April 12-13th at Digital Gym Cinema
The 10th Annual San Diego Underground Film Festival was an intimate exploration of motion pictures from filmmakers who had a lot to say, and in a lot of cases without any words or dialogue. As often as I was at a loss for words, I also had many questions after watching the shorts. SDUFF was a visual roller coaster of colors, with a soothing blend of 16mm film, and a shower of explosive audio.
Screening of Another Rapid Event (2024) Directed by Daniel Murphy
Don't remember what film this was but it took place during short film block 4
Film festivals work similar to music festivals in the way that some are not your vibe, but it’s guaranteed every kind of festival will leave you with an impression. Art is suppose to evoke audiences with an emotion, so even if you rant to your friends about how stupid a banana duct-taped to a wall is “art” and sold for $120,000, it did what it was suppose to do. SDUFF did exactly what it’s good at by curating films that are not afraid to defy conventional standards and explore beyond regular film practices. SDUFF wrapping up its tenth year is a testament to that, regardless of some shorts that left me questioning the basis of what visual work can be labeled as a film (being a filmmaker myself).
Q&A for short film block 3
The biggest highlight was Erica Sheu’s performance titled False Expectations (accompanied with a live score from Shrine Maiden), a beautiful intro to expanded cinema for me. Erica’s performance was conducted through her spliced 16mm film on three projectors simultaneously, but what made it magical was having the best seat in the theater. I was literally sitting next to the film projectors while Erica worked her magic.
Erica Sheu before her performance
Erica locked into her craft
three film projectors simultaneously being conducted during false expectations
False Expectations felt like a tender love letter to film, driving the nostalgia of cinema using projectors as a physical display of appreciation as she operated all three of them. Erica essentially has removed the projector from its traditional hiding place. Rather than exposing the secret to a magic trick, it invites spectators to explore just how deep the rabbit hole goes to bring films to life. This true devotion shows how’s much one is willing to do for their love of cinema, even if means getting the levels of the projectors to line up just right by placing whatever you can find under them cus 2 millimeters make the difference from someone who settles with their work and someone who is passionate about their work.
Erica and The Three projectors after the performance
The extent of what a filmmaker is willing to do for their passion was really shown with every film screened at SDUFF. There was an absence of fear for the opinion an audience member or having their work not be understood at all. The best part about film festivals is the opportunity to ask questions about the filmmakers work during the Q&A. Any event that fosters curiosity will always be a place I enjoy. I look forward attending SDUFF 2026, maybe even submit something. Thank you to organizers Rachel Nakawatase & Ryan Betschart, jurors Sterling Anno and Andy Schiaffino, and the rest of the team for an amazing event.
