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As a filmmaker myself, with a short film on the festival circuit, I see a *lot* of short films. Rarely have any captivated me as much as The Mantis Parable, which I saw at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. One of the greatest difficulties of making a successful short is creating an emotional story that rings true in 15-30 minutes. This film does so and much more in 8.

One-man-band Josh Stuab crafts a lushly animated tale of a caterpillar captured by an entomologist, who is visited by a malevolent mantis. The mantis soon comes to learn the Golden Rule after mocking the poor creature.

Stuab sets the scene to an evocative piano theme and beautiful sound work, which do a spectacular job of setting the mood for imprisoned insects. The details strewn about the small desk and window sill in which the story takes place make the tiny space seem vast and intricate. What else could you expect from a director who got his start working on the Myst series?

The story itself is very simple, sweet, and powerful. The film is available now on iTunes and a special edition DVD. I would certainly recommend the purchase.

Beyond the Call is a wonderful, heartfelt documentary about three older gentlemen who risk their lives in the name of adventure and altruism.

It is a wakeup call for those of us content to believe that most charities are simply doing everything they can with the money we give them. Just 20 minutes into the film we begin to comprehend the sad truth - there are many places that standard humanitarian organizations just won't reach. The money just doesn't make it there, for a variety of reasons. The three men featured in the film, Ed Artis, Jim Laws and Walt Ratterman, are modern knights who are among the few that serve to actively aid these untouchable areas, most surprisingly without the intention to change the beliefs of their people in any way.

The power of Beyond the Call comes from the contrast of these men as people (all very quirky, strong-willed, and highly unusual characters), and as a cause. It's both amusing and very touching to see a bunch of good old military boys helping people out in the most dire of circumstances. It drives home the point that anyone can make a difference, should they devote themselves to it.

Adrian Belic has crafted an emotional, entertaining, and important film that could very well change the way the world thinks about humanitarian aid, should each and every person sit down to watch it.

I saw The Big Bad Swim at the 2006 Temecula film festival, and was totally caught off guard by how much I was drawn into it.

The film centers around the lives of a group of people taking an adult swim class for various reasons. A humorous idea in its own right, the class serves as a catalyst for greater changes in the students' lives.

What surprised me about the film was how real it felt. Rarely in ensemble pieces are characters treated so well. I enjoyed the scenes in the class immensely, and the drama that took place outside was very poignant. Nothing seemed out of place or out of character, and ultimately it left a very strong feeling, much like attending school or summer camp - where you find fast friends, form strong bonds, and make discoveries about yourself, yet have to depart all too soon.

My only complaint was that the character of Paula had a very strong and unusual introduction, which made you want to know a little more about her than was ultimately revealed. I suppose you don't get to meet everyone in class, though...

Aside from this, I found the film very well-rounded and quite enjoyable. See it if you get the opportunity.

I caught 'Arc' at the Indie Gathering Film Festival, and was very impressed. I must say, I'm not at all a fan of hip drug movies, but the depth of the story and superb acting won me over quickly. This film had an emotional truth to it that makes movies like 'Spun' pale in comparison. It is a gripping tale of redemption, without heavy-handed morality.

Artistically, it is beautiful. The daytime world is black-and-white with selective spots of color, but the film, in a strange and disturbing way, comes to full color and life at night... much like the world of these shady characters.

'Arc' is the ideal of what true independent film should be. Artistic, powerful, and solid, even with limited resources. I'm sure we will be hearing more about it.

I saw Under Surveillance at the Cleveland Indie Gathering film festival and was very impressed.

The film is clever, very well presented, and most importantly has a sense of fun lacking in many other films. The use of space and digital photography really shine, creating a moody atmosphere rarely visually present in DV film-making.

Though the opening is slow in a classic sort of way, and there are some confusing bits, Under Surveillance is well worth the watch. Some parts are absolutely brilliant, and the film is definitely entertaining. (It also seems Mr. Campfield might have an acting career ahead of him). Check it out if you get the chance!