2020 Copa Shorts Film Fest Program

Proud Community Partner
InMaricopa
Supports the Arts
InMaricopa congratulates
Copa Shorts Film Fest
on their successful 4thYear
Visit InMaricopa.com/calendar
to See What’s Happening

Maricopa ARTS Council (MAC)
Congratulates
COPA SHORTS FILM FEST
on a successful fourth year of bringing
recognition to local filmmaking talent.
MAC represents every ART Form
Music, Dance, Theatre, Poetry, Film, many varieties of
Visual Arts, plus "Inside the Creative Mind 11
lectures, Photography, Videography, Discussions,
and more!
''
' ' ''
0 o Maricopa ARTS Council (MAC) was founded by Maricopa Artists in 2013 to
';, empower the Arts and the entire Creative Community in our city. MAC is
MA iuco P ; a 501©(3) non-profit corporation, a member of the Chamber of Commerce,
·.•..,,,.,..."•.::.--'· .· and 2018-2020 grantee of the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Welcome to the 4th Annual
Copa Shorts Film Fest
When a deadly virus invades, schools and businesses close, and people “social
distance,” life changes. As a result, we at Copa Shorts Film Fest deliberated about
proceeding with the 2020 film festival on November 7th-9th. The result: we are
virtual and streamed on xerb.tv.
We received excellent films, so we didn’t want to wait another year to show our
filmmakers’ projects. Going virtual offered extra time for people to see the films
and greater latitude in our icket fees. If you purchase one All-Access Pass for CSFF,
your whole family (social distancing included) could watch from the comfort of
your living room.
We admit we’ll miss the opportunity to meet filmmakers in person, but we’ve been
in close contact – by phone and email – and are still providing workshops that can
help filmmakers produce their films. Note: The workshops start at 10:00 AM on November
7th, but you may see all of the workshops repeatedly over the weekend
and Monday.
Kevin R Phipps, a two-time great presenter in 2019, and Pat Battistini, your Audience
Choice and our Director’s Choice winner last year, will be offering great
insights in workshops on how to film during the pandemic, how to stretch your
funding for a small budget film, and how to include comedy from the ordinary to
enliven your films.
As an audience, we’d still like your input. You’ll be able to vote for the festival’s
Audience Choice Award, as well as question filmmakers online in virtual Q & As.
Feel free to let us know your favorite moments!
Please tell your friends! The flexibility of scheduling and wide range of films make
the festival more accessible. You’ll see films from Taiwan, The Netherlands, Italy,
United Kingdom, the U.S.A., and the past, present, and future.
Medical breakthroughs, visits from the future, documentaries about war heroes,
dramas about inspiring, spooky, and funny situations, and imaginative animations
will entertain you!
Get your popcorn ready for the event! And, reserve your tickets or passes now!
We couldn’t hold a festival without thanking the many businesses, volunteers, and
talented filmmakers who were part of our event.
Despite the challenges, we know there’s only one other person we need to make
this a success - YOU!
Shelley Gillespie
Executive Director

FESTIVAL POLICIES
PG-13 ADVISORY
Films are not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Adults must determine whether a film is suitable for their child.
Viewing is at your own discretion. We noted what we believe are
appropriate ages for viewing next to each film in this program.
NOTE: The 10:00 PM Film Block, “After Hours,” on November 7th
contains films with mature themes (drugs, suicide, adult situations)
and language not suitable for young children. Film listings in the
xerb.tv virtual program indicate appropriate ages for viewing.
RECORDING OF EVENTS
Filmmakers have allowed us to show their films. Please do not copy
or record their films, which are copyrighted by the filmmakers.
Please respect their creative work.
2020 Festival Administration
Copa Shorts Film Fest is a volunteer organization. We thank all of those
who support us and make the festival possible.
Board of Directors
Roger Gillespie
Shelley Gillespie
Gina D’Abella
Executive Director
Shelley Gillespie
Festival Director
Roger Gillespie
Original Cover Art
Mai May Tallwing
Judy Tallwing
Website Maintenance
- 24Pintech -
Kameron Napier
Koby Wahl
Film Reviewers
Andrea Yang
Pierce Greene
Laurie Fagen
James Brown
Harry Decker
Matt Sugerik
Gina D’Abella
Paul Bick
Julie Lahtinen
Michelle Sorensen
Screenplay Jury
Roger Gillespie
Shelley Gillespie
Laurie Fagen
ASU Interns
Amanda Li - Media
Andrea Yang – Admin
Advisory Board
Gina D’Abella
Shylo Carr
Brent Michael Davids
Julianna Feher - emeritus
Stephen Wade Nebgen
Steve Wargo
Jason Stahl
Matthew Sugerik

