American Film Fest’s 2015 US in Progress Wrocław Invites Latest from Mike Ott/Nathan Silver & Joel Potrykus

With the American Film Festival in Wrocław comes the US in Progress co-production forum initiative. It also means that micro gems might trickle down from Europe in the unfinished form into Sundance and/or SXSW in early 2016. On the plate for October 22nd and 23rd, the six projects selected for the 2015 US in Progress Wrocław include:

Actor Martinez by Mike Ott and Nathan Silver
Up until now, the project that teams Littlerock, Pearblossom Hwy and Lake Los Angeles helmer with Exit Elena, Soft in the head, Uncertain Terms and Stinking Heaven had no title. This
stars Bobby Black, Connor Long and Lindsay Burdge.

Alaska is a Drag by Shaz Bennett
Based on her 2012 short, if ROCKY and HEDWIG had a love child – that would best describe our hero LEO — an aspiring superstar – if he can just get out of Alaska. Everyone who works in a fish cannery – slicing fish for 14 hours a day — dreams of a better life. This is the debut for Martin L. Washington Jr.

Americana by Zachary Shedd
Produced by Daniel Patrick Carbone who brought his Hide Your Smiling Faces to the same section a couple of years back, Shedd is basing the feature on his 2008 short of the same title. Featuring David Call (see pic above) who was most recently seen in Josh Mond’s James White, this is based in 70’s San Fran and sees an alcoholic film editor who puts together the pieces of his movie star sister’s murder.

It Had to Be You by Sasha Gordon
Starring Cristin Milioti, Dan Soder and Halley Feiffer, Gordon comes from a film composer background (I Believe in Unicorns among her creds). This tells the story of Sonia, a neurotic jingle writer who’s always dreamt of a big and exciting life. Surprised by a sudden proposal and subsequent ultimatum from her easy-going boyfriend, Chris, Sonia has to decide whether she’ll join the ranks of her married friends or take a leap and pursue her fantasies. Chris Columbus is an executive producer.

The Alchemist Cookbook by Joel Potrykus
We’re already well versed in Joel Potrykus’ work with Ape (2012) and Buzzard (2014) being well received on the festival circuit. His third feature is about a young hermit out to solve of an old mystery.

The Loner by Daniel Y Grove
Starring Helena Mattsson, Julian Sands and Dominic Rains, this is Daniel Grove feature film debut.