• 2020 Program Lineup •
Session One: 1:00 p.m.
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THE CARDINAL
Genre: Animation Time: 01:52 Director: David Cruickshank Writer: Joseph Cruickshank Producer: Catherine Cruickshank Synopsis: An animated poem about a cardinal who taps on a child's bedroom window. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker David Cruickshank is from the Fox Valley. |
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WINTER CRANES
Genre: Documentary Time: 04:00 Writer: Joseph V. Brown Synopsis: A short observational documentary that chronicles the Sandhill Crane migration near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Shot on location at the Aldo Leopold Center amidst 10,000 cranes in late November 2018. Wisconsin Connection: Joseph V. Brown teaches video production at Marquette University and is from Milwaukee. |
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LOS LECHEROS (DAIRY FARMERS)
Genre: Documentary Time: 21:00 Producers: Jim Cricchi, Susan Peters, Coburn Dukehart, Alexandra Hall, Andy Hall Director: Jim Cricchi (based on a story by) Alexandra Hall Music by: 75 Dollar Bill Synopsis: The fates of undocumented immigrant workers and Wisconsin's $43 billion dairy industry are closely intertwined - and both are grappling with their options for survival. Wisconsin Connection: The film takes place throughout Wisconsin. |
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AVELINA
Genre: Drama Time: 03:16 Director / Writer: Reanna Madson Director of Photography: Tim Schwagel Cast: Laine Vanden Boom, Lauren May Choreographers: Reanna Madson, Izzy Glodosky Synopsis: A look at love at first sight. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Reanna Madson studied at UW-Eau Claire. |
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NO ROLES WRITTEN
Genre: Drama Time: 12:36 Directors / Writer: Sean Bode Producers: Paige Brien, Aniela Haas, Sean Bode Cast: Marissa Bode, Channing Kepler, Cassidy DeWitt, Aniela Haas, Ric Fischer Synopsis: A young woman with a disability auditions for the role of her lifetime against a director's prejudice. Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. |
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A CUT ABOVE
Genre: Documentary Time: 13:00 Director / Writer: Kate Arpke Houle Director of Photography / Editor: Rob Houle Synopsis: A look at the competitive sport of lumberjacking, its history, its people, its growing diversity, and how logging has uniquely defined the Midwest for over the past century. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Kate Arpke Houle is based in Land O Lakes. |
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DO IT FOR DOZER
Genre: Documentary Time: 18:03 Director: Emma Siewert Producer: Bryce Chinault Synopsis: A story of loss turns into a season of triumph when the Cambridge High football players head to the championships in this touching documentary of a community's efforts to heal after the death of a close friend and teammate, Dustin "Dozer" Zuelsdorf. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Emma Siewert is based in Madison, Wisconsin. |
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THE DIRTY SOUTH
Genre: Documentary / Action Time: 04:17 Director / Writer: Avery Rost Cast: Blake Hansen Producer: James Wesner Composer: Ryan Taubert Audio: Mike Williams Synopsis: Grit. Humidity. Charm. Sunshine. Welcome to The Dirty South. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Avery Rost is from Green Lake, Wisconsin. |
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AQUAPONICS TAKING ROOTS
Genre: Documentary Time: 11:49 Director / Producer: Roger Bindl Synopsis: This is an introduction to aquaponics through visits to six farms in Wisconsin. They range from small family farm, community based, supplier/grower, and on to one of the largest systems in the country/world. Farmers talk about why they got into aquaponics, the choices they made (tilapia, perch, salmon, greens...), working in an eco-secure system, and the natural balances with growing in a circulating indoor system. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Roger Bindl is based in Waunakee, WI. |
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I STAYED IN MY ATTIC FOR 3 MONTHS!
Genre: Comedy Time: 06:51 Director / Writer / Producer / Editor: Maxmillian Olmsted Cast: Maxmillian Olmsted, Jordan Johnson Executive Producer: David Geisler Synopsis: Bill Coglin (a YouTuber) has a dream... to become an internet celebrity. In order to do this he's decided to stay in his attic for three months and film it. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Maxmillian Olmsted is from Madison, Wisconsin. |
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GROW YOUR GARDEN
Genre: Music Video Time: 03:00 Director: Max Hauser Camera Operators: Max Hauser, Brandon Bjorkman Synopsis: Wisconsin underdog Brett Newski issues a wake-up-call from the numbing-effects of our digital screens. After touring the US, he embraces the unknown, landing in Japan, where he forges a path uniting people back to their human roots. Part of a feature-length documentary finishing Summer 2020. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Max Hauser is from Appleton, Wisconsin. |
Session Two: 3:00 p.m.
