the June 2022 HORROR Underground Film Festival.

https://www.instagram.com/succubus_short/

Once again, Lauren is dragged on a night out with her drunken roommate. Tensions rise as the two realize they share an interest in the mystery man at the bar. Jealousy sparks a sharp twist, sending Lauren into a dark void of insecurities, traumas, and a looming sense of anxiety as she tries to survive the night.

Director Biography - Taylor Weiss

Taylor Weiss is a 21-year-old filmmaker based in Southern California. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Taylor is a senior at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. After producing several Independent student films throughout college, she made her directorial debut, an experimental short titled “Succubus”. Taylor is currently developing her thesis film “Splinter” set to film in February 2023. As a filmmaker, her main goal is focused on gaining more experience as a Director.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 17, 2022 - Filmmaker Mike Waugh (MAGNETIC)

MAGNETIC was the winner of BEST FILM at the July 2022 CRIME/MYSTERY Film Festival.

https://www.instagram.com/magneticshortfilm

Director Statement

I wanted to explore the positive power of nightmares - in this case set in the context of post-domestic violence and move away from stories of victimhood and towards transformation.

Conversation with the filmmaker on the making of the film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 15, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Shuo Liu (OUTSIDER)

OUTSIDER played to rave reviews at the June 2022 ANIMATION Film Festival.

“The magic between ‘frames’ acts on clay, the table becomes a contradictory object that can be soft and hard. Some people get into it, but others are not. There is no differentiation between superior and inferior or right or wrong in this place, but how we face the world.”

Conversation with Shuo Liu, the one man filmmaking machine, on his individual pursuit making this film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 14, 2022 - Filmmaker Trevor Courtney & Music Supervisor Paul Dowling (THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA)

Matthew Toffolo


July 14, 2022 - Filmmaker Trevor Courtney & Music Supervisor Paul Dowling (THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA)

THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the June 2022 FANTASY/SCI-FI Festival.

“Animation/Family/Fantasy Short Film. A Teenage busker Jack is driving the locals mad because he plays only one tune. So, when a shape shifting trickster known as 'Puca' appears and promises Jack a cap full of coins in exchange for playing a single gig, Jack can't say no.”

Project Links

Conversation with director Trevor Courtney and Composer & Post Sound Editor Paul Dowling on the making of the film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 13, 2022 - Writer/Star Nicole Stuart & Director Traci Hays (40ish)

“40ish” is the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the June 2022 COMEDY Film Festival.

“A 40-year-old actress , refuses to give up her dream of “making it," in Hollywood, but 20 years later, she won’t face the reality, that age and how many followers you have, dictates the rules for talent and and when she lands her big break, she struggles to tell the truth, when casting demands to know her "real age," before they'll hire her for the role.”

Project Links

Conversation with the creative team of “40ish:”. Writer/Star Nicole Stuart and the director Traci Hays.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 10, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Graham Hartlaub (CONTENT)

CONTENT played to rave reviews at the June 2022 FEEDBACK ANIMATION Film Festival.

“Please refrain from using this word ever, ever, ever again.”

Conversation with Graham Hartlaub on the making of this very funny animation short.

Playing at the Virtual Festival this week on the APP. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 9, 2022 - Filmmaker Johanna J. Lunn (In the Realm of Death & Dreaming)

“In the Realm of Death & Dreaming” was the winner of BEST FEATURE FILM at the WILDsound Film Festival.

In the documentary they ask the big question: What happens when we die? Does consciousness continue or is it lights out? The director, Johanna Lunn, guides viewers on her quest to find out.

Project Links

Conversation with Johanna J. Lunn on the process making this film and the other films in the works.

Playing at the Virtual Festival on July 14/15 on the APP. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 8, 2022 - Director Elisa Lacicerchia & Sound Designer Giovanni Bortoletto (A WINDOW THAT BREATHES THE CITY)

A WINDOW THAT BREATHES THE CITY was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the May 2022 Science & Nature Film Festival.

"Soul eager for life
Fear not to leave your four walls of illusions
Breathe!"

Conversation with the main filmmaking team of the film on the creative process designing the movie.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 7, 2022 - Filmmaker Deon van Rooyen (CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE)

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE played to rave reviews at the April 2022 Black & White Festival.

Part of the series “Perspective”. A woman speaks out after she is victimized for her religious beliefs.

Conversation with filmmaker Deon van Rooyen on the making of the film.

Watch film later this month! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 5, 2022 - Filmmaker Brian Reilly (ABSENT)

ABSENT was the winner of BEST EXPERIMENTAL Film at the June 2022 EXPERIMENTAL/FASHION Film Festival.

“A Med School student is haunted by the numerous emails his professor sent him about his absence in class and is at risk of failing the program.”

Conversation with Brian Reilly on making a video for his med-school friend that turned into an award winning film.

Watch film later this film! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 4, 2022 - Filmmaker Elena S. Shelton (REMEMBER BEGINNING)

REMEMBER BEGINNING was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the May 2022 WILDsound Film Festival.

“A fleeting glance into one man's journey from childhood into mature years with an object, a yellow tape, as a symbolic witness, which takes on a more mystical presence as the time goes on.”

Conversation with new filmmaker Elena S. Shelton on her amazing journey making this film.

Watch film tonight! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 3, 2022 - Filmmaker Gary Beeber (THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND)

THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND played to rave reviews at the June 2022 Toronto Documentary Film Festival.

https://www.filmsbygarybeeber.com/savior

“Meet Dick Zigun, “Honorary Mayor of Coney Island” and learn about the beginnings of Coney Island USA. Under Dick, Coney Island USA developed and produced a number of beloved summer programs including the Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow.”

Conversation with Gary Beeber about the making of the film and why he made it.

Watch film today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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