FRENZY FEST 2025
Psychological Theatre & Film Festival
One-Act Plays
Thursday-Sunday, October 23, 24, 25 & 26
- Students (with code “Students_bip”),
- Seniors (with code “Seniors_bip”)
- and Area Code 10029 (with code “10029_bip”)
Short Films & FEATURED FILM
Monday, October 13 | FREE!
One-Act Plays
Frenzy Fest 2025
Venue:
El Barrios Artspace PS109
215 E 99 St. New York NY 10029 (btw 2nd & 3rd Ave.)
Dates:
Thursday-Sunday, October 23, 24, 25 & 26
5 Plays in 4 days
Short Films
Frenzy Fest 2025
Venue:
AMT Theater
354 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Date:
Monday, October 13
8 Short Films + Featured Film: 2 hours 45 minutes
ONE-ACT PLAYS
El Barrios Artspace PS109
215 E 99 St. New York NY 10029 (btw 2nd & 3rd Ave.)
Thursday-Sunday, October 23, 24, 25 & 26
5 Plays (running time for each approximately 30-45 minutes)
Noche
by Adriana Pantojas (In Spanish)
Dates: Thursday, October 23 @ 6:00pm & Friday, October 24 @ 8:00pm
Synopsis: From Puerto Rico and produced by Cuarzo Blanco comes “Noche,” a work that presents the anguish of a 54-year-old man-child who discovers that the night is the perfect ally for hiding, for breaking free, and for freeing himself… and also for fading away and disappearing…
Actors
Dr. Carlos Alberto Santiago Santiago (University theater professor, actor, model, prop master, makeup artist, assistant, writer and director. His artistic career has more than 40 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Education from the University of Puerto Rico; a Master’s degree in Theater Education and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching with a specialization in Fine Arts. Recipient of a Latin Alternative Theatre Award (LATA) 2025 for his acting work in “Noche”. Omayra Cabiya (Sign Language Interpreter for more than 25 years, Her artistic journey began with Adriana Pantoja and the production house Cuarzo Blanco, Inc., in 2013. Today, she continues her artistic growth as a Performer/Actress in theater, radio and film. She has been awarded a Latin Alternative Theatre Award (LATA), in August 2025.
Playwright & Director - Adriana Pantoja
Playwright, screenwriter, director, producer, and musician from San Juan, Graduated from the University of Puerto Rico (Bachelor’s in Theater, Music, and Literature; Master’s in Cultural Management and Administration). In 1989, she founded the artistic company Cuarzo Blanco, Inc., under which she has produced, directed, and scored 49 plays (36 of her own); 7 books of plays; conferences and discussions; 16 international trips to theater festivals and book fairs, and much more.
En español
Sinopsis: Producida por Cuarzo Blanco llega desde Puerto Rico “Noche”. Obra que presenta la angustia de un niño-hombre de 54 años que descubre que la noche es la aliada perfecta para esconderse, para romper y liberarse… y, también, para apagarse y desaparecer…
Actors: Dr. Carlos Alberto Santiago Santiago (Profesor universitario de teatro, actor, modelo, utilero, maquillista, asistente, escritor y director. Su Carrera artistica cuenta con mas de 40 anos de experiensia. Posee un Bachillerato en Teatro y Educación de la Universidad de Puerto Rico; una maestría en Educación Teatral y un doctorado en Currículo y Enseñanza con especialidad en Bellas Artes. Recipiente de un Premio Latin Alternative Theatre Award (LATA) 2025 por su trabajo actoral en “Noche”. Omayra Cabiya (Intérprete de lenguaje de Señas por más de 25 años, Su viaje artístico comenzó de la mano de Adriana Pantoja y la casa productora Cuarzo Blanco, Inc., en 2013. Hoy día, continúa su crecimiento artístico como Intérprete/Actriz en teatro, radio y cine. Ha sido galardonada con un Premio Latin Alternative Theatre Award (LATA), en agosto de 2025).
Dramaturga y Directora – Adriana Pantoja: Dramaturga, cineasta, directora, productora y músico egresada de la Universidad de Puerto Rico (Bachillerato en Teatro, Música y Literatura; Maestría en Gestión y Administración Cultural). En 1989, fundó la compañía artística Cuarzo Blanco, Inc.., bajo la cual ha producido, dirigido y musicalizado 49 piezas teatrales (36 propias); 7 libros de obras teatrales; congresos y conversatorios; 16 viajes internacionales a festivales teatrales y ferias de libros y mucho mas.
