When I reserved my tickets for the Kansas City Film Festival, there was one block I knew I didn't want to miss: the Heartland Student Shorts.
The Heartland Student Shorts block showcases student films which were either shot in Kansas or Missouri or created by students from Kansas or Missouri. I always enjoy showing up for my fellow student filmmakers to see what they've been up to.
Traditionally, the Kansas City Film Festival has multiple student short blocks, but due to added special events for the festival's 30th anniversary, there was only one. This most likely made selection more competitive this year, and it was clear to me that the films in this block were top-notch.
Sunlight
Sunlight is a short documentary about director Preston Brown's late father's struggles with invisible seizures. Opening with interviews of friends and family complimenting Brown's father directly to him, the film takes both a personal and informative approach to its storytelling. It gives audience members a great sense of Brown's father as a person, despite the audience never having known him.
Pedal Faster
Pedal Faster is a somewhat experimental thriller in which a teen is chased by a one-eyed being on a bike ride home. Pedal Faster was this year's winner of the Heartland High School Student Short award, and for good reason. Using intense red and green lighting and stop motion animation, the film is an impressive feat for high school student Ira Good.
Rehab
Skye Fisher's Rehab is a wild plane ride (and crash)!
Loosely inspired by the classic joke setup "A horse walks into a bar," the film follows a horse man (as in, a man with a horse head) through a downward spiral including his bandmates' deaths via plane crash, tumultuous relationship with his smoker mother, and eventual visit with a therapist who seems to know his mom a bit too intimately.
The best aspect of this film in my opinion is how clear it was that this was a fun set to be on. Every actor and crew member seemed to be having the time of their life!
Particle
Having met director of photography Cecilia Thomas the day prior, I was excited to see this film. It did not disappoint; in fact, it became my favorite film of the block. Particle follows a young man grieving the death of his father. Unable to find solace in therapy, he takes a journey across the plains, only to find happiness in the plains themselves.
Both the script and cinematography were spectacular, and director/lead actor Aiden Kent really sold the part. The music really helped immerse me in the beauty of the plains.
Imaginary
Imaginary is a film created by the e-Communications program at Olathe East High School. The program focuses on several of the media arts, including filmmaking.
Following a young girl who begins to experience hallucinations after the death of her parents, Imaginary shows that even high school students can put together a true production. While I already knew that the e-Communications program at Olathe East produced great filmmakers due to my personal experience working with several of their alumni while at university, this film proved to me that these students are still making quality films.
Above the Trees
As a woman tries to find her way home, she is chased by something in the trees. Alone and afraid, she makes a call to a radio station at a payphone. While the radio host doesn't believe her, they are both attacked by whatever is looking above the trees.
Above the Trees pulls audience members in with its atmosphere and intriguing horror. Like any great thriller, it keeps us guessing and holds the audience's attention with a great story.
The Sacred Sip
Initially created for the a timed film challenge, The Sacred Sip follows two roommates who get into a battle over the final bottle of beer. The premise already sounds entertaining, but it becomes action-packed when the roommates imagine themselves engaged in a Street Fighter-style battle. In its short runtime, it takes us on a journey of friendship as they finally decide to share the bottle, only to find a can of the same brand in the fridge.
This film was hilarious and heartfelt, balancing the power of friendship with a relatable story.
In the Company of God
In the Company of God explores themes of religion and morality. A new worker at a church faces moral questions over the course of a day. He learns of his new responsibilities and is pestered by a local vagabond. When the head priest and the worker find that the man has broken into the church, the priest takes justice into his own hands by shooting him in the head.
Hex My Ex
As the winner of the Heartland College Student Short award, Hex My Ex follows an all-female band who go missing after recording themselves performing in a haunted sewer. I would describe this film as The Blair Witch Project meets Forbidden Fruits. It's a found-footage style film with a band that constantly bickers. Surprisingly, it keeps us invested in the characters despite their toxicity to one another by showing their fun qualities and the budding romance between band members.
Final Thoughts
I'm always happy to support my fellow student filmmakers as it reminds me of what's possible. Age doesn't keep us from making meaningful art. The Heartland Student Shorts block was fun, as usual, with a great variety of genres and themes. I hope that all the filmmakers find success as they journey into the film industry.
