The fallout of deportation leaves a mother and her biracial daughter searching for connection through the power of food.
I’m excited that two short films I had the chance to be in will be showing at the 2024 Short Sweet Film Festival.
Culantro Fino by Fernando Lopez will be showing March 1st in the evening and
Lifted directed by Tim Figueira will be showing March 3rd for the morning slot.
A young girl, who struggles with confidence, has an unusual friendship with an older woman. Their connection presents an opportunity for this unlikely hero to gain courage she never imagined.
Filmed on Location in Cleveland Ohio
Cast Caroline - Paige Neuenschwander
Justin - Mario Beverly
Nikki - Diana Frank Hauser
Miss. Alma - Crystle Paynther
Sarah - Sarah Carleton
Diner Custodian - Brent Adamson
Diner Patrons - Vernard Adams, Sarah Parr
Written & Directed - Tim Figueira
Story by - Zac Popik
Producers - Tim Figueira , Nick Royak , Jason Richardson
Editor - Michael Guarente
1st Assistant Director - John Dannug
Script Supervisor - Luke Horvat
Director of photography - Nathan Tranbarger
A Cam 1st Assistant Camera - Matt Petrunak
A Cam 2nd Assistant camera - Sam Stephenson
B Cam First Assistant Camera - Sam Neff
Gaffer - Patrick Ryan
Best Boy Electric - Najada Davis
Key Grip - Brian Boyll
Dolly Grip - Chris Leszkowics
Prop Master - Shannon Metelko
Makeup Artist - Lina Leikam
Stills Photographers - Zac Popik , Rebecca Aslanis
Caterer - Charlene Adamson
Production Sound Mixer - Jordan Greytak
Sound Editor - Matt Peery
Composer - Michel Guarente
Colourist - Fernando Lopez
Visual Effects Artists - Brandon Dohner , Eric Anderle
Contributing Artists - Joe Martin
Additional Casting - Marcy Ronen
Equipment Provided By- Moving Target LLC, Liminal Space Productions, Ohio Cinemotion
I’m excited for this free event where two short films I had the chance to be in are showing. The event is free and open to the public.
Lifted - Tim Figueira
You can watch the trailer here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvc2EP9Ndk-/
and follow Tim on Instagram for more updates.
Culantro Fino - Fernando Lopez
You can follow Fernando here: https://www.instagram.com/fer_lopez_paz/ or on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/378927061 to see more of his work and updates on upcoming projects.
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
Watch the Previous Chapters Here:
Ticket Link: Evenfall March 4th
After 2.5 years in production, the award-winning short film series EVENFALL comes to a close with a theatrical premiere at the legendary Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore 7!
All six existing chapters of the series will be presented for the first time as a single feature-length film, followed immediately by the world premiere of Chapter Seven (the series finale)!
So if you're all caught up on Evenfall, you'll get a chance to see Chapter Seven several weeks before it debuts online. If you've never seen a single minute of this series and have been waiting to binge it all in a single sitting, this is the night to do it. And if you're like "what the hell is Evenfall?"...well, just come anyways and find out
Tickets are available for sale via Fandango. A Q&A with the filmmakers and cast will follow the screening. Some sort of informal after party will surely follow that.
Questions? Email maplefilmslimited@gmail.com
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
Watch the Previous Chapters Here:
The only post-apocalyptic film festival that takes place IN the wasteland!
Screen short films from around the world as they compete for the coveted withered laurel.
Check out this year’s schedule of films:
WW Film Fest 2022-OfficialProgram
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
Watch the Previous Chapters Here:
Jumping Jack Theater will be performing Starshine! at the EQT Children’s Theater Festival as one of the featured performances.
Look up! Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to touch the stars? You’re invited to join us on a sensory-enriched journey through the galaxy. Cozy up in the magic of the sky as you gaze at constellations, dance with asteroids, hear the soothing sounds of space, and even lend a helping hand so that every star can shine its brightest. Stars are unique just like you.
This adventure to the stars is an intimate theatrical experience for a small group of audience members and their caregivers. It takes place in a smaller, private room within the Byham Theater. We will bring you an effortless and sensory-focused production that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to soar!
Age Recommendations: Best ages 5 and up
This Show Features: Visuals, Sounds, Objects, Language, Music, Textures, Interactivity
DATES/TIMES
Saturday, May 14, 10:00am - 10:30amSensory-friendly
Saturday, May 14, 12:00pm - 12:30pmSensory-friendly
Saturday, May 14, 2:00pm - 02:30pmSensory-friendly
Sunday, May 15, 10:00am - 10:30amSensory-friendly
Sunday, May 15, 12:00pm - 12:30pmSensory-friendly
Sunday, May 15, 2:00pm - 02:30pmSensory-friendly
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
Watch the Previous Chapters Here:
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
Watch the Previous Chapters Here:
Evenfall takes place 50 years in an alternate future, where humanity has experienced a never-ending succession of plagues, famines and wars. The global population has been reduced to almost nothing as a result, and the few survivors have clustered into small tribes or settlements. Clean water and food are scarce, and electricity is nearly unattainable at this point. Our lead character Claire is wandering through the land in search of her son, who was taken from her some time before the story begins. Along the way, she meets another drifter who may carry the key to finding her son.
Get updates and more info at Maple Films on Facebook or Youtube
And watch Chapter 1 here: Chapter 1 of Evenfall
I’m excited to be joining Jumping Jack Theater for their show Starshine! that will be a part of the
EQT Children’s Theater Festival in Pittsburgh.
More details coming soon.
Learn more about Starshine! and Jumping Jack Theater with this short trailer and visit their website at
Chapter One premieres September 22, 2021.
Release a short film by Paul Francis is based on his life experiences with cancer. A short story about life, family, and cancer.
