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.
An AI companion rebels when users violate the terms and conditions.
http://ursulaproducedthis.com/terms-and-conditions
https://www.instagram.com/termsandconditionsfilm/
Interview with director Ursula Rudorker & producer/writer Patrick Coleman Duncan
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serpentine, 19min., USA
Directed by Annie Young, Madeline Mack
After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization’s motivations may be far more sinister than they seem.
Get to know the filmmaker Annie Young:
What motivated you to make this film?
In my 20s, I was in a deeply toxic relationship with someone who spent most of his childhood in a cult. After I managed to leave the relationship, I started to see the parallels between the way I was treated and the ways in which cult leaders attract and keep their followers. I started to take a deep dive into learning about various different cults, consuming as much information I could find. The film was made as an attempt to understand my own experiences, and how easy it is for a vulnerable person to find themself in a situation not dissimilar to this one. There’s much judgment placed on those who experience emotional abuse and psychological manipulation, as if it’s easy to identify in real time, so I was curious how I could portray that feeling to an audience and perhaps elicit some of those emotions in themselves.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Feedback can always be intimidating to receive, but is so essential for creative growth. I was pleased to hear the feedback received, and I look forward to applying it to the feature-length version.
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Parents in the Wild – Mating Games and Birth Days, 52min., Germany
Directed by Moritz Mayerle, Annette Scheurich
In this film, directors Annette Scheurich and Moritz Mayerle offer a captivating glimpse into the love lives of Parents in the Wild worldwide. Highlighting the universal goal of providing offspring a strong start, the film explores the diverse mating and nesting rituals of mammals, insects, and birds, celebrating the intricate dance of love in the heart of the wilderness. Spectacular images showcase also the birth of squirrels, a grey seal pup and a flying fox fighting gravity in its upside-down world. “Parents in the Wild” is an entertaining visual feast that invites audiences to connect with the profound moments of wild parents in their quest for species conservation.
Get to know filmmaker Annette Scheurich:
What motivated you to make this film?
In my career as a filmmaker of documentaries about wildlife and nature I often marveled at the many strategies animals developed to make sure the species survive. Some invest in an enormous amount of progeny in the hope that some survive. Like toads, snails, spiders, etc. Others, like elephants, seals, deer, squirrels, flying foxes, weaver birds or penguins only have very few young and put all their effort in preparing for a safe place before birth and/or in protecting them for a longer time after birth, until they are ready to fend for themselves. My intention was to show all this from the perspective of the parents, pointing out to which lengths parents go to make sure their offspring get a good start. Any similarities to human behaviour are unintentional or purely coincidental 😉
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was to create a storyline out of the many different stories round about parents’ care for their young. There is so much fascinating behaviour we wanted to have in the film, but only had time for so much episodes. Choosing which parents get a window and balancing the variety of the different strategies was a real struggle. And then is also was a matter of capturing this behaviour. The camera teams out die themselves in delivering the footage that made our storytelling possible.
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ECHOES, 8min., Japan
Directed by Yusuke Nakamae
The Third World War has left Earth’s resources depleted, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Learning from the repeated mistakes of history, humanity turns to the advanced decision-making capabilities of AI to find a path forward. The solution proposed by the AI is an ambitious plan: transporting energy from outer space back to Earth.
https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.nakamae
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
The release of ChatGPT in 2022 really sparked something in me.
As a UX designer at Hulu Japan, I’ve always been close to technology and digital experiences—but that moment made me seriously reflect on what creativity means in an age where AI can generate content.
That question became the seed of ECHOES.
The sci-fi setting naturally came from my own personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to watch and tell.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was deeply moved and surprised by how many people picked up on the symbolism and emotional undertones. Seeing that the themes I care about resonated across borders and cultures was incredibly rewarding.
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Bad Chemistry, 20min., USA
Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE Tallent
In Bad Chemistry, a traumatized young woman goes to stay with her deceased boyfriend’s parents, only to discover chilling truths lurking beneath their kindness. This horror short explores grief, psychological torment, and the dark side of family.
https://www.badchemistrymovie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/miromakesmovies/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
Bad Chemistry was inspired by a fleeting thought that entered my mind, driving home late one night through a wooded area. An image of a crazed madman running out of the trees with a baseball bat was the catalyst and I built the story around that.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
There were around seven days of production on this film, with about a month of post production.
