2017 Red Rock Film Festival

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Advantage
Floating Horses: The Life of Casey Tibbs (94m) + Dancing Girls (4m) + Energy (9m) + Hyperloop One: A Nation of Dreamers (12m) + Niggun (12m) + Silence (7m) + I Built a Wall (11m)
 Floating Horses: The Life of Casey Tibbs
Southern Utah Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: Drama, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Women, Western, Sport, Senior/Aging, Youth/Teen, Children, Action, Documentary, History, Biography
2017 • USA • 94 min. • 1.78:1 • 2K
In English
DIR Justin Koehler, SCR Justin Koehler, PRO Justin Koehler, ExePro Wyatt McCrea, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Justin Koehler, ProDes , Edit Justin Koehler, Costume , Mus Ryan Waczek, Art , SndMix , SndEd Brooke Saelens, Cast Casey Tibbs, Steven Ford,Charlie Daniels,David Corlew,Dean Smith,Rick LeFevour,Red Steagall,Alex Cord,Jeb Rosebrook,Wyatt McCrea,Jamie Nudie,Cole Elshere,Jim Korkow,Gail Woerner,Cleo Harrington,Sandra Tibbs,Ernie King,Sunny Hannum,Edd Hayes,Elizabeth Donley,John Duffy,Dayle Angyal,Billy Etbauer,Billie Sutton,Baxter Black,Deb Copenhaver,John Wayne,Wilford Brimley,James Stewart,David Letterman,Joel McCrea,Warren Oates
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American cowboy Casey Tibbs, a nine-time world champion who left home at the age of 13 in 1942 due to his father’s disdain of rodeo, had a rags-to-riches life after his groundbreaking spurring lick was developed and he was launched to stardom. Akin to riding a wild bronc in competition, his unpredictable journey had its grand victories and cheerless crashes. Get ready to “Let’er Buck!”
---
 Dancing Girls
Western States Premiere • Music Video
Genre: romance, nature, ethereal
2017 • USA • 4 min. • 2.35:1
In English
DIR Gio Toninelo, SCR , PRO , ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Estella Dawn
Inspired by old western TV shows, this music video for “Estella Dawn” (New Zealand’s Got Talent finalist) was filmed in Evergreen, CO as a prelude to the release of her first album.
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 Energy
Utah Premiere • Short • Music Video
Genre: Art/Installation
2017 • Germany • 9 min. • 16:9 • 4K
English subtitles
DIR Martin Gerigk, SCR , PRO , ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Martin Gerigk, ProDes , Edit Martin Gerigk, Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix Klaus Korte, SndEd , Cast
Essayistic study of energy for 12 cellos, nature sounds and rhythmicized video sequences. Contemporary music.
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 Hyperloop One: A Nation Of Dreamers
World Premiere • Documentary Short
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 12 min. • 1.78:1
In English
DIR Emily Siegel, Emily Siegel, Frankie Turiano, SCR , PRO Emily Siegel, Frankie Turiano, Taylor Halsted, ExePro Arun Chaudhary, Milo Siegel, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Cameron Marshad, ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Elon Musk
In 2012, entrepreneur Elon Musk called upon the world to create the Hyperloop: a mass transit system that would travel from L.A. to San Francisco in 30 minutes. We visit one of the teams building this technology at their top secret testing site in the Las Vegas desert, and in the process unpack how Americans have forgotten to dream when it comes to infrastructure. This video includes exclusive, never-before-seen footage of the Hyperloop system.
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 Niggun
 Premiere • Animation Shorts
Genre: Animation
2017 • Israel • 12 min. • 16:9 • 2D Animation
In Hebrew with English subtitles
DIR Yoni Salmon, SCR Alon Rothem, PRO the thousandth crane productions,Alon Rothem, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast
After a long journey through space the last two believers are about to reach their destination. Ananda, the space archaeologist, hopes to prove that Earth is not a myth and that all mankind did originated from the same tiny blue planet - but mostly he wants to prove his colleagues and his father wrong and to make the biggest discovery in history. Yamaka, the outcast rabbi, is searching for something subtler. He believes that Jerusalem is not just a mystical idea, but an actual place, where he might find the feeling of holiness missing in his life. Together they followed the clues and arrived at their destination, but instead of a living planet and a holy city, they find only the fragments of what once was...
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 Silence
Southern Utah Premiere • Collegiate Shorts • Fiction
Genre: Drama
2017 • USA • 7 min. • 4:3 • Super 16mm
In with English subtitles
DIR Ben Glassman, SCR Ben Glassman, PRO Ben Glassman, Elise Glasgow, Nader Motamedi, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast David Air
A Jewish man hiding in German-occupied Poland rediscovers the joy of music while creating a makeshift gramophone.
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 I Built a Wall
Premiere • Fiction Shorts • Fiction
Genre: Drama
2017 • USA • 11 min. • 2.35:1 • Digital
In English
DIR Gary Groth, AJ Groth, SCR AJ Groth, Gary Groth, PRO AJ Groth, Gary Groth, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Tess Harrison, Joe Cadiff
When He builds a wall in the middle of nowhere, She comes to discover what it’s all about.

