PAVEL'S CHARIOT
United States - West Coast Premiere
22 mins.

Inspired by a toy butterfly on display in the National Holocaust Museum, and based on a true story, this is the compelling story of the spiritual bond that exists between a boy and his father. Pavel, alone and confused, is separated from his father in a concentration camp during World War II. His father risks his life to make a shared symbol of their once free life together, in the form of a toy butterfly. Using sheer will, he works through the night, on compassion alone, to complete the toy before his inevitable transfer away from his cherished child.

Director: Michael Stahl
Writer: Hunter Barnes
Producer: Kristie J. Coates
Cinematographer:Dave Baldwin
Editor: Candice Majkut
Cast: Charlie Williams, Mark Eaton
Print Contact: 757-226-4209

SOLEDAD
United States - World Premiere
24 mins.

Soledad is set in the post-abolitionist United States, against a backdrop of oppression and brutality, and chronicles the life of a former slave coming to terms with his tenuous freedom. The film also portrays the struggle of an exploited flamenco dancer from Spain. The film's two main characters form a union that strengthens and empowers them.

Director/Writer: Shlomo Buchler
Producers: Sann-Kristin Jensen, Steven P Wilt, Shlomo Buchler
Director of Photography: Jim Orr
Editors: Tal Rubin, Shlomo Buchler
Cast: Reggie Willis, Laila del Monte, Frenchie Jackson, Ed Weiley, Will Beinbrink, Peter Warnick, George O'Rourke, Khetia Simba Simia, Ted Leib, Fred Ives, Miguel Goldsmith, Larry Smith, Smokey Tom Hodgins, Derick, Gary Lock, Brian Nelson, David Noroña, Tal Rubin, Rob Belsey, Zev Buchler, Lynn Davenport, Harte Feldman, Julie McKee, Steven P. Wilt, Ely Rubin, Adam del Monte, Jesus Montoya, Chris Wolfe
Print Contact: 310-828-1188, Urban Entertainment

SWEET DREAMS
Russia - World Premiere
25 mins.

Sweet Dreams is a portrait of youth stripped bare of innocence and joy, to be replaced with violence and desperation.

Director/Writer/Producer: Sergei Davidoff
Director of Photography: Vladimir Burlachenko
Editor: Nadia Chobanu
Cast: Alex Burchu, Elena Ababi, Vasile Zubku
Print Contact: 310-358-5075

THE TERRIBLE COSMIC DEATH
United States - World Premiere
6 mins.


Man of Action!, as you will most certainly remember, was an import animated series produced jointly in Italy and Cambodia in the late sixties and early seventies starring a scandalous spy-hero named, concisely, Mr. President Dr. Steve Elvis America. Attempting to cash in on a Zeitgeist that never really existed, Man of Action! tried valiantly to emulate the Swingin' Spy-thing that was alleged to be permeating western culture at the time. Bond, Palmer, Flint, Helm, Hefner -- these are the footsteps in which Mr. President Dr. Steve Elvis was following. Very, very badly. This particular episode (#26: The Terrible Cosmic Death) is noted for its introduction of Steve Elvis America's main antagonist, The Tha Mad Misunderstood Professor Evil Maniac.

Directors/Writers/Producers: Ben Radatz, Jed Carter, Tim Fisher, Matt Fritchman
Print Contact: 816-931-9884

VOTE EARLY ... VOTE OFTEN
United States - World Premiere
14 mins.

Democracy is a four-letter word when it concerns our hero, Alfred Martin. It seems our immediate future has taken our civic duty of voting to the level of death and taxes. Voting has become the law of the land with a strong helping hand from Big Brother. This political satire takes a few wild punches at where America, and perhaps the world, will be in the blink of a gigabyte. So if you think voting over the Internet is a great idea, just take a look at Alfred.

Director: Steve Procko
Writer: Bob Small
Producer: Judy Altman
Director of Photography: Steve Procko
Editor: Steve Procko
Cast: Todd Allen Durkin, Andrea Davis, Nina Mazey
Print Contact: 305-651-8258, Altman/Procko Productions

2000 Film Program, 4th Annual Hollywood Film Festival®