SATURDAY OCT 19 at Froggy’s & Corazón
T H E 2 0 2 4 T O P A N G A F I L M F E S T I V A L
AT FROGGY’S
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TOPANGA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SHORTS SHOWCASE
SATURDAY OCT 19, 11:00 - 1:00PM at Froggy’s
FILMS COMING SOON
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cat.
SATURDAY OCT 19, 1:00 - 1:10 PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: :9:38
USA
Directors: Jessica Redish
A woman signs up with a dating coach in search of her soulmate only to be met with her deepest desires.
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JESS PLUS NONE
SATURDAY OCT 19, 1:15 - 3:00 PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: 1:41:03
USA
Directors: Mandy Fabian
A reluctant maid-of-honor must attend her best friend’s off-the-grid wedding in the woods, where she's forced to confront her ex-girlfriend, all her more successful college friends, and every bad choice she’s made in her life so far. But when someone in the wedding party goes missing, a mysterious park ranger drags Jess into the woods to search for him and Jess discovers that the strongest force of nature at this wedding...might be her.
THE MOST SUBVERSIVE FILM NEVER SHOWN An Improv. Panel Saturday Oct 19, 3:00-4:00 at Froggy’s
A panel of improvising filmmakers discuss their film, production and life on the set of a film and genre suggested by the audience. It's so revolutionary, you've NEVER heard of it.
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Adam was born and raised in Woodstock, NY. At 18, he moved to NYC to attend the illustrious NYU Film School at Tisch School of the Arts, where he proved to be miserable. After two years, he left the school but stayed in NYC where he would study acting, yoga, various approaches to well-being, and also continue his love affair with cinema. Adam eventually returned to Woodstock where he fell in love with improv comedy and played a significant role in the Woodstock Film Festival's founding and first three years of existence. He moved to L.A. in 2003, then Topanga in 2007. He has continued to act, emcee various events (TFF and Topanga Days are his favorites), perform + teach improv,and be a cinephile of course. He's honored to play an important role in the Topanga Film Festival! If you're interested in hiring him for acting, emceeing, or improv coaching, you can email him at nobleloaf@gmail.com. Cheers and merry movie-making & watching friends!
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Phoebe, is a visual artist, performer/improvisor and writer. She received her undergraduate Film/TV degree from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and had the opportunity to intern on Saturday Night Live and Good Morning America. Phoebe received her MFA from CSULA, studying painting and installation and worked at Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art. She has exhibited her paintings, sculptures and installations in solo and group shows in California and New York. Falling in love with comedy improv, Phoebe has been and studying and performing at the world-renowned Groundlings Theatre and School in Los Angeles. She has performed improv in LA and Mexico, and has created and performed live and filmed sketch comedy and has appeared in a variety of short and feature films.
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John has acted in over 40 commercials including Nintendo, Comcast, Digiorno, Sonos, NFL, Geico, Volkswagen, Panasonic, 76, Dish, and REDD's Apple Ale. As the writer's assistant on "The Wanda Sykes Show," John wrote jokes that aired on FOX and jokes that were performed on The Tonight Show on NBC. John was the head writer and co-creator of the web-series "Fresh Perspectives" starring SNL's Beck Bennett which evolved into the AT&T "It's Not Complicated" ad campaign. John Dardenne is a former writer and sketch performer on an Upright Citizens Brigade Maude Team as well as a former improvisor for a UCB Mess Hall team. He's hosted Nice Show! stand up at The Hayworth and Game Night at iO West. John is a former Harold Team member at the Westside Comedy Theater and long-time, house-team improvisor at LA Connection. His comedy has featured on CNN, TIME.com, Telegraph UK, Funny or Die, UCB Comedy, The Comic's Comic, U.S. News and World Report, The Week, and Huffington Post. He lives in Los Angeles.
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Jordan Bridges is an American actor, best known as Frankie Rizzoli on Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016) and most recently in The Old Man, (2022) and Law and Order: Organized Crime, (2022).
Jordan was born in Los Angeles County, California, and is the son of actor Beau Bridges and Julie Bridges. He is the nephew of Jeff Bridges and the grandson of Lloyd Bridges and Dorothy Bridges.
As a child actor, he acted in two television films: The Kid from Nowhere, directed by his father, and The Thanksgiving Promise, starring the entire Bridges family. However, he chose not to continue working as a child actor, so he could be just a “regular kid”.
Jordan attended the progressive Oakwood school with a strong emphasis on the arts, which got him interested in acting. He ultimately pursued a theater major/literature minor at New York's Bard College.
Before earning his bachelor's degree, Jordan spent his junior year in England studying at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, staying at a tiny basement flat in Chelsea, living on chicken soup and attending West End theater productions on free passes.
Classically trained, he became a "cater waiter" in New York and Los Angeles for a couple of years each, before he started getting numerous roles in television and film.
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Andrea is a SAG-AFTRA actress, comedian, and writer. When she isn’t deepening her codependent relationship with her dog, Kermit, she’s likely doing sketch or improv at The Groundlings or The Pack Theater.
