Film
Mass Romantic ~
So-Called Living ~
Tuesday Night Make-Out ~
The Fox in the Snow
Allison, My Love ~ Empty Boxes ~ More Than Gravity ~ 13 Genders ~ Most Wonderful People
An Obvious Moment of Happiness ~ Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels ~ Film Loop...topia
Allison, My Love ~ Empty Boxes ~ More Than Gravity ~ 13 Genders ~ Most Wonderful People
An Obvious Moment of Happiness ~ Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels ~ Film Loop...topia
The Fox in the Snowmudgeonsoul productions . 15 Minutes . Color . 2012For more information, go to www.mudgeonsoul.org | 
| |||
The Fox in the Snowmudgeonsoul productions . 10 Minutes . Color . 2011For more information, go to www.mudgeonsoul.org | 
| |||
DeidreFull Voice . 5 Minutes . Color . 2010This 5 min comedy inspired by poet Marisa Crawford's The Haunted House, follows Katherine as she apprehensively joins her friend George at Mixed Mixers, a queer social event. When George deserts her, Katherine is convinced her evening is ruined. That is, until she notices... Deidre.Inspired by The Haunted House by Marisa Crawford Created for The Printers' Ball at the request of Switchback Books Directed by Cyra K. Polizzi In collaboration with Director of Photography Richard Paro Music by Home Demo Vixens Production Assistant . Tanise Robnett Shot On Location at Morpho Gallery Cast: - George . Chakira Lane - Judy . Crystal Hartford - Katherine . Cyra K. Polizzi - Libby . Breahan Eve Pautsch And: - Aphrodite . Angelique Miles - Brenda . Heather Dorff - Candice . Kate Jacobsen - Davis . Josh Zagoren - Edgar . vaughnjTheChameleon - Emilie . Thea Karol - Freddy . June Scherwinski - Helen . Victoria Montalbano - Kurt . Ross Cherney - Stephanie . Brittany Mitchell - Stevie . Jessica Dexter - Tracy . Kara Abarca Screenings Include:
| 
| |||
So-Called LivingFull Voice . 5 Minutes . Color . 2009This parody of the cult 90s TV series “My So-Called Life” is a lighthearted short about those transitional times in adulthood when all the awkward angst-filled longing of adolescence comes rushing back. Featuring queer characters in the title roles, “So-Called Living” is a crowd-pleaser with MSCL fans from all walks of life.Cast: - Kate Brown . Chrissy - Crystal Hartford . Sam Haley - Richard Paro . Steven - Cyra K. Polizzi . Beth - Layla Schwartz . Devon Tessman - Michelle Weissgerber . Jordan Vinanchiato Writer/Director: Cyra K. Polizzi Producers: Cyra K. Polizzi, Richard Paro Director of Photography: Amanda Clifford Production Manager: Kelly McDowell Associate Producer: Crystal Hartford Still Photographer: Alexandra Klimczak Production Assistants: grace o'neill, Nicole Hamer, Stacy Singh Thank you to the following individuals and business for their support! - Ryan D. Herendeen - Mary Rogers - Justin Brewer
Screenings Include:
| 
Photo by Alexandra Klimczak | |||
Allison, My Lovemudgeonsoul productions . 2 Minutes . B/W . 2009In Allison, My Love, when an intimate moment is interrupted, three passionate people are affected by a simple slip of the tongue…For more information, go to www.mudgeonsoul.org Crew: Director/Director of Photography/Editor: Richard Paro Writer/Producer: Richard Paro, Cyra K. Polizzi Assistant Editor: Cyra K. Polizzi Crew: Justin Brewer, Christopher Weiher Music: Martha Berner Cast: Breahan Eve Pautsch Christopher Weiher Cyra K. Polizzi Screenings Include:
| 
| |||
Mass Romanticmudgeonsoul productions . 112 min . B/W . 2008For more information about mudgeonsoul's latest feature, go to www.mudgeonsoul.org.Mass Romantic, a new independent feature by Richard Paro, follows activists and academics struggling with love while creating political art. The film focuses on relationships, while the characters tackle controversial topics in their work. “Mass Romantic” celebrates the everyday lives of activists, queer people and their allies, and acknowledges the importance of allies in building meaningful, enriching communities. The theme of coalition-building present in “Mass Romantic” is reflected by the diverse group of individuals involved in the making of the film, many of whom are underrepresented