2001 Feature Films

ON EDGE - EASTERN US PREMIERE*
Director: Karl Slovin
Producer: Karl Slovin, Mike Jackman, Jennifer Birchfield-Eick, Yule Case, & Michael Gibbs
Writer: Laura Wolfe & Karl Slovin
Cinematographer: Christopher Squires
Cast: Jason Alexander, Barret Swatek, Marissa Winokur, A.J. Langer, Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Peter Carruthers, Randy Gardner, Steven Cousins, & Tai Babilonia.
Toe-Pick Productions, 12358 Ventura Blvd. Ste.315, Studio City, CA 91604
Ph: 323-874-3098, fax 323-874-3090; onedgefilm@aol.com
Official Selection Aspen Comedy Arts Festival
(94 min. /Color) - MOCKUMENTARY

*Producer Mike Jackman is scheduled to be in attendance on Thursday night. Q & A will immediately follow.

An irreverent and hilarious mockumentary, On Edge follows the trials and tribulations of three young female figure skaters as they fight their way toward a spot on the US Olympic Team. Unearthing the less than elegant side of the world's most watched sport, On Edge reveals the true back-biting, ass-kicking world that gave us Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Stars Jason Alexander. (contains mild adult language)

When Dom Pyzola (effectively portrayed by Scott Baio) discovers that his elderly neighbor Bella, the mother he never had, has six months to live he is heartbroken and wants to make her lifelong dream of her daughter's American wedding come true. The Bread My Sweet is a well-directed and beautifully tragic story about love and sacrifice. Stars Scott Baio, Kristen Minter ("ER").

A film by Academy Award Winner John Woodward. Based on actual court transcripts, Vice is a hilarious look at our justice system. When topless dancer Savannah Logan is arrested by officers for lewd conduct in a sting operation at the neighborhood strip bar, all the local Texas color must be paraded thru court to determine the lasciviousness of her actions.

Strong direction and intelligent performances by a veteran cast make this a scathingly funny and light-hearted film. Stars Maxine Bahns (Brothers McMullen, The Elite). (Contains some adult content)

An absurdly humorous look at two recent immigrants, Nik and Luda, who find work scarce, and money even more so. To make ends meet, the two are hired by the city to dress as big pink bunnies and stand on street corners attempting to boost the morale of the city's emotionally ravaged. Comedic but real, this story is sure to be a highlight for audiences with its unexpected emotional twists and turns.

For her feature debut, director Mia Trachinger creates a story that is both comical and sad, painting a particularly haunting portrait of fear and loneliness. Trachinger is certainly a talent to watch in the coming years, as her inventive and enchanting work stands apart from many of indie films being made today.- Excerpt - Mike Rabehl

Set in the winter of a summer amusement town, A Million Miles is a story about best friends who have outgrown the familiar streets of their Jersey Shore home. For this group of kids in their early twenties, life has become predictable; but walking away from everything you know is easier said than done. When the soft-spoken leader, Jimmy Gordon, is accepted to a college far from his hometown, he must decide between a life he's always dreamed about and the safety of the world and friends he's always known.

Shot on 16mm and a low budget, A Million Miles is a charming little gem. Director Bryan Sipe has assembled an interesting and talented cast to bring this portrayal of life in a small town to fruition. (contains some adult language)

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When business goes sour at an energetic young Chicago advertising agency, it sends the large group of colorful, dysfunctional and soon-to-be unemployed co-workers into a tizzy. In an attempt to keep up appearances, they decide to go ahead with the annual holiday party. During the liquor and gossip soaked festivities, new information comes to light, causing them to panic as they ponder the state of their futures. Probably not the best thing to do, when you're on your fifth martiniÉ

Shot on video and an extremely low budget, Crushed is a testament of what a resourceful filmmaker can create with a little money and a lot of ingenuity. Sometimes scripted, sometimes improvised (by some of Chicago's top Second City talents), director Lauretta Tagli gives us an interesting and funny hybrid film captured in a run-and-gun documentary style. What Crushed lacks in production value is made up for in humor and heart -- making this an entertaining and watchable "little film that could". (contains some adult language)

Dr. Jeff Wilkes has a fear of dead people, orders five limes with his vodka and tonic and is a B-movie freak. New to L.A., he answers a 'roommate wanted' ad whereupon he meets Aron Presley, a self-styled 'Elvis' reincarnate. When confronted with that impossibility, Aron replies, "In L.A. you create your own reality."

