Smodcastle Film Festival 2023 - Block 12

poster for Smodcastle Film Festival 2023 - Block 12 Masters - A frazzled young woman prepares to take the hardest test in the world. Thankfully the only thing on the line is everything.

The Strangle of Ivy - A demanding mother... creeping ivy… and a dark secret… Samantha’s been the perfect daughter her entire life. As she uncovers what lies at the heart of her childhood home, she’ll never be the same again.

Triggered - When a dedicated teacher's prized student mysteriously disappears, he is confronted with a pivotal challenge that compels him to reconcile with the boy's mother in a race against time to locate him.

Le Ballon Bleu (The Blue Balloon) - Le Ballon Bleu (The Blue Balloon) is both a prequel and a continuation to the 1956 classic French film Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon). When a girl with a blue balloon crosses paths with a boy and his red balloon, it's clear a greater magical force is at play in the streets of Paris. Like the film it celebrates, this is a story about the magic of childhood and the importance of friendship. It is in French with English subtitles.

Stars Behind the Clouds - Fresh on the heels of a romantic rejection, Kelsey attends a friend's party with one goal: have a casual hookup for the very first time. But fate - like she so often does - has other plans.

Follower - A survivor of a cult is interrogated by a determined detective to understand the disturbing mindset of the cult's activities and its evil leader.

Stage Fright - A talented young pianist takes center stage at his high school talent show, but as he prepares to perform, he is faced with a debilitating case of stage fright. Determined to overcome his fears, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, searching for the confidence and inner strength he needs to deliver a stunning performance. Directed by Lauren Jacobsen and Zachary Morawiec of Ringling College of Art + Design, this short film explores the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.



RUN TIME: 120 min