2020 DONORS
The following individuals have pledged their support to Copa Shorts
Film Fest, Inc. through their generous gifts.
Council Member Henry Wade
Vice Mayor Nancy Smith
Mayor Christian Price
County Supervisor Anthony Smith
Gina D’Abella
Mai May Tallwing
Anonymous-Benevity Fund
BUSINESS DONORS
Central Arizona College
Ahwatukee Realty
City of Maricopa
Arizona Commission on the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
Orbitel Communications
InMaricopa.com
Stephen Wade Nebgen, PLLC
Lizard Heights Glass
Fry’s Foods

HELP SUPPORT CSFF EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Who likes movies? Nearly everyone. Prior to the pandemic, nearly
90%* of US residents went to the movies at some point during the
year. Now, many folks view films from home, making an even larger
population. Virtual is the way to go now for “an abundance of
caution and safety for our festival participants.”
Copa Shorts Film Fest exists to provide a positive force for movies:
showing them, creating them, and learning how to create even
better ones to entertain and enlighten film lovers. We began CSFF
to educate and train new filmmakers.
In four years, we’re seeing students progress in their craft of movie-making
from rudimentary starts to projects with energy and
finesse. We run regular film workshops to provide filmmakers and
students with the opportunity to learn and master their craft.
Filmmaking is a worthy and, potentially, lucrative career, especially
if someone is passionate about learning and creating a film. What
could be better than using imagination to show people new aspects
of the world, deliver laughs, and provide a thoughtful analysis
of a true or fictional experience?
Your donations ensure that our educational efforts will be available
to more young filmmakers. Please consider a donation. We are a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit.
Go to: www.copashortsfilmfest.org to donate on a secure site.
Thank you! Your contribution can make a difference!
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/264396/frequency-of-going-to-the-movies-in-the-us/

WORKSHOPS / SEMINARS
Join us for our virtual workshops beginning
Saturday November 7th
Tickets available at: https://xerb.tv/channel/csff2020-/virtual-events
Workshops available on demand throughout our festival
3 Workshops - Start time, November 7 at 10:00 am
Kevin R Phipps
1 - Filming Rules During Covid - What You Need To Know
2 - Financing Low Budget Films
After you’ve asked family for funds and everyone else you can think of, you’re
finally set to film your project. What can you do with limited funds?
How do you make the money s t r e t c h? Kevin will share some of his tricks and
what it takes.
Kevin is an experienced director and actor who presented highly-rated workshops
in 2019 for Copa Shorts Film Fest.
Pat Battistini
3 - Creating Comedy from the Ordinary
In these unprecedented times, comedy is more important than ever.
Learn how to make your work include comic elements – without slipping on
a banana peel!
Pat has a broad background, including performing in improv and comedy
groups internationally. In 2019, his Copa Shorts film “Tin Can” won both
Audience and Director’s Choice Awards.

2020 VENUES
YOUR LIVING ROOM
YOUR OFFICE YOUR PHONE
YOUR BACKYARD!
All Events
Streaming virtually on: https://xerb.tv/channel/csff2020-/virtual-events
November 7, 10:00AM to November 9, 10:00PM
TICKET INFORMATION
Welcome to Copa Shorts Film Fest 2020 - Virtually!
Purchase tickets in advance to save a virtual seat for: One or all of
the film blocks, or VIP All-Access Passes.
Once a film block shows at the scheduled time, it is then available
for repeat viewing until 10:00 PM on November 9th. See a film you
loved – over and over! Show the proud grandparents, cousins, sisters
and aunts the films in your living room.
SINGLE SCREENING TICKETS
(Any 1 Film Block, including the
virtual education workshops)
$5.00
VIP ALL ACCESS PASS
A CSFF 2019 VIP All-Access pass
provides access to every block,
EXCHANGES AND REFUNDS
All ticket and pass sales are final.
No refunds or exchanges of
tickets, or festival passes.
Have a question?
Please contact us at:
info@copashortsfilmfest.org
$25.00

