B-Reel: All Hits, No Misses

Dear Reader, I have fabulous news.

The one thing you can always count on at Raindance is finding the underdogs - the people making stories with the shirts off their backs and the wind beneath their wings - delulu, scrapping in the mud, and dedicated to genre of all forms.

I have had snobby friends ask me why, despite covering major prestigious festivals throughout the years, I have dedicated myself to Raindance this year so fervently.

B-Reel is exactly why.

In this programme, every single film was a hit – built to astonish, entertain, subvert expectations and make you feel something. I got to feel that all-too-addicting rush of knowing I was witnessing the beginning of some big journeys for all involved.

Without any more fanfare, let me tell you what you missed.

Beach-O

THIS IS A BEACH FILM WITH ZOMBIES THAT WAS SHOT IN 1998.

If that isn't enough to sell you on it, I don't know what is. Maybe it's the found footage vibe of its origin story, or maybe just that films "on film" at the indie level aren't often this carefree and fun anymore, and I miss it. I watched the whole thing without knowing it was actually shot in the 90's – and knowing that fact made me love it even more. The score is original, the premise is original, and the entire film itself is a testament to the fact that if the story is good, you don't ever have to give up on it.

Midnight

Equal parts campy Manga live-action and genuine feat of engineering, this bonkers, corny-ass film with heart, was shot on an iPhone. I'm not sure I would have known if they hadn't told me – and aside from the fact that it's so totally indie to do on a technical level, it also aids the story's aesthetic - and the Mid-Credit Making of featurette was particularly illuminating on the process. Some of you, if this short turned into a series, would become evangelical. As it is - it's based on a comic.

Pumpkin Guts

I hate horror, and I hate scares. This film should have been a dud for me - except that it went so fast, had such a brilliant cast and eerie story, and was shot so well that I couldn't help but love it. The soundtrack was particularly brilliant, and made it seem like an artefact of the 80's. Some people have gotten scared of the good old fashioned horror conventions that work every time. Pumpkin Guts is not so easily frightened.

Geronimo

A love letter to Atwater Village, and the real Los Angeles. This was a delight, not only to see the streets of the city I miss once more, but to be introduced to yet another one of those LA branches – you know what I mean - everyone has their own Los Angeles. Each new LA is a whole world of characters and histories that seem to exist in their own pocket dimension. The streets all look different and feel different from branch to branch - but it's the same city, unified by the same spirit and the same sunshine. This isn't a short about finding Geronimo - it's a short about already being home. Sending my love to all my fam out there, and if you Angelinos get a chance to screen Geronimo, you may end up crying, so fair warning.

Dicky Mack: The Right of Way

They, simply, do not make them like this anymore. This is the story of a man who takes two things serious - the bit, and teaching people how to drive. This short is an entirely contained and outright brilliant character study of a man who doesn't just want to teach you the ways of the road, but impart the ultimate wisdoms he's gathered...through his many lives. In another era, this was David Hasselhof's part. Twenty years ago, Will Ferrell would have been a shoo-in to play Dicky. Here, Casey Morris is behind the wheel, and drives it effortlessly – and I have a special scoop that this may turn into a full-blown series. New comfort show alert.

The Sentry

What happens to the Goons? What if ""James Bond"" (Agent Blackwood) was haunted by the random Cambodian man he killed during his dumbass missions? What if he had to contend with the impact of his job on the communities he airdrops into? GENIUS! It's a wonder no-one has made a film like this before - and it's so brilliantly handled, so detailed in it's approach, the entire film a romantic homage to Cambodia, from the mountains to the cities, and to Spy movies themselves. It also becomes a very rattling commentary on death, and what it means to leave the people you love behind. I will now watch every Jake Wachtel film I can get my hands on. Right on, man.

Luddite

I classify this as a micro short - it's so brilliant, I can't even begin to explain – and if I did, I'd spoil it. Basically it's a takedown of smartphones, but in the coolest and most ironic way it can be done. Grab a hold of it if you see it on a festival schedule somewhere, it's the best 4 minutes you could spend.