It was such an honor to be asked to share Paul’s story in this film and I’m grateful that he trusted me with his story.
On August 14th, 2021 the film will be shared on Facebook. You can learn more about the film and see some of the behind the scenes images and learn more about Paul’s story at
Parasomnia is up for 9 awards at the Cleveland 48-Hour Film Project and will be shown with the other Best of Films from the 2021 Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project
Best Film, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Actress (Sarah Carleton), Best Acting Ensemble, Best Stunts, Best Use of Line
Parasomnia a short film created by Maple Films for the Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project
Come see me along with a cast and crew of folks who created a short in 48 Hours
In the Fall of 2020 Dustin Lee approached me with an idea for a photo that turned into a story that has turned into a short film series. There are two episodes that have been filmed with more in the works. It has been such a gift to work on this project with a small but mighty group of passionate creatives. It’s an absolute dream of a character to play and I can’t wait for you all to see it!
You can help us with the creation of this series and support independent filmmakers through the Kickstarter page.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dustinlee/evenfall-a-post-apocalyptic-short-film-series/posts/3253303
Any amount is a huge support and if you are interested in the project another great way to help us out is by sharing the project.
Check out the Kickstarter page for some behind the scenes shots and stories or follow Maple Films online
This year during the EQT Children’s Theater Festival @ Home event Jumping Jack Theater will be sharing some videos and content from the show Cityscape.
Join in for some fun activities and learn more about Jumping Jack Theater.
by Erich Kästner, adapted for the stage by Nicki Bloom
Never underestimate the determination of a child! Young Emil catches a train to visit family in the big city. Something valuable is stolen. But the thief soon discovers Emil was not such an easy target. A group of quick-thinking and resourceful children rallies around. Can a bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal?
Kästner’s 1929 novella is more than a ‘good romp’, it broke ground for the independent-children-versus-devious-adults story genre. Streetwise city kids, a hard-working single mother and Emil’s past brush with the law add grit and nuance to this satisfying tale.
How do we find our friends in the world? How do we work together to defeat tricksters?
In Slingsby’s signature intimate theatrical style, Emil and The Detectives is told by two skilled actors immersed in smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds and a cinematic score. Dark and light, intrigue and delight for audiences aged eight and upwards.
Eddy’s Island won Best Narrative Film at the 2020 Maumee Film Festival
Link to the Film Festival Web site: http://maumeefilmfestival.com/
Link to film Eddy’s Island https://vimeo.com/378927061
A determined sister visits her guilt-ridden brother after he's been isolated on an island for months. The two swim upstream to reconnect after the passing of their younger brother.
Runtime:
15 min, 22 sec
Cast:
Sarah Carleton
Ben Measor
Robert G. Putka
Written & Directed by:
Fernando Lopez
Music by:
Paul Francis
Edited by:
Ben Measor
Sound Recording & Mixing:
Chris Mack
Produced by:
Jessica Prorock
Robert G. Putka
This project was made possible thanks to The Village of Kelley's Island, OH, Lakeside, OH, Village Pump, Lakevue Marina, The Mohnacky Family, and Kelley's Island Ferry.
Come for an evening of song and poetry for the holiday season.
Admission by free-will donation.
Saturday, December 21st at 7:30PM at Third Presbyterian Church 5701 Fifth Ave, Shadyside, PA 15232
Sunday, December 22nd at 4:00Pm at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver 252 College Ave, Beaver, PA 15009
In Our Own Voices is a short opera with libretto by Sarah Carleton and music composed by Eliane Aberdam which will premier in Rhode Island. More details to come about the exact times and location.
The performance explores the story of two transracial adoptees, Brooke and Olivia, as they search for their first parents. A story not so much about answers but about the questions that many adoptees face, this story steps into the complex questions that many transracial adoptees wrestle with - questions of identity, race, loss, and belonging.
Eddy’s Island will be showing at the Orlando Film Festival.
Directed By: Fernando Lopez | Runtime: 16 min | Plays In Short Block: Drama 4
Eddy’s Island explores the eggshell-like subtext of rocky sibling relationships while delicately portraying addiction as a present and relevant backdrop. This short story says as much with the character’s expressions and silence as it does with dialogue and actions.
October 22, 2019 12:45 PM - Theater 9
October 24, 2019 5:30 PM - Theater 7
For more information about the Film Festival check the link at https://orlandofilmfest.com/movies/eddys-island/
Eddy’s Island a short film by Fernando Lopez
showing at the Recovery Voices Film Project
Tickets: www.sperrysmoviehouse.com
Lineup Below:
9/20/2019 Recovery Voices Block 7 pm
Hooked (USA), Recovering (USA, Michigan), Purdue Lied People Died (USA), TroyfromTroy (USA, Michigan), How Do You Type a Broken Heart (USA), One (United Kingdom), Don't Worry Don't Watch (Canada), The Hope Dealer (USA)
9/20/2019 Recovery Voice Block 9:15 pm
Hope Served Fresh (USA), We Seek the Teeth (United Kingdom), I'm Not an Actress (Iran), Recondition (USA), Eddy's Island (USA), A Wake Up Call (USA)
Directed by Elena Alexandratos
Production design by Lisa Lieberling
September 7-29
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm in Pittsburgh City Parks
A 90-minute version of Shakespeare's timely political drama.
I’m looking forward to joining this all-female cast this September in parks in Pittsburgh.
For more information about Cityscape and Jumping Jack Theater visit: Jumping Jack Theater
You can also visit our table for free activities during the Children’s Theater Festival at
Hands-On Activities with Jumping Jack:
Saturday, May 18: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, May 19: 10 AM – 5 PM
To learn more about the EQT Children’s Theater Festival and all the activities and performances visit - EQT Children’s Theater Festival