Craneo Adentro
by Mauricio Roche Miranda (In Spanish)
Dates: Thursday, October 23 @ 8:00pm & Friday, October 24 @ 6:00 pm
Synopsis: The story confronts the dream world and distances itself from the mind to protect the heart. Cráneo Adentro is a story about the dream world of the mind exposed to real pain, showing a blurred vision in the face of healing, presented by Colectivo Malagueta from Puerto Rico. “Craneo Adentro” presents the questions humanity has asked itself throughout history: What am I doing in this space? A thought about the uncertainty of existence becomes constant and persistent. But since healing is not linear, and a world in ruins only lends itself to decay, the story confronts the dream world of dissociation and distances itself from the mind to protect the heart.
Actors
Paola M. Tirado Cardona. With a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in theater, her early years in classical ballet forged her love for body movement.
Melvin Acosta Andújar. Studied Education with a concentration in Theater at the University of Puerto Rico. He is a teacher, director, actor, mixologist, and clown in training. His passion for theater led him to activate and explore his youthful and creative side.
Claudia I. Núñez Torres. Student of Fine Arts with a double concentration in Drama and Journalism. She debuted in street and political theater. She has explored other fields such as dance, photography, and playwriting guided by renowned artists.
Ariana C. Torres García. She began her performing career at the Arecibo School of Fine Arts. She is a member of the folkloric group “Sabor Boricua,” where she develops her talents as a dancer of traditional Puerto Rican dances. She is currently studying at the University of Puerto Rico (UPRP) with a double major in Arts, concentrating in Drama and Audiovisual Communications.
Lucca E. Rodríguez Mangual. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Drama at the University of Puerto Rico (UPRP). She has discovered that her interest leans toward acting, dance, and performance, seeing them as a space for discovery, healing, and transformation.
Playwright & Director: Mauricio Roche Miranda
A theater artist and actor trained at the UPRRP in the Drama Department. His approach to the stage is based on discovery, execution, and corporal improvisation. His greatest passion in movement is the pursuit of mind-body connection. He is the founder of Colectivo Malagueta, a group of students and/or alumni of the University of Puerto Rico founded in 2025. This group is based on the pursuit of the practice and techniques of physical theater and performance, aiming to represent, through the body, the social pains that affect our soul and body.
En español
Sinopsis: La historia enfrenta al mundo onírico y se distancia de la mente para proteger el corazón. Cráneo Adentro es una historia del mundo onírico de la mente expuesta al dolor real, mostrando una visión borrosa ante la sanación presentada por Colectivo Malagueta de Puerto Rico. “Craneo Adentro” presenta las preguntas que la humanidad se ha hecho a traves de la historia; Nos preguntamos ¿qué hago en este espacio? Un pensamiento sobre la incertidumbre de existir se torna constante y persistente. Pero como la sanación no es lineal, y bajo un mundo en ruinas solo se presta a decaer, lla historia enfrentan al mundo onírico del disociar y se distanciande la mente para proteger el corazón.
Actores:
Paola M. Tirado Cardona. Con bachillerato de educación con concentración en teatro sus comienzos en el ballet clásico en la juventud forjaron su amor por el movimiento corporal.
Melvin Acosta Andújar. Estudió Educación con concentración en Teatro en la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Es maestro, director, actor, mixólogo y payaso en formación. Su afán por el teatro lo lleva a activar y explorar su lado juvenil y creativo.
Claudia I. Núñez Torres. Estudiante en Bellas Artes con doble concentración en Drama y Periodismo. Se estrenó en teatro callejero y político Ha explorado otros campos como la danza, la fotografía y la dramaturgia guiada por artistas reconocidos.
Ariana C. Torres García. Comenzó su carrera escénica en la Escuela de Bellas Artes de Arecibo. Es integrante del grupo Folklórico “Sabor Boricua” donde se desarrolla como bailarina de bailes tradicionales puertorriqueños. Cursa la UPRRP con doble bachillerato en Artes con concentración en Drama y en Comunicaciones Audiovisuales.
Lucca E. Rodríguez Mangual. Actualmente cursa su bachillerato en Bellas Artes con concentración en Drama en la UPRRP. Ha descubierto que su interés va inclinado hacia la actuación, la danza y el performance, viéndolo como un espacio de descubrimiento, sanación y transformación.
Dramaturgo y Director: Teatrero y actor con entrenamiento en la UPR en el departamento de Drama. Su enfoque escénico se basa en el descubrimiento y ejecución e improvisación corporal. Su mayor afán en el movimiento es la búsqueda de la conexión mente y cuerpo. Es fundador de Colectivo Malagueta, un grupo de estudiantes y/o egresados de la Universidad de Puerto Rico fundado en el 2025 y que se basa en la búsqueda de la práctica y técnicas del teatro físico y performance, con el fin de representar por medio del cuerpo los dolores sociales que afectan nuestra alma y cuerpo.
