The El Dorado Film Festival has treated cinema lovers to a fascinating variety of short films from all around the globe. But it has always taken the time to showcase an exciting range of filmmakers with Arkansas connections. The year’s Arkansas Shorts Block featured an impressive group of films that offer just a sample of the filmmaking talent found right here in the Natural State.

Here are a few impressions out of the eleven films included in the block.

Director Jennifer Gerber’s intriguing short film “Generational” takes a family drama and adds a pinch of psychological horror to tell an affecting story that many people are sure to connect with. Gerber and co-writer Samuel Brett Williams introduce us to Layla (Harper Keith) and her mother Katie (Lacy Dunn) as they get ready to leave home for a cheer audition. Layla gets a phone call from her distressed grandmother, Diane (Kristine Artymowski) and insists they check on her despite Katie’s objections. What they find is troubling to young Layla who makes a life-changing discovery about her family. Strong performances, solid production value, and Gerber’s shrewd handling of the material ensures “Generational” leaves a deeply felt impression.

VERDICT – 4/5

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Co-directors Laura Shatkus and Russell Sharman bring their own special seasoning to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner in “Carving”. Working from a script by John Walch, the directing duo craft a compelling daddy/daughter story that keeps you involved right through to its gut-punch ending. Two terrific performances anchor the story. Tyler Meredith plays a young woman named Sarah who is preparing for her first Thanksgiving since splitting from her husband, Pete. She asks her father Davis (Eric Dean White) to teach her how to carve a turkey. In the process, the two have an extended conversation that cut me right to the heart. The film was shot in one uninterrupted take with DP Adam S. Hogan employing an array of techniques including slow zooms, pans, and tracking shots. It’s exceptionally well executed and plays a crucial part in telling this subtly rich and poignant story.

VERDICT – 4.5/5

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A granddaughter Clark (Andie Van Kuren) and her grandfather George (Barry Clifton) playfully set up a plan to sucker his Vietnam war buddies at their next poker match in the sweet yet genuine short film “Two of a Kind”. Clark has gotten closer with her grandfather since he began teaching her how to play poker. In one lesson he instructs her on how to notice when other players are tipping their hands, namely his three friends and fellow vets (charmingly played by the trio of Marx Mitchell, Faron Ledbetter, and John Gale). Director, writer, and producer Skylar Nelsen shows great instincts by leaning into her characters and giving her actors room to bring out their personalities. And once the game starts, Nelsen makes us feel as if we’re at the table, playing cards, laughing at corny cracks, and soaking up old heartfelt war stories.

VERDICT – 4/5

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Though only six minutes in length, there is an overflow of personality, heart, and humor in “Little Bit”, a spirited, inspiring, and well-made documentary short film from director Raeden Greer. Following up her powerful and thought-provoking 2023 film “The Hill We Climb”, Greer’s latest shares the story of Elaine “Little Bit” Kirkpatrick whose 25-year career as a heavy equipment operator turned heads in what remains a male-dominated industry. Shooting in Kirkpatrick’s home, hearing her experiences in her own words, sharing old snapshots from past jobs, incorporating dashes of stylish animation – it all adds character and texture especially when combined with Kirkpatrick’s infectious energy and charm. Greer has teased the idea of a series of similar films highlighting trailblazing women. Here’s hoping it happens.

VERDICT – 4.5/5

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Early into “Smoothie” it’s hard to make out what the film is going for. That ends up being key to the genius of director, writer, and editor Chris Churchill’s sly and restrained drama. Michael B. Woods plays John, a model stay at home dad on the surface. While chopping up fruit for smoothies, his daughter’s best friend Lily (Rylee Bolls) pays a surprise visit. Their conversation that follows is revealing in a number of ways. Chief among the revelations, Lily informs John that she spotted him the night before with another woman. I won’t spoil how things plays out, but uncertainty mounts once John’s wife Annie (Kristen Bush) comes home. The performances are a real strength as is Churchill’s patient uncoiling of his story. He leaves us with plenty of questions which fits with the elusive truth at the heart of his film.

VERDICT – 4/5

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