Melody Makers


Utah Premiere • Red Grid • Documentary
Genre: Documentary, History, Music, Biography


2016 • Canada • 98 min. • 1.78:1 • HDV
In English
DIR Leslie Ann Coles, SCR Leslie Ann Coles, PRO Leslie Ann Coles, Mark Sanders, ExePro Leslie Ann Coles, Richard C. Hanet, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast


MELODY MAKERS tells the true story of the rise and fall of the most influential music publication in history. Melody Maker began as a weekly jazz musician’s trade paper in the 1920’s and by the 1960’s became an internationally recognized “must read” for rock n’ roll fans and musicians alike. Melody Maker magazine became a pop culture phenomenon and this was, to a great extent, due to its Chief Contributing Photographer, Barrie Wentzell (1965-1975) and his black and white photos that blistered across the front cover. MELODY MAKERS features candid interviews with the Melody Maker journalists, musicians and other subjects who worked behind the scenes who infuse the film with humour, and offer new insight about the cultural significance of the paper at a time when rock n’ roll was in its infancy and Melody Maker magazine was revered as the bible of rock n’ roll during this dynamic, formative and most controversial period in music history. Melody Makers features a rare classic rock photo archive to capture this unique period in music history when confidences were kept, and journalists and Barrie had unprecedented access - pre paparazzi - before the national press began picking in the idiosyncrasies of celebrity. Melody Makers is chock full of anecdotal stories and the true stories from behind pictures.


 Ribcage Fireplace


North America Premiere • Red Grid • Music Video
Genre: Music Video


2016 • Canada • 4 min. • 16:9 • Digital
In English
DIR Richard Lukacs, SCR Richard Lukacs, PRO Samantha Marcellin, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Samantha Marcellin




Ancient symbols of inspiration and creativity are coming alive in this surrealist music video that draws a parallel between the alchemist’s Great Work and the process of creating an art piece.

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Advantage
 Floating Horses: The Life of Casey Tibbs
Southern Utah Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: Western, Sport, Senior/Aging, Youth/Teen, Action, Documentary, History, Biography
2017 • USA • 94 min. • 16:9 • 2K
In English
DIR Justin Koehler, SCR Justin Koehler, PRO Justin Koehler, ExePro Wyatt McCrea, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Justin Koehler, ProDes , Edit Justin Koehler, Costume , Mus Ryan Waczek, Art , SndMix , SndEd Brooke Saelens, Cast Casey Tibbs, Steven Ford, Charlie Daniels, David Corlew, Dean Smith, Rick LeFevour, Red Steagall, Alex Cord, Jeb Rosebrook, Wyatt McCrea, Jamie Nudie, Cole Elshere, Jim Korkow, Gail Woerner, Cleo Harrington, Sandra Tibbs, Ernie King, Sunny Hannum, Edd Hayes, Elizabeth Donley, John Duffy, Dayle Angyal, Billy Etbauer, Billie Sutton, Baxter Black, Deb Copenhaver, John Wayne, Wilford Brimley, James Stewart, David Letterman, Joel McCrea, Warren Oates




