Very Nice Indeed

As you may know, around these parts we’ve got a lot of love for Canadian type #musics and those fine folk who create it.
#FoR3ver #R3LAX #CBC3 #TrueNorth #BTBAT #NNVN10

I grew up in Michigan (where’s that mitten emoji already?!?!?) with parents who listened to @BuffySteMarie and @Lightfoot365, an aunt who dug @JoniMitchellcom and neighbor who adored #TheBand. All goo things.
So in 2001, after mum had been seriously ill, we decided to travel. Her dream was to hike the #EvangelingTrail and I’m an #LMMontgomery scholar from way back. We misread a schedul and booked ourselves tickets to @folkharbour to see Raylene Rankin and headed east for 3 weeks in August. Turned out Raylene had been the year prior. I’d missed an opportunity to see #TheRankinFamily a few years prior in Baltimore so a bit sad (& silly that I misread) But I’ve been lucky to see and meet @JimmyRankin a few times since.
And so on that trip we went to @TheRedShowPub and a family dance in Glencoe, Orangedale Station, etc. And at #LFHF we saw Peggy Seeger, @aprilverch, Chris Whiteley & several of his family, and loads of others – most notably @StephenFearing.
I’d discovered him via the liner notes of @barenakedladies “Gordon”. The bands they listed were a ‘to-do’ list for me. We saw #SF perform a couple times over the weekend and met him (well, mom had him sign a cid). So we were thrilled the following spring when he did a show at @Schubas in Chicago.
As it was a small crowd we got to chat and get to know him a bit. Over the next couple years we and other friends saw #SF perform solo in Chicago and at #Kraftbrau in Kalamazoo and with @colinlinden and @leeharveyosmond as @TheRodeoKings. I call @StephenFearing my ‘gateway drug’ for #musics.
We had such good experiences seeing/meeting he & the other #RodeoKings and their extended family. I started traveling over to #Toronto, including an amazing #LastWaltz anniversary event at @GlennGouldCBC, where I discovered @luke_doucet, @GreatLakeSwim, @OhSusannaMusic, and met trevorweeks.com He shared photos and told me to start listening to #CBCRadio3, where I heard @craignorriscbc, @amandaputz, @lisachristCBC, @LanaGay, @vishkhanna, @Tariqmusiq, and was soon part of a once in a lifetime community.
That would’ve been 2006/2007. Since then I’ve had so many amazing experiences – seeing tons of these bands I love in Toronto, Hamilton, Chicago, Los Angeles, Ann Arbor. via Trev, I discovered @ElliottBROOD, who I love dearly and saw more of in LA than family.
So my connection to @danmanganmusic and #NNVN10 and the follow up, #OhFortune, are all tied up in this world. So many memories of first meeting at @mariposafolk and again at @HomeCountyFest. A late night after last call where we all went to Trev’s hotel room for PBRs. I kept trying to show people a clip of Ice Cube performing #StraightOuttaCompton with @TheRoots and @danmanganmusic insisted we watch ‘ double rainbow’ dude. And oh, the interrupting #MorrisDancers.
I feel such a strong connection to that album. Lyrics like:

“So find dodge and then get out of it
It’s about as country as I get
So you ain’t living ’til you’re living it
Not dead ’til you die”

