NAPLES INTERNATIONAL Film Festival — PICTURE PREVIEW

Film Festival Schedule:

OPENING NIGHT FILM PRESENTATION

Butterfly in the Sky Florida Premiere

Directors: Bradford Thomason, Brett Whitcomb

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 86 minutes

Butterfly in the Sky tells the story of the beloved PBS children’s series Reading Rainbow, its iconic host LeVar Burton, and the challenges its creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television. 

CLOSING NIGHT FILM PRESENTATION

Jurassic Park (1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Country: U.S., Running Time: 127 min

A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost-complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure allows the park’s cloned dinosaurs to run loose.

NARRATIVE FEATURES

JURIED COMPETITION

Acidman Florida Premiere

Director: Alex Lehmann

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 90 minutes

Maggie tracks down her estranged and reclusive father, Lloyd (Thomas Haden Church), who lives in the middle of nowhere searching for UFOs—an obsession that has taken over his life. Struggling to accept who her father has become, Maggie searches for a new way to connect with her dad so she can share a life-changing secret of her own with him. 

The Big Bend Florida Premiere

Director: Brett Wagner

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 104 minutes

Two families meet for a long overdue reunion in the remote West Texas desert, and events quickly don’t go as planned. Harboring secrets and facing private crises, they explore one of the wildest places in America, testing the boundaries of marriage, friendship, and parenthood—and doing their best to survive the experience. 

Disfluency 

Director: Anna Baumgarten

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 93 minutes

After failing her final college class, Jane returns home to her family’s lake house and comes to terms with the confusing drama that derailed her senior year. 

ADDITIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURES

Dear Zoe Florida Premiere

Director: Gren Wells

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 94 minutes

A powerful coming-of-age story of love, loss, grief and resilience in which teenage Tess enlists the support of her biological father—a lovable slacker—and the charming juvenile delinquent next door in the aftermath of the death of her little sister, Zoe. 

Food and Romance

Director: Annika Appelin

Country: Sweden; Running Time: 102 minutes

A sudden change forces Karin to reevaluate her life. With the help of friends, food and passion, she refuses to accept that life has an expiration date and takes the second chance she is given. 

The Forger Florida Premiere

Director: Maggie Peren

Country: Germany; Running Time: 116 minutes

Based on a true story of bravery in the face of evil, The Forger stars Louis Hofmann (Netflix’s Dark) as an audacious young man who poses as a marine officer and forges documents to help fellow Jews escape Nazi Germany. 

Hard Shell, Soft Shell

Director: Emma Benestan 

Countries: France/Algeria; Running Time: 100 minutes

Loved-up oyster farmer Az thinks he’s made it. But when an elaborate proposal goes awry and his girlfriend Jess breaks his heart, Az is forced to confront his understanding of what happiness really looks like—both hers and his own. 

iMordecai

Director: Marvin Samel

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 102 minutes

Sean Astin stars as Marvin is an ambitious cigar maker trying to support his own family while still being there for his aging parents, Mordecai (Judd Hirsch) and Fela (Carol Kane). When Mordecai’s ancient flip phone breaks, he starts to take lessons on his new iPhone, opening him up to all kinds of novel experiences and adventures, making him feel like a kid again.  

MVP

Director: Nate Boyer

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 112 minutes

Based on a true story of combat veterans and former pro athletes finding purpose and identity after the uniform comes off. 

Playing Through

Director: Balbinka Korzeniowska

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 91 minutes

Late in her career, Ann Gregory, dubbed the Queen of Negro Golf, finds the courage to be the first woman of color to enter the USGA Women’s Amateur. She collides with Babs Whatling, a privileged white woman from the South who is searching for her own identity. This highly publicized match forever changes both them and the game.

Róise & Frank Florida Premiere

Directors: Rachael Moriarty, Peter Murphy

Country: Ireland; Running Time: 84 minutes

It has been two years since Róise lost the love of her life: her husband, Frank. She is now isolated in grief, cut off from family and community. The arrival of a mysterious dog, who seems intent on connecting with Róise, heralds huge change... but is it for the better? 