in American cinema. “Mass Romantic” features independent artists of numerous disciplines, including musicians Heidi Spencer, Coyote Grace, Martha Berner, Renee-Louise Carafice, Actor Slash Model and exclusive live performances by Carrie Lydon, Kate Brown, ROFO and Head of Femur. “Mass Romantic” was produced with a DIY sensibility after years of extensive story development and workshopping, utilizing the creative input and improvisational skills of the cast and crew. _________________________________________________ A group of 20-somethings stumble in love & art in this indie dramedy. Jamie and Erin's activist theater company sets out to create a play based on PJ’s book of political short stories. PJ hasn't written much in a while... or socialized much either, except for hanging out at Olson's vegan cafe. Erin's girlfriend Bel, having just moved from NYC, prepares for a conference and searches for an apartment, as well as community in Chicago. Meanwhile, Billy is void of direction even with the self-fulfillment classes, but his partner Sally hopes his new job at Olson's café will help. Olson's partner Annette is working on a new quantum physics book and feeling uninspired... as are her students. Where do you turn when your passion wanes? Your work? Your partner? How do you fall in love with life again? 112 Minutes . Black & White . Not Rated . English Screenings & Awards Include:
Please contact us regarding screenings, production notes, images, interviews and other requests.  | 
| |||
Film Loop...topiaFull Voice . 2008 . 45 minFull Voice joins Looptopia with Film Loop...topia, a collection of entertaining and provocative short films, all made in Chicago or by Chicago filmmakers. The 45 minute program features comedies, animated shorts, dramas, experimental films, documentaries, music videos and, an often-overlooked genre, trailers. On Friday, May 2nd, the fourteen Film Loop...topia shorts will play on a loop from 5:00pm to midnight in the Chicago Loop at The DePaul Center (1 E. Jackson Blvd at State St). Many of the filmmakers will be in and out throughout the evening. The screening is free and open to the public, but the films are unrated, so viewer discretion is advised.Selected Films: Walking Fantasy (Jason Pratt – 3:07 - Mixed Media Animation) Combining live action and animation, Walking Fantasy looks at connection and proximity in a city setting, as the story follows a woman making her way through downtown Chicago. www.Freightmovie.com Most Wonderful People (Noah Riemer – 8:18 - Comedy) “a great ode to the silent film era… ‘Most Wonderful People’ truly is a most wonderful film” –Michael Ferraro, Film Threat. Most Wonderful People was awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Burlington Culture Festival and named in Film Threat’s Top Ten Shorts of the Year. www.mudgeonsoul.org Chuck Trasch Teaser Trailer (Justin Brewer – :59 - Animated Trailer) A bizarre teaser for the Chuck Trasch Animated Series, playing with pop culture, hype, the digital age and art. www.youtube.com/user/leobatfish Empty Boxes (Cyra K. Polizzi - 1:41 - Comedy) Tension builds between two roommates during their last night in the same apartment. www.FullVoice.org Regrets: Kid (Steve Delahoyde - 3:09 - Comedy Series) Part of the "Regrets" series, featuring Kate James of the Chicago sketch comedy group Schadenfreude. Delicate (Daniel Shaughnessy - 2:30 - Experimental) This 16mm film urges us to consider our notions of fragility and what we preconceive as “delicate.” Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels: Episode One (Richard Paro - 3:44 - Comedy Series) In this mockumentary series, three friends try to make some extra cash by putting together a haunted house. This is more complicated than expected. www.mudgeonsoul.org “Crazy Ass” by The Makeouts (Christopher Weiher - 3:52 - Music Video) Simultaneously a satire and homage to mainstream rap music, this high energy video emphasizes the use of misogynistic language across our culture and suggests this language is fueled by fear, as the white male protagonists run through the city, fleeing from women with