American cowboy Casey Tibbs, a nine-time world champion who left home at the age of 13 in 1942 due to his father’s disdain of rodeo, had a rags-to-riches life after his groundbreaking spurring lick was developed and he was launched to stardom. Akin to riding a wild bronc in competition, his unpredictable journey had its grand victories and cheerless crashes. Get ready to “Let’er Buck!”
---
 Dancing Girls
Western States Premiere • Music Video
Genre: Romance, Nature, Ethereal
2017 • USA • 4 min. • 2.35:1
In English
DIR Gio Toninelo, SCR , PRO , ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Estella Dawn




Inspired by old western TV shows, this music video for “Estella Dawn” (New Zealand’s Got Talent finalist) was filmed in Evergreen, CO as a prelude to the release of her first album.
---
 Hyperloop One: A Nation Of Dreamers
World Premiere • Documentary Short • Documentary
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 12 min. • 16:9
In English
DIR Emily Siegel, Emily Siegel, Frankie Turiano, SCR , PRO Emily Siegel, Frankie Turiano, Taylor Halsted, ExePro Arun Chaudhary, Milo Siegel, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Cameron Marshad, ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast




In 2012, entrepreneur Elon Musk called upon the world to create the Hyperloop: a mass transit system that would travel from L.A. to San Francisco in 30 minutes. We visit one of the teams building this technology at their top secret testing site in the Las Vegas desert, and in the process unpack how Americans have forgotten to dream when it comes to infrastructure. This video includes exclusive, never-before-seen footage of the Hyperloop system.
---
 I Built a Wall
Premiere • Fiction Shorts • Fiction
Genre: Drama
2017 • USA • 11 min. • 2.35:1 • Digital
In English
DIR Gary Groth, AJ Groth, SCR AJ Groth, Gary Groth, PRO AJ Groth, Gary Groth, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Tess Harrison, Joe Cadiff




When He builds a wall in the middle of nowhere, She comes to discover what it’s all about.

 Phil’s Camino


Utah Premiere • Red Grid • Documentary
Genre: Disability Culture, Senior/Aging, Documentary


2016 • USA • 28 min. • 1.78:1 • HDV
In English
DIR Annie ONeil, Jessica Lewis, SCR , PRO Annie ONeil, ExePro Doug Blush, Co-Pro, , DP/CIN Todd Pinckney, ProDes , Edit Jessica Lewis, Todd Pinckney, Doug Blush, Costume , Mus Laura Karpman, Dan Bern Eric Kufs, Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast


Phil’s Camino is the story of a man with stage 4 cancer who dreams of walking the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile long spiritual pilgrimage in Spain. Getting chemo treatments every two weeks, he is unable to travel so he does the next best thing: he makes his own Camino in his backyard, walking the perimeter of his property going through woods and pasture, and sets out to walk his way across Spain without ever leaving home. Eventually finishing in his backyard he is grated permission to miss a chemo treatment and he travels to Spain, along the way realizing his greatest pilgrimage is the one he travels within.

The Organizer
Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: History, Political
2017 • USA • 101 min. • 16:9 • Digital - Canon
In English, Spanish with English subtitles
DIR Nick Taylor, SCR Nick Taylor, PRO Joey Carey, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Wade Rathke, Francis Fox Piven, Noam Chomsky, Gary Delgado, Andy Stern, Tanya Harris




THE ORGANIZER is a feature length documentary centered on ACORN founder and community organizer Wade Rathke. The film covers 45 years of history in the struggle for economic justice, and documents present-day endeavors by Rathke and other committed organizers and activists.The film is equally a history lesson, a look at the state of organizing and social movements today, and an intimate character study of a man that even his enemies have described as, “The most talented political organizer of his generation.”