Jeff and Aron become roommates and Jeff quickly becomes entangled in an elaborate scheme of drugs, sex and blue-suede shoes. Director Jerry Eeten takes us on wild cinematic ride with some classic B-movie characters: the Henchman, the Femme Fatale and a Bogart-wannabe.

Eeten has created a satiric homage to B-films, mixing their familiar elements with a comic twist. Whether you dig them or not, you'll have a blast trying to figure out if Jeff can save himself from the Bad Guy or sink further into a world of fear, deceit and sideburns. (contains some adult language and content)- Sandy Wolf

The story of a young woman who falls in love with an irresistible outlaw, and the indelible impressions that these two young people make on each other's lives, Falling Like This marks an impressive feature film directorial debut by Dani Minnick. Masterfully shot and deceptively powerful, the film vividly and effortlessly captures the rhythms of the characters' lives, with winning and understated performances by the two young leads.

A tightly twisted Hitchcockian tale of murder and mystery revolving around an unsuspecting bartender who believes he's been set up to take the fall for an eerie murder. Stars Darren Burrows (Northern Exposure).

A great example of modern film noir, Lady in the Box is a first-rate thriller from writer/director Christian Otjen - a tense and creepy descent into a horror story that could happen to anyone. (Contains some adult language and content)

Martin Lewis' life starts to hilariously unravel when he gets dumped by his girlfriend of two years. Life seems to have lost all appeal, until he finds seeming kindred spirit Russell at a support group for the unlucky in love. Soon realizing that the increasingly bizarre and menacing Russell is somewhat less than mentally stable, the hapless Martin finds himself roped into a crazy plan to help Russell win back his own lost love. This leads to a cross-country road trip the likes of which you will not soon forget and certainly don't want to miss.

The story of Marvin, a young aspiring writer from New York who moves to California to write a great novel and ends up rooming with Jay, a chaotic and spontaneous musician looking for a way to freeload off society. Despite Marvin's efforts to maintain his ascetic existence dedicated to hard work, he finds himself inexorably drawn into the vibrant youth culture of San Francisco's Mission District. Building an unlikely friendship through the experiences they share, Jay and Marvin both watch their worlds disintegrate - and discover that each has a lot to learn from the other. Stars Joshua Leonard (The Blair Witch Project), Adam Arkin (Chicago Hope, Hanging Up), Chris Coburn, Sandrine Holt, and Bellamy Young (Black and White, The Drew Carey Show).

Filled with smart dialogue, multi-faceted characters and true-to-life situations, Loren Marsh gives us a film that not only captures the language, customs and values of an influential California subculture, but also explores a period of life when youthful hopes can crumble and compromises have to be made.

Rowdy humor, a cast of oddball characters and a manic pace combine to create what "Guerrilla Filmmaker" magazine aptly referred to as "a thunderous storm of grave digging, pipe smoking, cross-dressing and even a bit of romancingÉ but not without a serious discussion with a statue of Jesus first."

Beautifully shot in black and white by multi-hyphenate -- writer-director-producer-actor-editor -- Roger Majkowski, the ultra-low budget passing Stones is a fierce and outrageous comedy caper that always keeps you guessing. (contains adult language and content)

This award-winning film from director Jagmohan, is a gripping, tension-laiden drama based on the true story of a rural, low-caste woman whose rape turns a chauvinistic political system topsy-turvy.

