the 2019
Winners!
THE 2016
the 2019
Run of Show.
the 2019 Films
In order of appearance.
"A Child's Mind" By Alva Egan
"Pneuma" By Patrick Lewtschanyn WINNER FOR BEST FEMALE LEAD & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Late Night Meeting" By Elise Jaffe WINNER FOR BEST MALE LEAD
"Man Hit By Wave" By Bryan Ward
"Playful Determination" By Julie Schultz
"Second Thoughts on the Second Floor" by Keriann Kwalik
"Daphne" By Erin Zhang
"Music to My Eyes" By Becka Riccio
"Adam's Hands" By Gregg Jaffe WINNER FOR BEST FILM
"Dispersion" By Mike Trivisonno WINNER FOR BEST ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION
"To Roar For" By Danny McCarthy
"Lost & Found" By Carmen Jaffe
THE 2016
Our film fest has a few unique quirks to make it a fun experience for filmmakers and viewers alike.
As this fest is rooted in “art,” we curate a list of famous works of art that each filmmaker chooses at random, and then must find inspiration from that piece. How they choose to be inspired is entirely up to the filmmaker.
Finally they make a film that is 60-seconds in length, and away we go.
Keep scrolling down this page to see all the films of the past few shows.
This year's 2019 festival ran on Sept 14th - 15th at the Big Teeth Studio & premiered 12 different films. The show screened consecutively throughout both days of the Ravenswood Art Walk. The film fest drew in over 500 people to the studio who cast their votes for their favorite films to forever send a lucky few into eternal Big Teeth glory.
About the
Festival
the 2018
the 2018
Filmmakers & Films.
Filmmakers & Films.
Gregg Jaffe - Big Teeth Productions
Danny McCarthy - ActiveCampaign, Inc./Shy Robot Films
Potenza Productions
Mike Trivisonno - Big Teeth Productions
Carmen Jaffe
Alva Egan - Big Teeth Productions
Gregg Jaffe - Big Teeth Productions
Danny McCarthy - ActiveCampaign, Inc./Shy Robot Films
Potenza Productions
Mike Trivisonno - Big Teeth Productions
Carmen Jaffe
Alva Egan - Big Teeth Productions
Elise Jaffe - Big Teeth Productions
Patrick Lewtschannyn - Loose Cannon Films
Bryan Ward - Big Teeth Productions
Becka Riccio - Big Teeth Productions
Jackie Avellar - The Marketing Store
Julie Schultz- Freelance Editor
THE 2016
"Penelope" BY PATRICK LEWTSCHANYN
WINNER OF BEST PICTURE & BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
INSPIRED BY COOLIDGE'S "DOGS PLAYING POKER"
Description: Hunter K-009 embarks on a contract that may be too much to chew.
Artistic Interpretation: The collection of “Dogs Playing Poker” rendered me a sense of fun and lightheartedness. Keeping that in mind, I grasped the same approach for my film. The viewer will discover direct inspirations from the painting, as well as contrasts, and those with a keen eye and ear will detect a few Easter eggs along the way. I hope that this combination generates an enjoyable, replay-able and unexpected viewing experience.
Cast:
Patrick Lewtschanyn as Hunter K-009
Penelope as Herself
Crew:
Director/Producer/Editor/Visual FX/Color: Patrick Lewtschanyn Cinematography: Patrick Lewtschanyn and Ryan Kolegas Co-Producer: Laura Thapthimkuna
Wardrobe/Animal Handler: Laura Thapthimkuna Additional Visual FX/Props: Jared Willard
Audio Mix: Garrett Schultz
Special Thanks: Christopher Eyers, Jimmy Casey, Jeff Risdon, Randall Hill
"Apartment 2E" BY ELISE JAFFE
WINNER OF BEST ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION
INSPIRED BY VAN GOGH'S THE BEDROOM
Description: Have you ever stopped to think how much history there is in one bedroom? This is the story of Apartment 2E and all the people who have experienced joy and sorrow within its walls.
