Official Selections: 35th LA Comedy Film Festivals

Congratulations to our accepted filmmakers!
Films are listed in alphabetical order, index to the left.
Scroll Down to learn more about each film.

1 In The Chamber

Short
A work-obsessed assassin sent to “retire” her coworker is shocked to discover her target is pregnant and infuriated by how baby-proofed a nursery can be.
Director: Annie Girard and Diana Wright
Producer: James Bristow, Matt Danner, Kourtney Gleason, Rachel Parsons
Writer: Annie Girard and Diana Wright
Cast: Yara Martinez, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Wilson Bethel
Cinematographer: Meena Singh
Editor: Sandra Torres Granovsky, Taylor Mott
Awards and Accolades: Won Best Short at Broad Comedy Film Festival, Audience Award for Comedy The Valley Film Festival, Best Comedy Seattle Indie Film Festival, Award Finalist Women and the World Film Festival, nominated for 8 awards at Idyllwild Film Festival.
Website: https://linktr.ee/1inthechamberfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1inthechamberfilm/

A Cloud Holding a Knife

Short Animation
Los Angeles Premiere
A young blind adult is having a hard time sustaining a relationship because all his girlfriends die.
Synopsis - Narrating his factless biography, a young blind man contemplates fate as his girlfriends die. Suave and with a sense of humor, Marvin Marlow has never had a problem finding a girlfriend. His problems arise as he needs help to keep them alive.
Director - Julian Iliev
Producer - Julian Iliev
Writer - Julian Iliev
Cast - Mark Robles (Marvin Marlow), Amanda Morales (Viktoria), Christa Cannon (Veronica)
Cinematographer - Alexis Lee, Erin Teply, Van Mai
Editor - Alexis Lee, Erin Teply
The film was screened at 15 festivals. The animation was made by three undergraduate students. The majority of the film was made by the animators Alexis Lee and Erin Teply. They were assisted by their friend Van Mai.

https://www.ilianfilm.com/a-cloud-holding-a-knife.html

Amped

Animation
During a late night at the office, two co-workers stumble upon a mysterious drink that gives them supernatural abilities beyond their control.
Director: Vincent Salvano
Producer: Logan Hester
Writer: Vincent Salvano
Cast: Vincent Salvano
Cinematographer: Andrew Jimenez
Editor: Alia Rezk
Instagram: amped_shortfilm

Be True to Your School

Short
Los Angeles Premiere
Bronx Born Haitian American Ruby Saint-Fleur finds it takes more than being a genius to save her life.
Director: Frank Harts
Producer: Devin E. Haqq, Frank Harts
Writer: Frank Harts
Cast: Jamilah Rosemond, Monique Gabriela Curnen, Ajay Naidu, Pernell Walker
Cinematographer: George Lyon
Editor: Tony Grocki
Music by: Thomas M. Gilbert
Executive Producers: Lou Diamond Phillips and Damon Lindelof
Awards: Won Best Narrative Short - Raindance Film Festival (NY)
Website: www.frankharts.net
Instagram: @frankhartstruly

Clemenzia visits Handel Hendrix House

Short,
USA Premiere
Eccentric Operatic socialite Clemenzia Von Trunksale visits Handel Hendrix House and ends up jamming with the ghosts of George Frederick Handel & Jimi Hendrix
Director: Director Alison Grist
Producer: Melinda Hughes
Writer: Melinda Hughes, Jeremy Limb & Kevin Day
Cast: Clemenzia- Melinda Hughes, Dave- Jeremy Limb, G.F. Handel - Paul Litchfield, Jimi Hendrix- Prince Abdi
Cinematographer: Alison Grist
Editor: Michele Tofi
Winner of London International Short Film Festival
Website: (www.melindahughes.com)
Instagram: @melhugsopera
X: @melhugsopera
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melindahugs

Cougar Catcher

Short
World Premiere
"An in-debt pool boy must sexually entertain an old money widow for financial freedom despite having a boyfriend."
Director: Austin R Gomez (AUGHBAR)
Producer: Will Brady
Writer: Will Brady
Cast: Carson Seabolt, Mary Jean Feton, Robert Stevens Wayne
Cinematographer: Ben Trevey
Editor: Zarah Brown
Instagram: @cougarcatcherfilm

