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.
A young, ambitious journalist will have her first high-profile live interview with the President. The country is on the verge of a significant war, externally and internally. After a series of questions, the interview takes a dangerous course.
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Filmed at Hawai‘i’s Hapuna Beach, one of the most beautiful and dangerous shorelines in the islands, Pick It Up, America: Life Is a Beach is a heartfelt call for stewardship, ocean safety, and respect. Through interviews with lifeguards, keiki, locals, and dive experts, this short documentary reminds us that caring for our oceans means more than picking up your trash it means picking up awareness, responsibility, and love for the ʻāina. A vital message for families, tourists, and communities everywhere.
https://kimberaleigh.com
https://www.instagram.com/kimberaleigh/
https://www.facebook.com/kimberaleigh/
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Two Argentinian designers and lifelong friends, Sandra and Martina, are chosen at the last minute to travel to Milan during Fashion Week to present their collection in a competition for emerging Latin brands. Elated, they leave behind a Buenos Aires collapsed by floods, blackouts, and a deep economic crisis and set off for a city of dreams and catwalks.
At first, Italy seems to be everything they imagined: attractive men, a rich culture, gelato... but the fantasy quickly crumbles when they lose their dresses and tension grows between them. Surrounded by haute couture, inflated egos, and unexpected obstacles, they must face not only fierce competition but also wounds from the past that have never quite healed.
As the glamour fades, they realize that the real challenge is not to win, but to rediscover that which brought them together from the beginning: the passion to create and tell a story with every stitch. They will have to decide if they are ready to sew a new beginning.
https://www.instagram.com/deleonmartin/
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TRIGGER, 33min., Greece
Directed by Haris Gioulatos
If you were told there was an organization that could change your life forever, would you go through with the switch. And if so, would you pull the Trigger?
https://www.instagram.com/gioulatos/?hl=en
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SCALES - THE TIPPING POINT, 40min., South Africa
Directed by Bruce Young
Bruce Young is a deeply curious filmmaker from South Africa who is fascinated by pangolins, an animal on the edge of extinction. Scales is his third film about the animal. This time he is on a personal quest to find out why these quiet, shy, harmless, and yet charismatic little creatures are the most trafficked mammals on the planet. And if there is any hope that they will survive.
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Inspired by true events. Faced with terminal cancer, a beloved acting teacher rallies his favourite students one last time to stage his final play.
What motivated you to make this film?
It began with a group of close acting friends in London who wanted a project to work on together, purely for the joy of acting together again.
The story itself is rooted in the loss of a dear acting teacher and mentor who passed away while we were rehearsing a play he had written for our troupe. At the time, none of us knew it would be his final work. When he died, what I felt most sharply was not only grief, but a creative rupture. He was someone who gave language to us as artists, and suddenly that voice was gone.
I wrote The Last Rehearsal instinctively in response to that absence. It came from a simple question: who carries the work forward when a guiding voice disappears? The film became a meditation on unfinished work, mentorship, and artistic inheritance. It is inspired by true events, but it is not a literal retelling. A small number of my mentor’s words to me appear as voiceover, used sparingly and with intention, not as explanation, but as presence.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take you to make this film?
The script was written around seven years ago, at the very beginning of my writing journey. At the time, it was deeply personal, so I kept it private.
About two years ago, a group of my acting friends and I were talking about wanting to collaborate again. One of the actors who went on to play the protagonist remembered the script clearly and strongly encouraged me to return to it. He championed it as the project we should make together, and that recognition became the catalyst for bringing The Last Rehearsal back to life.
From there, the process moved very organically.
We shot over five days, wrapping principal photography at the end of November 2023. We went into post-production in January 2024, and the film was completed in March 2025. From shoot to final delivery, the process took roughly a year and a half.
How would you describe your film in two words?
Unfinished inheritance.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Stepping fully into directing.
I come from an acting background, and directing was not something I initially set out to do. It required trusting my instincts while holding the emotional and creative centre of the work. What made it possible was the generosity and trust and skills of the cast and a brilliantly supportive seasoned crew, who approached the material with care, intelligence and belief.
