Whittier Film Festival

Bella
An international soccer star (Eduardo Verástegui) is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that brings his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress (Tammy Blanchard), struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down... until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Back to top.

A Portrait of Envy
A Portrait of Envy follows Gillian, a timid yet artistic young woman who believes she's finally won over Jerry when he asks her to paint a portrait for him. However, everything is not as she believes and "Portrait" quickly evolves into a simple, yet disturbing psychological thriller. Back to top.

Jack Turner and the Reluctant Vampire
A shocking murder has occurred in Whittier, California. A young woman, Val, has unwillingly killed her best friend and there is nowhere for her to run. She's the newest bloodsucker in town, a nightmare come true for Lucas, a mystical old shaman. He calls upon the only man who can shut her out for good — Jack Turner, Whittier's best and only paranormal private eye. Back to top.

Smooch
Ron Broadbent, whose childhood run-in with a group of first grade girls will affect his adult life romance with the lovely Naomi. Back to top.

El Muerto
On his way to a Day of the Dead Celebration, Diego de la Muerte is taken by the Aztec forces of darkness in order to fulfill their evil prophecy. Now, trying to protect those he loves, he must struggle against the god of death that created him. Back to top.

Alarm
Abbie, a disturbed young drugstore clerk attempts to stop sleeping to avoid horrific memories. In the end she must confront her demons - awake. Back to top.

The Whistler
Having lost his parents, little Adam now has to live with his Uncle Roy and he doesn't want this stranger in his life. Roy doesn't know how to handle a kid and isn't very pleased with the responsibility. Their wills clash as they seek a bond between eachother. Back to top.

Santa Teresa
The spirits and images of the Day of the Dead come together and give Ana Castillo one more chance to say goodbye. Back to top.

Passing
Upon watching a customer in a flower shop, grumpy old Rob comes to a realization that inspires him to see his own life in a different light. Back to top.

Chiles
The dinner table is set as Randal, a young Black man, attempts to impress his future, Mexican in-laws. Add in a side of language barriers, a helping of cultural differences, a bowl of Chiles and this table heats up into what turns out to be one fun, comedic and heartwarming take on that ever-dreaded meeting of the parents. Back to top.

Rafi and Nalia
Rafi is secretly in love with Naila, an insurance sales agent. Today he decides to take action and prepares a surprise for Naila. There is one thing he didn't consider though... Nowadays a lot of prejudice controls our life due to global conflicts and issues, which even makes a simple love bond between two human beings impossible just because of their inherited backgrounds. Back to top.

Gecko
Gecko is the story of a gecko who's struggle with artist's block leads him on an unexpected journey to inspiration. Back to top.

I Saved the World From Global Warming
Ten years after solving the global warming problem, Kiefer Donovan's contribution to society is a mere footnote in history. He has just been denied tenure as a Chemistry 101 professor, and now must battle his own animated psyche, face his scientific nemesis, and most importantly, learn to stop living in the past. Back to top.

Secret
Mara asks her daughter's best friend Ana for the password of her e-mail. She wants to read how her daughter was, a year ago, when she was still alive. Back to top.

Save Me, My Baby
Robert has been keeping his sickness a secret from his girlfriend, Victoria, for fear that it will drive her away. Robert locks himself up in a secluded room when he feels and attack caused by his sickness coming on. Victoria loves Robert and decides to confront him in hopes of getting Robert to confide in her. Back to top.

The Sounds of Silent Cinema
Silent film was never watched in silence. This short student documentary examines the evolution of of silent film from 1895-1927 through expert interviews, vintage footage, and re-enactments. Back to top. Back to top.

The Craftsman
Two friends, Jesse and Cristina, decide to drive home after ditching a Halloween party. Little do they know that they are being followed by a serial killer. As they venture home, they get lost along the way and it is only a matter of time before "The Craftsman" tracks them down. Back to top.

Negotiation
As the top negotiator for the LAPD, Tom Bennett takes his job seriously. At what begins as just another routine negotiation, Tom discovers that his estranged son Casey has orchestrated this entire event. He must then face an embittered Casey in an emotional standoff that has everyone's lives at risk. Back to top.

Decoherence
In the year 2012, Professor Alan Rosenberg has become the center of ridicule in the scientific community. He is also the victim of severe hallucinatory attacks. When a hodded stranger appears with knowledge of the Professor's future, Rosenberg must face the inevitable truth involving his work on multidimensional travel. Back to top.

Journey to India
30 years after her father experienced a life changing journey in India, Lydia decides to retrace her father's past to meet the man she grew up hearing about. Back to top.

