Short Film Program: Talento de Houston
Join us for a collection of short films made by Houstonians!
Filmmakers from various films will be in attendance to participate in a post-screening Q&A.
Spindletop: The Beginning
USA / 2020 / 13 min / Drama
Synopsis
A young Pattillo Higgins leads two Union Soldiers on a chase which culminates in a showdown outside of town. Based on the real story of the man responsible for bringing the oil industry to Texas.
About the Director, Jason Leal
Jason Leal is a filmmaker based in Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world. His interest in film comes in both documentaries and narrative works, and he’s currently developing a multi-tiered project about the historic oil industry event known as “Spindletop” that took place in Texas in 1901. His work has earned him multiple awards, including the Texas Proud Award at the Boomtown Film and Music Festival for his short film, A Mild Skirmish. Also, he’s the recipient of two grants from the Houston Arts Alliance for his dedication to highlighting the Bayou City through the art of film.
I Like Girls Too
USA / 2021 / 4 min / Drama / Texas Premiere
Synopsis
Ex-lovers Anthony and Robert run into each other on a double date with their current girlfriends– but in fear of not being accepted, they’ve never revealed to their partners their bisexuality.
About the Director, Hannia Yeverino
Hannia Yeverino is a student director and producer based in Houston, Texas. She immigrated to the US from Mexico when she was 5-years old and is proud to be a DACA recipient, which has shaped her viewpoint of the world. She’s also a student at the University of Houston, majoring in Finance with a minor in Media Production. Hannia aims to make films and art that explore the intimate relationships people have with others and themselves. When she’s not working on a project, she loves spending time with her cat, collecting soundtrack vinyls, and learning new things about the world.
Tutor
USA / 2021 / 5 min / Drama / World Premiere
Synopsis
A tutor realizes that her student’s life may not be as charmed as she first thought.
About the Director, Amelia Rico
Amelia Rico is a BIPOC Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Actor and Editor. She is a proud advocate for female and minority filmmakers, female driven works and diverse casting. Through their production company, Ricornel Productions, she and her husband, Art Ornelas, strive to provide new female and minority artists as many opportunities in front of and behind the camera as possible.
El Primer Beso
USA / 2021 / 10 min / Drama / World Premiere
Synopsis
El Primers Beso highlights the story of a young couple as they navigate the challenges that come with the first year of home ownership. El Primer Beso takes its audience on a fun and at times difficult journey.
Directed by JC Tovar
JC Tovar is a Texas native who lives in Houston with his wife, Imelda. JC majored in Digital Video Production in college and has since worked at multiple tv stations as a Photojournalist. He is now working as a marketing video producer and on narrative projects in his spare time. El Primer Beso is debut film and he hopes to make more movies in the future.
Faces
USA / 2021 / 7 min / Thriller / World Premiere
Synopsis
After months of grieving his missing wife Evelynn, Adam attempts to rebuild his life — until one day he sees her walking down the street.
About the Director, Rafael Elorza
Rafael Elorza is a Mexican-American director, producer, and cinematographer based in Houston. Rafael is dedicated to telling stories about the internal struggles people have with themselves and how it bleeds into their lives. When away from the production scene, Rafael continues his passion of film by watching movies, freelancing, and spending time with his friends.
Pet Plant
USA / 2021 / 9 min / Drama
Synopsis
Pet Plant follows a depressed young man named Walter. Recently left by his fiance, he somehow finds happiness, purpose, and friendship in an unexpected companion.
About the Director, Savon Highsmith
Savon Highsmith began his artistic career through photographing content for a local clothing line. A few years later he transitioned into filmmaking, learning and growing as a freelance PA. After years of mentorship and hard work Savon also began freelancing as a: 1st AC, Drone Pilot, Grip, Boom Operator, Field Producer, and Assistant Director. In 2019 with the help of his girlfriend April Harrell, Savon established Pineapple Pizza Productions. Their goal is to spread awareness of a number of sensitive social issues and consequential methods of overcoming them through motion pictures! Pet Plant is his Directorial debut!
10th Floor
USA / 2021 / 22 min / Drama
Synopsis
10th Floor, a short film about a young man, Tyler, whose family was killed during a home invasion. Tyler, unable to cope with the death of his family, books a hotel room for a night where he will attempt to take his own life. That night he meets Claire, a troubled young runaway who is now an escort. They connect and Tyler must now help Claire escape her dangerous environment.
About the Director, Charlie G
Charlie G specializes in directing, cinematography, screenplay writing, producing, and editing. Within the past 10 years Charlie G has produced and directed music videos for national and international music artists and directed ads for companies such as the Houston Galleria. His latest achievements included many film festivals selections for his short film drama Hourglass which he produced, directed, wrote, and edited. He won The Best Video Editing award for the 2020 short film In My Head, starring Jason David Frank, the original green ranger from Power Rangers. He was also the cinematographer for the 2020 sci-fi action film Ark Exitus, starring Johnny Yong Bosch and Jason Narvy from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. His latest film to write and direct, 10th Floor, is currently being submitted to film festivals.
