Announcing New Additions to Lonely Wolf’s #23LWIFF December Virtual Line-Up

Málaga, Spain (August 16, 2023). Hailing from the epicenter of global cinema. I, Adrian Perez, am thrilled to unveil additional features to Lonely Wolf International Film Festival. The LWIFF‘s virtual program for December 21st – 31st 2023. As the world faces its challenges. The power of film persists, resonating with our shared humanity and the stories that bind us.

This year, we will explore tales spotlighting societal tensions, and unchecked dreams. The unyielding bonds of family, and the thrilling tempest of our digital age. Our festival, with films from over 30 countries, celebrates cinema’s universal appeal, embracing diversity in culture, language, and viewpoints. Proudly, we will get to feature film titles previously adored at renowned festivals. Like Cannes, Festival Internacional de Cinema de Tarragona REC, LEFFEST, and more.

Our spotlighted films included standouts such as the riveting FÁR. It is an exceptional piece helmed by Gunnur Martinsdóttir Schlüter. AUXILIAIRE, an intense drama directed by the talented Lucas Bacle. And SAME OLD, a heartfelt narrative shaped by Lloyd Lee Choi‘s artistic flair.

The list goes on with FAIRPLAY, brought to life through Zoel Aeschbacher‘s innovative lens. NADA DE TODO ESTO, a dynamic collaboration between Patricio Martínez and Francisco Cantón. And TITS, a bold statement from the visionary Eivind Landsvik.

Further enriching our lineup was the evocative 98 SECONDS WITHOUT SHADOW. A beautifully crafted film by Juan Pablo, and the captivating Drifter, a testament to Simão Cayatte‘s stellar storytelling. Each of these films, boasting its distinct artistic voice. They have served as a vital ingredient in the rich, multicultural banquet of our global cinematic experience.

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The festival rolled out the red carpet for a constellation of luminaries from both the silver screen and television. The prodigious Abigail Breslin. An Oscar nominee and one of the youngest ever, dazzled us with her presence. Alongside Marvel’s fierce Emily VanCamp, aka Sharon Carter. Household names from TV like Mireille Enos of The Killing, Josh Browman from Revenge. Kyle Merritt MacLachlan of Twin Peaks, and Nolan Gould from Modern Family further amplified the star-studded spectacle.

Additionally, the spellbinding performances by Daria Moroz in Get Ready. Off to the Feast, and Laurent Target & Etienne Cocuelle in AUXILIAIRE left our critics entranced. In our unwavering commitment to diversity, the festival revelled in championing exceptional films from a roster of talented female directors. Such as Rachel Irene Wilke‘s A Marriage. A esteemed Lonely Wolf alumni after her Best Picture win in 2020 for The Most Beautiful. Flavia Moraes‘ intriguing Visions in the Dark, and Michelle Danner‘s thrilling Miranda’s Victim. The crowning glory of the festival, however, was Get Ready. Off to the Feast, helmed by the brilliant Lamara Sogomonian. Which walked away during our summer classifiers with the coveted Best Picture Award.

In these turbulent times, cinema offers a sanctuary to share stories, evoke emotions, and inspire change. This year’s Lonely Wolf International Film Festival looms closer. Our pledge to amplify voices, promote diversity, and champion film’s essential role remains unwavering.

Your enduring support fuels our passion. We anticipate welcoming you to our next riveting chapter. Until then, remain captivated by the spell of cinema.

Other important honorable mentions…

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1. Winner Best Low-Budget Film – Flesh Of My Flesh (UK) by Sunitra Sivabalan

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The winner of Best Low-Budget Film Flesh of My Flesh, helmed by the prodigious Sunitra Sivabalan. It is from the Arts University Bournemouth, plunges audiences into a harrowing post-apocalyptic journey, echoing cinematic heavyweights like The Road, and Snowpiercer. With a backdrop that deftly balances pastoral innocence and cataclysmic despair, the film wrestles with the fine line between self-preservation and morality. Stellar performances by Patrick O’Kane, Charles Furness, and Honor Davis-Pye heighten this exploration of human frailty.

Beyond its riveting storyline and chilling atmospherics, the film compels viewers to question the very essence of humanity and our capacity for both monstrosity and martyrdom in a world devoid of hope..