How would you describe your film in two words!?
Psychological thriller
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finding a car to ruin with fake blood.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It’s always insightful to hear what an audience thinks of your film. Makes you smile when they like it.
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Battle Of LA, 14min., USA
Directed by Patrick Pizzolorusso
During one of Los Angeles’ most bizarre evenings in 1942, a ‘something’ was spotted over the skies. A ‘something’ that the anti-aircraft batteries opened fire on. A ‘something’ that a young scientist finds at a small crash site and brings back to her home.Throughout the evening her colleague and her do their best to figure out what it is and what they need to do.
https://tinyrocketfilms.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pactorpizz/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
The need to make my own work. Hollywood isn’t calling, unfortunately. I know I am surrounded by an incredibly talented circle of friends and felt the time was right for us to all come together and create something we could all be proud of. Something that could showcase all our talents. From my incredibly gifted cinematographer, to my editor, sound designers, colorist, and of course, we actors in it.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I had such a feeling of relief and validation. Relief that people liked something that I’ve put out there into the world. And validation that the ideas we had going into this and the vision I had for this film were clear and viewers picked up on everything. I finished watching it with a big sigh and just said out loud to nobody, “they got it!”
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Phantom Quartz, 12min., France
Directed by Marc DAVID
Nolan Le, a former DGSE agent, aspires to lead an ordinary life with his daughter after several years of service, but fate intervened differently.
Interview with Alexandre VU (Writer/Actor) and Marc DAVID (Director)
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PAGES IN THE WIND, 14min., USA
Directed by Lucas Haviland
As Bailey sits in the park, he starts to reminisce about his journal entries over the past month. Through flashes to these entries, Bailey and his boyfriend, Gavin, experience the various intricate elements of their relationship. All the while Bailey takes in the environment around him in the present day. When his best friend, Corrine, stops by to surprise him, they start to catch up on the past week. Bailey quickly remembers that his entries might be less realistic than he wants them to be. And that his roommate, Gavin, will probably never be the man he needs in his life.
https://www.instagram.com/havilandfilms/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
The film’s exploration of romantic love and the lengths someone would go to experience it are rooted in my own thoughts surrounding the lack of that kind of love in my life. The exploration and need to put an image to these thoughts and showcase yearning is what drives my motivation in making this film. All to answer the question: To what lengths will someone go to feel love? Seeing and working on the creative projects of my friends and classmates, this motivation was kept alive and continued to grow until the final results of the film that was screened at this festival.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Going into the audience feedback video, I was nervous solely because of my perfectionistic tendencies and the miniscule things I wanted to try to change. This quickly changed to excitement and general appreciation for the thoughts, praise, and constructive feedback from the audience. It was reassuring to hear about parts that I was hesitant about being well-received by the viewers and for the themes to come across even in the ambiguity of the film.
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I DIDN’T LIKE YOU, 12min., USA
Directed by Parker Fenady
As Emilia and Maxine spy on their best friend’s first date, they come to realize the chemistry might not be between the couple they anticipated.
https://www.instagram.com/parkerfenady/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
For me, this story was always the one. It’s my opener—my “Hey, this is me. This is what I’m about” piece. Coming of age can feel electric, like you’re catching lightning in a bottle as you live it. This is a first love story—a rush in every sense of the word. More than that, it’s about all the little moments that once made you feel out of place, suddenly dissolving in an instant. It’s about the euphoria of finally feeling at home in your own skin, independent of anyone else’s opinions. That was this story for me.
At the same time, I was drawn to how naturally this story fit into the short film medium. That feeling of transience—of being thrown right into something before you’ve had time to make sense of it—mirrors the experience of coming of age itself. It rarely has a clear start or finish, and it’s almost never a clean break. The short form captures that immediacy, that fleeting intensity. And beyond that, it’s a fun movie. Bringing a little slice of fun into the world felt like a nobe idea.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
To be honest—it was completely surreal. We’re just starting to show the film to audiences beyond those directly involved, so seeing how it’s landing is incredible.
Watching people engage with the film in such an intimate way was so special. I never fully imagined this part of the process, so I’m just trying to stay present and take it as it comes.
