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Reviews
The Sociopath's Guild (2015)
A Gripping Masterpiece - 10/10
"The Sociopath's Guild" is a cinematic gem that not only captivates but also leaves an indelible mark on your soul. As an independent film, it effortlessly proves that quality storytelling knows no boundaries. With nine award nominations and two wins at MIWAFF, including Best Music and Best Director for the incredible Eddy Kara, this film is a testament to the power of artistic innovation in cinema.
The plot is a gripping rollercoaster ride, centered around Armenian journalist Armen Torosyan, portrayed brilliantly by Sam Jamous. Torosyan finds himself in a relentless and perilous chase by clandestine organizations as he unravels the haunting truths surrounding the Armenian Genocide. The film explores themes of truth, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable atrocities.
Sam Jamous delivers a tour de force performance, embodying the spirit of a determined journalist, who, driven by an unwavering commitment to justice, takes on an unimaginable journey. His portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing, evoking a wide range of emotions that resonate deeply with the audience.
One cannot discuss "The Sociopath's Guild" without acknowledging Eddy Kara's remarkable dual role as both the director and the initial antagonist, aptly named "The Sociopath." Kara's portrayal of this enigmatic character is nothing short of astounding. He embodies the role with an eerie charisma that sends chills down your spine. As the primary adversary in the story, his presence is electrifying, serving as the perfect foil to Sam Jamous' Armen Torosyan. Kara's ability to switch seamlessly between his role as a director and a sinister character within the narrative showcases his versatility and depth as an artist. His performance as "The Sociopath" adds an extra layer of complexity to an already intricate plot, leaving the audience in awe of his talent and contributing significantly to the film's overall brilliance.
The supporting cast, including Rigas Bountouris and Natasha Aylward, deliver stellar performances that enhance the film's authenticity and emotional impact.
Eddy Kara's direction is a revelation. He crafts every scene with meticulous precision, maintaining an atmosphere of tension and suspense throughout the film. Kara's vision is masterfully realized, creating a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying world that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
What truly sets "The Sociopath's Guild" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend a heart-pounding thriller with a thought-provoking exploration of historical truths. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the Armenian Genocide, shedding light on a dark chapter in history that deserves recognition.
The music score, awarded for its excellence, complements the narrative flawlessly, intensifying the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.
In conclusion, "The Sociopath's Guild" is an independent film that transcends its limitations and emerges as a cinematic masterpiece. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of uncovering hidden truths and seeking justice, even in the face of insurmountable odds. This film will leave you breathless, haunted, and profoundly moved. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking and the pursuit of truth. Eddy Kara's creation is a true work of art, deserving of every accolade it receives.
The McHenry Trial - Don't Judge a Kid by Their Hoodie (2020)
The Trial of a Lifetime
The McHenry Trial is a story about an young African-American teenager who is very talented in the field of law who passes the Bar exam at 14 years old. The young man however is faced by a steep challenge of defending his homeless father from a murder charge . The young man is up against a bias court system headed by a segregationist judge and a hot shot attorney preparing to celebrate his 50th case victory. This is a story about racial dynamics , justice and perseverance against all the odds. This film is a thriller and has an interesting plot to keep audiences engaged.
An Ordinary Adventure (2020)
More than Ordinary!
An Ordinary Adventure is a short film directed, written and acted by Roberto Zorfini. It is about a screenplay writer's (played by Zorfini) struggle to find motivation during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The film features Zorfini in his everyday life going about his daily routine as the loneliness of the pandemic slowly drives him mad. The film does an excellent job at depicting the mental health issues which many people likely faced during the pandemic, and the constant struggle of trying to work from home when you cannot even leave your apartment. Overall, the film does a great job at making Zorfini feel relatable to the audience and keeps the viewer engaged throughout its run time. Nominated for Best Cinematography in 2020, this is a must-watch.
Voices from the Barrens: Native People, Blueberries and Sovereignty (2020)
An Important Film for First Nations and Agriculture
Voices from the Barrens is a documentary directed by Nancy Ghertner and showcases a blueberry field owned by a First Nation community in Eastern Maine. It follows their struggle to maintain their sovereignty and traditional lifestyle while also attempting to meet their community's financial needs by harvesting blueberries.
Overall, this documentary was extremely informative on the struggles which First Nation communities face, and on the important historic role that blueberries play in that dynamic. It also is the Wreath Awards Winner for Audience Choice.
Portraitist (2019)
Behold! MIWAFF Wreath Award Winning film is right here!
A previous nominee of MIWAFF, Cyrus Nevshad returns with a rather sad story about the illness of an artist's granddaughter. The film successfully portrays how the power of art can raise both the spirits of seemingly hopeless people and furthermore it shows how the practicing and learning art can form bonds between people. Art also creates legacy as the main protagonist is remembered for some of his drawing even if his fortunes were not too great as an artist. On the production side the film is very well written and very well produced with no technical faults . The acting in the movie was very good and there are English subtitles for the non-French speaking audience. Overall the film had a great story and was very well produced and is a good choice for a short film.