VOICES RISING FILM FESTIVAL
The mission of THE VOICES RISING FILM FESTIVAL is to create awareness for subject matters deserving special attention and to give filmmakers a great space to share their work. The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is proud to present a day and powerful short films screening Saturday, October 7, 2023.
A TIGER IN THE SUBWAY
10:00 AM
Director: James Abrams
An agoraphobic painter reflects on an old white lie his mother told him as a child.
TREAD SETTERS
10:10 AM
Director: Louis Arévalo
In October 2022 a group of para-cyclists/adaptive athletes attempt to ride the White Rim Trail in a day with the hope of creating awareness around people with disabilities and growing a more inclusive cycling community.
SHE SURVIVED
10:45 AM
Director: Judi Polanco
SHE SURVIVED is a short documentary about the domestic violence epidemic across the globe, focusing primarily on violence against women. It is inspired by the director’s own experience with violence in her home as a child. 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime and this film aims to inspire discussion and action to stop this toxic culture.
TRACKS
10:58 AM
Director: Maclovia Martel
A visual Journey of remembrance in Amsterdam.
JOE 238
11:08 AM
Director: Colleen Stymeist-Wood
A grieving father must set aside his own beliefs to honor his son Joe’s last wish to be an organ donor. As time goes by he finds a calling and new “normal” in the reflection of Joe’s legacy of service to others. Through multiple stories of grief and recovery, we see what happens when true heroes die and find out they never really do.
FUEL FOR THE FIRE
12:08 PM
Director: Asha Molock
FUEL FOR THE FIRE is a film about resiliency and transformation. It tells the inspiring personal stories of people from populations in the Black Community mostly affected by HIV, (cisgendered and transgendered women and gay men), and how their lives were impacted by HIV-related stigma. After going through a journey of self-discovery they recover their strength to move on with their lives.
THE RECREATION
12:30 PM
Director: Elisabeth Ubbe
A short film about climate collapse.
THE HOUSEWIFE
12:32 PM
Director: Jeremiah Kipp
A disillusioned housewife regains her power after she and her son are placed in mortal danger.
THE HAUNTING MEMORY
12:48 PM
Director: Ziru Wang
Being haunted by the memory from the Vietnam war for 50 years, Harry Tabak was determined to return to where the battle began.
PRESCHOOL TO PRISON
1:20 PM
Director: Dr. Karen Baptiste
Countless children are educationally lynched in the United States with labels such as emotionally disturbed and intellectually disabled.
DOWN TO THE BOTTOM
1:30 PM
Director: Carina Miller
An unflinching, 13-minute look at alcohol use disorder and its impact. The short documentary pulls from conversations between a father and daughter recorded in 2022.
BREATHE
1:45 PM
Director: Vincent Walker
Do you ever feel like you’re drowning?” Following their life for one week, short film Breathe, examines Jaime as they gasp for air.
IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE
2:05 PM
Director: Levi Quartley
IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE explores the unspoken dating struggles of the trans community.
BIENVENIDOS A LOS ANGELES
2:25 PM
Director: Lisa Cole
Inspired by true events and shot on location at LAX airport, "Bienvenidos a Los Angeles" tells the timely story of Imani, a Nigerian single-mother living in Los Angeles, who offers to help a perfect stranger reunite with her son. In doing so, Imani learns this simple act of kindness threatens to jeopardize her own path to citizenship.
ONE PILL CAN KILL
2:45 PM
Directors: Molly Hermann, Rob Lyall
ONE PILL CAN KILL is a warning about the increasing dangers of deadly fentanyl aimed at an audience of middle and high school students in West Virginia, a state with the most significant substance abuse issues in the country. Hosted by former WVU basketball star Meg Bulger, the film features actual students who share experiences and ask questions. Meg ventures out to get answers for them - to a DEA Chemist, a family who lost a child to fentanyl, police officers who bust drug dealers, EMT’s who respond to overdoses, and a convicted drug dealer in prison - the kids learn that all it takes is one fatal dose.
FIRST X
3:15 PM
Director: Josiah Polhemus
FIRST X is a groundbreaking short film about two people taking a chance on dating in a post-pandemic world. The story portrays the vulnerability and anticipation of what it was like to experience that once in a lifetime “FIRST”.
This year’s festival has come to a close. Please check back soon for new dates.
Going to be in Patchogue for a while? Check out our Places to go in Patchogue guide.
ABOUT THE VOICES RISING FILM FESTIVAL
Voices Rising Film Festival is looking for unique Filmmakers with powerful voices. Our mission is to help amplify the hard work of Artists who deserve attention. We're proud to now be partner with Love Wins Productions, Distribution and Festival. Stronger together. Love Wins platform has an extensive subscriber based mailing and social reach, along with a stunning venue! We value their work in creating awareness for subjects deserving attention alongside collaborations with National Organizations. Does your Film help create awareness for subjects deserving attention or are you a unique Filmmaker that deserves the spotlight? Our focus is to support and help advance Filmmakers careers. We have partnered with streaming Distribution companies and our awards will include streaming Distribution options and Marketing for the winning Films. Equally as important as connecting with industry and moving your project forward we will move the winning Films into consideration with partner Festivals that have live screening events that takes place in New York and Los Angeles and the focus is to help secure four wall Distribution for the winning Feature Film. The team behind the festival has a wide range of professional experience which includes every facet of Entertainment. Building an egoless environment with heart centered visions for human rights, LGBTQ, diversity and inclusion, women's empowerment is our mission. Making this not only a memorable event but an important gathering where each artist’s voice is heard through their choice of expression. We celebrate and support Independent, new, and Alternative filmmakers, not just during our online competition but throughout the year through Production support, streaming Distribution relationships and marketing.
