Chain NYC Film Festival: Women’s Voices

By Way of Water
Written, directed and co-produced by Alexander Spenser, the short film By Way of Water gives us a peek inside a day in the life of two runaways, R.E. (Renee Gagner) and Cedar (Scout Backus). It is clear that the two possess a deep-rooted bond of trust and loyalty, surviving and navigating the world together. The day starts like any other day but unexpected news from R.E. causes a shift in their relationship and the two grapple with an uncertain future. It was refreshing to witness a story which didn’t focus on such negative aspects of living on the streets, such as drug abuse and violence. By Way of Water portrays these two young adults simply as people, as human beings, who are living their life despite their circumstances. The chemistry of the two leads makes you believe in the strength of their connection and the film is beautifully filmed.

Counting
Tori Ernst’s short film Counting, which she wrote, produced and stars in, is a first-hand look at the real struggle of someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Directed by Sarah Young, the movie brings us into the world of Em (Tori Ernst), a young actress on the verge of a promising career. Em’s desires for job success and a meaningful relationship are threatened by the constant intrusive thoughts that continuously cycle through every fiber of her being. Tori Ernst drew from her own personal experiences to help us have a better understanding of what life is like with the mental disorder, doing so in a beautifully constructed short film. Counting brought upon some of my own anxieties but it was well worth it to be able to discover this film.

Drawing Circles
Directed and co-produced by Jennifer Law-Smith, short film Drawing Circles is the story of Lisa, the outcast of the second grade. We watch young headstrong Lisa provoke and confront her fellow peers, clearly seeing a line drawn between her and the group. It is reflective of today’s society where being different and outspoken often times will make you the outsider. Lisa soon befriends the new girl, Magnolde, and without many words spoken the two instantly connect and accept one another. In its short run time of approximately eight and a half minutes, Drawing Circles reminds us that things aren’t so different at any age. We all strive to be accepted and we can learn something from the younger generations.

En Suite
Shot using a single, stationary camera, En Suite offers us snapshots into the lives of a seemingly happy married couple following a radical bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Writer Lainie Ventura drew inspiration from her own personal experience to co-write En Suite with Jennifer Harrison. The two, along with the collaboration and vision of director Geoffrey Cantor, brought the very real and immensely personal story to life. En Suite reveals the difficult challenges the couple faces and bares all to the viewers, exposing many hidden truths. Shot with very little dialogue, the short film allows the audience to directly witness, and almost be a part of, the events in the months that ensue. En Suite brings us on an emotional rollercoaster, delivering a deeply intimate narrative.

HEaRD
A film with a strong message, HEaRD is actress Danielle Savre’s directorial debut and it delivers volumes in its short run time. In the story, also co-written by Danielle, we see Samantha (Jodi Moore Lewis) who was left to carry the guilt and shame from an act that was out of her control. Audiences find themselves holding their breath as they bear witness to Samantha’s paralyzing pain and anguish as she recounts the trauma she endured. A range of emotions flood the audience and, at times, the silence was deafening. With very little dialogue, the message from this film is loud and clear, distinctly heard by all those present. HEaRD is a story that needs to be told and I hope it sparks the difficult conversations.

Just a Broadway Baby: Mary Ellen Ashley
The sole short documentary of the night, Just a Broadway Baby: Mary Ellen Ashley, recounts the career and life of Mary Ellen Ashley whose career has spanned eighty years and includes opening for headliners in Vegas, countless performances on Broadway and starring in regional theatre, radio, film and early television. Mary Ellen Ashley made her Broadway debut in 1943 in the “Innocent Voyage” (as Mary Ellen Glass) and went on to do the entire run of the original Broadway production of “Annie Get Your Gun” with Ethel Merman. I was not fully aware of the contribution that Mary Ellen Ashley has done for theatre, and her versatility amazes me. Director Patrick A. Riviere, who also co-produced the project, brought us the touching tribute (which includes Mary Ellen Ashley herself) to recount the stories and memories. It was a joy to learn about her adventures through her eyes.

The Golden Age of Content
The only comedy short of the night was a welcome addition. The Golden Age of Content is a collective product of “The Hive,” written by Caitlin Ouano. Jasmine (Lisette Gabrielle) receives her first major role moments before attending a no-technology artist retreat. All phones are promptly confiscated by the hippy retreat leaders, Flossy and Glossy, who are there to help the artists find their “Inner Feminine.” The film delivers all the laughs with its eclectic group of characters, including Jasmine’s theater actor best friend Siobhan (Megan Medley), a talkative Jersey Girl named Candy (Sarah Cuneo) and a drunk yet perceptive and clever woman Kathy (played by screenwriter Caitlin Ouano). The shenanigans and dialogue are equal parts hilarious and ridiculous, giving us a film that is thoroughly enjoyable and a bright spot amongst the short films. I envision that The Golden Age of Content could easily continue to become an original series.