Lipstick
by Linda Morales Caballero (In English)
Dates: Saturday, October 25 @ 4:00pm & Sunday, October 26 @ 8:00 pm
Synopsis: Oscillating between male and female identities, a person navigates his fragmented sense of self through a monologue that unfolds like a fever dream.
Torn between the inherited ghosts of his mother’s unattainable allure and the lingering presence of childhood invisibility, he paints his lips as a ritual of empowerment and disillusionment.
Director & Actor: Edu Díaz
Edu Díaz is a Fulbright alumnus and award-winning theatermaker, actor, and drag performer from the Canary Islands. Known for A Drag Is Born and his poetic, genre-blending work, he explores identity and trauma through magical realism, physical theater, and emotionally charged solo performance.
Playwright: Linda Morales Caballero
Linda Morales Caballero is a writer, journalist, and professor. Author of eight poetry books and a short story collection, her work has inspired theater and film. A recipient of the International Latino Book Award, her poetry has been translated worldwide and honored in both New York and Madrid.
En español
Sinopsis: Oscilando entre identidades masculinas y femeninas, una persona navega su fragmentado sentido de identidad a través de un monólogo que se desarrolla como un sueño febril. Dividido entre los fantasmas heredados del encanto inalcanzable de su madre y la persistente presencia de la invisibilidad infantil, se pinta los labios como un ritual de empoderamiento y desilusión.
Director y Actor – Edu Díaz: Edu Díaz es un exbecario Fulbright y galardonado creador de teatro, actor y artista drag de las Islas Canarias. Conocido por “A Drag Is Born” y su obra poética y multidisciplinar, explora la identidad y el trauma a través del realismo mágico, el teatro físico y un solo con una gran carga emocional.
Dramaturga– Linda Morales Caballero es escritora, periodista y profesora. Autora de ocho libros de poesía y un libro de cuentos, su obra ha inspirado teatro y cine. Galardonada con el Premio Internacional del Libro Latino, su poesía ha sido traducida a nivel mundial y galardonada tanto en Nueva York como en Madrid.
La Lectora
by Carlos Canals (in Spanish)
Dates: Saturday, October 25 @ 8:00pm & Sunday, October 26 @ 6:00 pm
Synopsis: ‘The Reader’ by H.P. Lovecraft. A dramatic monologue that takes place in a psychiatrist’s office. In this session, the female character, an art professional, reveals the conflicts she has been suffering for some time, which are inexplicable and have continued to become more complicated since her return to Puerto Rico. This has led her to seek professional help because she doesn’t want to reach a climax that would affect her relationship with her partner; she wants to avoid entering a labyrinth. In the session with the psychiatrist, she exposes her conflict by telling and dramatizing her story, making references to literature, art, and theater.
Actor: Kathy Tejada
Kathy Tejada is an actress and executive producer of the TEBA theater company. She has participated in Latin American theater productions in three areas, from classical to contemporary theater, playing roles in English and Spanish. She has won numerous theater awards.
Playwright and Director: Carlos Canales
Carlos Canales is a playwright and theater director who has premiered more than 40 plays. He has published more than 20 plays and has received awards. His plays have been performed in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, England, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Peru. He is also a narrator, columnist, and literary critic.
En español
Sinopsis: ‘La Lectora de H.P. Lovecraft’ Monólogo dramático que se desarrolla en la oficina de un psiquiatra. En esa sesión el personaje femenino, es una profesional del arte, va relevando los conflictos que padece hace un tiempo que le son inexplicables y han seguido complicándose con su regreso a Puerto Rico, que la han llevado a buscar ayuda profesional, porque no quiere llegar al paroxismo que afecte la relación con su pareja, quiere evitar entrar en un laberinto. En la sesión con el psiquiatra expone su conflicto contando y dramatizando su historia haciendo referencias literarias, del arte y del teatro.
Actriz: Kathy Tejada Actriz y productora ejecutiva de la compañía teatro TEBA. Ha participado en producciones de Teatro Latino en tres áreas, desde el teatro clásico al contemporáneo, interpretando personajes en inglés y español. Ha sido galardonada con un sin números premios de teatro.
Dramaturgo y Director: Carlos Canales es dramaturgo y director teatral y ha estrenado más de 40 obras. Ha publicado más de 20 obras. Ha recibido premios. Sus obras se han representado en Argentina, México, España, Inglaterra, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Venezuela, Costa Rica, República Dominicana y Perú. También es narrador, cronista y crítico literario.
