2013 Films: V
Vanished (USA, 12 min)

Directed by: Simon Beckman
Written by: Simon Beckman
Cast:
Cameron Richardson, Mark Rolston
A secret research facility has been completely annihilated when a special ops team comes to the rescue. Keaton, a hard-nosed investigator, tries to reconstruct what has happened when one sole survivor is discovered. Alex, shell-shocked and wounded, cannot remember much, still Keaton is relentless. He needs to find out what she knows right now to avoid an even greater disaster.
Vaseline (USA, 7 min)

Directed by: Funk Brothers
Written by: Funk Brothers
Cast:
Brandon Jenner, Emilio Rivera, Emilio Roso, Erica Braun, Gregg Shore, Jody Jaress, Leah Felder, Mary Wells
When musicians Brandon and Leah approached the Funk Brothers about directing their music video everybody knew it was going to be aces-high, so they strapped on the chaps and saddled up for a wild one. The result is a western-based narrative that brings a gritty yet vivid contemporary look and a visual style that echoes the song's emotional appeal. Shot in one day on location at Melody Ranch, the video showcases Emilio Rivera (Traffic, Sons of Anarchy) as 'Chumpero,' a roaming gunslinger who feasts his eyes upon the beautiful 'Violet,' played by the band's own Leah Felder. Realizing the danger that looms, the 'Bartender,' played by Brandon Jenner, must make an attempt to save her.
The Playwright Celtic Pub
732 8th Ave New York, NY 10036
8 th Ave. between 45 and 46 streets.
Viva Tortuga: Meshing Conservation and Culture in Magdalena Bay (Mexico, USA, 17min)

Directed by: Maria Luskay
Written by: Louis Guarneri
This year's filmmaking team ventured to Magdalena Bay, an 870 square mile haven for whales, dolphins, sea birds and five species of sea turtles tucked along the Pacific coast of Mexico's Baja peninsula north of the tourist hub of Cobo San Lucas, Mexico. The documentary chronicles how communities that once depended on sea turtle poaching and other extractive activities depleting the region's rich natural resources are now testing with a economic model, one build around conservation and sustainable tourism. The short film provided an intimate portrait of those working to balance economic advancement with environmental protection and striving to create a better life for both the community and endangered sea turtles.