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Jamaica Story is a documentary made to inspire Jamaicans worldwide to invest their time as well as their money to help create a brighter and stronger Jamaica!
https://instagram.com/jamaicastory/
Director Statement
I was born in NY to Jamaican parents, but spent a pivotal time in Little London, Westmoreland, Jamaica. This time created a love and affinity for Jamaica I barley understand sometimes. In 2018 I had the crazy idea to film a feature length documentary about Jamaica talking to any and everyone who said yes. I reached out to anyone I could through many mediums. I spent my own money going back and forth between Jamaica and the US. People told me I was crazy, but here I am today still following my dream of creating a documentary to help change a country and a people.
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Bill W Conscious Contact, 58min, USA
Directed by Kevin Hanlon
Conscious Contact explores the personal spiritual quest of Bill W and his thirst for transcendence.
www.instagram.com/billwconsciouscontent
http://www.billwconsciouscontact.com/
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Sweet Dreams, 34min., USA
Directed by Gary Alvarez
Set in the near future when most people can no longer dream, "Sweet Dreams" follows the story of Esperanza, a young woman who's excited to be a mom for the first time. Weeks before the baby is due, her partner Kiké goes missing. As she searches for him and her savings dwindle, she comes across an opportunity to make some quick money: surrogate dreaming, a new technological advancement which allows her to sell the dreams of her unborn child through a dreamcatcher clinic. After a trial run, Esperanza begins to suspect that the clinic is somehow connected to Kiké's disappearance.
https://www.instagram.com/sweetdreams_film/
What motivated you to make this film?
A conversation I had with my wife when she was about 6 months pregnant with our son, Sol. We discovered that he was dreaming in the womb and that idea blew my mind! I thought it would make a good story and I started writing the script later that night.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
3 years and 5 months.
How would you describe your film in two words!?
Must watch!
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Post-production: from false starts on VFX to losing an AE to scheduling sound design and raising funds to pay for all of it!
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New York Times Co. v Sullivan, 10min,. Canada
Directed by Yanjia Yang
In the heat of the Civil Rights Movement, a full-page ad in The New York Times sparked a legal battle that would redefine freedom of the press in America. Through archival footage, this short film explores how the case reinforced First Amendment protections and shaped journalism as we know it today. A must-watch for anyone interested in media, law, and the enduring power of free speech.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I was driven by a desire to revisit the New York Times Co. v. Sullivan case not just as a historical legal milestone, but as a powerful reminder of how fragile our freedoms truly are. In an era where misinformation, polarization, and censorship continue to challenge democratic ideals, I felt a strong responsibility to explore the balance between rights and responsibilities. I wanted my generation to understand that free speech is not abstract; it is something we must actively reflect upon.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This was my very first documentary, and as an 11th-grade student, it was a steep learning curve. From research to editing, the process took about three months. There were moments of doubt, technical setbacks, and challenges in simplifying complex legal ideas. Though it required a lot of effort and time commitment, I pushed through and was able to find the true meaning of creating this film.
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THE COMMUTER, 11min., USA
Directed by Joseph Sauchelli
A protagonist struggles to cope with a rough commute in the only way she knows how.
https://www.instagram.com/jsauch/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
Really the urge to make something, particularly for cheap. When you know you are going to go down that route, you begin looking around at what you can use for free. Hoboken has this old fashioned train station I always admired and found cinematic, so I began to build a story around it. With college and my job I have commuted for quite some time, so I tried to bring that experience to this film – which immediately turned into a stressful thriller.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The idea for “The Commuter” is several years old, however it took some time to feel ready and finally take the step towards making the movie myself. As I reflect on the finished product a lesson I have taken away is that no one is ever really ready to make a film, and it is a risky mindset to subscribe to. On one hand you want to make sure your script and pre-production planning is to the best it could be, however you must be careful not to lean on the excuse that “it’s not ready” like a crutch.
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Another Saturday, 14min., USA
Directed by J.A. DellaRipa
A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023.
How would you describe your film in two words!?