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2. Winner Best CGI & Visual Effects · Death AND (USA) by Mariah Morgenstern

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Mariah Morgenstern’s Death And catapults to the forefront of this year’s Lonely Wolf Film Festival, presenting a roller-coaster ride of comedic brilliance, intertwined with edge-of-your-seat tension. Capturing the madcap antics of the improv troupe, YesANDra Bullock, Morgenstern artfully weaves a tale of hilarity and suspense as they navigate a deadly improvisational game. Morgenstern’s roots in Second City Hollywood and her UCF comedy training resonate through every laugh-out-loud moment, while her audacious narrative choices cement the film’s standout nature.

Balancing the dichotomy of raw humor with heart-pounding sequences, Morgenstern has crafted a cinematic masterpiece that’s both audacious and memorably entertaining. With Death And, festival-goers are in for an uproarious treat that showcases Morgenstern’s evolution as a filmmaker and her unparalleled knack for genre-blending storytelling.

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3. Honorable Mention · Lady Of The Night (Canada) by Daniel Calderone

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Making its mark at this year’s Lonely Wolf Film Festival, Daniel Calderone’s Lady of the Night is a cinematic triumph that expertly tackles societal issues with nuance and depth. This Canadian thriller is an intense voyage into power dynamics, privilege, and the complex quest for redemption. With its roots anchored in the raw realities of socioeconomic disparity, Calderone delivers a profound exploration into the soul of a young man driven by a relentless desire to protect his beloved from shadows of the past. Every scene is meticulously crafted with Calderone’s directorial brilliance, pairing evocative imagery with a tension that keeps audiences entranced. Abiel Micheal‘s riveting portrayal of Owen harmonizes perfectly with Imaan Haider‘s layered depiction of Jen, producing a powerful duo that brings the narrative to vivid life.

Steering clear of predictable narrative trappings, the Calderone–Micheal screenplay brings fresh perspective and emotional weight to the revenge genre. As the credits roll, Lady of the Night leaves an indelible mark, positioning Daniel Calderone as a vanguard in the realm of independent cinema.

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4. Honorable Mention · A Month. A Day. A Year. (USA) by Hunter Brockmann

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In A Month. A Day. A Year., Hunter Brockmann masterfully paints a Kafkaesque portrait of the human psyche, exploring the tumultuous realm of dreams, realities, and the emotional journey of its protagonist, Serge. Brockmann’s unique blend of the phantasmagoric with intimate personal stories takes viewers on a contemplative voyage akin to cinematic masterpieces such as Fellini’s 8½, and Tarkovsky’s Mirror. The casting, especially Hunter Charles Brockmann as Serge, adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that resonates powerfully with the audience.

With its impeccable cinematography and thought-provoking narrative, this film establishes Brockmann as a rising auteur in the world of cinema, delivering a narrative that begs for repeated viewings, each offering a deeper dive into its intricate emotional tapestry.

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5. Honorable Mention · Stoker Machine (USA) by Darieus Legg

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In the visually and philosophically captivating Stoker Machine, director Darieus Legg effortlessly weaves hand-drawn animations with the raw beauty of surfing, crafting a 12-minute exploration of the human spirit’s connection to the ocean. The narrative, centered around Chad Campbell‘s quest to unravel the legend of ‘Stoke,’ evolves into a profound introspection, juxtaposing the tangible thrill of surfing with existential musings on our place in the universe. Legg’s innovative integration of animation breathes life into the film, blurring the lines between reality and dreamscape, and echoing classics yet forging its own unique cinematic path.

More than just a documentary on surfing, Stoker Machine stands as a compelling invitation to find one’s inner ‘Stoke’ amidst the chaos of existence, capturing the essence of humanity’s intimate bond with nature.

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6. Honorable Mention · Graduation (Hong Kong SAR) by Yiwen Cao

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In the atmospheric and timely Graduation set against a pandemic-ravaged backdrop, director Yiwen Cao, drawing from the original idea conceived by the talented Hong Hong, delivers a compelling reflection on societal expectations and personal disillusionment. Through masterful use of color juxtapositions reminiscent of classic cinema and a poignant narrative that draws parallels to modern societal pressures and timeless human challenges, Cao crafts a haunting tale of a programmer’s crumbling world. Embodying both the role of director and protagonist, Cao’s work transcends gender norms, echoing the universality of human vulnerability in challenging times.