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THE HONEYBEE
Genre: Animation Time: 01:42 Director: David Cruickshank Writer: Joseph Cruickshank Producer: Catherine Cruickshank Synopsis: An animated poem about a bee in a garden conversing with a child. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker David Cruickshank is from the Fox Valley. |
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THE WEAVER GIRL AND THE COWHERD
Genre: Young Filmmaker / Animation Time: 07:22 Directors / Writers / Producers: Crestwood Elementary 4th Graders (2018-2019) Art Teacher: Luke Bassuener Music Teacher: Shawn Weber McMahon Synopsis: A Chinese folktale, animated and retold by elementary school students. The animation was done in art class, while the fifth graders composed and performed the score across the hall in the music room. Wisconsin Connection: This film was created in Madison, Wisconsin. |
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THE PERCH IN A POTHOLE
Genre: Animation Time: 04:56 Writer / Producer: Roger Bindl Synopsis: Strange things happen when your mind drifts on a rainy day, when the rain splashes on the window, and when you're half awake and half asleep. This is Roger's half awake story about the perch that woke him up. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Roger Bindl is based in Waunakee, WI. |
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OUROBOROS
Genre: Drama Time: 08:01 Director: Emma Keehan Writer: Nick Early Producer: Emma Keehan, Andrew Harrington Cast: Kyra Renee Synopsis: One masked dancer threatens the cycle of pursued acceptance met by authoritative rejection when part of her facade falls away and she can truly see. Wisconsin Connection: This film was created at UW-Milwaukee. |
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THE PSALMIST
Genre: Drama Time: 07:32 Director: Bowdin Bentz Cast: Nick Hoffmann, David Karst, Bri Hunter Synopsis: A troubled agriculture worker and a pious reverend collide. Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot entirely in Wisconsin. |
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BIPOLAR
Genre: Drama Time: 14:00 Director: Matthew Nichols Writers / Producers: Darren Elliot Fulsher, Matthew Nichols Synopsis: Four people dealing with bipolar disorder meet and come to terms with the disease in their own ways. Wisconsin Connection: The film was shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
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NORTH
Genre: Experimental / Drama Time: 03:48 Director: Elizabeth Wadium Cast: Kaitlin Verchimak, Megan Schimke Choreographer: Kate Corby Cinematographer/Editor: Aaron Granat, Elizabeth Wadium Synopsis: Two women navigate their beginning love in a wintery dreamscape. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Elizabeth Wadium resides in Madison, WI. |
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THIS ISN’T FUNNY
Genre: Comedy Time: 26:11 Director: T.C. De Witt Writer: Daniel Robbins Cast: Daniel Robbins, Kelsi Roberts, Matt Cook, Karen Maruyama, Michael Minto, Misty Monroe, Kate Frisbee, Leslie-Anne Huff, Rebecca Warm, Emily Pendergast Editor: Chad Halvorsen Cinematographer: Jon Kline Synopsis: A young sketch comedian dreaming of making it big in Hollywood is re-evaluating his career and life after his peak five years earlier. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker T.C. De Witt is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
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MITTENS
Genre: Drama Time: 06:04 Director: Justin Johnson Director of Photography: Joseph Lefeber Producers: Joseph Lefeber, Amanda Lefeber, Justin Johnson Cast: Gretta Kumrow, Joey Larsen Music by: David Obaniyi Synopsis: Mittens is the heartfelt journey of a pair of red mittens, created by grandmother and gifted to granddaughter. Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin. |
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MIME SUBLIME
Genre: Comedy Time: 11:31 Director: Julia Smith Writer: T.C. De Witt Producers: T.C. De Witt, Jonathan Wachala, Julia Smith Cast: Jeff Bell, Max Olmsted, Theo Olmsted Synopsis: Two morons think they can get rich quick by kidnapping and ransoming a "celebrity". Unfortunately, the only famous person they can find is a mime from the local park. Wisconsin Connection: Entire cast and crew are Wisconsin based. |
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AWARE
Genre: Music Video Time: 03:40 Director / Producer: Ryann Liebl Writer: Franki Moscato Cast: Franki Moscato, Eddie Bielak Synopsis: A haunting video of a child who died by suicide visiting his parents from Heaven and telling them he is sorry and how he should have been more aware. Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot in Berlin, Wisconsin. |
Session Three: 6:00 p.m.