Confesión de un inepto
by Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco (in Spanish)
Dates: Saturday, October 25 @ 6:00pm & Sunday, October 26 @ 4:00 pm
Synopsis: Presented by TraDraCo, Inc., The Group for the Performing Arts in Residence in Queens, “Confession of an Inept” features a textile designer, overwhelmed and haunted by his perception of his work as a supervisor at a New York City textile factory, who confronts, in his imagination, his supposed accusers.
Actor: Lissette Montolío
Lissette Montolío is a multifaceted Dominican artist, considered an international radio and television personality in her country and abroad. She is a choreographer, modeling, body movement, and improvisation teacher; and founder of the theater company, TraDraCo Theater, Inc., among other credits. In 1973, she restarted her acting career as a theater actress, accumulating an extensive theatrical career and earning several awards. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Colegio Comunal Eugenio María de Hostos, CUNY, a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Psychology from York College, CUNY, and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences from C.E.L.A. International University. Since 1983, she has written her column for the weekly La Voz Hispana in New York.
Playwright & Director: Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco
Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco from Cataño, Puerto Rico, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, concentrating in Drama and Education, from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He holds a Master’s degree in Theater History and Criticism from Brooklyn College, CUNY. He is currently an adjunct professor at Hostos Community College, CUNY, and artistic director of TraDraCo, Inc., the Center for the Performing Arts in Queens. He has collaborated as an actor with theater companies and groups such as Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, Repertorio Español, and LATEA, and with the former Raúl Juliá Training Unit (PRTT), among others, as a playwright and director. He has also worked as a theater critic for “Rojo”, a cultural magazine for the Puerto Rican weekly Claridad.
En español
Sinopsis: Presentada por La compañía de teatro TraDraCo, Inc., “El grupo para las Artes Escénicas con residencia en Queens” (The Group for the Performing Arts with residency in Queens) “Confesión de un inepto” recrea a un diseñador de telas, agobiado y perseguido por su percepción sobre su labor como supervisor en una fábrica de telas en Nueva York, quien confronta, en su imaginación, a sus supuestos acusadores.
Actor – Lissette Montolío es una artista multifacética dominicana, considerada como personalidad internacional de la radio y televisión en su país y en el extranjero. Coreógrafa, profesora de modelaje, movimiento corporal e improvisación; y Fundadora de la compañía teatral, TraDraCo Theater, Inc., entre otros creditos. En 1973 reinició su carrera de actuación como actriz de teatro acumulando una basta carrera teatral siendo galardonada en varias ocaciones.Tiene un Asociado en Artes del colegio Comunal Eugenio María de Hostos, CUNY, Bachiller en Artes con concentración en Psicología York College, CUNY, Doctorado en Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad C.E.L.A. International. Desde 1983 escribe su columna en el Semanario La Voz Hispana de Nueva York.
Dramaturgo y Director: Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco de Cataño, Puerto Rico con Bachillerato en Humanidades, concentración en Drama y Educación de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras. Maestría en Historia y Crítica del Teatro en Brooklyn College, CUNY. Al presente es profesor adjunto en Hostos Community College, CUNY, y director artístico de la compañía de teatro TraDraCo, inc. Center for the Performing Arts en Queens. Ha colaborado como actor, director y dramaturgo en compañías y grupos de teatro tales como: Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, Repertorio Español y LATEA , la otrora Unidad de Entrenamiento Raúl Juliá PRTT entre otras.Sus obras han sido publicadas y se desempenado como critico de teatro para “En Rojo,” revista cultural del semanario puertorriqueño Claridad.
SHORT FILMS
AMT Theater @ 354 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Monday, October 13
8 Short Films: 2 hours 45 minutes
Block A / Bloque A - 5:30 PM (One Hour)
“Enter the room”
by Harry Waldman
Language: English
Synopsis:
(A confrontation between the reality and nightmares provoked by a traumatic relationship between two brothers). A young adult (Brian) is visited by his brother, Jeremy, who needs a place to stay as he settles into his new city. The two polar opposite personalities begin to clash as Jeremy’s presence poses a threat to Brian’s way of life. Brian’s uptight personality and unreasonable living standards rub off on Jeremy, creating an incredible amount of tension. Bad blood, stemming from a traumatic past event reveals the shocking truth of the brothers’ current situations, as Brian struggles to differentiate between reality and his worst nightmares.
Production, Cast & Crew
Producers / Productores: Harry Waldman and Lance Eliot Adams
Screenwriter, Director and Producer: Harry Waldman a passionate filmmaker who has been watching movies since as long as I can remember. Some of my favorite films include “Memento”, “The Dark Knight”, The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Alien”, etc. I have seen over 10,000 films and am as crazy about movies as any individual you will ever meet. I studied Business at Ithaca College and ironically figured out my passion right as I was graduating. I have worked on a number of various films and have written, directed, and edited “515”, “Enter the Room”, “In the Backseat”, “Bay for Blood” and “The Corridor Crossing”. I also have a few more projects in the pre-production stage.