cameras. www.cweiher.com, www.the-make-outs.com Someplace Else Trailer (Kai-Duc Luong & Avisheh Mohsenin - 1:57 - Documentary Trailer) Part musical documentary, part personal meditation, Someplace Else is the refreshing portrait of Chicago's soul-blues-funk musician Vance Kelly through the director's film journal. "Affecting. A tender portrait. An impressionistic meditation on place, belonging, and passion" –Flavorpill. "Engagingly informal... Personal and poetic" "Fresh! an art documentary!" www.someplaceelsethemovie.com More Than Gravity (Cyra K. Polizzi - 3:10 - Drama) Questions of perception, honesty and depression surface as a woman watches her partner leave. www.FullVoice.org Chuck Trasch: Date Number One (Justin Brewer – 3:33 - Animated Series) This unusual animated comedy about an awkward diner date, pokes fun of both the animator and a culture focused on being “cool.” www.youtube.com/user/leobatfish “POP Girl (Puke on Pretty)” by Communal Death Duck (S.I.R. - 4:43 - Music Video) Shot in Boystown, this video off the Fly Exodus, Fly album, challenges us to consider different ways to “play,” as it slowly reveals the relationship between the protagonist and cameraperson. www.myspace.com/sirvitude, www.myspace.com/communaldeathduck Mass Romantic Trailer (Richard Paro – 1:15 - Narrative Trailer) Mass Romantic follows a feminist theater company and the employees of a vegan cafe as they struggle to find love and passion in their work, art and relationships. Recently, the feature premiered at Chicago’s Landmark with a sold-out crowd, screened at Women’s International Film Festival in Miami and won “Best Director” at LINK Film Fest in Olympia, WA. "A living, breathing example of what it takes to get along. Isn't that what politics should be?" -Rob Christopher, Chicagoist. www.mudgeonsoul.org Animal Instincts (Chris Gummert – 4:20 - Comedy) The relationship between a regular guy and a mysterious stranger calls into question the very nature of the food chain. Animal Instincts was recently selected for Chicago Short Comedy Film & Video Festival in July. About Looptopia: "Presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance, Looptopia is a free, all night celebration of arts, culture and the Loop. Last year's Looptopia was an amazing success, with over 200,000 participants creating and experiencing art in dozens of locations throughout the night." "Looptopia is dedicated to creating transformational experiences for our audiences by presenting unique art in unusual spaces within the Loop." | 
| |||
Empty Boxesmudgeonsoul productions . 2 min . Color . 2006Tension builds between two roommates during their last night in the same apartment.Who made it happen Director & Producer: Cyra K. Polizzi Writer: Richard Paro Cast: Richard Paro, Katie Rolnick Music: The Dresden Dolls Screenings Include: LOOPTOPIA - Chicago, IL - May 2, 2008 BLOWIN' UP A SPOT - Austin, TX - April 27-30, 2006 |  | |||
More Than GravityFull Voice . 4 min . Color . 2004MORE THAN GRAVITY is a 4 minute narrative short by Cyra K. Polizzi with Richard Paro and music by Ticklepenny Corner.In MORE THAN GRAVITY, questions of perception, honesty and depression surface as a woman watches her partner leave. Screenings Include: LOOPTOPIA -- May 2, 2008 - Chicago, IL CAFE MASTIZO FILM NIGHT -- March 29, 2006. 8:00pm - Chicago, IL BIG DAM FILM FESTIVAL -- February 25, 2006. 8:00 pm. - Quincy, IL LADYFEST BIBLEBELT -- September 30- October 3, 2004 - Denton, TX -- What is it? "A not-for profit (non-religious) feminist community building festival showcasing women in music, art, politics, and film." ESTROJAM -- Thursday, September 23, 2004. 8:00 pm. - Chicago, IL (Chicago Filmmakers) -- What is it? A "professionally produced, community-based event that showcases, celebrates and promotes the artistic, organizational and political work and talents of women. Estrojam is organized by women and open to all." BLACK POINT FILM FESTIVAL -- April 23, 2004 7:30pm (w/ Independent Spirit Award winning feature, "Funny Ha Ha") -- April 24, 2004 5:00pm - Lake Geneva, WI |  | |||