Artistic Interpretation: Van Gogh painted many iterations of his bedroom in Arles. While some things remained the same there were subtle differences in each that most likely reflected the mental state he was in. The painting carries with it so many memories and so many versions of him, all in one small room.
Cast:
Carlye Pollack
Natalie Younger
Jesimiel Jaddua
Crew:
Written by: Elise Jaffe and Ton-Essa La’Rocque
Director, Producer: Elise Jaffe
Cinematography: Ton-Essa La’Rocque
Art Director: Angela Campos
PA: Tiffany Dillon
Location Crew: Kelly Allison, Rebekah Zimmerman-Watts, Karis Munley
"Neon Heat" BY MIKE TRIVISONNO
WINNER OF BEST FEMALE LEAD
INSPIRED BY GAUGUIN'S WHERE DO WE COME FROM? WHAT ARE WE? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Description: A woman using the latest VR technology soon realizes that her simulated world is more real than she expected.
Artistic Interpretation: The concept for this film came from the existential themes Gauguin conveyed within the artwork. The visual aesthetic pulls from the colors, tones, and symbols of feminism found in the painting.
Cast:
Cailtin Aase as VR Woman
Extras: Nick Sutton, Mitch Bequette, Brendan Davis, Shivani Goel, Brittany Wagner
Crew:
Written & Directed by Mike Trivisonno
Producers: Mike Trivisonno, Brittany Wagner
Cinematography: Samuel Ott
Gaffer: Brendan Davis
Grip: Mitch Bequette
Script Supervisor: Elvira Ibragimova
Makeup & Wardrobe: Cailtin Aase
Production Assistant: Shivani Goel
Voiceover: Bobbi Maxwell
Editor: Mike Trivisonno
Visual FX: Ray Zane
Sound Design: Bryan Ward
Special Thanks: Jeff Donahue & Ludlow Liquors
"Nightly Grooves" BY DANNY MCCARTHY
WINNER OF BEST MALE LEAD
INSPIRED BY MONDRIAN'S BROADWAY BOOGIE WOOGIE
Description: In our current state of the endless media cycle blasting us with stories of war and corruption, it is sometimes easy to tune ourselves out by tuning in. Nightly Grooves reminds us that we can break ourselves out of this cycle by getting up, getting out, and shaking our [stuff]!
Artistic Interpretation: The artist, Piet Mondrian, left WWII Europe and came to New York, whose energy and music inspired him to create Broadway Boogie Woogie. Similarly, Nightly Grooves is the story of someone leaving an area of war (couch & TV) to go (outside) to New York (State). Inspired by this move paired with that same sweet boogie woogie music, she is able to create her (love) art.
Cast:
Danny McCarthy as Rob Hicks
Emily Clouse as Jen Furness
Jordan Mullins as Sue Tampson
Crew:
Writer and Director: Danny McCarthy
Editor: Chuck Linden
"The Red One" BY JULIE SCHULTZ
WINNER OF BEST ANIMAL LEAD
INSPIRED BY KLEE'S RED BALLOON
Description: A dog seems bored by all the toys his owner brings home for him, until one finally stands out.
Artistic Interpretation: The inspiration for the film was drawn from the red balloon in the painting, of course, and how it is the focal point and what your eye is first drawn to. Although there are plenty of other colors within the painting, the red stands out most.
Cast:
Leo Schultz as Himself
Crew:
A film by Julie Schultz
"#RESIST" BY POTENZA PRODUCTIONS
INSPIRED BY PICASSO'S GUERNICA
Description: A woman becomes overwhelmed with resistance fatigue.
Artistic Interpretation: We were inspired by the chaotic political nature of Picasso’s painting GUERNICA. There are strong parallels in our current American experience.