Featuring standout performances by Yike Shi and the strikingly ominous voice of BOSS by Hong Hong, the film, despite its brief runtime, leaves an indelible mark. Cao’s debut is not just a cinematic presentation but a profound reflection of our times, marking her as a filmmaker of significant promise, further elevated by Hong Hong’s remarkable contributions.

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7. Honorable Mention · Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro 5Pointz (USA) by Eirini Alligiannis

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Highlighting the vibrant world of urban street art, Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro 5Pointz pays tribute to one of its most iconic figures. The film captures Gasparro’s unique artistry, chronicling his influence on the 5POINTZ movement and the broader graffiti culture. Through a blend of dynamic visuals and candid interviews, viewers are offered a rare glimpse into the soul of a street art legend, celebrating his lasting impact on the world of contemporary art.

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8. Honorable Mention · Yoga Therapy For Life (USA) by Deanna Schultz

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Diving deep into the world of holistic healing, Yoga Therapy For Life showcases the transformative power of yoga as a therapeutic tool. This documentary juxtaposes ancient practices with modern ailments, illustrating how yoga can offer solutions to contemporary life challenges. With insights from seasoned yogis, therapists, and real-life testimonials, the film emphasizes the profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits of integrating yoga into daily life.

A moving testament to the art of mindfulness and balance, Yoga Therapy For Life enlightens viewers on a path to holistic well-being.

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9. Honorable Mention · Felicity Of A Rice Grain (Netherlands) · Margreet Kramer

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Dutch auteur Margreet Kramer, known for her profound grasp on the human experience, graces the Lonely Wolf Film Festival with her latest experimental short, Felicity Of A Rice Grain. A meditative journey that lasts a mere 1 minute and 13 seconds, the film magnifies the universal ritual of throwing rice—a symbol of love and happiness in myriad cultures. Drenched in contemplative slow motion, every second of this film compels audiences to reflect on life’s transient yet beautiful moments. Kramer’s hauntingly beautiful imagery, captured in crisp HD, converges with her deep-seated belief in the human body’s narrative power, offering a cinematic experience that’s both fleeting and timeless.

In a festival teeming with maverick tales, this poignant short promises a brief, yet profoundly resonant, immersion into the tender acts that define our shared humanity.

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10. Winner Best Queer & Best Original Concept · Sunrise Trail (USA) by Glenn Maneval Jr.

Emerging from the depths of horror’s legacy, Glenn Anthony Maneval Jr.‘s Sunrise Trail strikes an exquisite balance between terror and hope, while offering a fresh, modern perspective on classic survival horror. The film’s protagonists, Zara and Courtney, act as the tale’s heartbeat, their sisterly bond reminiscent of epic familial tales, yet set against a backdrop of nail-biting suspense.

Within the eerie confines of a sprawling mansion, which subtly hints at iconic horror settings like Resident Evil, Maneval redefines the traditional house of horror into a labyrinth of relationships, sacrifices, and redemption. Beyond mere tributes to horror games like “Outlast” and “Visage”, Maneval transports their intense psychological atmospheres to the silver screen, creating a masterpiece that feels like a fusion between Tarkovsky’s Stalker and Carpenter’s The Thing.

However, what truly stands out in this debut is the raw, genuine emotion permeating each scene, making it evident that Maneval’s voice emerges not from formal academia but from authentic passion and experience. Sunrise Trail is more than just a film—it’s a testament to Maneval’s promise as a novel force in the horror genre. With accolades from notable festivals, it’s clear this is only the beginning for this luminary talent, and the world eagerly anticipates his next chilling tale.

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11. Nominated For Best Original Concept · Reality Game (USA) by Greg Lyon

In a world where perception and reality blur, Reality Game challenges its characters—and readers—to discern truth from illusion. Delving into the darker corridors of human psyche, Lyon poses an intriguing question: Does our inherent nature incline towards good, or is our righteousness merely a product of societal limitations? Faced with newfound power, the protagonist Henry confronts this very moral quandary, forcing readers to introspect about the lurking evil within our own digital lives.

The narrative, a mind-bending exploration of virtual realms and their implications, pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. “Reality Game” not only entertains but also incites a profound contemplation of our internal moral compass in the digital age.

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