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Jackson is an experienced improviser with over a decade of training and performance, having studied at some of the most renowned schools in the country, including the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) in New York City, The Second City in Chicago, and The Groundlings in Los Angeles. In addition to his comedy background, Jackson has honed his skills as an editor, working on a variety of film trailers and short films. A fun fact: he once appeared as an extra on Saturday Night Live. Jackson has proudly called Los Angeles home for the past seven years and can often be found on the road in their Toyota Corolla—one of the best cars on the market, in his opinion.
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Clayton is an actor, writer and social media influencer who hangs his hat in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. Originally from Dallas, TX, Clayton has been seen in a ton of national commercials for brands you all know and perhaps love. 2017 Shorty Award Nominee. His social media impact has reached over 350k viewers Worldwide across Vine, Instagram and Facebook. Having studied at The Groundlings, Clayton enjoys the art of improv and fuses it into his character work whenever he can. When not acting a fool on screen, you can catch him studying the Meisner technique at the BGB Studio in Los Angeles. TV Credits: Scream Queens, American Horror Story, Game Shakers.
E Y E O N E X C E L L E N C E
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THE SERENA VARIATIONS
SATURDAY OCT 19, 4:30 - 5:30PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: 24:00
USA
Director: Warren Fischer
A young female violinist with undiagnosed autism spirals out of control as she works on a new opus with a domineering composer, embarking on a psychedelic journey that both pushes her to the edge of mental collapse and fuels her creative power.
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A SUMMER'S END POEM
SATURDAY OCT 19, 4:30 - 5:30PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: :15
CHINA
Director: Lam Can-zhao
Shortly before the end of the summer holidays, a country boy spends his savings on his dream of a city hairstyle – with surprising results. A story about bidding farewell to childhood and the poetic end of a summer.
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CROWN
SATURDAY OCT 19, 4:30 - 5:30 PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: 15:00
USA
Director: Dash Kolos
'After Keith, a young Black sommelier, reenters the world of wine after taking a break to establish himself as a photographer, he is offered a prestigious new job at New York City’s most impressive wine bar. When the manager offers him an ultimatum in the name of ‘tradition’ and ‘professionalism’ to cut his hair, Keith must decide whether losing a crucial part of his identity is worth the hypocrisy of the workplace. As he navigates his dilemma, he finds the hypocrisy weaving into his passion for art as he prepares for a lucrative gallery showing of his work. Shot on 16mm, ‘CROWN’ follows Keith exploring a world that only embraces the art, but not the artist.'
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FRUCUS
SATURDAY OCT 19, 4:30 - 5:30PM at Froggy’s
RUNTIME: 25:54
USA
Director: Evan L York will join for a Q&A
Animated short film about redemption: The life of Chuck LaVallee - Street Hustler turned Hollywood Hustler. One man’s journey of sex, drugs, rockstars and mobsters. Chuck was on the streets, a junkie at 13. He climbed his way off the streets and became a very successful music agent at William Morris, signing bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette and many others.
CRAFTING THE STORY A FILMMAKERS PANEL Saturday Oct 19, 6:00-7:00 at Froggy’s
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Ravit is an Award-winning filmmaker. Recent feature documentaries include "Nina is an Athlete" and "American Pot Story: Oaksterdam". She co- directed the latter with spouse Dan Katzir, and it won 50 international awards in dozens of film festivals including the Luna Spirit Award at Topanga Film Festival 2023, which she holds very dear to her heart. For
more info: www.NewLoveFilms.com FB/IG: @RavitMarkus
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TIm is an Oscar and Emmy nominated screenwriter. His feature credits include “Children of Men”, “Live From Baghdad” and “The Liberator”. His TV work includes “The Lottery”, a show he created for Lifetime, and was executive producer on “Chicago PD”. He has lived in Topanga since 2002.
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Enrique is a self-taught filmmaker who weaves a rich tapestry of life experience into every project he undertakes. For him, cinema is not art; storytelling is the real art form that transcends narrative to shake your soul, heal, and transform. While not every story holds the potential to do so, storytelling expresses truth and illuminates the essence of the human experience. His award-winning work invites viewers into the realms of both fiction and reality, showcasing the profound connections that stories can create.
While he celebrates the recognition his films have garnered worldwide—including the Academy Award® Official Submission, the Havana Film Festival, the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival—Enrique believes that what truly matters are the audiences he engages with and the vibrant exchange of ideas that storytelling fosters.
His artistry thrives on collaboration, and he cherishes the magic that unfolds when diverse ideas and talents unite to bring meaningful narratives to life. At the Topanga Film Festival, Enrique looks forward to sharing his insights and the heartfelt stories that resonate deeply with all of us.
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Greg is very modest. He’s a wealth of knowledge and an amazing storyteller – as he seems to be the last to know this! He has worked in the editorial department on over 30 productions in the last 20 years. His list of credits include: Star Trek Beyond (2016), Eloise (2016), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Django Unchained (2012), & Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003).