Cinematography: Lance Eliot Adams
Key Cast: Peter Mastne & Rich Holton
Photos
En español
Sinopsis: (Un enfrentamiento entre la realidad y las pesadillas provocadas por una relación traumática entre dos hermanos)Un joven adulto (Brian) recibe la visita de su hermano Jeremy, quien necesita un lugar donde quedarse mientras se instala en su nueva ciudad. Sus personalidades tan opuestas comienzan a chocar, ya que la presencia de Jeremy amenaza el estilo de vida de Brian. La personalidad tensa de Brian y su nivel de vida irrazonable se contagian a Jeremy, creando una tensión increíble. La mala sangre, derivada de un evento traumático del pasado, revela la impactante realidad de la situación actual de los hermanos, mientras Brian lucha por distinguir entre la realidad y sus peores pesadillas.
“Ker”
by Sajad Soleymani
Language: Persian with English subtitles
Synopsis: (A love story that could lead to the destruction of lovers lives.) A young man tasked with guarding a mosque is forced to secretly shelter his lover inside the sacred place for several days. Their hidden presence pushes them across multiple red lines — from the risk of being discovered by religious authorities to the intimate realities of love and the human body. Any revelation could destroy his life and turn their fragile refuge into a catastrophe.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter, Director & Producer – Sajad Soleymani is an Iranian independent filmmaker, writer, and researcher with a Master’s degree in Art Studies. He began his career by making short fiction films and completing long-term filmmaking courses. His early short, Slightly on the Other Side, was screened at multiple festivals and won several awards. Sajad also gained festival attention as a screenwriter, particularly with the screenplay for Shopar. In addition to his independent films, he has directed music videos, industrial documentaries, and promotional teasers. As a bold and independent filmmaker, Sajad has consistently worked on projects that challenge social and cinematic norms.
Co Writer / Co Escritor: Marzieh Soleymani
Key Cast: Praham Khakzad, Niusha Shahrivari, MOhammadsaeed Ahangar
Photos
En español
Sinopsis: (Una historia de amor que podria desencadenar en la destruccion de la vida de los amantes.) Un joven encargado de custodiar una mezquita se ve obligado a refugiar en secreto a su amante en el lugar sagrado durante varios días. Su presencia oculta los lleva a cruzar múltiples barreras: desde el riesgo de ser descubiertos por las autoridades religiosas hasta las realidades íntimas del amor y el cuerpo humano. Cualquier revelación podría destruir su vida y convertir su frágil refugio en una catástrofe.
“Vasomotor Rhinitis”
by Mikheil Gabaidze
Language: English
Synopsis: (Submissiveness and bureaucracy) The film’s central theme is the condescending attitude of a simple civil servant towards high-ranking government officials. The short film was based on Anton Chekhov’s “Death of a Civil Servant” story. The film’s main character, a man, sneezes in a concert hall and puts a high-ranking official in an embarrassing situation. Despite apologizing, the main character feels a slavish fear that ultimately proves fatal to the man’s life.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter, Director and Director Biography: Mikheil Gabaidze –Faculty of Art Studies, TV-Radio Journalism and Cinematography Art field manager, Tbilisi School of Political Studies TSPS, School of Democracy EECMD, Batumi University of Arts Master’s Programme in Feature Film Directing – Professional experience: – LEPL Batumi Ilia Chavchavadze Professional State Drama Theatre, “Head of the Marketing and Public Relations Department”,– NNLE Batumi Culture Centre “The main specialist in public relations and mass media” – NNLE “Art Laboratory”, Chairman – NNLE “Georgian traditional singing and song ensemble Feritsvaleba”
– NNLE “Art Portal”, Chairman
Cameraman: Mamuka Chkhikvadze
Producer / Productor: Sofiko Komakhidze, Elene Jafaridze
Key Cast: David Jakeli, Zaal Goguadze, Tatia Tatarashvili, Irakli Chankvetadze, Soso Sturua and Petre Chargeishvili
Photos
En español
Synopsis: (Submissiveness and bureaucracy) The film’s central theme is the condescending attitude of a simple civil servant towards high-ranking government officials. The short film was based on Anton Chekhov’s “Death of a Civil Servant” story. The film’s main character, a man, sneezes in a concert hall and puts a high-ranking official in an embarrassing situation. Despite apologizing, the main character feels a slavish fear that ultimately proves fatal to the man’s life.