Cromaescope - Web Series Eps. 2 & 6

Web Series
CROMAESCOPE is a comedy web series made up of 8 episodes. Each one is inspired by different B-series science fiction films from the 1950s, imitating their aesthetics and themes in a comic tone, with fast-paced dialogues and funny situations. The clumsy practical effects, combined with an obvious use of 'chroma' technology and the sober creation of backgrounds using AI, reinforce the idea that it is a production made in a more modest time.
Director: Alvaro Beltran Janes
Producer: Alvaro Beltran Janes
Writer: Alvaro Beltran Janes
Cast: Vicent Rodrigo, Mª José Chabrera, Santi López, Begoña Sánchez, Rafa Lloret, Xete Miralles, Óscar Parra, Karla Marzá, Fran Jaime, Carlos Cervera.
Cinematographer: Alvaro Beltran Janes
Editor: Alvaro Beltran Janes
42 official selections in festivals on five continents, 22 international awards.
Website: cromaescope.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeltranjanes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alvaro.janes

Demon’s Demons

Demon's Demons

Short
West Coast Premiere
After being reminded of his loneliness, Demon befriends a pet rock named Steven—but when things take a dark turn, he’s forced to confront his fear of real connections.
Director: Amina Galiyeva Jensen
Producer: Richmond Akurugu
Writer: Amina Galiyeva Jensen
Cast: Gus Langley, Angela Joy Rollo, Ryan Wetzel, Ronald Lindsey, John M. Johnson, Porter Scanlon, Jade Watson, Hannah Post, Tommy Pope, Steven, Nicholas Jensen, Amina Galiyeva.
Cinematographer: Nicholas Colby Jensen
Editor: Diego Gonzalez Castaneda
Best Short Comedy - Savannah College of Art and Design Spotlight Showcase
Instagram: @demonsdemons_shortfilm

Everybody’s Sad

A Cake Odyssey

Short
World Premiere
Under a significant time crunch, two scatterbrained brothers must scramble to get a cake for their father’s birthday.
Writer/Director/Editor: Dylan Larkin
Producer: Bryan Larkin
Cast: Bryan Larkin & Dylan Larkin
Instagram: dylan.larkin13
It is with great pleasure that we present to you: A Cake Odyssey. This project was born from the shimmering stars that blessed two brothers with dreamy absentmindedness and studliness to match. Embarking on a mis-adventured mission to deliver a birthday cake for their father, the two dudes poured their hearts and souls into saving the day. It is without question that this delicious creation transcends space, time, and all ordinary cakes. It is here before you now, ready to be consumed. Be careful not to choke on our jokes, wear a napkin on the lap, and use your manners. Dig in and enjoy!

A Therapist

Short
West Coast Premiere
When 15-year-old Kit's parents make her go to therapy during their divorce, she's less than thrilled. But when she meets Dr. Amanda Franklin, Kit realizes therapy is not what she expected at all.
Director: Meagan Lynn
Producer: Meagan Lynn
Writer: Meagan Lynn
Cast: Meagan Lynn, Dianne Paukstelis
Cinematographer: Drew Matthews
Editor: Meagan Lynn
Awards won so far include Best Comedy Short at the Mightier Than The Sword Film Festival in North Carolina and Best Story at the Chicago Feedback Film Festival
Instagram: @meaganlynntv

Angela

Short FIlm
USA Premiere
An awkward first date at a pub spirals into a comedic series of misadventures, revealing the quirky and heartfelt path to connection between four unlikely souls
Director: Brendan Cleaves
Producer: Johnny Vivash
Writer: Brendan Claves & Joe Holweger
Cast: Joe Holweger, Phillipa Cole, Philipa Cole , Ivan Kay, Eli Silverman , Johnny Vivash
Cinematographer: Chris Carcelle
Editor: Greg Hayes
Website: www.angelaFilm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela.comedyfilm/

