UndergroundfilmMaker Festival
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San Francisco’s ‘Super-8 Maestro’ Danny Plotnick Wins Top Award at Undergroundfilm...
Local Filmmaker Wins Top Award at UndergroundfilmMaker Fest
San Francisco’s ‘Super-8 Maestro’ Danny Plotnick tops an eclectic field
San Francisco, February 10 , 2008
A full house braved monsoon conditions to pack the Roxie Theater last week for the UndergroundfilmMaker Festival Screening and Awards ceremony. Winner Danny Plotnick refused to leave the theater without an oversized ‘novelty’ check for his winnings, but finally settled for a bank-sized version from presenting sponsor Seagate Technology and a cocktail reception in his honor at neighboring Dalva.
Mr. Plotnick was among a field of over 400 film artists from 38 countries who faced a grueling selection gauntlet in this festival, which purported to separate the ‘webcam uploaders’ from the serious, committed filmmakers. Participants were required to submit an entire portfolio of films before being admitted in competition, whereupon twelve semi-finalists were chosen for the next round. In round two, filmmakers were required to film a self-interview and were given four weeks to complete an assignment formatted to meet the requirements of media sponsor Current TV.
Portfolio excerpts by five finalists, along with their interviews and assignments were screened for a delighted audience at the Roxie theater. “I have never seen anything like this,” said performance artist Linda Steinberger, “the festival really got you inside the head of these filmmakers.”
Winner Danny Plotnick is a veteran of the underground film scene, having helmed over 40 projects, mostly no-budget affairs shot on Super-8 film. Notwithstanding his relative notoriety and wide exposure, he states that he has “never won anything at a festival.” That streak is now over, and Plotnick looks forward to using the $5,000 Grand Prize for an upcoming film project.
Also awarded were experimental filmmaker Chris Hefner, who received an Honorable Mention for Best Assignment, and animator Nicholas Kallincos, who garnered an Honorable Mention for Best Portfolio. Honorable Mention for Best Interview was selected by the festival audience and was also won by Plotnick.
All five finalists enjoyed pitch sessions with creative executives at Current TV, and some have already agreed to have their festival assignments broadcast. Winner Danny Plotnick, however, has chosen to stay underground. His assignment, “Out of Print,” will debut February 21st, 2008, on Undergroundfilm.com.
About Undergroundfilm
Founded in 1998, UGF is the longest running film site on the web. While the web is inundated with user-generated video sharing sites, UGF has built a library of thousands of high quality short form films, leading Wired Magazine to call it “the place on the web for serious filmmakers.” (May, 2006) UGF partners with these filmmakers to connect them to growing audiences through online and offline distribution alliances, direct marketing, mobile phone partnerships, social networking sites, film festivals and other powerful tools.
Local Filmmaker Wins Top Award at UndergroundfilmMaker Fest ... more -
WWED? (What Would Elvis Do?)
"What Would Elvis Do" in today's world gone mad? We get the skinny from the next best thing - today's premiere Elvis Impersonators. Tackling modern social and cultural issues, these "tribute atrists" hand us the keys to the kingdom and unlock possibly the deepest thoughts of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. "What Would Elvis Do" in today's world gone mad? We get the skinny from the next best thing - today's premiere Elvis Impersonators. ... more
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Chris Hefner Interview
This is me interviewing myself for the Undergroundfilm Maker festival. You'll have to forgive me if things get a little awkward between us. Danny Plotnick's interview is far superior, I'd go check his out if I were you.
I'm not joking. This is me interviewing myself for the Undergroundfilm Maker festival. You'll have to forgive me if things get a little awkward b... more -
KINO PRAVDA or: DOCUMENTING & COUNTERDOCUMENTING
Here is the documentary I made for the UndergroundfilmMaker Festival. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks kindly, -Chris Hefner
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Annabel's Interview
Part of the "assignment" for the UndergroundFilmmaker Fest" in San Francisco.