“Laces”
by Kenta Crisà
Language: Italian with English subtitles
Synopsis: (Anxiety and empathy, intertwined with suspense and solidarity) Mia, a 17-year-old student, struggles with an overwhelming paranoia, convinced she’s being followed by a hooded figure. This oppressive feeling seeps into every aspect of her life, from the city streets to her athletic practices, and strains her relationships, particularly with her sarcastic friend Stella. At her lowest point, she finds an unexpected ally in Anna, an introverted girl who shares similar fears. Together, they confront their isolation, realizing their strength lies in mutual support. Lacci delves into themes of anxiety and empathy, weaving suspense and solidarity into a gripping narrative.
Production, Cast & Crew
Director: Kenta Crisà
Screenwriters: Beatrice Mottigliengo, Giulia Baldini, Vanessa Gramignoli, Giulia Mongiano, Giorgia Miglietti, Sara Montersino, Elisa Maneglia and Alice Santucci and Kenta Crisà
Producer: Stefano Demarie
Key Cast: Alice Santucci. Giulia Mongiano, Giulia Baldini
Photos
En español
Sinopsis: (Ansiedad y empatía, entrelazado con suspenso y solidaridad) Mia, una estudiante de 17 años, lucha contra una paranoia abrumadora, convencida de que una figura encapuchada la sigue. Este sentimiento opresivo se infiltra en todos los aspectos de su vida, desde las calles de la ciudad hasta sus entrenamientos deportivos, y tensa sus relaciones, especialmente con su sarcástica amiga Stella. En su punto más bajo, encuentra una aliada inesperada en Anna, una chica introvertida que comparte sus miedos. Juntas, enfrentan su aislamiento, dándose cuenta de que su fuerza reside en el apoyo mutuo. Lacci profundiza en temas de ansiedad y empatía, entrelazando suspenso y solidaridad en una narrativa cautivadora.
Intermission – 10 minutes
Block B / Bolque B - 6:40 PM (50 Minutes)
“Elijah”
by Razid Season
Language: Bengal, English
Synopsis: (How a homophobic father faces the reality of a daughter who wants to live fully as a man) Haider, a Bengali Muslim taxi driver faces the reality that the American Dream may never be his. Grueling hours, rude customers, a collapse in medallion values and suicides among fellow drivers continually chip away at his hope for the future. Under this backdrop, crisis spills into his family life as his daughter, Shoshi, is consumed by her own struggle, a desire to live life fully as man in a trans-phobic immigrant culture. While Haider had never been knowledgeable or supportive of LGBTQ rights and issues, starts to change as he does not want to lose his only child, whom he loves more than life itself.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter, Director and Producer: Born in Abu Dhabi & raised in Dhaka, Razid Season is a Bengali filmmaker based in New York. He is the founder of a non-profit, Image Maker Films Inc. Besides, he has worked as a freelance project evaluator for POV. He was an invited jury at the Plural+ Youth Film Festival 2022, run by UNAOC and IOM. He has received several awards for his films, including the Lawrence and Danielle Nyman award (2018 & 2019), the Best Director award from SAIFF 2020, Honourable Mention from Columbus Jewish Film Festival 2020, and ISA Los Angeles. His films have premiered at the 43rd Asian American Film Festival in New York, the Buffalo International Film Festival, the Williamsburg International Film Festival, and the Los Angeles Polish Film Festival. His film premiered on CUNY TV, Yiddishkayt Initiative, and The Archeological Channel’s web streaming. His film Kaddish ranked as one of the top 10 independent short fiction works by Cinema Daily US. Razid is interested in making films that deal with humanitarian issues, and he wants his films to be a tool to advocate for those underprivileged communities whose voices are not heard in the mainstream media.
Key Cast: Ajaz Alam, Mithila Gazi Perez, Debjani Banerjee
En español
Sinopsis: (Como un padre transfóbico enfrenta la realidad de una hija que desea vivir plenamente como hombre) Haider, un taxista musulmán bengalí, se enfrenta a la realidad de que el sueño americano podría nunca ser suyo. Horarios agotadores, clientes maleducados, el desplome del valor de las medallas y los suicidios entre sus compañeros conductores minan continuamente su esperanza de futuro. En este contexto, la crisis se extiende a su vida familiar mientras su hija, Shoshi, se ve consumida por su propia lucha: el deseo de vivir plenamente como hombre en una cultura inmigrante transfóbica. Si bien Haider nunca había estado al tanto ni apoyado los derechos y las cuestiones LGBTQ, comienza a cambiar, pues no quiere perder a su única hija, a quien ama más que a su propia vida.
