Always a treat of style and form and long a LIFF favorite, this year's short films are our best bunch yet! Come check them out!
Films screening in Shorts Block #5 are: The Palooka, Runaway Overture, Simpler Times, Tom In America
The Palooka – dir. Perry Martin “The Palooka” is based on one of Tennessee Williams’ long-lost short plays, in which an up-and-coming fighter meets an older palooka before his fight. The washed-up fighter takes the rookie boxer under his wing and regales him with stories of his childhood hero, Galveston Joe. Will either man get to live those storied dreams? (15m, USA)
Runaway Overture – dir. Adam Grannick* Inspired by the Overture to Tannhäuser and shot without dialogue, Runaway Overture tells the story of an orphaned young painter who leaves home for the last time, willing to brave all obstacles for an opportunity in New York City. At the same time, it also tells the story of an aging painter who struggles to let go of his dreams of becoming a great artist and renew his relationship with his estranged daughter. (18m, USA)
Simpler Times – dir. Steve Monarque* Harry (Jerry Stiller), a recently widowed man in his golden years, finds himself trapped in the world of modern technology when all he wants is the newspaper. This family comedy also features a special guest appearance by the other half of legendary comedy duo Stiller & Meara, Anne Meara. (33m, USA)
Tom In America – dir. Flavio Alves* For 50 years, Michael (Academy Award nominee Burt Young) and Betty (Academy Award nominee Sally Kirkland) have been united by one guiding principle: no secrets. But when a provocative Tom of Finland doll triggers Michael's long-buried desires, Betty discovers that secrets have been part of their life all along. (17m, USA)
