Indy Shorts 2020: Comedy
The Indy Shorts International Film Festival, presented by Heartland Film, is a unique festival that both showcases short films and offers cash prizes to many of its winning films. This year, the festival expanded its prize-winning categories to include Comedy, Student Films, Directorial Debut, and Heartland Horror. With 128 films across 18 programs, Indy Shorts is proud to announce that half of this year's lineup was either directed or co-directed by women, and that the winners of the Narrative and Documentary grand prizes will qualify for the 2021 Academy Awards (as long as they meet all other requirements).
The festival will be held in a hybrid format using both the Eventive Virtual Fest and four nights of screenings at Indianapolis's Tibbs Drive-In. The festival's full lineup and info can be found at https://indyshortsfilmfestival20.eventive.org/films
Pay It Forward
A quick, one-joke take on the pay it forward culture plays with your expectations and delivers a solid punchline. Director Anthony Lucero (the dynamite "East Side Sushi") takes an everyday occurrence--a minor collision between two vehicles--and crafts a witty, unpredictable conclusion. Secondary jokes don't always completely land, but the overall arc--and its message about bubble-headed trust and optimism-- very much delivers.
Also notable is Lucero's casting of Lance Kinsey, known to 80s movie fans as Proctor from the Police Academy films--as the grandfather. It's an inspired choice, and it's fun to see a recognizable face--particularly one that hasn't been seen in awhile--in a film like this.--Joe Shearer
Ascending Grace
A bit sitcom-y but decidedly charming, “Ascending Grace” was written by and stars Karen Healy, who has oodles of screen charm. Think a young, Irish and goofy Winona Ryder. She plays Maedhbh -- I had to check the spelling on that three times -- an exuberant First Officer aboard an Irish airline flight waiting to take off for Lourdes. The veteran captain, Cara (Norma Sheahan), is a heroine to her but is cold and dismissive as they wait for a rainstorm to break. They share strawberry donuts and talk about Cara’s dead grandmother’s vision of the Virgin Mary, and the need to develop a good “radio voice.” Meanwhile, back in the rows flight attendant Sarah (Jade Jordan) is about to flip out with a plane full of religious folk on a pilgrimage. Light, winsome and fun. Directed by Claire Byrne.--Christopher Lloyd
Good Mourning
A memorial service may not be the best venue for humor.
But throw in a nervous granddaughter about to give a eulogy for her beloved grandfather, a self-absorbed ex-boyfriend who shows up in a team mascot outfit and you have a recipe for laughs. Simmer for eight minutes and enjoy. The good news is, you won’t die laughing — but you may come close. --Bob Bloom
Out of Stock
This satire takes a simple premise — a joke made by Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show” on Dec. 19, 1973 about a toilet paper shortage — and carries it to absurd lengths. Most of the film is set in a supermarket where the owner-manager jacks up prices from 15 cents to $200 a roll, yet people keep pouring into the store and buying dozens and dozens of rolls.
The movie spotlights the gullibility of people as well as their greed. The 18-minute comedy, directed by Byran Taira, is funny, but it also makes a salient point about humanity. --Bob Bloom