An alien comes to Earth landing in an ordinary American backyard. Or so goes the game of imagination that a group of siblings think up and play out. Stephen Wardell directs “Uriah Plays the Alien,” a vastly original piece of avant-garde filmmaking observed in a dream-like haze of childhood creativity. As the alien, Uriah is under close analysis by a handful of younger siblings. They try to make sense of its appearance, its diet, its movements, and its purpose. They imagine the alien must have come from a planet where grass is purple and plants have faces. But that doesn’t answer all the questions they have for it. An outsider experiment and an exploration of identity, the film creates an intriguing set of images and soundscapes from its one-of-a-kind pacing and tone. -KA. Director: Stephen Wardell. Cast: Uriah Wardell, Katelin Wardell, Ana Wardell, Julian Wardell, Levi Wardell. Director of Photography and Editor: Stephen Wardell.
PRESENTED BY FACTORY 25 | A bizarre rite of passage at the local deli determines the fate of a generation of teenagers, leading some to escape their suburban town and dooming others to remain. Directed by Tyler Taormina. Writers: Tyler Taormina, Eric Berger.
PRESENTED BY FACTORY 25 | Jobe, a mysterious middle-aged rollerblader, gets blamed for the drug overdose of a super famous A-list actor. Afraid and confused, he spends one bizarre evening skating across the streets of Manhattan, all the while dodging paparazzi, police, and assorted late night wei...