Sanwari is a loving wife whose husband respects and admires her. When gang-raped by the upper-caste men in her village, Sanwari is expected to hang her head in shame. Instead, Sanwari "knocks on the doors of justice" with the support of her husband and a woman lawyer. Caught in the middle of a storm created by the international media, Sanwari is soon made a pawn in the political chess game - as she is put on a pedestal by one side and thrown stones at by the other.

Combining evocative imagery, realism and a fresh look at the face of Indian culture, director Jagmohan crafts a story of immeasurable courage and will. Inspired by a much-publicized case, it is a tale that gives meaning to the old adage, "The truth is stranger than fiction."

Art speaks for itself. That's the mantra of starving artist Gus Bishop, who can't give away a painting much less sell one. But when a hard-up swindler conjures up an imaginary artist with a story the artworld can't resist, and enlists the hapless Gus as his reluctant accomplice, a great painter - and brilliant scam - is born. How long can a lovesick regular guy remain in the shadows while his legendary alter ego basks in the spotlight as The Next Big Thing?

Co-written by brothers Joel Posner and PJ Posner, and masterfully directed by PJ Posner, this love story and lighthearted satire of the artworld features strong performances an ensemble cast that includes Chris Eigeman (best known for his roles in the Whit Stillman films "Metropolitan", "Barcelona", and "The Last Days of Disco") and Connie Britton ("The Brothers McMullen", "Spin City", "The Fighting Fitzgeralds").

Set in California in 1867 in the coldness and desperation after the Gold Rush, amid the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is the tale (inspired by Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge") of Mr. Dillon, a man who built and ruled his own town, but paid a terrible price for that power. One day, two women ride into the town, and we sense at once they have a connection to Dillon. It soon becomes clear to us, but not to her, that the young girl is Dillon's daughter.

Director Michael Winterbottom manages to create a cold, stark, and forbidding world of newly arrived settlers trying to hang on in the middle of winter. Due to a robust production design and commanding performances from a quintet of actors, this decidedly low-key film manages to unfold in it's own due time, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. Stars: Wes Bentley, Nastassja Kinski, Peter Mullan, Milla Jovovich and Sarah Polley (contains nudity and violence).

2001 Documentaries

This powerful and moving documentary takes a departure from the glamorous Westernized resorts of Jamaica to investigate the catch-22 type of poverty being caused by the conflicting politics of the International Monetary Fund and other money lending institutions.

Shot with beautiful style, award-winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie Black takes us on a journey through her homeland to open our eyes to a world we often do not see.

A funny and enticing documentary about people's bizarre obsession with this common barnyard animal. Broken into sections highlighting individuals' experiences with their feathered friends, the film is interspersed with striking footage of what goes on inside a poultry-harvesting factory. We are introduced to an array of odd characters, ranging from a woman in Maine who gave her ailing chicken CPR to one in Florida whose chicken lives in her home and wears panties.

Midwestern Indie Action Series

Boomer, a jaded ex-cop quits the force and makes his way to a small town to marry and lead the simple life. But along the way, a frightening chain of events leaves him mistaken for a mysterious government operative and fatefully targeted by Cleveland, Chicago's bloodthirsty Mafia boss. Suddenly in a race against time, a tough FBI agent must reel in the young ex-cop before the Mob does. Featuring: Andre Braugher, Joe Pantoliano, Natasha Henstridge and Lou Diamond Phillips. (Contains violence)

Writer/Director/Star Scott Wiper beat the odds by making what appears to be a high budget Hollywood action movie for an impressively low 2 million dollars. Shot in his hometown in Ohio, A Better Way to Die is sure to be a festival favorite among action film aficionados.