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MY HAIR
Genre: Animation Time: 01:18 Director: David Cruickshank Writer: Joseph Cruickshank Producer: Catherine Cruickshank Synopsis: An animated poem about a little girl wondering how her hair grows and why it's different from other people's hair. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker David Cruickshank is from the Fox Valley. |
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GLORY IS FLEETING
Genre: Drama Time: 15:04 Director: Mark Kilcoyne Writers: Mark Kilcoyne, Noah Phillips Producers: Noah Phillips, Vince Williams Synopsis: Nathan is a man trapped in the shadows of society who searches for the feeling of being regal. Nathan has an unorthodox path to glory. Wisconsin Connection: The film takes place throughout Wisconsin. |
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HOME
Genre: Drama Time: 09:20 Director / Writer: Aleksei Borovikov Producer: Dwight Dawson Director of Photography: John Chu Editor: Nate Junkroski Cast: Kelli Clevenger, Laura Fudacz Synopsis: Helen is overwhelmed with memories about her motherhood and decides to sell the house and move away despite the entreaties of others. Wisconsin Connection: Composer, Benny Wollin, is based in Appleton, WI. |
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PLANETARY PARASITES
Genre: Experimental Time: 05:28 Director / Writer / Producer: Aral Nen Jr. Cast: VO Mediocre Synopsis: An experimental look into climate change, making the deadly comparison between human beings and life-sucking parasites. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Aral Nen Jr. is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
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REAP
Genre: Drama Time: 14:31 Writer / Director: Zachary Krueger Producers: Aby Farrey , Zachary Krueger Cast: Logon Gott, Eve Cusack , Bryce O'Boyle Synopsis: A small town guy is forced to make a difficult decision when his best friend gets accepted into college. Directionless and scared of losing her, he robs a drugstore in order to have the money to go with her. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Zachary Krueger lives in Wisconsin. |
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Y0142
Genre: Comedy Time: 10:32 Director / Writer: Anna Lee Larson Producer: Anna Lee Larson, Shane Bruce Johnston Cast: Anna Lawson, Shaun Parker, Andy Ben, Jennifer Defilippo, Allishia Knotts Synopsis: A woman discovers a portal to an unlikely place and alongside a team of quirky friends, they explore and navigate it in attempt to uncover something a tad more exciting. Wisconsin Connection: Anna Lawson and Shaun Parker grew up in Wisconsin. |
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THE BROKEN WAVE
Genre: Young Filmmakers / Drama Time: 12:50 Producer / Director: Jay Hanning Cinematography: Haban Media Works Writer: Jay Hanning, Kayla Kelly, Neil Brookshire Cast: Kayla Kelly, Neil Brookshire Synopsis: Julia and James share a special day enjoying hiking trails, the beach and each other’s company. “Love’s reflection is undeniable...” Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. |
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LABYRINTH
Genre: Drama Time: 08:27 Writer / Director: Jordan Schroeter Cast: Christian Gill, April Jordan, Matt Fichtner Synopsis: After discovering a mysterious letter, a man and woman try to find meaning and direction as they wander aimlessly through a thick fog... Wisconsin Connection: The film was shot in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. |
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ANGER
Genre: Drama Time: 12:54 Director: Len Borruso Cast: Dan Davies Writer: Joanna Dane Production Company: Drag No Anchors Synopsis: A high school teacher grapples with anger issues ignited by insolent students, America's failing democracy and his own failing relationships. Wisconsin Connection: This film was created in Appleton, Wisconsin. |
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‘LONE WOLF’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Genre: Music Video Time: 05:29 Director: Jocelyne Berumen Assistant Director: Megan Johnson Cinematographer: Nate Haben Cast: Randi Fay, Troy Therrien Synopsis: The lead single from Randi Fay & Aaron Zinsmeister’s upcoming CD “Intuition”. The song introduces the spectrum of emotion and musical expression of their signature genre, symphonic electronica. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Jocelyne Berumen lives in Green Bay, WI. |
Session Four: 8:00 p.m.
