The 15th LA Shorts Fest running July 21 – 29, 2011 at Laemmle Sunset 5 Hollywood kicks off next Thursday and features a stellar Opening Night Film Program of 6 films, from some big name stars including Eva Mendes, Jessica Biel, newly married Rachel Weisz, Terry Gilliam and the North American Premiere of Pixar’s La Luna.
Opening Night Film Program
The Wholly Family
Family / Italy / 20 min
An American couple and their son Jake are on holiday in Naples. During a tour, Jake stops at a stall, attracted by the carved shapes of Pulcinella that will accompany him in a dreamlike journey through the symbols of Naples.
Director: Terry Gilliam
Producer: Gabriele Oricchio, Amy Gilliam
Writer: Terry Gilliam
Cast: Cristiana Capotondi, Nicholas Connolly
California Romanza
Comedy / USA / 19 min
As Lena comes out of a recent breakup, she has a difficult time getting in the mood for Christmas. She is set to visit her yearly family gathering, but as she approaches her beloved Auntie JoJo and Uncle Pop‘s home, a manic situation is unfolding. Kissy Puss, the family cat and unofficial child of her Aunt and Uncle has gone missing!
Director: Eva Mendes
Producer: Kevin Chinoy, Francesca Silvestri
Writer: Massy Tadjedin
Cast: Christina Ricci, Kathy Najimy, Daniel Stern
Sodales
Action/Adventure / USA / 14 min
A battle for freedom ensues as two warrior princesses face off against an evil leader and his minions. As the fight for a sacred key continues, they encounter a myriad of enemies that they must vanquish if there is any hope to maintain their freedom. All is going according to plan in their plight…until Mom shows up.
Director: Jessica Biel
Producer: Kevin Chinoy, Francesca Silvestri
Writer: Jessica Biel
Cast: Emily Skinner, Tyler Wilkins
The Thief
Drama / USA / 15 min
A tall, dark stranger enters the home of Rosemarie while she is showering. Intending to rob and steal, the thief and Rosemarie find themselves in an incredibly surreal situation that takes them on a unique journey.
Director: Rachel Weisz
Producer: Kevin Chinoy, Francesca Silvestri
Writer: Laurie Colleyer
Cast: Rosemarie Dewitt, Joel Edgerton
North American Premiere of Pixar’s La Luna – La Luna
Animation / USA / 7 min
A coming of age tale about a boy who, on his first work outing with his Papa and Grandpa, discovers his family‘s unusual line of work. The boy is faced with the decision of whether to follow the example of his Papa and Grandpa or to find his own way in the midst of it all.
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Producer: Kevin Reher , John Lasseter
Writer: Enrico Casarosa
A Work Of Persol
Documentary / USA / 29 min
In 2009, Persol began collaborating with 20 of the world‘s brightest contemporary artists. Each artist borders on an obsession for detail, and designs his or her own creations with a unique process of hand-craftsmanship. “A Work of Persol” celebrates the passion and process inherent in these 20 artists‘ creative processes.
Director: Joe Kayser
Producer: Jennifer Golub
Writer: Joe Kayser