Cast:
Mary Kay Cook as The Woman
Crew:
Director: Rocco Cataldo
Writer/Producer: Mary Kay Cook
Cinematography: Mike Kwielford
Editorial: Mike Leber
Composer: Tony Scott-Green
Special Thanks: SAG-AFTRA, Maria Anzaldi, Rosa Cataldo, Vince Cataldo, Lester Cohn, Ilyssa Fradin, Maria Teresa Passannante
"Rage" BY GREGG JAFFE
INSPIRED BY BANKSY'S RAGE, FLOWER THROWER
Description: Rage, hatred and misunderstanding create a tense situation for two men from different backgrounds.
Artistic Interpretation: I looked at the artist’s themes of fighting, taking sides, violence, misdirection and color palette when making the film. I found Banksy’s example of seeing one thing on first glance, but a different after further inspection to be particularly inspiring.
Cast:
Sean Patrick Leonard as Angry Man
Jesus Guerrero as Young Man
Ella Brask as Daughter
Zoe Brask, Kelly Brask as Onlookers
Crew:
Written & Directed by: Gregg Jaffe
Cinematography: Alex Birnie
Production Assistant: Joseph Lu
Editor: Gregg Jaffe Location
Sound/Post Audio: Bryan Ward
Original Music by Devin Delaney
"When That Rainbow Comes" BY BRYAN WARD
INSPIRED BY BASQUIAT'S HOLLYWOOD AFRICANS
Description: Muppet Babies go to Hell.
Artistic Interpretation: Basquiat’s painting examines disturbances against African American culture; this film is my attempt to channel his energy to ventilate the martyrdom of childhood.
Cast:
Unknown
Crew:
A film by Bryan Ward
"Venus" BY CARMEN JAFFE
INSPIRED BY BOTICELLI'S BIRTH OF VENUS
Description: This is a story about how a girl named Venus was born. We watch her grow into a woman and discover who she really is.
Artistic Interpretation: I was inspired by the shell and how Venus was standing inside it, plus all of the smaller details around her.
Cast:
Carmen Jaffe as Venus
Crew:
Written by Carmen Jaffe
Art Direction & Design: Jackie Frole
Stop Motion Animation: Jackie Frole, Gregg Jaffe, Carmen Jaffe, Becka Riccio
Editor: Gregg Jaffe
Sound Design: Bryan Ward
"Mirros" BY ALBHA EGAN
INSPIRED BY VAN EYCK'S THE AMOLFI PORTRAIT
Description: An abandoned pregnant woman fantasizes about the life of the couple she finds reflected in her hand mirror. Desperate for unity, her mind wanders to the possibilities.
Artistic Interpretation: The Arnolfini Portrait is famous for the mirror behind the couple. I wanted to challenge myself by using reflection, perspective and a modern take on the traditional love story.
Cast:
Georgia Hunter as Pregnant Woman
Niamh Carolan as Woman in the Painting
Marc Hazel as Man in the Painting
Crew:
Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor: Albha Egan Producer: Albha Egan
Co-Producer: Georgia Hunter
Set Designer: Georgia Hunter
Production Assistant, Best Boy: Paul Moylan
"Astronaut" BY JACKIE AVELLAR
INSPIRED BY WHISTLER'S WHISTLER'S MOTHER
Description: In the search for someone else, who doesn’t look right through me. It’s all just static in my head. Can anybody tell me why I’m lonely like a satellite?
Artistic Interpretation: Inspired by the mood and color pallet found in the artwork.
Crew:
Director & Editor: Jackie Avellar
Cinematography: Marcin Karbowniczek
"Unsub #3" BY BECKA RICCIO
INSPIRED BY FRANKENTHALER'S MOUNTAINS AND SEA
Description: Unsub #3 is a first attempt at a stop-motion film, made entirely from paper. The story plays with humanity and nature, bringing them together in an abstract way.
Artistic Interpretation: I took inspiration from the color and organic shapes that Helen Frankenthaler used in her artwork, allowing them to inform the mood and movements of my piece.