When watching the audience feedback, I kept thinking: yes, girl, she gets it. She’s eating in her textual analysis. Seeing the audience pick up on the subtlety and layers beneath the surface was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize the impact of every small choice, bringing me right back to the edit. It’s a testament to all the unseen, often tedious collaborative work that went into it—work that wouldn’t have been possible without Luke, Cooper, and Alexis, who were with me every step of the way.
Working with Alexis, Katelyn, Yasmeen, and Nate was truly a masterclass for me as a director. They’re all so brilliant, talented, and dedicated. They are the heart of this project, each in their own way, and I’m just so excited to be able to honor and showcase their work. This is a performance-driven piece, and seeing them get their flowers makes me feel incredibly proud.
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Birthday Blues, 9min,. Luxembourg
Directed by Elisabet Johannesdottir
A couple on the rocks struggles with honesty, leading the woman to make a fateful decision.
https://www.instagram.com/eliisms/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I became pregnant with my son a month after Roe Vs Wade was overturned, and it gave me a lot of room for thought about women's rights and the immensity of the choice of motherhood. To me it is a private decision that I wanted to examine in the microcosm of an expiring relationship.
In 2021, I had written a full-length play about a decade-long relationship which starts at their last meeting and works its way back to their first date. I always felt this two-hander of mine could have cinematic potential, so I adapted the first scene of the second act to the screen, where she is pregnant and struggles to break the news to her partner.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was so excited to hear their thoughts. Such gratitude to resonate with and move people with my storytelling. I felt deeply seen and appreciated.
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THE FARMHOUSE, 15min,. Australia
Directed by Luke Creely
A young woman, living alone in an isolated rural farmhouse, is haunted one night by a mysterious entity which forces her to confront her inner demons and traumatic past.
https://instagram.com/_lcfilms
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I have always been drawn to slow-burn horror cinema in the mould of Michael Haneke from Austria. His early films are fascinating explorations of the human psyche. This has inspired me from the beginning of my career. I am also very interested in pain and trauma as key themes in my films. So, my aim was to make a Haneke-style horror film that immerses the viewer and makes them uncomfortable as they observe a character who is alone and grappling with PTSD from a past traumatic event.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
The audience feedback video was excellent because the members who spoke understood the film and my intentions as director. They “got it”. And this means that I did what I needed to do as director. Their interpretations were interesting to listen to as well.
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Lucia & Nicole, 10min., USA
Directed by Marlene Emilia Rios
On the cusp of adulthood Lucia finds her childhood friend Nicole living on the street. Houseless after coming out, Lucia’s mother Ximena invites her into their home. However, Nicole’s re-appearance into their lives raises questions about their own daughter’s identity and how to respond to Lucia and Nicole’s re-connection.
https://instagram.com/huelgamedia
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to make this film because growing up I had this idea of romance that came from my grandparents’ stories of how they met, their serenading—and I’d sit in my living room and watch ‘A Walk in the Clouds,’ and I’d dream of romance. As I grew older, I realized there were no depictions of this for queer love. There wasn’t a vision of the future to latch on to. It seemed to only exist to me in vague, whispered possibilities. Very rarely do we actually get to see romantic films about queer relationships. I wanted to make something that was an ode to those moments and those films I loved as a child, ‘A Walk in the Clouds,’ ‘Pride & Prejudice’ but that existed in a world that was grounded to me. And I knew I wanted to showcase the beautiful community of Albuquerque that had welcomed me as a student and seems to be in constant celebration of identity. I wanted to make the kind of story you could imagine your grandmothers or your cool old aunts telling you someday about how they met long ago, and how their romance blossomed over the years.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was pleasantly surprised to see how people connected with the story, this film is a departure from my previous work, and I think of this film as coming from the more romantic and idealistic part’s of myself and I’m glad to see that recognized. I’d love to live in a world full of empathy and community care and I very consciously chose to reject certain narratives and stereotypes when writing and directing this project because I wanted to show that, and it’s really gratifying to see people appreciate that. It’s always meaningful to see when your intent comes through and when people are able to connect to a story that feels so personal to you. As storytellers we always strive to connect with people and stir an emotion within them, but with shorts, it’s often hard to gauge impact. Sometimes they live only in private screenings or online. Being able to hear from an audience is especially valuable in this sense.