Presented by
Saturday November 7th Runtime: 1:49
Survival PG-13 2:00 PM
Moving Day 6:54 9+
Directors: Jonason Pauley - Jesse Perrotta
In this comedy starring puppets, a nice friend helps his buddy pack up to
move. What cherished belongings will they discover as they rifle through
the boxes?
The 44 Scarves of Liza Minnelli 11:00 13+
Director: Russell Brown
A filmmaker purchased 44 of Liza Minnelli’s used scarves at auction and
sent them to 43 friends asking them to make images which suggested
“Minnelli metaphor.” This project is the result…
Sami 19:38 13+
Director: Eden Bailey
College
Alone on a deserted planet, Sami and her robot Lewis live like scavengers
trying to survive.
Diana 8:00 13+
Director: Lorenzo Olson
An unemployed video game designer is contacted by her dream employer.
She goes in for an interview and the situation quickly takes a
bizarre turn.
Without 11:03 13+
Director: Jacob Combs
Each day, a woman engages in a protective ritual of drawing a circle of
ash around the isolated cabin she lives in with her baby. But when the
circle’s power is disrupted, the border between past and present begins
to dissolve.

Puppy Love ` 5:55 13+
Director: Stevie Rowe
College
A seasoned detective has lost his way after his beloved dog went missing
and was never found. A couple approaches him with a new case that
brings up difficult old memories, but ultimately gives him an opportunity to
heal.
Odd Bird 8:45 13+
Director: Katy Dore
When an insecure graphic novelist returns to his rural roots, he fears sharing
his truth with his conservative ranch family means he’ll never be welcome
again.
Listen 13:14 13+
Director: Trey Daughtrey
Military Veteran
After a family tragedy, a military veteran finds his life spiraling out of
control. With added marriage and job crises, he needs someone to
hear him - soon.
Crossers 7:00 13+
Director: Jennifer Varenchik
Native American
Two roommates disagree about watching a reality ghost hunting show
that was filmed on their reservation. One is curious, the other warns
watching it is bad medicine.
Ralph Parr: 15:00 13+
Fighter Ace of the Twentieth Century
Director: Alexander Zane Irwin
Military Veteran
The life of Korean War, WWII, and Vietnam War Fighter Pilot.

Presented by
Saturday November 7th Runtime: 1:28
Challenges PG-13 4:00 PM
The Mandrake 8:00 9+
Director: Quincy William Baltes
With a daily routine, a farmer tends his garden and sells his produce. His
life changes dramatically when a witch’s spell adds a baby to his life.
First in Man 12:04 13+
Director: Ryan Durant
What if a radical new treatment could bring hope for millions? It would
require an explorer. An adventurer. Someone willing to go first.
Too Good to be Forgotten 19:59 13+
Directors: Andy Bystrom - John Bystrom
Military Veteran
A personal Navy Documentary on World War II and Korean War Patrol
Craft Sailors. This film has rare WWII and Bikini Atoll color film and photographs
of the Pacific war zone taken by my dad.
Miracle 6:00 13+
Director: Mattie Newlin
College
My route to America, as an infant adopted from China.
Rosie 17:25 13+
Director: Tessa Germaine
College
In 1943 America, factory worker Rose Donnelly must stand up for her
female co-workers when their supervisor ignores blatant harassment and
refuses to treat them as equals to their male co-workers.

The Finger on the Button 3:35 13+
Director: Jonny Lewis
A pentagon General receives a call from the president ordering a nuclear
strike against SOUTH Korea. Does the president have dementia? Will a
nation be obliterated?
Coming Home 4:54 13+
Director: Shelby F. Elwood
Native American
On a museum field trip, a reluctant Navajo student is reminded of the
significance of his heritage when he looks into the eyes of his ancestors.
Joe Goes to the Store 8:40 13+
Director: Keegan Luther
College
When your relationship ends, is it better to carry your memories with you
or try to leave them behind? An everyday shopping trip becomes an
emotional whirlwind and a journey towards hope.
Camping 7:25 13+
Director: Maria Valdez
A single mom is on a mission to find a good role model for her son, only
to find out her son has other ideas.

