First, the Recap:
Snippets, sneak peaks, and fully finished fun. Sometimes, there is much to be said about opportunity to see projects which are completed and others that are not, more so I feel when it comes to films and/or TV series that are either finding their footing or announcing wholeheartedly to the world “Here I am!!”. The sheer process of creativity functioning consistently at every level to ensure an effective, finalized outcome is alone a daunting task. Yet, the magic of what is to come from it while still in development can be equally pleasing when presented in a format that provides just enough to whet the appetite and make you pine for the material to coalesce and release in its total form. Such did we get entreated to both facets of this overall journey via a short film block focused on both a fulfilled effort and ones still on the cusp of grander distribution, therefore providing us with a definitive statement from the material’s mastermind–if you love what’s already here, just wait for what’s to arrive!!
Next, my Mind:
Taking on a slightly different approach than was the case with other short film blocks I was able to cover as part of the 2021 Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, here we were engaged and immersed specifically into the works and LGBTQ/women-centric realities as delivered by Los Angles-based writer/director/producer Christie Conochalla, who also served as AoBFF’s guest judge. Now, this critic has stated many a time in the past, for those who have followed my work for years now especially, that this grander thematic exploration and associated ones are not in themselves ones I completely prefer personally. However, as I’ve ALSO both come to realize and fully admit and absolutely respect, when true artistry, intelligent, fully relatable narratives and characters, and messages that finds an amazing way to go BEYOND their foundational core, that is when indie filmmaking grabs me no matter what, and here once again, we have perfect examples of it in action.
To begin, we had the wonder of a completely charming, wholly entertaining, entirely playful, and, as indicated above, utterly relatable romp through the ever-wonderful realm of romcoms via the 26-minute short “Once Upon A Zipper” that finds an ultimately reluctant bride-to-be named Rachel (Kate Miller) discovering her real self by hilariously, then all-out passionately (but still hilariously!) falling for sales clerk Paulie (Jillian Federman) at the bridal shop she’s dress shopping at. Awkward (did I mention STILL hilarious?) moments, indecision, self-doubts, yearning, stabs at religion and judgmental attitudes, and ultimately truth all play an integral part here, and again, those are universal elements that any of us can find accessible from experience, regardless of sexual orientation. That’s what I love about filmmakers like Conochalla, who wear their cornerstone intent on their sleeve through their films yet make it light-hearted, happy ending stuff you can relax to. Now granted, there were levels of intimacy shown, but honestly, SO tastefully done as opposed to being gratuitous or “dirty”.
Supporting players here came via Holly Hawkins as Nancy, Rachel’s Mom, Stephanie Koenig as Edie, Rachel’s beautifully nosy sister, and Peter Marr as Rachel’s (supposed!) fiancée Randy, along with appearances from Jay Alan Christianson, Ashley Watkins, Aida Lembo, JoAnna Senatore, Ashley Alva, Tiffany Berube, Erin Coleman, Dan Kempen, Terry Lendley, Carmen Riquelme, and Samantha Sloop. The accompanying music from James Spratley is so perfectly apropos and adds that additional element of frivolity to the story’s already witty and perky atmosphere. After this film, we were given a quick sneak peak at the trailer for Conochalla’s recent feature film effort titled “Forever Not Maybe” where two women, Sasha (Mandahla Rose) and Elizabeth (Marie Gibeault), bent on career fulfillment trying to embrace the realizations of how they also wish to have it all with each other. The feel and tone just from the clip once more points to a mix of the dramatic and comedic while remaining grounded and believable, illustrating the potent power of attraction and desire to be loved unconditionally, yet another instance of actualities we can all find relevancy in.
To conclude the short block, it was an all-out blitz to highlight multiple episodes of Conochalla’s new TV series, the sitcom “Welcome Home” that follows the adventures, both dramatically emotive but primarily whimsical (as a well-executed sitcom should be), of two newly engaged partners, Leah (Sarah Durham) and Stacey (Marie Gibeault), and the zany circumstances and antics that arise between them in the context of many commonly-made-fun-of yet also serious situations such as holiday time proposing (“Marry Christmas”–which actually started as a stand-alone piece that found further, vibrant life), the challenges and fun of attempting to go camping in “the wild” (“Camping”), finding differences of opinions over the wedding dress choice one has in mind (“Say Yes To The Dress?”), having to agreeably decide what items to realistically request on the gift registry (“Gift Registry”–including a quite riotous fantasy sequence as told by Stacey!), and the conflicting notions about who makes it onto the guest list (“Invite List”–including–exes??!!). All of this is played out in standard sitcom fashion while making it centered on the idea of the deep love the two have for each other. Again I say, re-lat-able, folks, IF you’re willing or needing to go beyond the surface.
So, in total, this short film/promotional block from Conochalla reflects the deep-seeded core passions, drive, purpose, and unflinching boldness to fly the LGBTQ flag proud and high but do so in a manner that allows anyone and everyone to find pure joy, entertainment, and something to take in, take hold of, and hand on to when it comes to the concepts of love, commitment, and being who you are. May these lessons transcend any one platform and find a home in all our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits in order to see this world transform into something it very much needs to be–a FAR better, more forgiving, more truthful, more peaceful, more equal place to call home.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
