FRENZY FEST 2026

Frenzy Short Film Fest

Short Films

October 28 & 29

FREE TICKETS COMING SOON
More Information

SHORT FILMS

Wednesday-Thursday, October 28-29

 

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

Wednesday, October 28

"The Sound"

From California
Written & Directed by Israel Godinez. Director of Photography: Daniela Sopher
Runtime: appr. 14min

Synopsis: Jason comes home for a quiet evening and tries to rest his anxious mind. As the night progresses, a strange “sound” begins to haunt him. A shadowy figure begins to appear at random, terrorizing him, his anxiety worsens as the night rages on.

Scriptwriter & Director: Israel Godinez. Israel Godinez is from East LA and first found his love of filmmaking by taking a film course in high school and continued his studies of film production in college. A Bachelors in Arts for Film and Television Production. Israel has some experience directing, writing, producing & video editing student and independent film projects.
Instagram: _fullmoonfilms_ 

ACTORS:

Theo Fay is a strong, hardworking actor from Kansas City! He moved to Denver where he started working in film and boxing on the side. He studied at the American academy of dramatic arts where he won an award for overall acting ability! Currently he is studying at playhouse west and working regularly with credits in theater, film, and television. Instagram:Theo Fay 

David Scott Greene was born in Southfield, Michigan, and grew up in Detroit. David has played roles as the lead actor in the feature film “John Wynn’s One Hour” to being a featured actor in the commercial “The Pup-Letes” for Pedigree dog food which aired on Amazon Prime Video during a Thursday Night Football game.

Tyson Dailey is an industry veteran having worked with production companies such as HBO, TNT, SyFy, Netflix, and NBC. His work can be seen in “Bookie”, “The Librarians”, “Z-Nation”, “Grimm”, “Destiny 2” “Untamed” and more. He’s worked with elite video game companies like Bungie, as a motion capture performer.

Bailey Venzon is thrilled to have worked on The Sound! She’s normally involved in live productions including Heathers the Musical along with 9 to 5 the Musical at AMDA LA where they studied Performing Arts: Musical Theater and Content Creation. Shoutout to The Sound gang, my partner, family, and friends for their support!

“The Barbarity”

From Mexico 

Written & Directed by Marco Cano
Runtime: appr. 19min

Synopsis: In search of a better life in the United States, a Haitian family ventures through the depths of the Darién jungle. A tragic event halfway through the journey will alter their fate and reveal to them the darkest side of human nature.

Scriptwriter & Director: Marco Cano. Marco Cano (Chihuahua, 1989) is a Mexican screenwriter, director, and producer for film and television, known for his multidisciplinary approach and strong creative autonomy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a specialization in Film from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte (2011), completed studies in Directing and Film Production at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid (2010), and trained as an actor at the Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles (2013).

ACTORS

To ensure the authenticity of the project, we decided to cast real migrants, collaborating with the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR), which kindly supported us in finding our cast, a group of real migrants who have personally experienced this journey. The film was cast and shot in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, and the majority of the cast are Haitian. As natural actors rather than professional performers, they do not have acting biographies. It’s important to highlight that, throughout filming, we had a psychologist on set at all times to ensure the mental well-being of our actors.

NAYAH: Jeremy’s partner and mother of their young daughter. Played by: Ilienne Saint Jules

JEREMY: 
Nayah’s partner and father of their young daughter.
Played by: Marc Fabre Levelt Vallon

“Ever Green & The F***ing Spectrum”

From California
Written & Directed by Peter Kangas
Runtime: appr. 15 min

Synopsis: Paul, a young autistic man, struggles to process his father’s terminal cancer diagnosis while haunted by Ever Green,a character from a Hollywood autism film he despises. Through therapy sessions and painful memories, Paul confronts his grief, his strained relationship with his father, and society’s stereotypical portrayals of autism. A raw exploration of neurodiversity, family dysfunction, and the Hollywood gaze on disability.

Scriptwriters: Josiah Polhemus and Peter Kangas. Josiah Polhemus and Peter Kangas based the short film of Ever Green… on their Feature Film version of Ever Green based on Peter’s life growing up on the spectrum.   They’ve also written the film The Spectrum Seven loosely based on The Magnificent Seven with an autism twist. 

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Director: Peter J Kangas.

Peter is an emerging, Autistic filmmaker from Iowa City, Iowa, now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, who is committed to advancing authentic representation both on and off screen.

As the founder and owner of Spectrum Motion Pictures, he intentionally hires cast and crew members with disabilities, ensuring that his productions create meaningful, paid opportunities while authentically reflecting the communities his stories portray.