2020 Middle School / High School Student Film Festival
Presented By
Saturday November 7th Runtime: 1:27
PG & PG-13
Detective Texas Toast 7:20 9+
Director: Isaac Harmon
High School
A film noir parody starring a sentient piece of toast.
Diamond Game 9:51 13+
Director: Nolan Hieu Trifunovic
High School
6:00 PM
Three high school teens write a 70s cop show, but the characters they create
are self aware. One of them begins to question their masters.
Hourglass 13:08 13+
Director: Bryce Knick
High School
Terrible visions plague a woman until she confronts what lurks within them.
100% Girl 3:09 9+
Director: Chen Liang Yu
Taiwan
Middle School
(English Subtitles)
The difference between men and women creates the most difficult battlefield
in the world. Magical kitchen appliances try to do a little magic to
fight for a peaceful and sweet life.
Pogo 3:20 13+
Director: Ella McKeon
Middle School
Based on the true-life events of a man who wanted to be a clown but
had far worse intentions.

The Protector 9:10 9+
Director: Andrew Hubert - Nabeel Raza
High School
A young boy takes inspiration from a vintage superhero show to learn
how to be truly heroic.
Her 4:35 9+
Director: Samuel Mitchell
High School
A boy sits alone at a well-loved upright piano and writes a song about a
close friend
Anansi 4:14 9+
Elliot Gibson
High School
Australia
Potion master, Anansi, is a man of many faces. Which face will he show
an innocent boy in search of a potion for his sick father?
Colors Run 16:41 9+
Director: Olivia Carter
High School
In the unlikely friendship of a broken old soul and a young imaginative
girl, they never knew their paths would cross, much less that they would
save each other’s lives.
Lola 7:00 13+
Director: Ella McKeon
Middle School
An unpopular girl finds a dead body while walking home from school.
This event changes her life in the most unexpected way.
Hackers: The Misfit Superheros 8:41 9+
Director: Ethan Wilk
High School
A professional hacker who has worked legally and illegally gives his input
regarding the public’s negative sentiment toward hackers, discussing
their track records for valiant achievements in advancing the public
good.

Saturday November 7th Runtime: 1:53
After Hours PG-13/R
10:00 PM
THIS BLOCK CONTAINS ADULT THEMES
Parental Discretion Is Advised
(Profanity / Drugs / Suicide / Drinking / Sexual Situations)
Ms Rossi 5:00
Director: Pat Battistini
Italy
(English subtitles)
While on her way to a business meeting, Ms. Rossi takes an interesting
detour.
Planet Cozmo 17:54
Director: Jack Campise
College
A starstruck girl encounters her hometown hero after a show at a dive bar
and accompanies her, hoping to show off her demo tape.
Tradition Not Addiction 3:06
Director: Monte Yazzie
Native American
The life of a Native American boy is affected by drug abuse.
The Eyes 8:00
Directors: Nicolas Thilo-McGovern - Nuria Pellicer
College
A literary professor visiting his aunt during the holidays meets a young
woman...and then the hauntings begin.
In Between the White Space 15:00
Director: Tyler Mendelson
Military Veteran
Two veteran friends come face to face, detailing the struggles of life after
the military, loss of identity, and the often tragic circumstances of our warfighter’s
fighting their battles alone.

Casualty of Time 19:00
Director: Jeremiah Jahi
Military Veteran
A Marine becomes a CASUALTY OF TIME as he refuses to leave his father
alone until chased down by a familiar face, who shows him the impact of
his choice on his father.
Black 15:07
Director: Aren O’Kelso
Military Veteran
In the Vietnam War, American soldier James Rodgers falls POW to the Viet
Cong. While in captivity, Rodgers befriends his young Vietnamese guard,
Tuyen.
The Mystery of Now 16:00
Director: Audrey Buchanan
Native American
Douglas Miles, skateboard company owner and youth group founder in
the San Carlos Native American community, shares his views of life, Native
creativity, art and how it can change the world.
Office Song 14:32
Director: Marcus Markou
United Kingdom
It’s another office affair - one of thousands. But in Office Song, the inner
world of ordinary office workers and their humdrum lives bursts into life
with poetry and something greater than the sum of their tedious working
day is revealed.