hit home as I left Chicago for Los Angeles. and if you know me “So I’ve gotten used to coffee sweats” is my motto.
I absolutely cried at “Basket” at @TheSatelliteLA, along with the screaming and cheering. If you’re Dan and @KentonLoewen, and @GordonGrdina, I probably brought you brownies. Along with @thewoodensky, @wearewhitehorse, @goodlovelies, @therealpacked, @wintersleep, and @ElliottBROOD I for sure dumped cookies & scones & cupcakes & loads of love in thanks for your #musics.
Again, I saw more of some of them than family for about 4 years and friends like @N2DS2W are what sustain me to the day.
Well, as I said, I’ve wandered a bit. We chose “Robots” as our #shots selection on 27 October because it’s the 10 anniversary of “Nice, Nice, Very Nice”. #NNVN10. There’s no dust on this record. While @danmanganmusic has frown and progressed, it’s still a wonderful listen. It’s a great intro to his writing, though any of his records are worth your time. And the Mike Lewis dreicted video for “Robots” is terrific. Dan has worked with some excellent Canadian filmmakers over the years and his videos are a great intro to that community.
I’ve been so very lucky. I shower them with baking because it’s the smallest way to repay what I’ve gained. I’ve been a guest more times than I can mention. Have lovely records signed & little nicnakcs (@ElliottBROOD bottle opener is cherished around here).
I’ve loved being around this insanely creative community. So many crazy memories – taking shelter under a stage from a storm in Guelph, a late afternoon swim in Couchiching, day beers and a sneak preview of #MountainMeadows by the pool at Weekswood. I’ve posted flyers, hosted house shows, introduced musicians to one another & to directors, subbed in at merch tables, been a roadie. The lot.
I love it. Every minute of it. Not because of the freebies. Because I love being surrounded by creative people.
It’s the reason on here we’re friends with bakers and comics and writers and brewers and dancers and not just filmmakers. The communiteis where I can talk about art and what it means to me are the most important.

I’ve named a lot of bands. Over the years, I’ve done my best to support them. Go check ’em out. If you DM me, I might even send you a ‘gateway’ tune or two, on the condition you spend money on an independent musician in return.
So thank you to @danmanganmusic for #NNVN10 and the other music in those 10 years.
Thank you to @StephenFearing and @TomWilsonArt / @leeharveyosmond and @colinlinden – my dear ‘brothers’. And to @ElliottBROOD and @wearewhitehorse for being a bit of ‘family’ in LA.
To @BahamasMusic, @thewoodensky, @goodlovelies, @wintersleep, @OhSusannaMusic, @N2DS2W, @john_teeter, @kittythefool, @davidceliamusic, @daveborins, @mikecelia, @seanpinchin, @robyndellunto, @discothistle, @therealpackad, @Tariqmusiq, @vishkhanna, @amandaputz, @secondmeanest, @craignorriscbc, @madswilson, @Thompsonwilson_, @b0undless, @GrantLawrence, @LanaGay, @LisachristCBC, @vespista313, @cbcradio, and so many more for all their roles in this journey.
This was meant really to be a quick ode to @danmanganmusic and what #NNVN10 means to me. It’s such a part of a larger picture I wanted to paint. So thanks for listening.

There are some very very nice treats you can pre-order here:
danmanganmusic

Again, I know I wandered a bit thanks for your time.
#FoR3ver #musics #indie #shorts #film #shortfilmsunday

side bar

The thing about working in bookstores is everyone always does something else – students, actors, musicians, crew, chefs, artists.  Heck, I worked full time in a hotel sales office & still stayed on at Borders. Because I loved books & reading & talking to all those people & all the array of humanity of Chicago that passed through.
One of those humans was Kyle Bice, from our security team at State St. Quietly, wickedly funny, he was not to be messed with by shoplifters or trouble makers. And firm but kind with any issues.
We all moved on – some of us working in those passions we embraced.  It’s been a particular delight to see Kyle in particular gain notice for his art work & use it in aid of   The Monster Weekly.  In addition he has utilized his self defense skills to educate & empower folk who could be considered marginalized and in need of protection, via Chicago Self Defense.
So I’m genuinely thrilled to promote his latest endeavour.  Along with Fred Bueltemann, they’ve launched This Craft Nation. Kicking off 2 April, they’ll head East via Amtrak, circling the nation to explore the cultural shift of the craft renaissance.
Podcasting via itunes & youtube videos already commencing so get yourself subscribed & following on any & all social media. Check our the route & let them know if there’s a creative force in your neighborhood they need to explore.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with what is truly great about the people in this country.
Support initiative.  Support local. Support craft. Support arts in all forms.
We sure do.