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Marcel is a writer and Director of the feature HERMANO (2010); which won The Grand Prix (Luc Besson presiding the jury), The Audience Award and The Critics' Award at the Moscow International Film Festival. Best Film in Huelva FilmFest, Spain; Best First Feature in Habana Film Festival, Cuba, and over 25 international awards.em description.
HERMANO was the Venezuelan candidate for the Foreign Language Film Category at the Academy Awards 2011. US Theatrical release by MusicBoxFilms in 2012. Variety included Marcel in the top 10 directors to watch in 2010.
A healthy career directing ads and music videos. Marcel is also an accomplished theater director, with works ranging form classics, experimental and even a Broadway musical (Next To Normal). Him and his production company TRES were in charge of the Venezuelan production service for the remake of POINT BREAK (2016).
Recently selected by the Sundance Institute to be part on the Film Two Feature Film Program with his project DOGS IN ANTARCTICA.
Marcel is also developing a TV series: FLAT OUT; and producing Diego Vicentini's first feature: SIMÓN.
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Sej is interdisciplinary visual artist, an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, recognized for her ethnographic and fine art photography that documents Indigenous cultures around the globe. With an MFA in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California, earned in 2009, Sej has embarked on immersive photographic journeys through the interiors of Asia and the Americas, creating poignant portraits that serve as windows into remote communities and their intertwined relationships with the environment.
SCAB VENDOR
Confessions of a Tattoo Artist
SATURDAY OCT 19, 7:30-10PM AT FROGGY’S
Followed by a Q&A with producers Sebastian Arrechedera, Enrique Aular and Actor Jonathan Shaw
Born with a silver spoon, Jonathan Shaw chose, at the height of his career as a tattoo artist, to give up on his celebrity lifestyle in order to escape from his own vicious cycle.
In the Bowery neighborhood in Manhattans' Lower East Side he opened Fun City Tattoo, the oldest tattoo shop in New York City, where he specialized in neo-tribal tattoos and tattooed celebrities as Johnny Depp, Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Kevin Sean Michaels, Max Cavalera and Kate Moss.
Tattooing, however, had been illegal in New York City in 1961, and wasn't legalized until 1997. Shaw later founded the first magazine exclusively dedicated to tattoos, International Tattoo Art in the 1980s.
In 1990, Jonathan Shaw, Johnny Depp, Iggy Pop and Jim Jarmusch founded the Death Is Certain Club to celebrate their friendship. The club involved each member getting a matching ring and tattoo.
AT CORAZÓN
BANKIE BANX King of the Dune
SATURDAY OCT, 19 11-1PM AT CORAZÓN
Directed by Nara Garber
Bankie Banx: King of the Dune celebrates the colorful life of the Anguillian singer/songwriter known by many as “the Bob Dylan of the Caribbean.” Growing up on an undeveloped island where necessity often dictated life choices, young Clement Banks dared to dream of becoming a professional musician. He honed his skills playing in dance bands, voraciously soaking up everything from British top 40 and reggae to Rastafarianism and the anti-colonial Pan-Africanism of Walter Rodney. In 1978 he released his genre-defying first album Bankie Banx and his Roots & Herbs, and his breakout hit “Prince of Darkness” put both Bankie and Anguilla on the map. Jimmy Buffett and Bob Dylan sailed ashore to jam.
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INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COMPETITION
SATURDAY OCT 19, 1:00- 3:00PM at Corazón
1- Daughter of Mine | Director Vanessa Martino
2- Crystal: Story of A Girl from Texas | Director Vanessa Martino
3- Good Enough Ancestor | Director Cynthia Wade
4- End of The Road | Director Dirk Braun
5- Between Two Worlds | Director Genevieve Sulway
6- Saging The World | Directors: Rose Ramirez, Deborah Small, David Bryant
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INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORTS COMPETITION
SATURDAY OCT 19, 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Corazón
1- Shirin’s Bitter Tears | Director Amin Fallah
2- Sucker Punch | Director Spencer Slishman
3- Terrific | Director Mitch Silpa, Lauren Burns
4- Hold You So Tight | Director Eric Rudnick
5- To Hold The Night | Director Jessica Petelle
6- Minnows | Director James Mills
7- Lucifer at Bay | Director Rachel Erin Moore
BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL
SATURDAY OCT, 19 5-7PM AT CORAZÓN
Directed by Ben DiGiacomo + Dutty Vannier
Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall explores the ‘80s and ‘90s emergence of dancehall as Jamaican immigrants brought the music, dancing, and vibes of their home to New York City. Nicknamed the 15th Parish of Jamaica, New York City became home to an influential movement that saw dancehall rise alongside hip-hop and eventually spread across the country.
Executive produced by Shaggy, this documentary brings in heavy hitters like Sean Paul, Ding Dong, and many more, including Shaggy himself, to tell the story. With never-before-seen archival footage that bridges the journey from Kingston to Brooklyn, this film will delight not just dancehall fans but believers of the power of music to bring people together. The film is an experience that will have you on your feet dancing.