A fast-paced and fun action film. When flight 770 crashes due to a terrorist attack, the American first families of International Business are killed. Five children miraculously survive, and are left behind to be secretly raised and protected from further terrorist assault by the US Defense Department. By the time the kids have grown into good-looking young adults, they're highly trained Counter-espionage agents for the US Government, hired to fight and end terrorism. Unfortunately, their youthful nature often gets them in way over their heads. Stars Jurgen Prochnow, Robin Givens, Maxine Bahns (Brother's McMullen, Vice), Michael Hagerty (Dawson's Creek, Jack and Jill), Steven Williams (X-Files) and Internationally recognized actor/models Jason Lewis, Joel West, and the Brewer twins (contains violence).

Director Terry Cunningham has written and directed 4 films in the last two years. His budgets are low, and his production values are high. The Elite is a well-shot action film, made for and amazingly low 1.9 million - considering the amount of explosions, car chases and shoot-outs. Cunningham is certainly a talent to watch as he rises through the Hollywood ranks on future action films.

2001 Short Films

Things can get pretty hectic when you only have five minutes to save the life of your favorite goldfish.

A brief, sensual ride through the rapture and realities of love.

Sometimes you have to go to great lengths to make sure the one you love doesn't get away

Zen and the Art of Landscaping is a hysterical story of a family that is so dysfunctional it makes you feel good about your ownÉ

Inspired by a true story, during the Christmas of 1914, when British and German soldiers were suddenly and temporarily brought together for a miraculous moment.

In this cinema-verite "comedy-noir", the pierced and tattooed young Jerome seeks the newest and ultimate form of body modification.

From portraying a fragile Southern Belle to a foul-mouthed chick from New Jersey - we get a glimpse at a neurotic day in the life of an aspiring actress in LA. (contains adult language)

The morning after the night before, a rapid spiral of disastrous telephone calls chart the certain ruin of young Phil's day as he attempts to fib his way out of one scrape after another.

In the aftermath of a helicopter crash, a young man tries to remember his mother's face. An autobiographical tale of love, rock 'n' roll, and loss.

A fairytale about the lengths to which a man will go for the love of a woman.

Lack of coordination. Nausea. Bar-Mitzvahs. A comedy about the first

A sci-fi fairy tale exploring the notion that love and fear exist in perfect harmony.

In the everlasting search for love, Madeline seems to be miserably lost. In the most desperate of times she discovers that sometimes love finds you (contains artistic nudity).

The Dishpan Man is a magical story of a mere mortal who can wash dishes with the gods.

"Wild Pasture" is a humorous look at humans documenting animals and the dangers that ensueÉ

The story of a five-year old boy who seeks hope in a garage-sale crucifix after a beloved family pet becomes ill.

A soft poke on the head leads to a bizarre love-hate relationship.

2001 Seminars

"MAKING AN INDEPENDENT FILM"*

"FROM THE PAGE TO THE SCREEN"*

"LIFE OF AN ACTOR"*

"YOUR FILM IS SHOTÉ WHAT NEXT?!"*

2001 Student Films

A battalion of soldiers in WWII stumble upon a German bunker and during the heat of battle, a young soldier connects with a love back home.

A lonely old man prepares and patiently waits for the arrival of his grandchildren.

Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are parties, one-night stands, and grocery shoppingÉ "I, Cantaloupe" follows a young ladies man through a very strange night in his life as he falls for a cantaloupe that is kissed by a mysterious woman during an encounter at the grocery store.

Through use of 'Kubrick-esque' technique and style, the film shows how the unlikable player meets his maker when he later mistreats his docile and innocent "fruit".

Based on "The Story-Teller" written by H.H. Munro. Three children, their aunt, and a bachelor occupy the same waiting area in a train station. It's a relatively hot day and the children emphatically occupy the little space with their little wanderings and annoyances. The aunt tries to settle the children down with a horrible story about a good little Spanish girl but is drowned in questions given by the children and ultimately fails as a story-teller. The bachelor steps in, telling a story about a good little girl named Bertha. The story slowly intrigues the children but ends with the good little girl dying - the children find it to be the most beautiful story they've ever heard while the aunt finds it quite disturbing.

A young man reflects on choices he has made in his life and how they have impacted him.