818 Day: The Valley Film Festival 26th

The New York Times advised review writers to share your opinion and don’t forget to explain, because your opinion isn’t enough.

Today, the Valley has its own holiday called “818 Day,” representing the phone area code of the San Fernando Valley, other surrounding parts of Los Angeles, and the date — August 18. (8/18) *The Valley Film Festival *did not represent the aura I’ve felt while living in the San Fernando Valley or the holiday.

It lacked the color brown, street corners, and lowriders. The Valley sits between roads that lead up, down, through Topanga Canyon and over more than shady blue waters.

It’s clearly understood amongst those who live in the valley of its own culture and diversity. The melting pot of many immigrants, of many histories, archives, and historical crime stories; there are so many intimate places in the San Fernando Valley that represent monumental hope, change, love, loss, and regret.

[embed]“Made in the 818” The Valley Film Festival Trailer

The Best

Directed by Mateo Galindo Peña, *The Vinyl Collection* is a short horror film focusing on the hypnotic draw of vinyl and greed. Mr. Garcia, an older gentleman, sits in front of a large portrait of his late wife and himself. In the background, a vinyl continues to spin before stuttering, skipping, but not really. Lyrics are repeating hauntingly before he removes the needle. The story takes a turn when we learn there is a heist planned to rob him.

The plot was unpredictable, unsettling, and emotional. It concluded with a dance between Mr. Garcia and his wife. Finally, they’re able to dance with each other. It left the audience with questions and no happy answers.

“The Vinyl Collection” Short film poster IMDB

More about The 26th Annual Valley Film Festival

The free film festival screening was held at the Laemmle Noho7 Theater in North Hollywood, featuring 10 short films produced in the Valley. “The VFF26 lineup showcases work created across the San Fernando Valley, and the (818) area code, including Agoura Hills, Burbank, Chatsworth, North Hollywood, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Sylmar, Tarzana, Van Nuys and Woodland Hills,” according to their website.

The festival tagline was, “Keeping Hollywood Home Since 2001.”

“The Valley Film Festival’s longstanding commitment to spotlighting locally produced films and the filmmakers and small businesses that make filmmaking possible in Los Angeles.” [Source]

Feature Film

More later; the main feature film was Sunset Strip Killers, directed by Chad Ferrin. It’s based on the true crime story of Carol Bundy and Doug Clark.

“Sunset Strip Killers” a DREAD Original Film

I did not see the main feature. I researched, watched the trailer and tried to figure out if it was worth the watch. The true crime genre is turning sour. Our fascination with deadly humans is a delicate realm. There are so many documentaries, reenacted events, and YouTube videos of so many stories. What would make this any different?

[embed]

While I have no review of the movie itself. I was only left to question: why is the poster A.I. generated? Feel differently? It’s available on Amazon Prime: rent for $5.99 or buy, $12.99.