“That's Messed Up!”
by Chris Mastro
Language: English
Synopsis: An after hours romance between diner staff is interrupted by unforeseen visitors.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter and Director: Chris Mastro – He has a life long passion for storytelling, comedy, and adventure. He has an interest is a variety of genres and believes the best stories come from real life. Films include That’s Messed Up!, The Five Year Plan, and Hypnagogia.
Co screenwriters: Brian J. Edwards, George Kolombos
Director Biography: Brian J. Edwards
Producer: George Kolombos
Key Cast: Amanda Brooke Lerner, Bob Greenberg, Barbara Haas, Aris Alvarado, George Kolombos
Photos
En español
Sinopsis: Un romance fuera de horario entre el personal del restaurante se ve interrumpido por visitantes imprevistos.
“Pari and the witch”
by Mohammad Reza Yarikia
Language: Persian with English subtitles
Synopsis: (All the creatures in the forest have been bewitched by the witch, and no creature has the right to speak. Who are those creatures?) The border forest of Iran. A couple tries to take Pari across the border of Iran with them to reach her father who crossed the border a few days ago. All the creatures of the forest have been enchanted by the witch. Pari enters this forest to save her father, where no creature has the right to speak.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter, Director and Producer: Mohammadreza Yarikiya was born in 1989 and attended acting classes from the age of fourteen. He was an actor in several movies and series. Then he started writing screenplays and plays. He studied film directing. After that he started making short films. He has made several short films so far. Each of them has had success.
Key Cast: Ali Houshmand, Atefeh Makvandi, Jana Karimi, Mohammad Reza Yarikia
Photos
En español
Sinopsis: (Todas las criaturas del bosque han sido hechizadas por la bruja y ninguna criatura tiene derecho a hablar. Quienes son esas criaturas?) El bosque fronterizo de Irán. Una pareja intenta llevar a Pari a través de la frontera iraní para reunirse con su padre, quien cruzó la frontera hace unos días. Todas las criaturas del bosque han sido hechizadas por la bruja. Pari se adentra en este bosque para salvar a su padre, donde ninguna criatura tiene derecho a hablar.
“Psicogenética”
by José Miguel Quiñones
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Synopsis: (Emotional imbalance) Psychogenetic is a psychological short film where the protagonist expresses his emotional vulnerability due to a situation he cannot control or change it. The emotional imbalance presented by the protagonist will allow the viewer to assimilate the plot, adjust the climax, and balance the outcome in order to understand the story from their rational or irrational knowledge. The protagonist sets the climax, and the viewer builds the entire short film from their Psychogenetic.
Production, Cast & Crew
Screenwriter, Director & Producer: José Miguel Quiñones
Key Cast: José Miguel Quiñones, Iraida Carrillo, Vanessa García, Miguel García, Aileen Quiñones, Janelis Caraballo, Angélica M. Rivera
En español
Sinopsis: (El desequilibrio emocional) Psicogenética es un cortometraje psicológico donde el protagonista expresa su vulnerabilidad emocional ante una situación que no puede controlar ni cambiar. El desequilibrio emocional que presenta el protagonista permitirá al espectador asimilar la trama, ajustar el clímax y equilibrar el desenlace para comprender la historia desde su perspectiva racional o irracional. El protagonista establece el clímax y el espectador construye todo el cortometraje desde su perspectiva Psicogenética.
Intermission - 10 Minutes
FEATURED FILM FROM PUERTO RICO: PARKSIDE - NOT IN COMPETITION
Spectacular closing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
7:40 PM
Parkside - NOT IN COMPETITION
by Juan C. Linares from Puerto Rico (Frenzy Fest 2023 winner with the short film “Warren”) @ 7:40pm
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Synopsis: Parkside, an apartment complex in the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico, is home to an eclectic mix of characters. Told through a series of vignettes over the course of one day, the mundane lives, intersect telling stories of star-crossed lovers, troubled relationships, and the beauty of people-watching.
