The LA Film Festival offered many different genres for movie lovers to choose from. On July 1st, several of those genres were packed into one screening when the Majestic Crest Theatre, in Westwood showcased five short films.  Competing against over 200 other films, the following, ranging from comedy to drama to even a musical, were the official 2007 UCLA Spotlight Award Winning Shorts.

“Mike’s” by Ted Chung – An absolutely hysterical short about a young man who suspects his roommate of consuming his food. Mike sets up a surveillance camera to catch him in the act only to discover that it is the roommate’s girlfriend who’s doing the stealing. However, that’s not all Mike discovers in the video.

“Damn The Past!” by Jull Kang – Humorous, colorful and inventive “Damn the Past!” is a spoof on musicals such as “Grease” and “West Side Story.” Gloria, a young woman whose only passion in life is to dance, is released from the mental institution that she was committed to by her controlling mother. Promised to another man, Gloria meets Mario, a mute mechanic that works in her mother’s auto shop. Mario may not be able to speak, but he can sing. In this fantastical musical short it is Mario’s musical ability that saves Gloria from her impending marriage to a handsome con artist.

“The Nemesis Bird” by Kahill Hudson – Another humorous short, “The Nemesis Bird” is both completely absurd and incredibly touching. It is a story about a father and son who are obsessed with the study of birds. Together, they witness and report a rare specimen in the wildlife reserve only to be kicked out of the autobahn society when they cannot prove their discovery. As outlandish and silly as it seems, the heart of this film genuinely celebrates the family bond. In comedic film there is a fine line between just enough and too much. “The Nemesis Bird” falls into the category of “just enough.” The acting and direction is absolutely superb. Father, Son, Mother, autobahn members; everyone shines in this piece. 

“The Replacement Child” by Justin Lerner – This film is both gorgeous to look at and insightful to contemplate. Todd, newly released from juvenile hall for beating his cruel policeman stepfather, has found God and returns home to face a harsh reality. Todd’s stepfather wants him gone, Todd’s ex girlfriend is pregnant and his best friend, Michael, is dying of tuberculosis. Because of his religious beliefs, Michael refuses to see a doctor. Todd’s faith is tested as he witnesses Michael’s deterioration.

“House of Olive Trees” by Thouly Dosios – This modern love story follows the shy and skittish Anna as she contemplates what it would be like to spend the rest of her life with her boyfriend Marko. Terrified of growing old and becoming trapped, Anna escapes for a day only to discover that it’s Marko she can’t do without. This is how a film should be told; the pacing is perfect and the images are both sweet and succinct. The actors speak in Greek but I didn’t feel that I needed to read the subtitles to understand the film. Despite its simplicity this film is incredibly intelligent, witty and sometimes shocking. “House of Olive Trees” left me feeling light and hopeful.