Films that Entertain and Enlighten

As the film industry prepares for the upcoming movie awards season, Game and Penalty are two short films that not only entertain, but also enlighten the audience while highlighting profound subject matters including inequality, humanity, and empowerment.

Game

Game written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeannie Donohoe, is a story about gender equality and empowerment. Donohoe notes that Game is not only written and directed by a woman, but also includes a remarkable female lead Nicole Williams, and is made by a production team of women in prominent positions.

The story centers around a high school boys varsity basketball tryout, and artfully demonstrates a wonderful blend of sports action and great storytelling, with clever twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. Former professional basketball player Rick Fox delivers an authentic and well-executed performance as the coach who has to decide who makes the team.

Game has already received film festival awards all over the world including; at U.K.s Raindance Film Festivals Oscar Qualifying award Best Short Film, Best of Fest Audience Favourites at Palm Spring International ShortFest, Best U.S. Narrative Film at D.C. Shorts, Audience Choice Award at L.A. Indie Film Festival, Best Narrative Short at Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival and the Bronze Lion Award in Entertainment at Cannes Lions.

For more information about Game go to: https://www.facebook.com/GameBasketballShortFilm

Penalty

Penalty directed by by Aldo Iuliano, is a poignant film that makes a profound statement about oppression and lack of humanity. The film depicts what initially appears to be a simple game that ultimately reveals much larger stakes involving perceived winners and losers. Penalty highlights the impact of devastation and desperation caused by war, when people are not given a safe refuge and are forced to risk it all for freedom.

The cast of Penalty includes real refugees who were not initially actors by profession, yet deliver genuine and powerful performances. The film has won many awards including the Italian Golden Globe.

Director Aldo Iuliano states. Penalty is a story about humanity, looking into the eyes and feeling the emotions of people who are forced to leave their home. I wanted to translate in images a punch in a stomach, to wake up and only think about survival. We have to stick together, it's the only victory in this match. I hope that this reflection will touch the heart of the people

For more information about Penalty go to: https://www.facebook.com/penaltyshortfilm/

Check out both the Game and Penalty trailers below:

Game Trailer:

Penalty Trailer: