“Reel Conversations” highlights filmmakers featured in the 21st Annual International Real to Reel Film Festival. On this episode of “Reel Conversations,” Thomas Manning speaks with filmmakers connected to the short film “Mike.” “Mike” is the story on an intellectually challenged man choosing to follow his dream by visiting a distant shore. Kent Smith (writer, producer, director), Patrick G. Keenan (actor – “Mike”) and Steve Saxon (cinematography) share the stories of the making of this Real to Reel Film Fest selection. The Cleveland County Arts Council will host nearly 50 films in a virtual festival format from Sept. 9 -Oct. 9. For over two decades, Real to Reel has showcased thought-provoking films from around the world and offers opportunities for cinema-lovers to embrace the independent vision of this unique art form. For more information on the Real to Reel International Film Festival, visit realtoreelfest.com For more information on “Mike” visit dreammike.com.
Mike wins three awards at the Independent Shorts Awards
We are so excited to announce that MIKE has just won a few awards at the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles, California. They selected us from a pool of submissions from 23 countries. One big shout out to Patrick G. Keenan for his fantastic role as MIKE, and to Kent Smith for his incredible directing on this film. The entire cast and crew are so pleased to receive one for the Best Drama Short.
Platinum Award Best Actor: Patrick G. Keenan for MIKE (USA)
Silver Award Best Drama Short: MIKE by Kent Smith (USA)
Silver Award Best Director (Male): Kent Smith for MIKE (USA)
Independent Shorts Awards
MIKE'S OFFICIAL TRAILER
Here is the first official trailer for the short film from Lucky You Films and Blue Drum Films. We hope you will share the love for this film.
MIKE Sold Out the Charlotte Film Festival
We are so thankful to all the people that made our world premiere of MIKE a sell out. It was a huge success, and we are still beaming with joy from the great response we had from the audience. It was lovely to hear all the laughs, and we also noticed all the tears too.
Thanks from all the crew and cast for a fantastic experience! We look forward to more showings across the country.
www.dreammike.com
Here are just a few of the comments from the showing.
“IT'S A MOVING (AND NOT MAUDLIN) STORY, BEAUTIFULLY ACTED (ESPECIALLY "MIKE"), WITH NATURAL DIALOGUE, PROFESSIONALLY FILMED, AND WELL-DIRECTED.” - JB
“LOVED "MIKE"! IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES. AND LET ME JUST ADD THAT PATRICK KEENAN WAS BRILLIANT. BEST PERFORMANCE EVER.” - JW
“IT WAS LIKE THE BEST PILOT THAT I HAVE SEEN FOR A TV SHOW IN YEARS. IT JUST KEPT MAKING ME WANT MORE AND MORE.” - BW
“WOW...IT TAKES A LOT TO MAKE AN OLDER MAN LIKE ME CRY, BUT THIS FILM MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH MIKE. I FOUND MYSELF LAUGHING WITH HIM. A MUST-SEE FOR ALL AGES.” - LR
Official Selection of the Charlotte Film Festival