PROOF - Inaugural Proof of Concept Film Festival
Crowd in the front lobby of The Culver Theater during the opening of PROOF.
Mailyne opening day of PROOF posing in front of the festival’s purple photo backdrop.
October 23, 2023, Los Angeles - This past weekend I attended PROOF - a proof of concept film festival founded by Film Programmer of American Cinematheque and fellow co-founder of Film Girlz Brunch, Imani Davis. Held at The Culver Theater across from the beautiful and famous Culver Hotel, in the “heart of screenland,” PROOF was truly a buzz with passionate and creative individuals eager to gain knowledge, be inspired and watch some incredible proof of concepts.
With the on-going strikes this year it has been a difficult and deflating time for many of us in the industry. PROOF felt like a flame in the dark to keep us moving forward, no matter how small or big our steps are. This three day film festival was jam-packed and luckily I was able to attend the Opening ceremony, Women in Film Mix & Mingle (hosted by Film Girlz Brunch and The Light Leaks!), and a special conversation in partnership with Canva and ColorCreative about Finding Your People and building a creative career rooted in authenticity.
The panel was moderated by: Kate Marsden, Head of Global Partnerships, Canva and the panelists included:
Deniese Davis, Co-Founder, ColorCreative
Syreeta Singleton, Showrunner of RAP SH!T on HBO Max
Ashley Calloway, Manager, ColorCreative
This panel was a HUGE highlight of the event, and I was even able to speak briefly with Deniese, who gave me some great advice as a Producer, but of course the best part was all the films I was able to watch.
Women in Film mixer during PROOF in the lobby of the Culver Theater hosted by Film Girlz Brunch and The Light Leaks.
Films I had the opportunity to watch at PROOF:
INDEPENDENCE: BLOCK #3
“Suzie (& Jenny),” Marie Rouhban, 8 Minutes, USA/France | World Premiere!
As the planet reaches an alarming state in terms of global warming, a 60 year-old woman who decides to take action.
“Heritage Day,” Lara Everly, 19 Minutes, USA
Eight-year-old Evie becomes obsessed with playing Holocaust after dressing up as her estranged grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, for “Heritage Day” at school.
“Café Racer,” Harrison Houde, 15 Minutes, Canada/USA
A Japanese-Canadian teenager wishes to stay connected to her father by pushing the limits of street racing, despite her mother begging her to quit.
AGE OF CHANGE: BLOCK #4
“Pickled Herring,” Milana Vayntrub, 17 Minutes, USA
After an embarrassing accident shatters Irina’s hip, her ridiculous, old world, father visits, committed to fixing everything, except their relationship.
“The First 30 Days,” Skylar Rochon, 8 Minutes, USA | West Coast Premiere!
3 black girls fresh to NYC go to a pre-game where the typical party conversation takes a turn.
“Four Chairs,” Ester Song Kim and Nika Burnett, 9 Minutes, USA | USA Premiere!
The morning after a new love affair, a woman reflects on her past relationships.
“The Jennifer Meyers Story,” Caroline Symons, 12 Minutes, USA | California Premiere!
A mock true-crime episode covers the disappearance of a fictional teenager, but the reenactments are performed with mini-models. But as we learn more about the woman operating the mini-models, we also learn about the danger lurking in her one-bedroom apartment.
FISH OUT OF WATER: BLOCK #11
“Out of Water,” Madi Stine, 13 Minutes, USA.
When a disenchanted mermaid performer is mistaken for a real mermaid, she plays along to disastrous consequences.
“FRAUD,” Zen Pace, written by Dana Aliya Levinson, 13 Minutes, USA.
A trans fraudster must decide who she wants to be when her target surprises her with an unforeseen proposition.
“Bounce House,” Callie Bloem and Christopher Ewing, 16 Minutes, USA.
Civilization has ended. Everyone Polly loves is dead. But at least she has a bounce house.
I wish I was able to watch ALL the films at PROOF, but there are a few films on this list I’m really excited and hopeful about it becoming a feature.
PROOF will be back again, with submissions said to be open the beginning February of 2024. Speaking with other filmmakers and attendees, this film festival felt “different from others in that everyone felt approachable and there was just so much positive energy.”
Definitely coming back next year and congratulations to everyone on the PROOF team who made it a success.
Learn more about PROOF by visiting the American Cinematheque site: Proof of Concept Film Festival
Women filmmakers left to right: Kristina Thomas, Lain Ewing and Mailyne posing in front of the purple photo backdrop at the PROOF film festival
Kaiulani Bush and Mailyne (2 of 3 co-founders of Film Girlz Brunch) posing excitedly in front of the PROOF of concept festival backdrop.
Kim Hoyos and Jean Jacques from The Light Leaks on the left and right of Kaiulani and Mailyne of Film Girlz Brunch posing in front of the step and repeat photo backdrop.