Shudderbugs World Premiere

Director: Johanna Putnam

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 106 minutes

Samantha Cole returns to her childhood home when her mother suddenly passes. In place of familiar spaces and memories, Sam finds only uneasiness and confusion. Things are missing, the environment seems unnatural and the neighbor, Noah, who discovered her mom’s body is suspiciously obtuse. Isolated with these mysteries, Sam wrestles with her sanity and certainties.  

Sweet Disaster

Director: Laura Lehmus

Country: Germany; Running Time: 92 minutes

Frida unexpectedly falls pregnant, and Felix, the father of her child, breaks up with her to reunite with his ex. Although some serious health problems caused by the late pregnancy force Frida to rest, she still tries to get Felix back, using methods that are absurd, exaggerated and sometimes hilarious. 

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

JURIED COMPETITION 

Art & Krimes by Krimes Florida Premiere

Director: Alysa Nahmias

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 84 minutes

While locked up for six years in federal prison, artist Jesse Krimes secretly creates monumental works of art—including an astonishing 30-foot mural made with prison bed sheets, hair gel and newspaper. He smuggles out each panel, piece-by-piece, with the help of fellow artists, only seeing the mural in totality upon coming home. 

The Pez Outlaw Florida Premiere

Directors: Amy Bandlien Storkel, Bryan Storkel

Country: U.S./Austria; Running Time: 87 minutes

In the 1990s, Pez dispensers were worth more, gram for gram, than cocaine or even gold. Steve Glew, from rural Michigan, spent 10 years smuggling Pez dispensers into the U.S. from Eastern Europe, making millions of dollars. It was all magical until it wasn’t when his archnemesis, the Pezident, decided to destroy him.

  

The Thief Collector Florida Premiere

Director: Allison Otto

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 89 minutes

In 1985, Willem de Kooning’s Woman-Ochre, one of the most valuable paintings of the 20th century, was cut from its frame at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. More than 32 years later, the painting is rediscovered in the unlikeliest of places. The Thief Collector unravels the layers of this infamous heist. 

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Lift

Director: David Petersen

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 87 minutes

Lift shines a spotlight on the invisible story of homelessness in America through the eyes of a group of young home-insecure ballet dancers in New York City and the mentor who inspires them. 

The Long Rider

Director: Sean Cisterna

Country: Canada; Running Time: 96 minutes

When Filipe Leite leaves his adoptive home of Canada, the aspiring journalist embarks on an epic quest to ride the length of the Americas from north to south—entirely on horseback—to return to home his family in South America. 

Path of the Panther

Director: Eric Bendick

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 89 minutes

Drawn in by the haunting specter of the Florida panther, a photographer finds himself on the front lines of an accelerating battle between forces of renewal and destruction that have pushed the Everglades to the brink of ecological collapse. 

Still Working 9 to 5 Florida Premiere

Directors: Camille Hardman, Gary Lane

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 91 minutes

Still Working 9 to 5 explores what has and hasn’t changed for women over the last 40 years since the release of the hilarious 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5.

Take Me to the River New Orleans Florida Premiere

Director: Martin Shore

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 115 minutes

Take Me to the River New Orleans celebrates the rich musical history, the heritage, legacy, culture and influence of New Orleans and Louisiana. A true collaboration and melting pot of influences from around the world. 

SHORT FILMS

SHORTS PACKAGE #1:  PASSION FOR THE ARTS 

Chihuly: Roll the Dice East Coast Premiere

Director: Peter West

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 27 minutes

World-renowned artist Dale Chihuly pursues an idea that will push glass to its physical limits.  

Conducting Life

Director: Diane Moore

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 31 minutes

The remarkable journey of Roderick Cox as he pursues his dream: To secure a top conducting position with a major orchestra. 

Identity: The Andrew Nemr Story Florida Premiere

Director: Jon Cipiti

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 23 minutes

Follow international tap dance artist Andrew Nemr on his unique journey. 

SHORTS PACKAGE #2: THE WORLD AROUND US 

A Very Fragile Thing Florida Premiere

Directors: Selah Eshetu, Ryan De Franco

Country: Ethiopia/U.S.; Running Time: 14 minutes

A first-person journey into the collapse of democracy and the rise of a civil war that has claimed the lives of half a million Ethiopians since 2020. 

The Bathtub

Director: Sergi Marti

Country: Spain; Running Time: 19 minutes

A man is taking a bath when his cell phone suddenly rings. On the other side of the line is Clara, a girl who insistently tries to sell him a life insurance policy that will change his life.

Mamma Florida Premiere

Director: Aslak Danbold

Country: Norway; Running Time: 15 minutes

On Christmas Eve, a mother searches for her drug-addicted daughter in a desolate cityscape. 

Medea

Director: Feifei Zhong

Country: China; Running Time: 14 minutes

A woman struggles between her career and family after finding her unexpected pregnancy. 

Rodrigue in Love U.S. Premiere

Director: Johann Dionnet

Country: France; Running Time: 24 minutes

During the Avignon Festival, one of the most important theater festivals in the world, a comedic actor tries to seduce a beautiful dramatic actress by pretending to play Rodrigue in Le Cid.

SHORTS PACKAGE #3: LESSONS LEARNED 

Black Slide

Director: Uri Lotan

Country: Israel/U.K.; Running Time: 11 minutes

A young and timid kid learns a helpful life lesson on the scariest ride at the water park.  

Cycle Vérité Florida Premiere

Director: Adam J. Graves

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 15 minutes

When Don sets out to recover his stolen bicycle, he finds himself drawn into a cycle of truth and deception and is forced to reconsider the meaning of forgiveness. 

Frank & Emmett

Director: Carlos F. Puertolas

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 13 minutes

Two lifelong friends finally have a much-needed conversation about the only thing they’ve never talked about: One of them is a puppet. 

Make Your Soul Grow Florida Premiere

Director: KC Connolly

Country: Ireland; Running Time: 13 minutes

The true story of Kurt Vonnegut’s final letter of inspiration. 

Melons Florida Premiere

Director: Matt MacDonald

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 15 minutes

A jolly but meek grocery store manager must learn to stand up for himself after a misunderstanding brands him as public enemy No. 1. 

The Interview Florida Premiere

Director: Inga Moren Tapias

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 9 minutes

An interview between two women at opposite ends of their careers turns into a therapy session… but who is interviewing whom?

SHORTS PACKAGE #4: A SENSE OF PLACE 

An Irish Goodbye Florida Premiere

Directors: Tom Berkeley, Ross White

Country: Ireland; Running Time: 23 minutes

In rural Northern Ireland, a pair of estranged brothers reunite following the untimely death of their mother. 

The Desert King East Coast Premiere

Director: Lev Mergian

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 16 minutes

A young woman hikes into the quirky kingdom of an eccentric recluse and joins him on his adventures.

Ousmane Florida Premiere

Director: Jorge Camarotti

Country: Canada; Running Time: 25 minutes

A newly arrived immigrant in Montreal faces a challenging situation when he meets an elderly disoriented lady at the end of his workday. 

Out of Tune Florida Premiere

Director: Portlynn Tagavi

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 15 minutes

Stigmatized since childhood by her love of the rock band Journey, Maya finds her voice in a world where she doesn’t feel “Black enough.”

SHORTS PACKAGE #5: RISKS AND REWARDS

Heart Land Florida Premiere

Director: Lauren Ciaravalli

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 12 minutes

When a cynical New Yorker gets stuck on a layover in Kansas, she finds a romantic spark where she least expects it—a “red” state.

Progress

Director: Christopher Boulton

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 7 minutes

A builder/designer couple traces the lineage of a mysterious object. 