Films
Bella A Portrait of Envy Jack Turner and the Reluctant Vampire Smooch El Muerto Alarm The Whistler Santa Teresa Passing Chiles Rafi and Nalia Gecko I Saved the World From Global Warming Secret Save Me, My Baby The Sounds of Silent Cinema The Craftsman Negotiation Decoherence Journey to India	Bella An international soccer star (Eduardo Verástegui) is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that brings his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress (Tammy Blanchard), struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down... until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Back to top. A Portrait of Envy A Portrait of Envy follows Gillian, a timid yet artistic young woman who believes she's finally won over Jerry when he asks her to paint a portrait for him. However, everything is not as she believes and "Portrait" quickly evolves into a simple, yet disturbing psychological thriller. Back to top. Jack Turner and the Reluctant Vampire A shocking murder has occurred in Whittier, California. A young woman, Val, has unwillingly killed her best friend and there is nowhere for her to run. She's the newest bloodsucker in town, a nightmare come true for Lucas, a mystical old shaman. He calls upon the only man who can shut her out for good — Jack Turner, Whittier's best and only paranormal private eye. Back to top. Smooch Ron Broadbent, whose childhood run-in with a group of first grade girls will affect his adult life romance with the lovely Naomi. Back to top. El Muerto On his way to a Day of the Dead Celebration, Diego de la Muerte is taken by the Aztec forces of darkness in order to fulfill their evil prophecy. Now, trying to protect those he loves, he must struggle against the god of death that created him. Back to top. Alarm Abbie, a disturbed young drugstore clerk attempts to stop sleeping to avoid horrific memories. In the end she must confront her demons - awake. Back to top. The Whistler Having lost his parents, little Adam now has to live with his Uncle Roy and he doesn't want this stranger in his life. Roy doesn't know how to handle a kid and isn't very pleased with the responsibility. Their wills clash as they seek a bond between eachother. Back to top. Santa Teresa The spirits and images of the Day of the Dead come together and give Ana Castillo one more chance to say goodbye. Back to top. Passing Upon watching a customer in a flower shop, grumpy old Rob comes to a realization that inspires him to see his own life in a different light. Back to top. Chiles The dinner table is set as Randal, a young Black man, attempts to impress his future, Mexican in-laws. Add in a side of language barriers, a helping of cultural differences, a bowl of Chiles and this table heats up into what turns out to be one fun, comedic and heartwarming take on that ever-dreaded meeting of the parents. Back to top. Rafi and Nalia Rafi is secretly in love with Naila, an insurance sales agent. Today he decides to take action and prepares a surprise for Naila. There is one thing he didn't consider though... Nowadays a lot of prejudice controls our life due to global conflicts and issues, which even makes a simple love bond between two human beings impossible just because of their inherited backgrounds. Back to top. Gecko Gecko is the story of a gecko who's struggle with artist's block leads him on an unexpected journey to inspiration. Back to top. I Saved the World From Global Warming Ten years after solving the global warming problem, Kiefer Donovan's contribution to society is a mere footnote in history. He has just been denied tenure as a Chemistry 101 professor, and now must battle his own animated psyche, face his scientific nemesis, and most importantly, learn to stop living in the past. Back to top. Secret Mara asks her daughter's best friend Ana for the password of her e-mail. She wants to read how her daughter was, a year ago, when she was still alive. Back to top. Save Me, My Baby Robert has been keeping his sickness a secret from his girlfriend, Victoria, for fear that it will drive her away. Robert locks himself up in a secluded room when he feels and attack caused by his sickness coming on. Victoria loves Robert and decides to confront him in hopes of getting Robert to confide in her. Back to top. The Sounds of Silent Cinema Silent film was never watched in silence. This short student documentary examines the evolution of of silent film from 1895-1927 through expert interviews, vintage footage, and re-enactments. Back to top. Back to top. The Craftsman Two friends, Jesse and Cristina, decide to drive home after ditching a Halloween party. Little do they know that they are being followed by a serial killer. As they venture home, they get lost along the way and it is only a matter of time before "The Craftsman" tracks them down. Back to top. Negotiation As the top negotiator for the LAPD, Tom Bennett takes his job seriously. At what begins as just another routine negotiation, Tom discovers that his estranged son Casey has orchestrated this entire event. He must then face an embittered Casey in an emotional standoff that has everyone's lives at risk. Back to top. Decoherence In the year 2012, Professor Alan Rosenberg has become the center of ridicule in the scientific community. He is also the victim of severe hallucinatory attacks. When a hodded stranger appears with knowledge of the Professor's future, Rosenberg must face the inevitable truth involving his work on multidimensional travel. Back to top. Journey to India 30 years after her father experienced a life changing journey in India, Lydia decides to retrace her father's past to meet the man she grew up hearing about. Back to top.