Arthur Poe (Cris D'Annunzio) is a sadistic killer who likes to torture his victims. In 1993 he was captured and subsequently convicted by the state of Virginia for several gruesome murders. Poe received a sentence of death. Years later and days before his execution, the newly-elected governor granted Poe clemency based on the testimony of a forensic psychologist at Poe's murder trial. The testimony convinced the governor that Poe deserved psychiatric care rather than death. Many are outraged by the governor's act of leniency. A reporter (Maury Morgan) confronts Poe in an interview seeking to shed light on the emotionally charged topic. What she learns can never be forgotten.
2010
Narrative Short
United States
Runtime:
9 minutes
Director:
Joseph Quirk
REIFF 2010
It's the mid-1970s in rural upstate New York, and idealism crashes head on into practicality in the form of Jules and Candy.
The artistic and esoteric Jules is out for a ride in his bitchin' muscle car, enjoying a couple of brews with his more down to earth girl, Candy. Jules recounts tracking down money owed to him by a less than reputable employer, Larry Craig. All is well for the self-satisfied Jules with his tale of payment, until the car runs out of fuel. Candy, on fire with a couple of beers under her belt, berates Jules for their "broke down" situation. Making light of their plight, Jules suggests a respite down by the riverside. Together at the scenic water's edge, Jules pontificates on his world view, contrasting himself with the slimy local contractors upon whom he depends for income. Candy, frustrated by his 'head in the clouds' smug self imagery, stalks off, leaving Jules with some stunningly dismissive personal criticisms. Candy hitch-hikes away in anger. A helpless Jules watches his girl ride off with a seemingly more upscale other guy. Knowing she would end up in only one place, Jules tracks her down to the local watering hole where her now inebriated driver attempts to wow her by making some hilariously inept attempts at billiards. Jules approaches Candy, unsure of his present standing. Candy faces the choice of going back to the same old, same old or going with something new and possibly far worse.
Animation
Canada
Runtime:
9 minutes
Director:
Lyle Pisio
REIFF 2010
Loneliness, Desire, Love, Hesitation, Mis-communication, Fear, and Loss with a touch of alcoholism for comic relief. Trevor and Martha see each other across a dingy bar and fall in love. The couple's shyness is only overcome in a mutual dream where their shadows dance together. Inspired by the song "The Empress" by the Montreal band BRIGA, the film is about the first hesitant motions of meeting and the fragility of falling in love.
Narrative Short
United States
Runtime:
18 minutes
Director:
Michael Frost
REIFF 2010
The Harvey Girl From Shanghai is a fictional short documentary about a film Orson Welles started to make with Judy Garland but was stopped mid-production. Told through a series of vintage interviews, missing footage and television reenactments, this short film explores a legendary Hollywood murder that may or may not have happened.
Animation
Korea (South)
Runtime:
14 minutes
Director:
Ryan Grobins
REIFF 2010
A young boy named Thomas accidentally finds a way to enter into a magical, fantastic, parallel world. He then meets up with a strange little talking creature who offers to help him get home, but who ultimately betrays Thomas in the end. On top of this, they are chased by a huge beast known as a mancor. Thomas must now fend for himself in getting back to his world before he is captured.
Narrative Short
United States
Runtime:
15 minutes
Director:
Michael Blair
REIFF 2010
An insecure and uncertain writer tries to draw a line between himself and his body, represented by a man in a bear suit. With the help of the bear, a medical student and his mostly imaginary crush, he re-evaluates his ideas about himself and finds even more reasons to be insecure and uncertain.
Narrative Short
United States
Runtime:
15 minutes
Director:
Bryan Litt
REIFF 2010
A young man returns from his mother's funeral expecting to resume the daily high school routine only to have the direction of his life changed by learning lessons in the power of both love and truth.
Documentary Short
New Zealand
Runtime:
1 hour(s)
2 minutes
Director:
Faramarz Beheshti
REIFF 2010
In 2004, the first women's rugby class was organized in Tehran. A few months later, Ahmadinejad was elected president of Iran. Over a 7000 kilometer journey, we meet some of the women who are trying to learn this new game, despite the Talibanization programs, introduced by the new president. Salam rugby is not only about rugby...
Juror’s Award, Juror's Award
Narrative Feature
United States
Runtime:
1 hour(s)
30 minutes
Director:
Steven Crowley
REIFF 2010
Andy Meyers, the subject of the film, has decided he wants to end his life in front of a camera for the world to see. His depression and array of ailments from his bout with diabetes have driven him to the edge. His idol, Bud Dwyer, who also killed himself in front of cameras during a press conference, gained much notoriety for his suicide, and Andy feels this is his only chance "to be somebody". Andy recruited his counselor-turned-filmmaker to document the suicide and also his last day. Andy's last day consists of walking his dog one last time, a short visit to the ocean, a Chinese food dinner, sex with a hooker, eating a lot of candy and death. However, things take an unexpected turn when the hired crew decides they cannot witness Andy killing himself. The crew quits production, leaving the director and producer/investor in a major bind. Can they finish the film without the crew? Does Andy Meyers kill himself?
2011
Best of the Fest
Narrative Feature
United States
Runtime:
1 hour(s)
10 minutes
Director:
Alison Mason
REIFF 2011
Finding Jenua is about love, loss and finding your place in the world. A drama with mystery that's told in an unconventional way, unraveling like a memory and tying us back together with the simple beauty of human connection.