 Kunstglaser
World Premiere • Documentary Shorts • Documentary, Web / New Media
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 9 min. • 2.39:1 • Digital
In English
DIR Ben Proudfoot,  PRO Jeremy Lambert, ExePro , Co-Pro Ben Proudfoot & Richard Graham, DP/CIN David Bolen,  Edit  Tim Johnson, Mus Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, SndDes Sean Higgins, Cast Norbert Sattler & Sue Obata




A film following Norbert Sattler, a master stained glass craftsman in Pleasantville, Nova Scotia.

The Organizer
Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: History, Political
2017 • USA • 101 min. • 16:9 • Digital - Canon
In English, Spanish with English subtitles
DIR Nick Taylor, SCR Nick Taylor, PRO Joey Carey, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Wade Rathke, Francis Fox Piven, Noam Chomsky, Gary Delgado, Andy Stern, Tanya Harris




THE ORGANIZER is a feature length documentary centered on ACORN founder and community organizer Wade Rathke. The film covers 45 years of history in the struggle for economic justice, and documents present-day endeavors by Rathke and other committed organizers and activists.The film is equally a history lesson, a look at the state of organizing and social movements today, and an intimate character study of a man that even his enemies have described as, “The most talented political organizer of his generation.”




 Kunstglaser
World Premiere • Documentary Shorts 
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 9 min. • 2.39:1 • Digital
In English
DIR Ben Proudfoot,  PRO Jeremy Lambert, ExePro , Co-Pro Ben Proudfoot & Richard Graham, DP/CIN David Bolen,  Edit  Tim Johnson, Mus Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, SndDes Sean Higgins, Cast Norbert Sattler & Sue Obata




A film following Norbert Sattler, a master stained glass craftsman in Pleasantville, Nova Scotia.

The China Mission
Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature • Documentary
Genre: Asian, Christian, History
2017 • Ireland • 85 min. • 1.78:1
In English
DIR Peter Kelly, SCR , PRO Peter Kelly, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast


The China Mission chronicles the efforts, adventures and experiences of Irish catholic missionaries in China between 1920 and 1954 - times of political chaos, famine, floods, civil war and world war. This is not a small story of isolated individuals; over four decades, hundreds of Irish men and women worked in social, pastoral and disaster relief services and were swept up in epic events at an extraordinarily turbulent but fascinating period of Chinese history. For example, the Yangtze River floods of 1931 killed an estimated 4 million people. It remains the greatest natural disaster in human history and Irish missionaries were heavily involved in the relief efforts. When the Japanese invaded China during WWII, Irish missionaries found themselves in occupied and unoccupied territory. The war wreaked a heavy toll in China but the defeat of Japan did not bring peace. The Chinese people endured civil war until Communist forces were victorious.  And there was to be no place in Communist China for the Irish missionary priests and sisters who had worked in the country for four decades. Mao Zedong declared war on religion and persecuted foreigners in particular. Foreign missionaries were arrested and imprisoned in harsh conditions. By 1954 all had been expelled. This film makes extensive use of rare archival photographs and film ‘ much of it never seen before. Promotional films made by missionaries themselves are featured alongside international newsreels which help set the political and historical context. The China Mission is an extraordinary story of cultural interaction, and commitment in the face of natural disaster and political danger.




 35 Pieces




U.S. Premiere • Experimental Shorts • Experimental
Genre: Experimental, Animation




2017 • USA • 10 min. • Digital
In with English subtitles
DIR Steven Siegel, SCR Steven Siegel, PRO Steven Siegel, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Alice Linder




35 Pieces is a follow up to “A Puzzle for Alice”, and is built from visual art, a voice over narrative, and music. It is a 9 minute ride through the artist’s vision and thoughts.