Quick interview with Annabel, taking a look at Bondi, where she lives in Sydney, and hearing a bit about her films.
annabelosborne.com Part of the "assignment" for the UndergroundFilmmaker Fest" in San Francisco. ... more -
Me On Me: An Interview With Myself
This interview was conducted as part of the Underground Filmmaker Festival. They provided the questions, I shot the thing. This won an audience prize at the festival and does give a nice overview of my world view. To check out my films, go to www.dannyplotnick.com. This interview was conducted as part of the Underground Filmmaker Festival. They provided the questions, I shot the thing. This won ... more
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Out of print
An ode to the counterculture of the 80s and 90s when unearthing quality culture was a real treasure hunt. Made as part of the Underground Filmmaker Festival. More of my films can be viewed at www.dannyplotnick.com. An ode to the counterculture of the 80s and 90s when unearthing quality culture was a real treasure hunt. Made as part of the Undergr... more
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UndergroundfilmMaker Festival, January 31st in San Francisco
UndergroundfilmMaker Festival Screening
Thursday January 31st, 8:00pm
Roxie Theater, San Francisco, CA
They showed us their films.They showed us their ideas. Now, they have four weeks to show us something new.....
Sponsored by Seagate Technologies and Current TV, 'UGFMF' offers a new approach to film festivals. In an era where filmmakers are called "users" who "generate content," Undergroundfilm wishes to put the spotlight back where it belongs: behind the camera. UGFMF recognizes and rewards individuals who are talented, prolific and eclectic in the art and craft of cinema. Each filmmaker will be required to submit a portfolio of films, a videotaped interview and be assigned a new project, which they must complete in time for the festival screening in San Francisco on January 31, 2008.
Roxie Film Center
3117 16th St
San Francisco, Ca
94103
Tickets $10; order by phone: 800-838-3006 or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/25945
Tickets are also available at he door.
contact:
Phoebe Tooke
Festival Coordinator
phoebe@undergroundfilm.org
415-312-6134
www.undergroundfilm.com
UndergroundfilmMaker Festival Screening Thursday January 31st, 8:00pm Roxie Theater, San Francisco, CA ... more -
About Undergroundfilm
Undergroundfilm, the longest-running film site on the web, was founded in 1998 with a mission of bringing new audiences to independent film through digital distribution. UGF has always maintained its website, www.undergroundfilm.com, as a showcase of films from every point of the stylistic and thematic spectrum. This freedom of expression for film artists, along with freedom to control their own licensing and choose their avenues of distribution, constitutes Undergroundfilm's core philosophy.
In 2003, Undergroundfilm became a pioneer in bringing purely web-based content off-web, first through the Akimbo service, then through handheld devices, DVD collections and screenings. In 2006, Underground film launched its first VOD Festival with Comcast. Now, with the advent of global, online TV platforms, the proliferation of social networking sites and the popularity of video generally on the web, Undergroundfilm is continuing to act, pushing out high quality content to its channels on Babelgum, Joost, Channels, Youtube, Myspace, and others. Undergroundfilm is acting decisively on the prime directive from emerging filmmakers: get us more exposure.
"Undergroundfilm exists to provide its filmmakers the exposure and recognition they deserve, says UGF President Joe Stockwell. "We have hundreds of creative and dedicated professionals whose life is about making film. There are thousands more out there whose work is relegated to distributors' vaults, never to be seen. We partner with the artist to find new outlets, online and offline, for the discovery and promotion of their work. The Web and the latest innovations in mobile broadband are creating great new opportunities for high quality short-form films, and we are here to promote our filmmakers in these new mediums."
www.undergroundfilm.com Undergroundfilm, the longest-running film site on the web, was founded in 1998 with a mission of bringing new audiences to independent... more -
UGFMF Submission process
For the first round of our submission process we asked filmmakers to submit their portfolios of work. We have received over 580 entries from 38 different countries!
After we chose our semi-finalists, we gave them an assignment they must shoot in one month's time. They will also have to complete a videotaped interview. A jury will then select 6 winners. The winner's assignment, interview and clips from their portfolio will be shown at a screening on January 31st, 2008 at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco.
See below for some examples of the strong submissions we have received!
See next page for announcement of who the Semi-finalists are! As well as examples of their work.
Undergroundfilm For the first round of our submission process we asked filmmakers to submit their portfolios of work. We have received over 580 entrie... more -
Tickets on sale!
Tickets are now available for the UNDERGROUNDFILMMAKER Festival on January 31st at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco. Buy them at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/25945 Tickets are now available for the UNDERGROUNDFILMMAKER Festival on January 31st at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco. Buy them at: ... more -
Dear Alphabet directed by Marina Budovsky
Dear Alphabet directed by Marina Budovsky
Dear Alphabet is an experimental cartoon about a girl and what happens when a monster eats her mother. When she still cannot escape the depths of chaos, a magnificent storm washes her sadness away.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103... Dear Alphabet directed by Marina Budovsky ... more -
Check out other strong ANIMATION submissions.