happy accident

…because sometimes you just stumble across a theme.  So when we had a chance to showcase a new commercial #short by a director who’s an old friend, we took it.
And when a legendary artist joins forces with a rising  director to create a music video, you share that.
April will be all about #shorts that vary from traditional form; meaning not the usual festival categories.
Advertising, music video, instructional – there’s a variety of ways filmmaking skills be used besides linear storytelling. Economics dictate the necessity of work for money and it’s always impressive to see creators who seize those opportunities & turn them into something new and exciting.
This month, we’ll highlight some of those.  Memories of an ever-evolving American town.  A self deprecating look at healthy eating vs. cravings. Using humor to educate.
All quite useful & unique.

Tune in. You never know when you’ll find something you love.

It’s a wonderful night…..

As always, we take advantage of #OscarSunday to celebrate the entire awards season & artists from across the globe.
This year’s theme is  literature & writers, showcasing animation, music, documentaries that promote reading, classics stories & 2 passion projects writers have embraced to give back to the great community.
Book festivals in Poland. 70’s rock legends incorporating Ayn Rand into lyrics. A tv icon reciting Shakespeare to introduce a reading ap. You’ll find it all.

While traditional folk songs are not strictly  literature,  their contributions to language & unification are immeasurable. The folk at Cophenhagen based Louisiana Channel present a variety of programs showcasing the Arts, including this terrific initiative from recording master, Brian Eno.

Author Tim Winton is Patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society & states:
“It’s our birthright to have a clean ocean, to catch a feed, to interact with nature. And, like any birthright, we have to safeguard it.”
With “The Sea & Me”, he and the team from Bluebottle Films have contributed to a national project exploring locals’ relationship with the sea and the balance between preservation and the needs of their livelihoods.
Sponsors include: the Save Our Marine Life Alliance, Marine Conservation Society, Nature Conservation Council, The Wilderness Society and The Nature Conservation Council.
There is additional information on their site about this & their films involving Australia’s fantastic ecosystem.

We’ve never chosen 2 longer #shorts but they’re both so fantastic, they needed to be shown. Along with the other terrific artists. Of course, they’ll be up on our site & are linked on twitter with #SFSO17 but are listed below.
Thanks to all for tuning in and your support

–“Cracow – City of Literature”
– “Sonnet 18” – read by David Tennant
– “Calamity Song” – The Decemberists
– “The Sea and Me”
– “Lost Boy” – Ruth B
– “Sing Along With Brian Eno”
– “Oh, You Pretty Things” – David Bowie (live,unaired clip from “Old Grey Whistle Test”

 

New Year. New #shorts

We’re kicking off 2017 with some fresh voices & faces & maybe an early work from a name you know.
It’s all student films in January – work from festivals, grad schools, art schools. All varieties of age, nationality & skill level. Celebrating the beauty of arts in education.

Of course, we’re always on the look out for #short through out the year and don’t restrict every month to a theme. If you’ve got work to share, check out our submission standards and get in touch.

You can always contact shortfilmsunday74@gmail.com  with questions or suggestions.

Thanks again for all your support. We’ll be 5 in just about a month and are just as excited about the future as the work we’ve already shown.

Happy 2017 all!!!

#ArtMatters

We use that hashtag a lot. And it all does – writing, painting, film, print, cooking. Whether it’s for a cause or a simple #short that makes you laugh.
And creatives matter.

Our selection for 20 November, “Saturday Morning Gift”, is an early student work by Syrian filmmaker & activist, Bassel Shahade*.
His youtube account remains and offers a chance to view several of his films.
During a life cut off too soon, he achieved an IT/AI degree from the University of Damascus. After a time with the United Nations and other activism work, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in film at Syracuse University.
Wikipedia & other sources offer information regarding his activism in the States, motorcycle travels throughout the Middle East, work with Ahmad Al-Assam & ultimate untimely death in Homs.

We rarely focus this attention on a single filmmaker but hope it will motivate people to investigate his life and work and causes. And bring more attention to those striving to record the memories of their lives in these times.
“The Creative Memory of  Syrian Revolution” offers more info about his work and that of other artists.