 Manson: The Voice of Madness
Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Documentary, History, Biography
2017 • Canada • 100 min. • RED
In English
DIR Buddy Day, SCR Buddy Day, DP/CIN Nathanial Harper, Cast Narrated by Rob Zombie
Director James Buddy Day spent a year interviewing Manson by phone from his cell in California State Prison. We tracked down members of the ‘Manson Family,’ many who have been in hiding since the early seventies. These compelling new interviews reveal new details that unveil the true story behind the grisly murder spree. Manson continues to be a beacon of public fascination. How could a drifter and ex-con become a charismatic leader of what prosecutors called a diabolical murder cult? Why did the killers target the home of a Hollywood sex symbol? And where did the prosecution come up with the theory that it started with a Beatles song called Helter Skelter? The film uncovers shocking new details, never before seen materials and digitally restored audio recordings from the original investigation to reconstruct the events that led to the murders of Sharon Tate and four friends on August 8, 1969. Exclusive interviews include Manson Family members Bobby Beausoleil, Barbara Hoyt and Catherine Gillies, prosecutor Stephen Kay, defense attorney Gary Fleischman and music producer Phil Kaufman. The film also features rare footage and audio recordings of Leslie Van Houton and Susan Atkins. The most riveting elements come from Manson himself through never before seen pictures, artwork, writings and recordings from inside California State Prison.

 Manson: The Voice of Madness


Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature • Documentary
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Documentary, History, Biography


2017 • Canada • 100 min. • RED
In English
DIR Buddy Day, SCR , PRO , ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Narrated by Rob Zombie


Director James Buddy Day spent a year interviewing Manson by phone from his cell in California State Prison. We tracked down members of the ‘Manson Family,’ many who have been in hiding since the early seventies. These compelling new interviews reveal new details that unveil the true story behind the grisly murder spree. Manson continues to be a beacon of public fascination. How could a drifter and ex-con become a charismatic leader of what prosecutors called a diabolical murder cult? Why did the killers target the home of a Hollywood sex symbol? And where did the prosecution come up with the theory that it started with a Beatles song called Helter Skelter? The film uncovers shocking new details, never before seen materials and digitally restored audio recordings from the original investigation to reconstruct the events that led to the murders of Sharon Tate and four friends on August 8, 1969. Exclusive interviews include Manson Family members Bobby Beausoleil, Barbara Hoyt and Catherine Gillies, prosecutor Stephen Kay, defense attorney Gary Fleischman and music producer Phil Kaufman. The film also features rare footage and audio recordings of Leslie Van Houton and Susan Atkins. The most riveting elements come from Manson himself through never before seen pictures, artwork, writings and recordings from inside California State Prison.

 Point of No Return
Red Grid advanced screening • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 92 min. • 1.85:1 • HDV
In English
DIR Noel Dockstader, Quinn Kanaly, PRO Quinn Kanaly, Noel Dockstader, Cast Bertrand Piccard, Andre Borschberg
Point of No Return chronicles one of the most suspenseful and pioneering scientific adventure stories of the 21st century, following two pilots in their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane fueled exclusively by sunlight. Their mission: to prove the potential of clean technology and to inspire hearts and minds. To achieve their goal, they must push themselves and their team of engineers and meteorologists far beyond their limits.  Thirteen years ago, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg began building what many experts said was impossible: a solar-powered airplane capable of flying day and night. With the wingspan of a 747 jet and the weight of a car Solar Impulse is extremely fragile; high winds or turbulence can snap the wings in two. But the 26,000-mile journey tests more than their technology. In an unheated, unpressurized cockpit, the 5-day solo flight across the Pacific Ocean becomes a feat of endurance unlike any other in aviation history.  Technical failures, unplanned landings, and stormy weather put the entire mission in jeopardy and drain the spirits of the team. To succeed, both Piccard, a psychiatrist and balloonist, and Borschberg, an engineer and jet fighter pilot, must set aside their differences, and go against the advice of their engineers. Their gripping story sheds light on what it takes to attempt something truly groundbreaking and is testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.
--
Still I Rise
Mountain West Premiere • Short-Shorts • Experimental
Genre: Experimental
2017 • USA • 4 min. • 
In English
DIR Gabriel Diamond, Patrick Nelson Barnes, Phil Collis,  Cast Narrated by Maya Angelou
A visual and musical interpretation of American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s electrifying poem “Still I Rise.” Juxtaposing Angelou’s timeless words with imagery of struggle and change from the past to the present, “Still I Rise” prompts us to ask ourselves: What side of the divide do you stand on? Where will you forge common ground?

