• By Mabel Pais

WOMEN IN THE FRONT SEAT

Dir/Writ/Co-Prod/Cine: Maninder K. (Indy) Saini; 2023; Doc; 1h 14m 

‘Women in the Front Seat’ from filmmaker Indy Saini captures the growing movement of women hitting the throttle and riding into the wind, breaking social norms and shattering stereotypes about women and women riders. The film is about the filmmaker’s cross country ride with female motorcycle riders and their singular sisterhood. Learn more at womeninthefrontseat.com.

AVAILABLE: Now streaming on Amazon, Tubi, Google Play, and You Tube

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AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE PRESENTS DEBUT OF ‘PROOF’ FEST

By Mabel Pais

The American Cinematheque (americancinematheque.com) presents the film lineup and events for the debut of PROOF: Proof of Concept Film Festival, taking place October 20-22. The innovative new film festival will present a dozen thematically curated programs featuring 42 official selections, filmmaking labs and panels – all taking place at the Culver Theater (9500 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232). PROOF will be one of the first-ever film festivals dedicated solely to the presentation of proof-of-concept short films, looking to be expanded into feature-length productions or series.

There will be 46 proof-of-concept shorts screened, with filmmaker workshops and panels during a three-day event dedicated to the presentation and development of new work created as a first step for new feature films and series.

The festival, programmed and produced by American Cinematheque, will look to spotlight a slate of innovative films from up-and-coming filmmakers, as well as panel conversations on the art and business of filmmaking, the ultimate goal being to help filmmakers make inroads to the industry with access to mentorship workshops, professional development opportunities and more.

American Cinematheque Film Programmer and Proof Film Festival Founder, Imani Davis, said, “Short films are often the way we are introduced to new talent and voices. Many times, filmmakers have a further vision to expand the world they have created in the short into a feature film or even an episodic series. Though this film festival is specifically for those types of films and goals, the American Cinematheque hopes to create an effective platform for that work, as well as foster connections with filmmakers that will lead connections to further their vision, and even help build industry relationships that will serve as the foundation of their career.”

Four juried awards will be presented at the festival’s end, along with one audience choice award, with the jury consisting not only of filmmakers, but also creative executives, managers, agents and more.

The ‘Black List’ will provide the winning filmmakers with free script hosting on their website, with ‘ShotDeck’ to provide free yearlong subscriptions to their services, and a $60K camera package will go to the grand jury award winner, courtesy of Panavision, as they look to flesh out a larger project from their proof-of-concept.

The 2023 Proof Film Overview

OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION

LIMITLESS: BLOCK #1

Block #1 includes 4 shorts.

DISCOVERY: BLOCK #2

Block #2 includes 5 shorts.

INDEPENDENCE: BLOCK #3

Block #3 includes 3 shorts.

AGE OF CHANGE: BLOCK #4

Block #4 includes 4 shorts.

AN EXAMINATION OF LEARNING: BLOCK #5

Block #5 includes 3 shorts.

DARING: BLOCK #6

Block #6 includes 5 shorts.

BUMP IN THE NIGHT: BLOCK #7

Block #7 includes 6 shorts.

CHICAGO FILMMAKERS: BLOCK #8

Block #8 includes 3 shorts.

NOT AS THEY SEEM: BLOCK #9

Block #9 includes 3 shorts.

SELF-ASSURED: BLOCK #10

Block #10 includes 3 shorts.

FISH OUT OF WATER: BLOCK #11

Block #11 includes 3 shorts.

Special Out-of-Competition Program

ALTER & DUST PRESENT LATE NIGHT SCI-FI AND HORROR SHORTS

This category presents 4 shorts.

PROOF

PROOF is a short film festival in Los Angeles dedicated to showcasing the best in proof-of-concepts. Providing a highly competitive and unique festival experience, as well as opening the door for fruitful future filmmaking opportunities, PROOF is a one-stop-shop for the newest emerging talent.

AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE

The American Cinematheque believes that cinema is a communal experience with the power to entertain, enlighten and inspire. Learn more at americancinematheque.com.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)