His company is dedicated to developing impactful content that addresses issues surrounding disability through an inclusive and collaborative production model.

In 2024, Peter produced The Falling, a short film created with a fully inclusive crew. The film premiered at FilmQuest, where it was nominated for Best Utah Short Film and won the “Best in Fest (Filmmakers Award) for Outstanding Originality – Short Horror Film” at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival in 2025.

Peter is currently developing Ever Green and the F***ing Spectrum as a Feature Film.

Instagram: @spectrumotionpictures

 

ACTORS:

 

Brendan Looney (Paul Clarke)

Brendan is an actor, dancer, singer, and contortionist born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Brendan is a proud actor with autism and recently lead San Francisco Playhouse’s critically acclaimed production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, receiving a SFBATCC nomination for Best Principal Performance-Drama. Upcoming projects: Restoration (dir. Denys Bastov), Vienna (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, New Works Festival).

Instagram: @a_little_looney

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Leo Burnett (Ever Green)

Leo began performing at Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre in kindergarten,making his theatrical debut as Poseidon—with his father supporting him as “the wave.” He continued studying acting, musical theatre, and improv at Berkeley Rep, BATS Improv, California Shakespeare Theater, as well as voiceover with actor and director Gavin Hammon. For the past three years, Leo has been an ensemble member of Autistry Repertory Theatre, where his many roles have included the Wizard and Narrator in The Wizard of Oz, Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This film marks Leo’s screen debut, and he was delighted to work in such an inclusive and welcoming environment.

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Josiah Polhemus (Dr. Mike)

Josiah is an award-winning actor, writer and filmmaker. He starred in the feature films Superpowerless, My Bad Dad and The Scottish Tale. He wrote/directed/produced four award winning short films: The Falling, First X, Vision and Pause. HIis commerical for BAND APP “The Reason I Coach” went viral with over 26 million views. He co-wrote the feature film screenplay of EVER GREEN AND. THE F***ING SPECTRUM with Peter Kangas.

Instagram: @Josiahpolhemus

“Alone"

From Georgia
Written by AJ Brennan. Directed by Jonah Punnett. Director of Photography: Lasse Leikola
Runtime: appr. 14min

Synopsis:

Alone follows Nick, a high school student who appears to have it all together while privately struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. As his isolation grows, the film explores how vulnerability, connection, and support can help us confront struggles we often face alone.

Scriptwriter: AJ Brennan is a writer, director, and actor from South Jersey (Go Birds!). He loves telling stories that people can connect with. The best stories are the ones that remind us we are far more alike than we might think. Instagram: @aj_brennan_

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Director: Jonah Punnett is a director and model based in Savannah, Georgia. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he studies Film & Television at SCAD and works across film and fashion. His directing spans narrative, fashion, and branded projects, with an approach shaped by experience both behind and in front of the camera. Intagram: @jonahpunnett

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Lead Actor: Davis Hattaway is an Actor, Model, and Musician from Space Coast, Florida. His love for performing came from high school theater and playing at bars around town with his grandfather. He recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Acting.
Instagram: @davishattaway   

Thursday, October 29

“MEDEA”

From Brooklyn, NY
Written by Cecilia Jane & Directed by Chloe Keer Liu
Runtime: appr. 12min

Synopsis: A break up leaves Medea in pieces as she struggles to fight off her intrusive thoughts for revenge. This film explores the concepts of internal feelings of heartbreak

manifested into real, physical temperaments. It leans into feminine rage often deemed “emotional and crazy” and makes it something very real to be reckoned with.

Scriptwriter & Lead Actor: Cecilia Jane is a graduate of New York University Tisch with a BFA in drama, and student of Playwrights Horizons Theater Studios. With a diverse range of artistic endeavors, Cecilia’s recent credits include The Youngblood Chronicles: A Fall Out Boy Musical (Actor), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Director), and Almost Like Being Alive (Stage Manager). She wrote the first draft of Medea in a Greek/Roman Mythology adaptation class in college and is thrilled and honored to have a team of incredible artists bringing her little script to life. Instagram: @ceci.lia.jane

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Director: Chloe Keer Liu is a filmmaker, artist, and animator. After graduating from NYU last year, she has found herself drawn to stories about empathy and introspection. She is always investigating the question of what it means to be human, which she believes she will find the answer to through making art. Instagram: @chloe_keer

“Through The Veil”

From North Carolina
Written & Directed by Jason B Tremko
Runtime: appr. 19 min

Synopsis: Through the Veil follows a broken man consumed by grief, addiction, and fading faith. As his life spirals deeper into darkness, the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds begins to disappear. Confronted by terrifying forces, he must face the choices that could determine the fate of his soul.