Crew:
Art & Design by: Becka Riccio
Stop Motion Animation: Becka Riccio, Sam Riccio
Special Thanks: Mike Trivisonno, King & Beau
the 2017
Filmmakers & Films.
Gregg Jaffe - Big Teeth Productions
Danny McCarthy - ActiveCampaign, Inc./Shy Robot Films
Potenza Productions
Mike Trivisonno - Big Teeth Productions
Amber Greeson - Schafer Condon Carter
Alva Egan - Big Teeth Productions
Elise Jaffe - Big Teeth Productions
Patrick Lewtschanyn - Loose Cannon Films/Bridges
Bryan Ward - Big Teeth Productions
Becka Riccio - Big Teeth Productions
Jackie Avellar/Julie Schultz/Don Markus - The Marketing Store/Joywreck
THE 2016
"iDAD" BY GREGG JAFFE
WINNER OF BEST PICTURE & BEST ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION
INSPIRED BY RENÉ MAGRITTE'S "THE SON OF MAN"
Description: A modern interpretation of the parent and child relationship. This film takes you through a day in the life of a dad whose head is buried in his smartphone and his son that seizes the opportunities that creates. Is this an ordinary or extraordinary day?
Cast:
iSon - Chinguun Sergelen
iDad - Edward Kaihatsu
Visitor - Jackie Frole
Crew:
Writer/Director/Editor - Gregg Jaffe
Director of Photography - Chris Faust
Props/Wardrobe/PA - Jackie Frole
Creative Consultant - Carmen Jaffe
"CULTURAL COMPOSITION" BY ALVA EGAN
WINNER OF BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
INSPIRED BY WASSILY KANDINSKY'S "COMPOSITION 8"
Description: When you bite off more than you can chew but learn to love it.
Crew:
Writer/Director - Alva Egan
Editors - Alva Egan and Sean Bartholomae
Camera Operator - Alva Egan and Alec Nauman
Sound Engineer - Bryan Ward
Composer - Doublescreen
“THE TINKERER” BY MIKE TRIVISONNO
WINNER OF BEST MALE LEAD - RICHARD ALPERT AS THE TINKERER
INSPIRED BY VINCENT VAN GOGH'S "STARRY NIGHT"
Description: A tinkerer wrestles with his maddening pursuit of perfection as he completes his latest creation. The colors and overall storybook tone nod to the visual cues of the artwork, while the main character embodies the inner demons that weighed on Van Gogh’s mind.
Cast:
The Tinkerer - Richard Alpert
Granddaughter - Ellie Roubitchek
Crew:
Writer/Director/Editor - Mike Trivisonno
Director of Photography - Samuel Ott
Gaffer - Brendan Davis
Special Thanks - Ross and Elizabeth Fiersten of Manifold Chicago. Gene Wagendorf of Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
“BASKET OF APPLES” BY POTENZA PRODUCTIONS
WINNER OF BEST FEAMLE LEAD - MARY KAY COOK
INSPIRED BY PAUL CÉZANNE'S "BASKET OF APPLES"
Description: A distraught woman makes a pie. We were inspired by the setting, tone, and multiple perspectives of the painting.
Cast:
Mom - Mary Kay Cook
Son - Judah Abner Paul
Crew:
Director - Rocco Cataldo
Writer/Producer - Mary Kay Cook
Director of Photography - Mike Kwielford
Gaffer - Aaron Hui
Grip - Jon Olen
Sound Mixer - Nick Clemente
Makeup Department - Mel Wilson
Editor - Mike Leber
Composer - Dan Meinhardt
“ICARUS” BY AMBER GREESON
INSPIRED BY EDVARD MUNCH'S "THE SCREAM"
Description: Edvard Munch’s The Scream is a curious piece that evokes many thoughts and feelings. This film is a study of the color palette and that feeling of terror that the subject shows in his long screaming face, while embracing the fluidity of the water seen in the background.