Particularly when an artist is gone, the value of preserving their work and utilizing a vision for the future is immeasurable.
Bassel Shahade gave everything, ultimately his life. so that his nephew & others knew what occurred. This contribution is immeasurable.
We say thank you.  And we will continue to seek out creators who have a unique view of the world.

*multiple sources use both English translated spellings of “Shehadeh” and “Shahade” for surname.

November

It’s all international.
Our calendar posting near end of October discussed some details but always worth mentioning.
We’ve got animation, documentary, music – all from creative minds all over the world.
Some convey the message only via sight, some offer subtitles for translation.
Stories that share common experiences and emotions filtered through visions from around the globe.
We hope, as always, you’ll find a new voice you’ve enjoyed hearing and will explore their other work.

Calendar

One great #short left in October…..something themed for Hallowe’en.  Released early in 2016, it turns out the director was quite prescient about a current phenomena.

Hard to believe it’s nearly the end of the year. But we’ve got great work lined up.
Since it’s been awhile, our theme for November is international film. Of course, we include films from all over the world on a regular basis but there will be no English language. We’re excited to introduce you to some filmmakers changing their own corner of the planet. #ThereWillBeSubtitles

And December isn’t fully themed but of course, we’ll acknowledge some of the holidays. Try to give you a laugh or distraction from everything going on.

And we’re always open to a new #short. Even with a busy calendar we try to leave an option open for a premiere. We are for sure interested in film for 2017 and will gladly consider your work.

Here’s information about how we work:
https://shortfilmsunday.wordpress.com/and-how-to-submit-your-work/

and contact is also shortfilmsunday74@gmail.com

Thanks for watching, sharing, and all kinds of support.

Reason and Responsibility

As some of you may have noticed, our twitter feed was involved in an incident on Monday, 17 October.
We were tagged in a tweet on the day prior and our lack of response was interpreted (falsely) as being directed at the film’s country of origin.  A series of troll-esque hateful statements were made & RT’d via followers of the filmmaker.

Our tolerance for hate speech is zero and our patience for lies and bullying, the same. All involved parties have been reported and blocked. Permanently. Again. Zero tolerance.
I can’t think of a worse way to try to get work viewed than unsubstantiated threats and lies.

We extend an apology to all our loyal and amazing supporters that had to witness this
attack. In particular to Brian A. Ross and crew of “The Letter”, which held its premier on Monday. Regrettable that this occurred and distracted on their important day.

Our standards remain the same. We are 100% inclusive of film submitted from any country  and by any race, gender, creed or language.
Our policy is clearly stated on our blog. Tagging does not constitute endorsement. Our response was and remains a polite thank you to the filmmaker, and direction to the submission standards for future work.

Moving forward we will continue to share films from all corners of the globe, in hopes of expanding our knowledge and view of the world.
We gladly engage in constructive criticism and maintain an open door policy for suggestions and recommendations.
We constantly strive to learn and grow and be better.

Our email contact is : shortfilmsunday74@gmail.com

and the submission policy can be viewed in full here:
https://shortfilmsunday.wordpress.com/and-how-to-submit-your-work/

Thank your for your time and as always, your tremendous support.

October

Fall is absolutely my favorite season. If only it weren’t followed by winter…
Meanwhile, crisp air, sunshine, colors changing & yummy yummy cider. Perfect weather to curl up with some great #shorts

We’re thrilled at all the films being sent lately and it gives us the chance to recommend some great new releases. An animation incorporating a historic poem with Persian music. A #BAFTA eligible piece with exceptional use of cinematography & voiceover in relaying story.
And a special Monday release, premiering a film by a writer/director whose web series we’ve celebrated previously.

In additions a Hallowe’en treat, some classic news reels & the usual pop up music videos & selections at festivals & by directors we love.

Thanks as always for your support. We hope you find a film you love and that you’ll continue to share all the great work these artists are offering.