13 GendersFull Voice (in association with the Yitzhak Theatre & Film Project) . 79 min . Color . 2004Who Made it Happen - - Director - Cyra K. Polizzi - Crew - Cyra K. Polizzi, Richard Paro - Thanks - Richard Paro, Barbara & Frank Polizzi, Nicholas Langholff, Anne Enke, Ben Gollmer, Video Gallery, UW-Madison, Angel Dobbs-Sciortino, Chandler Poling, Emily Pfotenhauer, Jake, Katie Knutson, Lisa, Lucas McGranahan, Marcus Peterson, Marsha, Michael Fitzsimons, Nathan Plot Summary - - In 13 GENDERS, by Cyra K. Polizzi, interviewees attempt to articulate their interactions with and attitudes toward their own gender expression, intersex and trans issues, gender in entertainment and the workplace, sexual preference and the future of gender. The interviews, woven together with music and movie clips, are sometimes funny, often contradictory and occasionally surprisingly similar. Production History - - From 2004-2007 "13 Genders" was used in classrooms across the US and Canada as a tool for starting discussions about a variety of gender issues. The film is no longer widely available. Screenings Include - SEXUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE MEDIA & SEXUAL MINORITIES CONFERENCE ENGENDERING DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE THE SOUTHWEST/TEXAS POPULAR CULTURE AND AMERICAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
>INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BISEXUALITY ROUGH CUT SCREENING | 
| |||
Most Wonderful Peoplemudgeonsoul productions and Trundling Productions . 9 min . Color . 2004Who made it happenWriter/Director -- Noah Reimer Producers -- Noah Reimer, Richard Paro Associate Producer -- Nicholas Langholff DP -- Richard Paro Editors -- Ryan Alby, Noah Reimer, Richard Paro Cast -- Noah Reimer, Cyra K. Polizzi News! -- Great review in Film Threat www.filmthreat.com on September 2, 2004. -- Screened with AN OBVIOUS MOMENT OF HAPPINESS on October 20 & 23. -- Best of the Fest winner at the Burlington Culture Festival -- Named on FILM THREAT 2004 top ten list www.filmthreat.com Screening Include: - Black Point Film Festival, Lake Geneva, WI - Majestic Midway Theatre, Chicago, IL - Flickerings, Bushnell, IL - Burlington Culture Film Festival, Burlington, WI - Looptopia, Chicago, IL |  | |||
An Obvious Moment of Happinessmudgeonsoul productions . 82 min . Color . 2003Robin and Nate are fighting, Sadie and Steven need to talk, Lyric published a novel & met Maggie and Cliff's just happy to be here.This comedy/drama weaves through a group of friends as they deal with the complications and exhilaration of love and success... or lack thereof. Who made it happen Written, Produced & Directed by Richard Paro Cast - Ryan Alby . Cliff - Matthew Braaten . Steven - Noel Christopher . Sadie - Nicholas Owen Langholff . Nate - Richard Paro . Lyric - Cyra K. Polizzi . Robin - Rebecca Scott . Maggie - Peter John Olsen . Ryecheck - Noah Riemer . S.M. Friend - Therese Valkenaar . Callie Assicate Producers - Ryan Alby - Nicholas Langholff - Holly Mosher DP - Holly Mosher Editors - Richard Paro - Ryan Alby Music- - Dave Maxon - Scott Paro - Ryan Alby - Home Demo Vixens - Freshwater Collins - Ticklepenny Corner Screenings Include: Majestic Midway Theater Film Series. -- October 20, 2004. 7:00pm - -- October 23, 2004. 10:30pm - -- 5722 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL Black Point Film Festival --Lake Geneva, WI | 
| |||
Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrelsmudgeonsoul productions . 1999, 2001, 2008In this mockumentary series, three friends try to make some extra cash by putting together a haunted house. This is more complicated than expected.Who made it happen Cast -Steven Apple -Nicholas Langholff -Richard Paro -Noah Riemer -Liz Bartell -Don Carr -Joan Carr -Peter J. Olson -Aaron Zorn -Eric Riemer -Ryan Alby -Johnny Reno -Beth Riemer Director -Richard Paro Writers -Richard Paro - Nicholas Langholff Producer -Nicholas Langholff DP -Holly Mosher Editor -Vanessa Fincher -Holly Mosher -Richard Paro Music -Dave Maxon Screenings Include: - Black Point Film Festival, Lake Geneva, WI - Times Cinema, Milwaukee, WI - Looptopia, Chicago, IL |   |