The Right Words Florida Premiere

Director: Adrian Moyse Dullin

Country: France; Running Time: 15 minutes

A sibling rivalry spills over from social media into real life when 15-year-old Kenza pressures her little brother, Madhi, to profess his love to a crush. 

Shark Florida Premiere

Director: Nash Edgerton

Country: Australia; Running Time: 14 minutes

A lifelong prankster may have finally met his match in his latest relationship. 

Skim

Director: William Pisciotta

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 18 minutes

A closeted woman cleaning pools in South Florida is met with a risky opportunity to change her lot in life.

Volley Florida Premiere

Director: Oliver DeFilippo

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 15 minutes

A casual game of tennis between friends becomes an awakening to the relationships and the lives they take for granted. 

SHORTS PACKAGE #6: POINT OF VIEW

Babatoura Florida Premiere

Director: Guillaume Collin

Country: Canada; Running Time: 11 minutes

Comfort food for uncomfortable times. 

Bendix: Site Unseen Florida Premiere

Director: Anthony Scalia

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 26 minutes

A documentary about a blind waiter and single father who overcomes his disability in order to provide for his family. 

Hamleyed

Director: Pedro Blanco-Uribe

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 8 minutes

To be, or not to be: A young man reflects on his desire to take revenge on the world through a terrorist attack. 

Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat Florida Premiere

Director: William Joyce

Country: U.K.; Running Time: 14 minutes

When a man with a head full of dreams is beaten down by the foreman in the factory where he works, a woman in a polka-dot dress brings meaning, love and dreams back into his life.

The Status Quo U.S. Premiere

Director: Marie-Pier Diamond

Country: Canada; Running Time: 19 minutes

In the near future, humanity does not challenge the status quo anymore—until a man opposes it and seeks the truth behind an apathetic society. 

SHORTS PACKAGE #7: STUDENT FILMMAKER SHOWCASE

Agent Stout (K-12)

Director: Joshua Vennetti

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 10 minutes

Secret agent Stout races to disarm a bombas the clock counts down to annihilation.

Café Drawing (College)

Director: Junrong Zhang

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 2 minutes

A sketch character in a sketchbook tries to save herself from a splash of coffee when the artist leaves for a while. 

Funeral Fever (College) Florida Premiere

Director: Janicel Diaz

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 4 minutes

A young woman begins planning her perfect funeral after receiving a psychic reading. 

Gone (K-12) Florida Premiere

Director: Kyle Ward

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 4 minutes

As development encroaches on a farming community, they struggle with the loss of their heritage and land. 

Hardcore (K-12) East Coast Premiere

Director: Madeleine Case

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 10 minutes

When a young photographer falls in love with a drummer, she finds herself suspended between life, death, and motherhood.

The Letter (K-12) Florida Premiere

Director: Cameran Ford

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 2 minutes

A young woman experiences the perils of waiting until the last minute to pop the prom question.

Life with Coffee (College)

Director: Sohee Jeon

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 5 minutes

A Yemeni refugee sheltering in the U.S. finds his identity as a merchant selling coffee from his homeland.  

My Cat Lucy (College)

Director: Kate Vaillant

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 2 minutes

A boy is convinced that his beloved pet cat is possessed by a demon.

Reaper (K-12) Florida Premiere

Director: Eva Ulreich

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 4 minutes

The Grim Reaper attempts to claim a lost soul.

Space Race (College)

Director: Shane Dioneda

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 5 minutes

Two competing astronauts race to claim the moon for themselves. 

Swept Away (K-12) Florida Premiere

Director: Braden Webb

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 5 minutes

A man turns into his biggest fear.

The Trip (College)

Director: Alyssa Archard

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 11 minutes

Stuck in a world she can’t escape, Jesse must confront the forces in power or live in an eternal loop under someone else’s control. 

Vilomah (College) World Premiere

Director: Tom Ingwersen

Country: U.S.; Running Time: 10 minutes

A mother celebrates her deceased daughter’s birthday... until her husband comes home.