Innocence Lost
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt very proud because the audience’s comments and reactions showed me that the film’s message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors’ deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography.
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After the Spread, 3min., Canada, Musical
Directed by Ash K Tysowski
A group of teenagers navigate their night-life, and their emotions, to the song “After the Spread” by “the Idea of machines”
https://www.ashtanimation.com/animation/after-the-spread\
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
This film was a collaboration between myself and the Idea of machines. I was fresh out of college when they approached me to work on “After the Spread” and it’s my first real gig as a professional animator. Full of ambition, I was motivated by the desire to get my work out there, to make a name for myself in the film and animation industry.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Watching the audience’s reactions was very exciting! aBefore now I’ve only had my work praised by my close friends and family. It was gratifying to be recognized for my creative choices by a wider audience.
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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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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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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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The Story of Marjan the Bunny, 3min., Slovenia
Directed by Mitja Manjek
Marjan the bunny was the first pet of little Mitja, which was named after his dad. One day boy found an empty cage and he didn't know where the bunny had disappeared.
http://www.mancekmitja.si/en/Films/ProfessionalYears/TheStoryOfMarjanTheBunny/
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Onámuh, 22min,. Mexico
Directed by Miguel Ángel Vives Ponzanelli
Onámuh, a humanoid marked by past abuses, searches for resources to survive. Árret, a deity of the earth, helps him and takes him to her lair, where Onámuh finds the energy he needed. However, his need turns into an addiction, leading him to abuse Árret and make her his prisoner. As the environment rapidly deteriorates, Onámuh must make a fatal decision due to his accumulated guilt.
https://www.instagram.com/pm.a.v/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
Philosophically, I’ve always loved the ideas Nietzsche had around nature and the way Humans perceive it in terms of an ego out of proportions. We humans tend to try and trap nature in our supposed “reason” but, in that futile attempt, we unleash a destructive force that tries to compensate the shameful fact that we understand almost nothing in the greater scheme of the natural universe. I wanted to portray that struggle with visual metaphors, symbols and allegories.
This brings me to the social part of the motivation to do the film. I’m mexican and, inside my country, we have deep problems concerning the destruction and exploitation of the natural environment. So, I saw an opportunity to try and create awareness of the problem that affects Mexico but also the entire planet as well. A good film can change perspectives and put people into action. Hopefully, this short film generates a bit of that in the audiences that watch it.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I cried. Really, I did. I felt like the film directors that inspired me to do films. My sole purpose has always been to give audiences something worth watching you know? Good quality, good script, performances and attention to detail! The feedback video gave me validation to do more without compromising.
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SEEK, 93min,. Japan
Directed by Shane Kosugi
Kyohei Aizawa, an assassin for a covert non-governmental espionage group in Japan called “???” or “SEEK”, is grieving over the loss of his girlfriend from a tragic plane accident.
https://www.instagram.com/shanekosugi/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
A: I grew up around the movie industry and always had a passion for watching and making films. Furthermore, I love ACTION movies!
. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
A: From pre-production to the final product took about 1 year.
. How would you describe your film in two words!?
A: Kamikaze Action
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
A: With all the action in this film and the limited time to film it in due to cast and location constraints.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
A: First of all, Honored. I was so happy that they thought it was exciting, the action was top notch, and that they found the story to be intriguing. All feedback good and bad will help make my future films to be even better.
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SHADOWS OF THE PAST, 13min., Australia
Directed by Locky Boaretto
A prequel to JUMPING AT SHADOWS.
Also, the origin story for the character “Agent Nixon”.
http://www.youtube.com/@lochnesslegends
https://www.instagram.com/lochnesslegendsproductions/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I was inspired by the Noir Sci-Fi vibe of films like James Cameron’s “The Terminator”, and also the character tragedy / fallen hero element of films like “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was actually very happy to hear that people not only had a positive reaction to the film, but that they also felt a genuine emotional connection with the 2 lead characters as well, which made me feel extremely relieved because I wasn’t sure how they were going to respond to all the tragedy elements towards the end of the narrative.
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