Cast:
Mark Wetzel
Crew:
A film by Amber Greeson
Music - James Lambrecht
“TITANIC PART II” BY BRYAN WARD
INSPIRED BY FRANCISCO GOYA'S "THIRD OF MAY"
Description: Sequel to the 1997 Academy Award-winning epic romance-disaster film; A fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage.
Cast:
Bryan Ward
Carmen Jaffe
Crew:
A film by Bryan Ward
“SET IN STONE” BY BECKA RICCIO
INSPIRED BY GUSTAVE COURBET'S "THE STONEBREAKERS"
Description: A painterly look at stone breaking. The words are taken from a letter Courbet wrote about his painting, “Bent over his work, his sledgehammer raised, I have painted my picture. In this class, this is how one beigns, and that is how one ends.”
Crew:
Designed/Animated - Becka Riccio
Soundtrack - French Waltz by Sam Bikov
“STARS OF SODIUM” BY PATRICK LWETSCHANYN
INSPIRED BY GUSTAVE KLIMT'S "THE KISS"
Description: Not all love was meant to be.
Crew:
Patrick Miken Lwetschanyn
“WOMAN AT THE CROSSROADS” BY ELISE JAFFE
INSPIRED BY DIEGO RIVERA'S "MAN AT THE CROSSROADS"
Description: A young woman is struggling with a big decision. Her mind is flooded with thoughts of advice and memories all trying to guide her to make the right choice, Will it be the right one?
Cast:
Woman - Galya Loeb
Grandma - Meg Grunewald
Boyfriend - Johnny Lim
Dad - Mike Leary
Girl - Haley Ruthman
Crew:
Writers - Rebeca Entel and Elise Jaffe
Director/Producer - Elise Jaffe
DP/Cameraman - Jeremy Stark
Production Assistant - Alva Egan
Editor - Julie Schultz
“FORKED HEARTS” BY DANNY MCCARTHY
INSPIRED BY GRANT WOOD'S "AMERICAN GOTHIC"
Description: This film takes a peak inside the famed Forked Heart Photography studio and reveals a morsel of why couples travel from around the world to be captured through Joseph’s lens. Just as a flower pushes through a crack in the city sidewalk to show its beauty to the world, Joseph pushes his clients through the cement poured around their relationships to expose their vibrant petals.
Cast:
Joseph Saux - Danny McCarthy
Jan Ames - Emily Clouse
Tom Ames - Brian Bennett
Tasha Des Moines - Jordan Mullins
Marcus Des Moines - Quin Hatch
Crew:
Directors - Danny McCarthy, Brittany Wagner
Director of Photography - Mike Trivisonno
Hair/Makeup/Wardrobe - Jordan Mullins
“U-TURN” BY JULIE SCHULTZ, JACKIE AVELLAR, DON MARKUS
INSPIRED BY PABLO PICASSO'S "LES DEMOISELLES D’AVIGNON"
Description: A woman fed up with her relationship finds an unexplainable reason not to give up.
Cast:
Julie Schultz
Crew:
Writer/Director/Camerman - Don Markus
Editor - Julie Schultz
Graphics - Jackie Avellar
the 2016
Filmmakers & Films.
1. "A Diary of Fear - Chapter 1" by Patrick Lewtschanyn. Inspired by Warhol's Campbell’s Soup Cans. WINNER Best Picture & Best Cinematography.
2. "The Davids of Dating" by Elise Jaffe. Inspired by Michelangelo's David. WINNER best female performance Meg Grunewald
3. "Revolution Go" by Mike Trivisonno. Inspired by Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. WINNER best male performance Bill Arnold III
4. "It Ain’t Baroque" by Gregg Jaffe. Inspired by Rembrandt's The Night Watch
5. "Lilli" by Amber Greeson. Inspired by Monet's Water Lilies
6. "Girl Without The Pearl Earring" by Jackie Avellar & Julie Schultz. Inspired by Johannes Vermeer's Girl With the Pearl Earring.
7. "Can’t Look Away" by Danny McCarthy. Inspired by Pollock's Number 5, 1948