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BERN NOTICE: CHAPTER ONE
Genre: Animation Time: 08:24 Director: Aaron Brigman Writers / Producers: Aaron Brigman, Brian Hunt Cast: Aaron Brigman, Peter Mulready, Brian Hunt Synopsis: Bern Notice is a 40 year old dude and a self-diagnosed schizophrenic. He lives with his grandson, Tug, who sells heroin. They inadvertently solve crimes. Wisconsin Connection: This pilot episode was created in Wisconsin. |
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TIP OR TREAT
Genre: Horror / Thriller Time: 07:07 Director / Writer / Producer: Jacquez Wolf Cast: Freddy Moyano, Isaiah Bluntson Synopsis: A killer clown is at large in a Chicago neighborhood. Arrogant and hopeful tenant, Frank Morales, is not in the mood for tipping, nor for any surprise visits. But is that avoidable at all? Will Frank pay a bigger price? Wisconsin Connection: Lead Actor Freddy Moyano lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin. |
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NO STEEL
Genre: Young Filmmaker / Drama Time: 18:00 Director / Writer / Producer: Corey Holl Cast: Ryan E. Johnson, Corey Holl Cinematographer: Ethan Broughton-Wohlers Synopsis: A young boy has troubles living with traditions set on him by his family before him. His father looks to teach him otherwise. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Corey Holl is from Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. |
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BAD REVIEW
Genre: Comedy Time: 06:53 Director: Parker Gayan Writer: Michael Kalter Producers: Mackenzie Pankey, Chandler Gayan, Hunter Gayan Cast: Chelsea Murphy, A.J. Laird Synopsis: A young woman is confronted by a stranger while doing her laundry at night. As their conversation heads down a dark path, the woman's fears begin to take hold as she is forced to decide what kind of person she really is. Wisconsin Connection: The entire film was shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
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THE MATH TEACHER
Genre: Experimental Time: 10:38 Director / Writer / Producer: Andrés Sercovich Cast: Andrés Sercovich, Mike O'Reilly, Ryan O'Reilly Synopsis: A High School teacher stands against a plan to turn the school into a sweatshop due to student under performance. He rehabilitates the warehouse into a tutoring center and uses a math theorem by Kurt Gödel to save the day. Wisconsin Connection: The film was shot entirely in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
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MIDNIGHT MOVERS
Genre: Comedy Time: 20:54 Director / Writer: Tyler DeRaedt Producers: Tyler DeRaedt, AnaElise Beckman, Corey Millikin Cast: Chris Unterberger, Ryan McCrumb, Kat Johns, Ryan Johnson Synopsis: Two burglars attempt to rob their uncle but run into trouble when they realize they are at the wrong house. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Tyler DeRaedt grew up in Adams-Friendship, WI. |
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WELCOME HOME 2
Genre: Horror / Thriller Time: 08:40 Director: Nick Volkers Writers: Nick Volkers, Paige Robinson Cast: Nick Volkers, Marybeth Volkers, Carl Jensen, Amanda Keeler Synopsis: After Kevin’s death, Kane tries to find out the truth about his mother and if the visions he is experiencing are real. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Nick Volkers is from Appleton, Wisconsin. |
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THE BIGFOOT HUNTER
Genre: Documentary / Comedy Time: 2:36 Writer/Director/Editor/Cast/Craft Services: Daniel Wheeler Synopsis: A BBC/America “mockumentary” that delves deep into the woods with, Johnathon Thatcher, the only fully-licensed Bigfoot hunter in the whole state of Arkansas. What the cameras captured defies all logic and reason. Wisconsin Connection: The film was shot in the woods of High Cliff State Park, Wisconsin. Daniel Wheeler was born a badger. |
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VIRTUAL DATING
Genre: Comedy Time: 3:56 Director / Writer: Jim O'connell Producer / Editor: Maximillian Olmsted Executive Producer: David Geisler Cast: Jordan Johnson, Morgan Pair Synopsis: Jane arrives at Job's house expecting dinner and drinks but is greeted with something else entirely. Wisconsin Connection: This film was shot in Madison, Wisconsin. |
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PUNCH ME
Genre: Comedy Time: 06:15 Director / Writer: Tim Schwagel Cast: Reanna Madson, Lauren Rosemurgy, Alex Raney Director of Photography: Nick Houchin Synopsis: Hannah is down on her luck, and she turns to her old friend Sammy for help. Unfortunately, Sammy's method isn't really what she was expecting. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Tim Schwagel is based in Eau Claire, WI. |
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SHADOWS
Genre: Horror / Thriller Time: 14:42 Director: Melonie Gartner Writer: James Lawrence Producers: James Lawrence, Melonie Gartner Cast: Melonie Gartner, Kurt Krauss, Amaley Fliehman, Tina Prigge Cinematography: Nate Haban Music by Kiai Kalise Synopsis: Fear is in the eye of the beholder. Wisconsin Connection: Filmmaker Melonie Gartner lives in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. |