 Point of No Return
Red Grid advanced screening • Documentary Full-length Feature
Genre: Documentary
2017 • USA • 92 min. • 1.85:1 • HDV
In English
DIR Noel Dockstader, Quinn Kanaly, PRO Quinn Kanaly, Noel Dockstader, Cast Bertrand Piccard, Andre Borschberg
Point of No Return chronicles one of the most suspenseful and pioneering scientific adventure stories of the 21st century, following two pilots in their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane fueled exclusively by sunlight. Their mission: to prove the potential of clean technology and to inspire hearts and minds. To achieve their goal, they must push themselves and their team of engineers and meteorologists far beyond their limits.  Thirteen years ago, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg began building what many experts said was impossible: a solar-powered airplane capable of flying day and night. With the wingspan of a 747 jet and the weight of a car Solar Impulse is extremely fragile; high winds or turbulence can snap the wings in two. But the 26,000-mile journey tests more than their technology. In an unheated, unpressurized cockpit, the 5-day solo flight across the Pacific Ocean becomes a feat of endurance unlike any other in aviation history.  Technical failures, unplanned landings, and stormy weather put the entire mission in jeopardy and drain the spirits of the team. To succeed, both Piccard, a psychiatrist and balloonist, and Borschberg, an engineer and jet fighter pilot, must set aside their differences, and go against the advice of their engineers. Their gripping story sheds light on what it takes to attempt something truly groundbreaking and is testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.
--
Still I Rise
Mountain West Premiere • Short-Shorts • Experimental
Genre: Experimental
2017 • USA • 4 min. • 
In English
DIR Gabriel Diamond, Patrick Nelson Barnes, Phil Collis,  Cast Narrated by Maya Angelou
A visual and musical interpretation of American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s electrifying poem “Still I Rise.” Juxtaposing Angelou’s timeless words with imagery of struggle and change from the past to the present, “Still I Rise” prompts us to ask ourselves: What side of the divide do you stand on? Where will you forge common ground?

The China Mission
Western States Premiere • Documentary Full-length Feature 
Genre: Asian, Christian, History
2017 • Ireland • 85 min. • 1.78:1
In English
DIR Peter Kelly, SCR , PRO Peter Kelly, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast 




The China Mission chronicles the efforts, adventures and experiences of Irish catholic missionaries in China between 1920 and 1954 - times of political chaos, famine, floods, civil war and world war. This is not a small story of isolated individuals; over four decades, hundreds of Irish men and women worked in social, pastoral and disaster relief services and were swept up in epic events at an extraordinarily turbulent but fascinating period of Chinese history. For example, the Yangtze River floods of 1931 killed an estimated 4 million people. It remains the greatest natural disaster in human history and Irish missionaries were heavily involved in the relief efforts. When the Japanese invaded China during WWII, Irish missionaries found themselves in occupied and unoccupied territory. The war wreaked a heavy toll in China but the defeat of Japan did not bring peace. The Chinese people endured civil war until Communist forces were victorious.  And there was to be no place in Communist China for the Irish missionary priests and sisters who had worked in the country for four decades. Mao Zedong declared war on religion and persecuted foreigners in particular. Foreign missionaries were arrested and imprisoned in harsh conditions. By 1954 all had been expelled. This film makes extensive use of rare archival photographs and film ‘ much of it never seen before. Promotional films made by missionaries themselves are featured alongside international newsreels which help set the political and historical context. The China Mission is an extraordinary story of cultural interaction, and commitment in the face of natural disaster and political danger.


 35 Pieces


U.S. Premiere • Experimental Shorts
Genre: Experimental, Documentary
2017 • USA • 10 min. • Digital
In with English subtitles
DIR Steven Siegel, SCR Steven Siegel, PRO Steven Siegel, ExePro , Co-Pro, , DP/CIN , ProDes , Edit , Costume , Mus , Art , SndMix , SndEd , Cast Alice Linder


35 Pieces is a follow up to “A Puzzle for Alice”, and is built from visual art, a voice over narrative, and music. It is a 9 minute ride through the artist’s vision and thoughts.