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
Parkside is a love letter to people watching-a film that finds the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Inspired by the DIY spirit of ‘90s independent cinema, the film captures life in metropolitan
Puerto Rico with empathy and realism. Naturalistic performances and colloquial language
reflect the way Puerto Ricans speak and interact, shedding light on an under-represented cultural setting. The use of black and white was to drew the audience’s attention to the characters and story. The halation effect evokes a sense of nostalgia and dreaminess while maintaining a raw and unpolished look. This project was born out of my fascination with people-watching and observing the subtle gestures, and interactions that reveal character. Ultimately, I hope that the film entertains and connects with people on personal levels, making them appreciate the individuals who pass us by every day and the fleeting moments that make up our lives
Production, Cast & Crew
Director: Juan C. Linares (Frenzy Fest 2023 winner with the short film “Warren”)
Escritor: Juan C. Linares y Alameda del Cobre
Productores: Miglia Arroyo y Antonio Luis Asencio
Cinematógrafo: Iván Velázquez y Jorge Vidal
Diseño de Producción: Mirel Edmée González & Alameda del Cobre
Actors: Cecilia Arguelles, Marian Ball, César Cedano, Héctor Escudero, Lali Garcia, Robert García Cooper, Ángel Manuel García, Eduardo González, Carlos Alberto Lopez, Joel Martínez, Andrea Mendez, Caridad Morgado, Isaira Noriega, Julio Ramos Velez, Vivian Z. Riera, Cristina Soler, Lara González Soler, Julia Lucrecia Taveras, Natalia Villarejo
En español
Sinopsis: Parkside, un condominio en el área metropolitana de Puerto Rico, es hogar a una mezcla ecléctica de personajes. Contado a través de viñetas a lo largo de un solo día, las vidas mundanas, se entrelazan contando historias de desamor, soledad y la belleza de observar.
FULL PROGRAM: 2025 CALENDAR
SHORT FILMS: Monday, October 13
Block A / Bloque A - 5:30 PM (One Hour)
“Enter the room” by Harry Waldman
“Ker” by Sajad Soleymani
“Vasomotor Rhinitis”by Mikheil Gabaidze
“Laces” by Kenta Crisà
Intermission – 10 minutes
Block B / Bolque B - 6:40 PM (50 Minutes)
“Elijah” by Razid Season
“That’s Messed Up!” by Chris Mastro
“Pari and the witch” by Mohammad Reza Yarikia
“Psicogenética” by José Miguel Quiñones
Intermission - 10 Minutes
FEATURED FILM FROM PUERTO RICO: PARKSIDE - NOT IN COMPETITION
Spectacular closing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
7:40 PM
Parkside by Juan C. Linares from Puerto Rico (Frenzy Fest 2023 winner with the short film “Warren”)
ONE-ACT PLAYS: Thursday-Sunday, October 23, 24, 25 & 26
Thursday, October 23 @ 6:00pm: Noche by Adriana Pantojas (In Spanish)
Thursday, October 23 @ 8:00pm: Craneo Adentro by Mauricio Roche Miranda (In Spanish)
Friday, October 24 @ 6:00 pm: Craneo Adentro by Mauricio Roche Miranda (In Spanish)
Friday, October 24 @ 8:00pm: Noche by Adriana Pantojas (In Spanish)
Saturday, October 25 @ 4:00pm: Lipstick by Linda Morales Caballero (In English)
Saturday, October 25 @ 6:00pm: Confesión de un inepto by Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco (in Spanish)
Saturday, October 25 @ 8:00pm: La Lectora by Carlos Canals (in Spanish)
Sunday, October 26 @ 4:00 pm: Confesión de un inepto by Miguel Juan Concepción Blanco (in Spanish)
Sunday, October 26 @ 6:00 pm: La Lectora by Carlos Canals (in Spanish)
Sunday, October 26 @ 8:00 pm: Lipstick by Linda Morales Caballero (In English)
Thank you to our
Sponsors, Supporters and Collaborators
Infinitely Grateful
BIP is profoundly grateful for the support and sponsorship of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), as well as the support of La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña for being a co-producer with us to this special Festival season dedicated to mental health thru theater. Also our gratitude to our sponsors: ACACIA Network, APREE, DYCD office and the New York City Council Diana Ayala, Caicedo Productions, AMT Theater and El Barrios Artspace PS109.
Also, on behalf of Barrio Independent Productions our most sincere gratitude to all members of the press for their continued support, and everyone who support us to achieve our goals.
Agradecimiento infinito
BIP agradece profundamente el apoyo y patrocinio del Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva York (NYSCA), así como el de La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña por ser coproductora con nosotros de esta temporada especial del Festival dedicada a la salud mental a través del teatro. También agradecemos a nuestros patrocinadores: ACACIA Network, APREE, la oficina de DYCD y el Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Diana Ayala, Caicedo Productions, Teatro AMT y El Barrios Artspace PS109.
Además, en nombre de Barrio Independent Producciones, nuestra más sincera gratitud a todos los miembros de la prensa por su continuo apoyo y a todos los que nos apoyan para alcanzar nuestras metas.
Para lograr estas metas, necesitamos el apoyo de personas como ustedes, personas comprometidas con la comunidad y el arte, así como con nuestra herencia latina y caribeña. Para ayudarnos con donaciones o estar al tanto de nuestros proyectos futuros, visita nuestra página web bip-nyc.com (email: barrioindependentproductions@