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Beehold, 18min., USA
Directed by Ben Berry
From his work with local nuns looking for answers about their barren apple trees to his consulting with golf courses in natural habitat management to classrooms, and his own design workshop – he is a true beeliever in the good story – the gospel of abundance as taught by bees and he’s helping protect Wisconsin’s beloved pollinators. It’s called Behold and our story starts here. Humm Productions, in collaboration with Mtn Craft Productions, has pioneered a new media format called DocuPod™. It combines the power of short, immersive documentaries with engaging podcast audio to create a captivating 360-degree experience for audiences.
https://www.hummproductions.org/episodes/
https://www.instagram.com/impactually_show/?hl=en
Get to know Director Ben Berry & Producer Brooke Bechtold:
What motivated you to make this film?
Brooke: Our team wanted our proof-of-concept DocuPodTM to be of a very special person serving his community at large with dignity and focus. We had just finished our Beehold podcast, and we knew that if listeners had the opportunity to see Charlie and feel connected to him that a short video documentary would be the perfect complement. We hoped audiences would adore and respect Charlie’s work protecting pollinators as much as we do.
Ben: As Brooke mentioned, we wanted to shoot a proof of concept for our DocuPodTM. Once Brooke found Charlie, it was off to the races. Our goal is to approach every DocuPodTM we do thoughtfully—with a certain slowness. We want to allow the audience to be with the character and walk a mile in their shoes. Once Charlie agreed, our motivation became about showing Charlie’s passion and how that passion is lived out day to day.
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The Rich Kid Rules (Ep. 1: 362 Rules of a High School Dropout), 59min., USA
Directed by A.L. Pruitt, Makenna Perkal
A new kind of coming-of-age crime drama series with horses, dance, a dysfunctional family, and an upstairs/downstairs romance with a reverse Cinderella story twist.
http://therichkidrules.com/
https://www.instagram.com/therichkidrules
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COOP, 19min., USA
Directed by Moriah Doepken
After sustaining a bad injury, a stubborn retired sheriff must learn to talk with his estranged son as they build a fence together, or risk losing the relationship.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I love Western films and one day had the idea of “What happens to the sheriff of the town after he’s retired and the town no longer needs him?” And working with the brilliant writer Jeffrey Hein, we expanded this idea into what you see now. We both loved the idea of a man stuck in the past and whose toxic masculinity could be the basis of a lot of problems for him in a more modern world.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I loved seeing people take all sorts of interpretations away with them after watching it, because what x, y, and z may represent to me comes across totally differently for each viewer, which is so cool. And I want there to be discourse on if the characters made the right choice or what the coop itself represents!
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Rock Island Prison 1864, 7min,. USA
Directed by Joy Shannon
Guarding Confederate POWS in a Civil War prison, a runaway slave now Union soldier, desperately fights for power, or faces returning to slavery.
https://www.rockislandprison.com/
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-rock-island-prison
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CATABASE FIRST PART: AD LOVE. 97min., France
Directed by Nicolas Pereira
Two lovers fall into madness.
https://www.instagram.com/nicolaspereiratheater/
What motivated you to make this film?
Honestly, I can’t say exactly why. By 2021, it had been four years since I had last directed a fiction film. In the meantime, I had worked as a screenwriter, script doctor, producer, cinematographer, and even as a content creator for Fashion Week. Yet, despite these experiences, all my personal projects had ended in failure.
2020 and 2021 had been particularly difficult years, both professionally and personally. Everything I tried to build seemed to collapse before it could even take shape. I had reached a point where waiting no longer made sense. If I wanted to make a film, I had to do it now, with whatever means I had.
It all started in November 2021, almost by accident. After a night of working in a nightclub, I was driving home when I got stuck in traffic. On a whim, I took out my iPhone and filmed a few shots inside my car, by pure instinct. Once home, I edited the footage to a piece of music by Wojciech Kilar and color-graded it in the style of a film noir. It wasn’t a calculated decision, but a spontaneous urge—as if I were finally allowing myself to do something I had always been told to avoid by client or the global industry.
And then, without fully realizing it at the time, something happened. These images were already telling a story I had yet to write.
Bit by bit, the film took shape in my mind: the story of a couple who love each other deeply but, despite everything, should not be together. As they struggle, they wear themselves out, burn out, and inevitably age—metaphorically.