Presented By
Sunday November 8th Runtime: 1:57
Choices PG-13 1:30 PM
Swipe 5:48 13+
Director: Niels Bourgonje
Netherlands
A girl finds out that she has a match on a dating app with a stranger, despite
swiping him to the left moments ago. She starts to fear that the man
is dangerously close to her.
The Chair 6:54 13+
Director: Ronnie Cramer
A woman encounters a chair with strange properties, but can’t decide
if the experience is exciting or annoying. Created old-school style, using
only pen and paper, and made up of 2,700 individual drawings
Girl in a Van 5:23 13+
Director: Galina Popovic
College
A documentary about the Néna Marie Hyland, a young artist. She studies
at the Aberystwyth University and lives in a van with her bunny Smudge.
Pam Roark: Iraq War Nurse 10:00 13+
Director: Natasha Sharapova
Military Veteran
Pam Roark: Iraq War Nurse is a short documentary about Captain Pam
Roark – a Navy nurse whose life-long passion and commitment resulted in
an exciting story of female military leadership.
Magic Camera 14:09 13+
Director: Rodney S. Robinson
A young girl struggles with her Grandmother’s death. Using her imagination
and a camera she holds on to precious memories and bridges the
emotional gap between her mother and herself.

Interloper 12:28 13+
Director: Lawrence Hennigan
Native American
A Searcher, a government-sanctioned bounty hunter from a future
dystopia, must travel back in time to present-day Los Angeles. His mission:
capture a fugitive hiding in the past. Once he meets his target,
he questions his orders and his future.
Extra Large and Extra Spooky 5:44 13+
Director: Jeremy Stewart
A pizza delivery girl gets paranoid when entering a spooky house.
Espinado 11:50 13+
Director: Ivan Cordeiro
Native American
Musician Martin Espino reveals his multi-cultural Native American/Mexican
background, cultural and musical influences, and the importance
of sound in an experimental documentary created in Super 8 format.
Tank Man 14:40 13+
Director: Robert Anthony Peters
The story of the iconic gentleman who stood in front of and stopped
a line of tanks after the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 4, 1989.
This film is a speculation of what he went through the day he took his
courageous steps 30 years ago.
Swings and Roundabouts 10:10 13+
Director: Frances Loy
A grieving couple struggle to connect and heal following the loss of
their child.
Cherokee Bigfoot 10:11 13+
Directors: Zach Litwack - Jeremy Charles
In the Cherokee Nation, tribal fables come to life as a team of professional
Bigfoot hunters are hot on his trail, deep in the heart of Cherokee
country.
Breakfast at the Sunset Saloon 10:18 13+
Director: Joey Coalter
College
In the Old West, a wicked salesman has created a Saloon of broken
promises. His paradise falls when a girl comes to save her brother.

Sunday November 8th Runtime: 2:01
BEST OF THE FEST
PG-13
Sponsored By
4:00 PM
Welcome to Copa Shorts Film Fest’s “Best of the Fest.” The films
you’re about to see are the highest-rated from each genre or
category of our festival.
We’ve kept these winning films a secret so you had the ability
to form your own opinions.
At the end of the film block, you can choose the one that you
feel deserves the “Audience Choice” Award.
You’ll see a drop-down on your website to make your choice.
We’ve loved seeing the creativity and technical ability of our
film makers’ works.
We hope you enjoy the Best of the Fest!
Presented By

SCREENWRITING
In an awards acceptance speech, Meryl Streep graciously applauded
screenwriters as the source of the words actors speak.
Copa Shorts Film Fest also applauds screenwriters. Beginning a screenwriting
career can be frustrating. Alone in a room with an idea to guide them, they
persevere to create what they hope will become the dialogue, narrative,
characters, and soul of a future film.
This year, Copa Shorts Film Fest short screenwriting contest found a first-time
screenwriter to carry the banner of screenwriting. In a 12-page screenplay,
she captured characters, a setting, a story and our hearts with
“Graveyard Girl”
We are proud to announce
SIXA MONMARCHÉ
as the 2020 Copa Shorts Film Fest Screenplay Winner.

Copa Shorts Film Fest 2020 is proud to partner with the following
businesses to bring independent films and screenplays to Maricopa.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORS
FILM BLOCK SPONSORS
MEDIA SUPPORT

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
FILM & ALLIED MEDIA SUPPORT
FILM FESTIVAL PARTNERS
HOSPITALITY PARTNER