1) Los ABCs directed by John Jota Leanos
Los ABCs: ¡Qué vivan los muertos! is a five-minute Chicano docu-animation cataloguing the real-life testimony of skeletons that have returned to tell their stories of life and death during war. Do you remember your ABCs? Sing along with this group of animated Mariachi social documentarians that will guide you through a history that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
2) Last Train Ride directed by Gokhan Ohur
A bored , desperate, lonely man in New York and what he has in his mind.First steps to madness.
Click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
3) Android 207 directed by Paul Whittington
An android is trapped inside of a large maze. The maze is vast and filled with many surprises.
click on link to wtach film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=102... 1) Los ABCs directed by John Jota Leanos ... more -
Grapes: A Love Story directed by Jesse Spencer
Grapes: A Love Story directed by Jesse Spencer
A friendly prank goes Awry. Hilarity Ensues.
clink on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=100... Grapes: A Love Story directed by Jesse Spencer A friendly prank goes Awry. Hilarity Ensues. clink on link to watch film ... more -
Know Your Enemy by Maron Studio
Know Your Enemy by Maron Studio
It is a time of uncertainty and rumors of war. The Russians and the Americans have been on the verge of a cataclysmic confrontation involving the most fearsome of weapons. A mysterious phenomenon has caused 3 Russian pilots to crash their aircraft before they can complete their mission: to locate their missing comrades and supply them the necessary means for survival. In a foreign wilderness, and now having the same fate as their fallen comrades, they must find a way to survive while confronting a menacing beast.
click link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103... Know Your Enemy by Maron Studio ... more -
Check out other strong EXPERIMENTAL submissions.
1) U is for Una who slipped down a drain directed by Deb Prado
Subject matter inspired by Edward Gorey's "The Gashlycrumb Tinies".
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=102...
2) She Dreamt We Dreamt direct by Marco Casado
Stop motion animation film based on a real story of love, jealousy, hatred and reconciliation.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
1) U is for Una who slipped down a drain directed by Deb Prado Subject matter inspired by Edward Gorey's "The Gashlycrumb Tinies". ... more -
Bonjour Danny Bonjour directed by Brett Shumway
Bonjour Danny Bonjour directed by Brett Shumway
Danny has been under the tyrannical claws of his Mother's rule for 24 years. Ulcers, group therapy, no Father, and social dysfunction only add to Danny's problems. His only hope is a French girl named Marie. But can she help him change and find happiness before it's too late?
click link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103... Bonjour Danny Bonjour directed by Brett Shumway ... more -
Check out other strong NARRATIVE submissions.
1) The Man Who Met Himself directed by Ben Crowe
Who is Stephen Maker? Did he fake his own death, or do doppelgängers really exist?
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
2)Hyperhydrosis directed by Ryan Krickow
More than anything Bryan Bodak wants to be normal but suffers from hyperhydrosis, a disease that causes him to shoot sweat out of his hands. A bittersweet coming of age tale, 'Hyperhydrosis' deals with individuality and the price of becoming normal.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
1) The Man Who Met Himself directed by Ben Crowe ... more -
Living Poets directed by Erica Filanc
Living Poets directed by Erica Filanc
'Living Poets' is a poetic documentary that examines a group of San Francisco poets who "reclaim" a heroin-trafficked street corner at the 16th and Mission Bart station every Thursday night. Against a harsh city background, the film follows the story of how the group evolved to performing on the street two years ago. The film documents the "open mike" performances and questions its impact to the space and its residents. With mixtures of spoken word and musical instruments, the poets politically engage large audiences while fighting the loud city's atmosphere.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103... Living Poets directed by Erica Filanc ... more -
Check out other strong DOCUMENTARY submissions.
1)Sand Dancer directed by Valerie Reid
Featuring iconic sand artist Peter Donnelly, filmed at New Brighton Beach, Christchurch, New Zealand. Captures Peters amazing sand art and is a refreshing look at life. Peter is compelled to create vast art works on the beach, attracting visitors from all over the world.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
2)To Say Goodbye directed by Scott Foley
A short documentary that explores the sometimes troubled relationship between Sara and her mother, a woman who suffers from alcoholism.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
3) Tio Luis directed by Joselo Rueda
An old married couple live in a department of the city of Mexico. Confusion and loss of memory are their companions.
click on link to watch film
http://www.undergroundfilm.com/films/detail.tcl?wid=103...
1)Sand Dancer directed by Valerie Reid ... more
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UndergroundfilmMaker Festival