Argie Berman

Short
A recovering alcoholic uses her coming - out story in her stand-up act and therapy to explain her addiction and her complex relationship with her mother.
Director: Fon Davis
Producers: Suzy Stein and Fernando Perez
Writers: Suzy Stein and Fernando Perez
Cast: Cynthia Zitter, Caitlin Hutson, John Bucy, Deborah Geffner
Cinematographer: Evan Zissimopulos
Editor: Mike Bustillos
Awards:
WRPN Women's International Film Festival, Award of Excellence
Los Angeles Queer Film Festival, Official Selection
DC Independent Film Festival, Official Selection
Berlin Short Film Festival, Official Selection
Florence Film Awards, Official Selection
LGBTQ Toronto & Los Angeles Film Festival, Best Short
Portland Comedy Film Festival, Official Selection
Indie Short Film Festival, Best Comedy Short, Best LGTBQ Short, Best Actress, Cynthia Zitter
Hamptons Comedy Film Festival, Honorable Mention
Women's Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta, Official Selection
Los Angeles Short Film Award, Best Directo, Fon Davis
Cinema Columbus, Official Selection
Georgia Comedy Film Festival, Official Selection
Oakland Short Film Festival, Finalist
LA International Film Festival, Official Selection
Los Angeles Comedy Festival, Official Selection
LA Independent Film Channel Festival, Nominee
LGBTQ Unboardered International Film Festival, Official Selection
Instagram: instagram/Argie.Berman.Movie

Breakups Are Always Hard

Sketch Comedy
USA Premier
A doctor goes through one of the toughest moments of his life: losing his beloved patient.
Director: Jono Hunter
Producer: Amit Ohm & Jono Hunter
Writer: Amit Ohm
Cast: Amit Ohm, Nick Atef, Glenna Walters
Cinematographer: Jono Hunter
Editor: Jono Hunter
Best Short Film - Comedy at Geekfest Universe
Official Selection at Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Instagram: @amitohm, @jmbhunter, @nickatef, @glenna.walters

Conveyance

Short
US Premiere
Conveyance is a short horror/comedy that follows Brian and Suzanne as they finally find their dream home after years of searching. When they realise they are sharing the space with a malevolent force, how much are they willing to put up with to stay there?
Director: Gemma Creagh
Producer: Maeve McGrath and Keith Bogue
Writer: Gemma Creagh
Cast: Patrick Martins, Chrissie Cronin, Matty McCabe, Travis Nelson, Aisling O’Neill, Maeve McGrath, Paul Murphy
Cinematographer: Jaro Waldeck
Editor: Phil Shanahan
This film was funded by Dlr First Frames Scheme & supported by Creative Ireland and won Best Cinematography at Monzo Film Festival.
Website: https://dromglenproductions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dromglenproductions/
Twitter: https://x.com/Dromglen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dromglen

Cockroach

Couple Goals

Short
World Premiere

A struggling journalist tries to make a high-brow documentary with a very low-brow couple.

Director: Tom Bridger and Jonny Gillard
Producer: Sean Joseph Young
Writer: Tom Bridger and Jonny Gillard
Cast: Della Thielamay, Bethany Slater, Tom Bridger
Cinematographer: Liam Gilroy
Editor: Tom Bridger

Semi-Finalist for 'Best Comedy Short' at the December 2024 Indie Short Fest

Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/couplegoalsfilm/couple-goals-a-comedy-short-film

Instagram: instagram.com/@tgbridger

Cut Off

Short
On a mission to win her overbearing mother’s approval, a free-wheeling young woman searches for a date in the unlikeliest of places—her nephew's bris.
Director: Meg Swertlow
Producers: Jake Bradbury, Barry Strum, Sofie Rimler, Remi Rosmarin, Ivan Victor, Kelly Chen, Mary Lou Belli, Noah Rosenthal, Sami Kolko
Writer: Remi Rosmarin
Cast: Sofie Rimler, Gina Hecht, Randee Heller, Melanie Chartoff, Hunter Stiebel, Phil Abrams, Jennie Fahn, Jamie Zwick, Sami Kolko, Lauren Schaffel, Matthew Bohrer, Gary Rubenstein
Cinematographer: Noah Rosenthal
Editor: Ivan Victor
Audience Award - Best Short Film, Miami Jewish Film Festival 2025
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutoff_film/

Douche Canoe