The Future of Film with Tom Oliva Tom Oliva

Get ready for the season 4 finale of the Future of Film podcast as we dive into the world of cinematic storytelling with the brilliant Hadley Hillel. An alumnus from as far back as 2014, Hadley's captivating dark comedies, "Muffins" and "The Talk," have been a consistent highlight in our Roadshow Presentations across the country. These films are more than just movies; they're journeys into curious, offbeat, and uproariously funny worlds, where flawed characters come to life amidst unexpected laughter.

Join us as we sit down with Hadley Hillel, a visionary storyteller who has held my attention for a decade with his imaginative narratives. From an awkward hitman serving muffins at a bed and breakfast to a selfish couple contemplating divorce through absurd arguments, Hadley's films take us on extraordinary journeys, often with lines like "nobody trims a cactus with lawn clippers." He masterfully weaves surreal characters and conflicts into stories that defy convention, blending stylized presentation with profound humanity.

Explore Hadley's journey as he navigates fantastical realms, challenging the boundaries of what filmmaking can achieve. His films, from a sad tea cozy factory worker befriending a boy through notes in the floor to a son suspecting his mother is a robot in a futuristic 1950s setting, showcase his unparalleled creativity. With an impressive list of awards and accolades too lengthy to enumerate, Hadley's talent speaks for itself, proving that he's a creative force with limitless potential.

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Website: www.hadleyhillel.com

"Muffins" by Hadley Hillel - 2014 AAHSFF Best Screenplay Winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2NDs7iS_Rg 




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In this episode of The Future of Film, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kai Tomizawa, a talented filmmaker and alumni from 2020. Kai's submission, the hilarious and heartfelt comedy "No Fan of Andy," won Best Comedy in one of the most competitive years for the category. From the moment we watched her film, we were captivated by Kai's remarkable talent and her ability to weave together a compelling story with a perfect balance of humor and emotional depth.



Through her film, Kai showcases her eye for style, her skill in storytelling, and an overall sophistication that is rare to find in a first-time filmmaker. Not only did she write, direct, and edit the film, but she also stars in it, leaving us in awe of her multifaceted abilities. "No Fan of Andy" has had a profound impact on the future of film, becoming a staple in our Roadshow presentations worldwide and an invaluable addition to our lesson plans.



Kai's gift for details and dialogue shines through in every moment of the film, with clever timing and wit that bring the story and characters to life. The plot navigates the complexities of friendship, fear of change, and the necessary adaptations in successful relationships. With its universal themes and relatable characters, "No Fan of Andy" not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections and personal growth.



Join us as we dive into a delightful conversation with Kai Tomizawa, exploring her creative process, her unique comedic voice, and the impact of her authentic storytelling. This episode is a celebration of Kai's extraordinary talent and a testament to the power of comedy in conveying universal truths. Get ready for an engaging and insightful discussion that will leave you inspired by the limitless potential of this remarkable filmmaker.



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Website: Kai Tomizawa - YouTube 

No Fan of Andy by Kai Tomizawa - 2020 AAHSFF Best Comedy Winner: https://youtu.be/tTCLs8BSTaU 


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In this episode of The Future of Film, we are honored to have Theo Shakes as our guest. As an alumni from 2019, Theo made a significant impact with his narrative short film "Bygones," receiving multiple nominations for Best Overall Film, Best Direction, Best International Film, and Best Drama. At just 16 years old, Theo displayed a remarkable ability to craft a poignant and heartrending story that delved into themes of fathers and sons, love and loss, and the weight of our past.



"Bygones" takes viewers on a journey of emotional intensity, with meticulous cinematography, gripping performances, and a gentle score that heightens the rising dramatic tension. Theo's film masterfully captures a fragment of life teeming with raw emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.



Since his time at All American, Theo has continued to shine with his unwavering talent and passion. His achievements extend beyond filmmaking, encompassing acting, stand-up comedy, and a thriving presence on TikTok with millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. It is clear that Theo is a young artist determined to explore various forms of storytelling and share his art with the world.



Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into Theo Shakes' journey, discussing his creative process, his dedication to his craft, and the boundless potential that lies ahead for this extraordinary young filmmaker.



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Website: https://www.theoshakes.com



"Bygones" by Theo Shakes - 2019 AAHSFF Best Overall Nominee: https://youtu.be/oCEKo9r-Xfo 




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Join us on this exciting episode of The Future of Film as we welcome Eli Berliner, an award-winning filmmaker and master of the art of immersive storytelling. Eli's works, including experimental films like "Swimming in Light" and "Cross Currents", as well as his documentary "Think Like a Filmmaker", have garnered critical acclaim for their ability to take the viewer on a journey that harnesses all the senses and makes the obscure familiar and welcoming. 

Join us as we delve into Eli's creative process, inspirations, and unique approach to filmmaking. Learn about his use of synesthesia to create unforgettable cinematic experiences and how he fearlessly experiments and expands his repertoire to test his skills as a visual storyteller. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of immersive storytelling and the journey of an emerging filmmaker on the cusp of greatness.

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Website: https://www.eliozberliner.com/ 

Swimming in Light by Eli Berliner - 2020 AAHSFF Best Cinematography & Experimental Nominee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjO0Y40Aiss

Think Like A Filmmaker - Eli Berliner - 2021 Best Documentary Winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KioANtggJFc 

Cross Currents - Eli Berliner - 2021 Best Experimental & Best Editing Nominee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OgTPmCPLpk 

The Audition - Eli Berliner - 2022 Best Drama Nominee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta9bdeZbQy4 




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Join us on this exciting episode as we welcome the talented twin brothers, Jasper and Lukas Fletcher, the big winners of Best Overall Film at the 2022 festival. In their debut film, "Rabbit," these talented filmmakers showcase their skills in building an atmosphere rich with mood and meaning, a testament to their natural talent and passion for visual storytelling. Get ready to dive into the ethereal and moody world of "Rabbit" as we discuss the twin's journey as filmmakers and learn about their unique approach to capturing the human condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of visual storytelling and the journey of two talented filmmakers.

Subscribe Now: anchor.fm/futureoffilm

Website: https://www.jasperfletcher.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasperfletcherr

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user146228693

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jasperfletcher/videos

Rabbit - Jasper Fletcher, Lukas Fletcher - 2022 Best Overall Winner: https://youtube.com/watch?v=KrKyIVWz9tc&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE


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Join us for this episode of The Future of Film where we catch up with Christian Arnsparger, a talented filmmaker and animator. Christian was a standout student at James Clemens High School in Madison, AL, winning the award for Best PSA in 2018 for his film "Bunker" which addressed the issue of domestic violence. Since then, he has moved to Los Angeles and continued to hone his skills and has worked on projects such as the Army-Navy Game, Spiderman: No Way Home, and NFL Thursday Night Football. Learn about Christian's journey from high school award-winner to professional animator in this inspiring episode of The Future of Film.

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Website: www.christianarnsparger.com

2018 AAHSFF Best PSA "Bunker" by Christian Arnsparger: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3aU9m8tncl4&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE


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