Screenwriter, Director & Lead Actor: Jason Tremko is a writer, filmmaker, author, educator, and U.S. Army veteran whose work explores faith, addiction, loss, and the unseen struggles shaping human lives. Drawing from decades of leadership and mentorship, he creates emotionally driven stories that challenge audiences to confront difficult truths and look beyond the surface.

“PEDRO NOLLA”

From Puerto Rico
Written by Angel Janer & Directed by Juan Maco Jones
Runtime: appr. 20 min.

Synopsis: Pedro Nolla is a survivor on a post-apocalyptic world where men are condemned to the darkness of night, always in fear of the Red Face.

Scriptwriter: Angel Janer is an award-winning Puerto Rican director, producer, cinematographer, and screenwriter with more than 15 films to his credit. Among them are Macharrán, Apartamento 4, HEY, and Los Reyes del Barrio.

Director: Juan Maco Jones is a director with extensive experience in Puerto Rican television, in addition to his career in radio, which includes Rockañol, broadcast on AZRockRadio.com.

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Lead Actor: Doel Ramirez is a renowned playwright with a long-standing career spanning more than 25 years as a theater director, producer, and actor in Puerto Rico.
Instagram: @doelramirez1      FB: Doel.Ramirez

“Second Date”

from Los Angeles
Written & Directed by Adelaide Young & Jackson Weber
Runtime: appr. 13min

Synopsis: Jordan and Rory are on their second date at a restaurant when Jordan starts to experience an anxiety attack. Needing a quieter environment, Jordan rushes to the bathroom. She calls her roommate, who guides her through some grounding exercises. Meanwhile, Rory has ordered and received food, and is waiting on Jordan. Jordan receives a call from Rory, and in her surprise drops her phone in the toilet, increasing the anxiety. Eventually, Jordan splashes her face with cold water, calming her down. She attempts to sneak out of the restaurant but is caught by Rory. They leave the restaurant and talk about what happened. They play a grounding game and hold hands.

Scriptwriter: Adelaide Young (writer,director,actress) graduated cum laude from Northwestern University where she was awarded several grants for her research in mental health and film. She recently won “Best Coming Of Age Screenplay” at Atlanta Women’s Comedy Film Festival for her feature “Sinner? I Barely Know Her!”

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Director: Jackson Weber (writer, director, editor) is a Los Angeles filmmaker passionate about identity, mental health, and connectedness in narrative storytelling. A recent graduate of Radio/Television/Film and MSLCE at Northwestern University, Jackson is co-producing the feature film Find Me Again and upcoming podcast series The Adventures of Chaz Dynamite.

“Leo the Raptor”

From PA
Written & Directed by Brian Smith
Runtime: appr. 11 min

Synopsis:

Thank you to our
Sponsors, Supporters and Collaborators

Infinitely Grateful

BIP is profoundly grateful to the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture for its support and sponsorship, and for serving as the home of the Frenzy Short Film Fest. Thanks to the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, we are also able to offer a cash prize for the Best Frenzy Short Film of 2026.

 

Our gratitude also for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), ACACIA Network,  APREE, DYCD office and the  New York City Council Diana Ayala and Caicedo Productions,

 

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.

 

To achieve these goals we need the support of people like you, people committed to the community and to art, as well as to our Latin and Caribbean heritage. To support us with donations or to be aware of our futures projects, bookmark our website bip-nyc.com and email us at barrioindependentproductions@gmail.com.

Agradecimiento infinito

BIP está profundamente agradecido al Centro Hostos para las Artes y la Cultura por su apoyo y patrocinio, y por servir como sede del Frenzy Short Film Fest. Gracias al Centro Hostos para las Artes y la Cultura, también podemos ofrecer un premio en efectivo al Mejor Cortometraje Frenzy de 2026.

 

Nuestro agradecimiento también al Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva York (NYSCA), ACACIA Network, APREE, oficina de DYCD y al Ayuntamiento de Nueva York Diana Ayala y Caicedo Productions,

 

Además, en nombre de Barrio Independent Productions nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a todos los miembros de la prensa por su continuo apoyo, y a todos los que nos apoyan para lograr nuestros objetivos.

 

Para lograr estos objetivos necesitamos el apoyo de personas como usted, personas comprometidas con la comunidad y el arte, así como con nuestra herencia latina y caribeña. Para apoyarnos con donaciones o estar al tanto de nuestros proyectos futuros, agregue nuestro sitio web bip-nyc.com a favoritos y envíenos un correo electrónico a barrioindependentproductions@gmail.com

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