H.P. MENDOZA | Director/Editor/Composer is a Filipino-American filmmaker and artist best known for his work as screenwriter, composer, and lyricist on Colma: The Musical (2007) released theatrically by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, as well as his art- house directorial…
Category: Film/TV Reviews
Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie & I THINK SHE LIKES YOU
Their approach to storytelling is highly interdisciplinary, blending traditional forms and new media to give a voice to unique perspectives and subcultures in innovating and daring ways.
2024 Hollyshorts Film Fest
ONE FOR THE ROAD
A few grisly scenes that made me cringe but overall there were no goosebumps. I wasn’t spooked. The hair on my neck didn’t rise to the occasion. Nevertheless, this reviewer thinks what the filmmakers may have in mind for the long term – typical of independent filmmakers who make film shorts – could be a goosebumping-hair-raising SCREAM IF THINGS GO THEIR WAY.
– Article by Gregg W. Morris
2024 HollyShorts Festival
SPACEMAN
“My hope is to blur the lines between the tangible and the ephemeral. By delving into Spaceman’s subconscious we are able to explore the cathartic nature of artistic creation and the ways in which it can offer a sense of purpose, as well as the danger and risk to one’s sense of self,” Director Abramovici is quoted as saying. “Spaceman is a unique film in many ways, including it being highly commercially viable while staying true to its artistic integrity. It’s a movie that audiences all over the world will relate to on so many levels.”
Article by Gregg W. Morris
2024 Hollyshorts Film Fest
A Hell of A Must-See
HOW TO SUE THE KLAN is a riveting tour de force by Director Jon Beder for a number of reasons but here is one standout. The meticulous and unflinching way he made the film makes the 35-minute short feel as if it has the aesthetic sweep and scope of a feature-length movie resonating with African-American philosophy, history, culture, activism. And lore.
Review, article by Gregg W. Morris
2024 Film Review of WAR GAME – Now Playing at Film Forum, New York City – Definitely a Must-See
Washington Post Excerpt – “President Donald Trump’s assault on American democracy began in the spring of 2020, when he issued a flurry of preemptive attacks on the integrity of the country’s voting systems.” – Article by Gregg W. Morris
BREAKING AND RE-ENTERING (Recently Screened at the 2024 NYAFF) – This Film Directed by Ding-Lin Wang Could Blow Your Mind Unlike Any Other You May Have Seen Recently
Audiences should anticipate being so hooked watching BREAKING AND RE-ENTERING that they might be swept up by that hunger to see the film again and again and again, as fast as they can. – Review Article by Gregg W. Morris
FISHTANK Film Review
Director Wendi Tang’s FISHTANK: Winner of the 8th Tribeca x Chanel Through Her Lens Program. Winner of the 2022 Film Pipeline Short Script Competition. Audiences should be prepared for a surreal drama combining traditional narrative with experimental elements to challenge audiences’ understanding of the norms ingrained in society and expected of them.
I think I’ve pretty much deciphered the surreal and the enigmatic for a review article that doesn’t spoil nor despoil the cinematic surprises in Director Tang’s deftly made flick. However, FISHTANK also required a different approach to reviewing it – audiences may have to keep eyes and ears more open more than usual.
– Reviewer Gregg W. Morris
ANUJA Film Review & Article – Part 2 of 2: Background Information
ANJULA is scheduled to screen at the prestigious 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival in August. – By Gregg W. Morris
ANUJA Film Review & Article – Part 1 of 2
Director Adam J. Graves – “I wanted to capture that wondrous combination of magic and emotion, of innocence and mischief, which is part of childhood itself — these are kids after all, not statistics. Though every film is collaborative, this one was much more so than most. Were it not for the talent and support of the children of the Salaam Baalak Trust (especially our brilliant star, Sajda Pathan), we never could have brought this important story to the screen.” – Review-Article by Gregg W. Morris