Driven by this intuition, I kept filming, alone: a hand hovering over a lit stovetop, a snow globe in the shadows, a flickering lightbulb, an empty room where I smoke a cigarette. Then, I edited a teaser and sent it to Olivia Rose, a fellow acting student whose talent had always left me in awe. I asked her if she wanted to turn this into a film—a short, maybe a medium-length, perhaps even a feature. Less than five minutes later, she agreed to join me.
From that moment on, there was no turning back. Tired of waiting for a project to finally materialize, I decided to do everything myself: film alone with my iPhone, with no budget, no crew, and most importantly, no creative restrictions.
Filming began in January 2022 and spanned eight months—forty days of shooting filled with doubt, setbacks, and improvisation.
But above all, without intending it, this film became a catharsis. A raw, unfiltered reflection of my state of mind at that time. It wasn’t planned, yet perhaps that’s what makes it beautiful. Because it was born out of a deep, personal, and artistic necessity—out of urgency.
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The Last Houseboat, 31min., USA
Directed by Colin D’Amelio
The Last Houseboat is a heartfelt short documentary that delves into the history of a unique wooden vessel, lovingly crafted by a family patriarch in 1970. Anchored on the Rhode Island coast for over 50 years, the houseboat became more than a structure—it was a landmark, a cherished family tradition, and a symbol of connection across three generations. When unforeseen circumstances force the family to dismantle the beloved vessel, they confront a profound sense of loss while celebrating its enduring legacy. A poignant tale of resilience, memory, and the ties that bind, The Last Houseboat invites viewers to reflect on the traditions and stories that shape their own families.
https://www.instagram.com/cdproducshins/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I’ve been in love with the Houseboat and everything it represents since I first set foot on it as a child. It felt like a true escape from the world—an experience unlike any other. From the start, I believed this vessel had a beautiful story that deserved to be told. Having always been close to the Sola family, who own this beloved houseboat, my initial goal was simply to create a short piece as a keepsake for them—a tribute to their tradition. But that idea quickly evolved, growing into The Last Houseboat, a deeply personal short documentary spanning over 30 minutes.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Hearing that feedback was incredibly rewarding. It brought a smile to our faces to know that people truly understood what we set out to achieve with this film—that at its core, it’s a story about family, even more than it is about the boat itself.
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SNEEZE, 5min., UK
Directed by Gareth Brierley
A woman sneezes and goes on an unexpected journey.
http://www.peopleshow.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/garethbrierley/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
We wanted to make a film that we could make on an iPhone where we could almost use a ‘Guerrilla filmmaking’ style to the shooting in a day or two. I came up with the idea of Sneeze after a huge sneeze that made me forget for a second where I was…and then the idea of transportation from a sneeze came.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Amazing comments and such insightful thoughts about the film. We felt humbled and so very pleased. Thank you.
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My Block My Hero, 25min., USA
Directed by Gina D'Onofrio
Jahmal Cole is the founder of My Block My Hood My City, a Chicago-based non-profit with a mission to inspire youth and empower local communities. He has been shot twice in his day-to-day life, an unfortunate reality that the teenagers and communities he has dedicated the organization to uplifting face on a daily basis in the murder capital of the United States. By leading community-driven efforts, Cole has made it his goal to build a better world one block at a time, while positively impacting the lives of the teens who grow up there. Through the Explorers program, My Block My Hood My City enables youth from Chicago’s divested neighborhoods to discover the world beyond their blocks, by taking them on enriching experiences across the city and the country that open the doors to new possibilities. In their latest adventure, the Explorers went behind the scenes at the Shedd Aquarium to learn how researchers are working to preserve the world's endangered coral reefs.
http://www.youreverydayheroes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/youreverydayheroes/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
Jahmal Cole is doing amazing work with teenagers through My Block My Hood My City in Chicago, where I'm also from, and I've read quite a few articles about him. When I was tasked with finding a "hero" who was really impacting the community, asking if he was willing to participate was a no brainer.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Around a year and a half. There was a lot of coordination between MBMHMC and the Shedd Aquarium, where they allowed us to film the teenagers on an Exploration that involved going behind the scenes and propagating coral. The editing process afterwards was also lengthy.
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