Join us today at Japan House Salon for the grand finale of our inaugural Anthology Film Festival! It’s been a thrilling journey through the art of cinema, and we’re wrapping up with two carefully curated shorts programs followed by the final feature film of the year. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Shorts Block 6 (2:30 PM)
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with Shorts Block 6, where seven unique narratives come together to explore the nuances of life and human connection. Kicking off the block is Echoes, a poignant tale that leads us through Harlan’s bittersweet final moments as he revisits cherished memories, including time spent with his childhood dog—perfectly encapsulating themes of love and closure.
Next up, The Pinto Variety Hour brings a lighthearted twist with Pinto, a recovering rageaholic bean trying to juggle his quirky variety show and his eccentric family in a whimsical town. If you’re looking for a laugh, this one’s for you!
The mood then shifts to the surreal with Miss You Mom, where Kelsey and Julian confront unsettling truths about her mother’s death while constructing an extraordinary project. Following this introspective journey, Who is God? poses philosophical questions about the relationship between creator and creation.
We’ll then journey to post-war Germany with Vita Nova, a gripping exploration of despair and hope as a man faces a pivotal moment in his life. Unsinkable Mac offers a moving narrative of a retired truck driver grappling with haunting war memories, weaving resilience amid personal turmoil. Finally, we’ll cap off the block with the hilarious World Naked Bike Tour, a comedic romp through the chaos of a nude cycling event that celebrates freedom and self-expression.
These shorts promise a rich tapestry of emotions that will leave you pondering the connections that shape our lives.
Shorts Block 7 (4:45 PM)
As the day progresses, Shorts Block 7 brings even more excitement, delving into themes of conflict, connection, and transformation. Gun-Smoke and Mirrors immerses us in a tense showdown between Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett, setting the stage for high-stakes drama straight from the Wild West.
Transitioning to Out on a Limb, we follow Jonah, a reformed outlaw on a mission to rescue his mother, blending Western motifs with Eastern philosophy for a compelling tale of redemption. The tension escalates in Zero Coordinates, where German generals battle for power amidst the chaos of WWII, paralleling the struggles of control found throughout the festival.
In Touch, the fragile bond between two fathers is tested during a harrowing hunting trip, illustrating the lengths we go for trust and truth. Comedy meets thrill in #Ladyfinger, a lighthearted look at the instant fame that follows a botched robbery, offering both laughs and social commentary.
Finally, Calling Andy takes us on a supernatural journey as three friends reconnect with their deceased companion, prompting deep reflections on friendship and loss. This block is a powerful exploration of human experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Closing Feature: A Little Hope for Chicago (7:15 PM)
To conclude this year’s festival, we present A Little Hope for Chicago, a masterful blend of narrative and documentary styles. This intimate portrait follows a Chicago hustler who narrowly escapes death and incarceration. Through his reflections, the film lays bare the systemic roots of violence and trauma affecting urban youth while celebrating resilience amidst adversity.
With raw interviews and compelling storytelling, this film sheds light on the harsh realities faced by communities, highlighting the strength found in the pursuit of a better future. It’s a powerful conclusion to an incredible festival that underscores the importance of storytelling in understanding the world around us.
Join Us!
As we draw this festival to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. Your commitment to the arts has been crucial in bringing this event to life. Celebrate this journey with us by purchasing tickets to our closing events. Your presence not only enriches the experience but also helps us continue promoting diverse narratives and fostering connections through film.
Thank you once again for being a part of our community. We can’t wait to see you there!
