2024 OIF ORLANDO SPARK Short Film Challenge

Star Cafe by – Robin Hofmann
Elderly cafe owner struggles to maintain the small restaurant she built decades ago to support her granddaughter with Down syndrome. [ PG ]

Valentine’s Day by – David Kashner
One year after losing his daughter, a man goes to the gravesite to end his life. But fate has other intentions. [ PG-13 ]

Phone Home for the Holidays by – Nick Marinucci and Angela Hamilton
Brad and Claire celebrate their first Christmas Eve alone, but things go awry when an unexpected visitor shows up. [ PG-13 ]

White Day by – Brooke Fauver
When a phone call from Robin’s mom and a football derail Roslin’s confession of love, Robin turns to a Japanese holiday of reciprocation to catch her anime-loving heart. [ PG-13 ]

Ring Around The New Year (Previously The Engagement Ring) by – Alex R. Wagner
A man trapped in a time loop on New Year’s Eve must uncover the right choices to win over his love and break free, only to face a surprising twist in his quest for true happiness. [ PG ]

The Queen of Christmas by – Chuck Fusca
In a bid to win over new friends in her town, Sarah enters a cookie contest to become the ultimate “Cookie Queen” but discovers that the sweetest victory lies in the Christmas Spirit. [ PG-13 ]

A Story of Hope by – Krystal Derico
LOGLINE: BASED ON TRUE EVENTS: Diana a mother of 3 gives her daughter a lifetime of advice as she battles Cancer and celebrates Christmas like it’s her last. [ PG ]

Myra’s Last Hope by – Luke Riether
In a struggling town, a chance encounter with a kind-hearted homeless man sparks hope and leads to a heartwarming transformation as the community comes together just in time for Christmas. [ G ]

In Between by – Jorge Barba
Two strangers wake up in a weird house they can’t leave, forcing them to work together if they want to escape an uncertain future. [ G ]

My Love Lilac by – Sky Belluomini
Lilac and Crystal struggle to get pregnant over the holiday season. Will a Christmas wish make their dreams come true? [ PG ]

Fair Haired Child by – Kelly D. Weaver
Having lost her mother last year, Johnna wishes to have a good Christmas this year. She constantly gets in fights with her new stepmother and her father. When a strange being known as Julian comes to her on Christmas Eve, Johnna just might get her wish. [ PG-13 ]

A Christmas Bumble by – Lonnie Jackson
Do you believe in Love at first sight? Its real, but be careful or someone may get hurt. [ PG ]

A VHS CHRISTMAS by – James Pinard
After a father and son argument on Christmas Eve, the father receives a magical VHS tape that transports him to Christmas 1988, where he gets a chance to reconcile with his own father. [ G ]

Is He Real? by – Dagniel Mantilla Sanchez
When a spirited mother, Judy, strives to preserve her daughter Olivia’s belief in Santa amid schoolyard skepticism, their heartwarming journey through the magic of Christmas questions and traditions becomes a comedic and touching exploration of the enduring power of belief, family, and the enchantment of the holiday season. [ G ]

Let’s Stay Together by – Neena Leon/ Rebeline Productions
Infatuated with her childhood best friends Janelle and Parker, who are reunited high school sweethearts . Delphine’s crush on both of them gradually turns into obsession as she is forced to watch a growing romance blossom between them. [ PG ]

Cracked: The Last Egg-Stravaganza by – Valerie Jones Rash and Rory Smith
A slightly irreverent mockumentary about a 1994 church peanut butter Easter egg fundraiser. [ PG ]

Merry Christmas Forever by – Joshua Shaffer
Christmas won the war on Christmas, now a ragtag team of Holiday Heroes fights back against an unrecognizable winter wonderland. [ PG ]

Happy Thankschristmasvaleneasterween Of July by – Arturo Uspango
Two children summon the spirit of life by merging the holidays. [ PG-13 ]

Visions of Sour Plums by – Sean Critelli
As Santa settles in to read the letters sent to him from children worldwide, he discovers a letter that will change Christmas forever. [ PG-13 ]

The President is Dead by – Julia Dansereau
Two college students set out to throw the greatest Halloween party ever- but at what cost? [ PG-13 ]

Black Friday by – Tyler Sussmann
Burdened with being involved in a toxic relationship this time on year, a young man, instead of finding great deals, finds something he never thought he needed – clarity. [ G ]

Protraction by – Amorea Fraley
4 children have an unexpected Halloween adventure, in this family fun film. Co-Written and directed by 8 year old Amorea Fraley [ PG ]

The Time Is Now by – Raymond Sostre
Life as an addict through the holidays. A story only heard of, but never seen by ordinary individuals. [ PG-13 ]

Unexpected Christmas by – Adam Gomez
Emily is A woman dealing with her own divorce when her best friend Sonia signs her up to sponsor A family for Christmas, helping everyone learn just what the holidays truly mean. [ G ]

THE HEARTBREAK by – Tracey Jane
A disoriented woman gets an unwelcomed stay at the world’s worst hotel & spa, down at the end of Lonely Street. [ PG-13 ]

Shift Swap by – Doc Anthony Bravo
Kerrie needs Friday off but it’s the 13th and a “freaky” event happens when she wakes up in another person’s body. [ PG-13 ]

Moment In Time by – Aline Lucas
When Derek gets the chance back in time to right a wrong, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he has to fix the past or to even exist in the future [ PG-13 ]

Vudu by – Adam Brunner
Two stranded space explorers struggle to survive the harsh elements of a new world, only to realize their fate is out of their control. [ PG-13 ]

To Serve Man by – Jason XCIX
A child-like robot receives counsel from an appointed lawyer regarding the robot’s larceny charge and likely death sentence. [ PG ]

The Abduction of Courtney Garland by – Victoria Garland
“In a small town, a teenage girl’s life takes a surreal turn when she becomes mysteriously impregnated and abducted by extraterrestrial beings. As her bewildered father races against time to protect her, he grapples with the haunting reality that her mother has already fallen victim to the same otherworldly fate.” [ PG-13 ]

Saving Cycle by – David Hahnert & Kimberly DiPersia
When his crush is tragically killed, Jake abandons everything to save endangered Katheryns in alternate dimensions. [ G ]

Sanctuary by – Jacob Schwartz
In a dystopian community where senses are dulled, a man who’s tasked with helping the community rise to paradise suddenly uncovers that everything, even himself is not what it appears to be. [ PG-13 ]

Forbidden Shadows by – Lauren Butterfield
A lonely boy makes a new friend who changes his life forever. [ PG ]

The Dinner by – Jonathan Silva
A woman in mourning sits down for dinner with a hologram to say a proper goodbye and seek the closure she never received all those years ago. [ PG ]

Embracing the Silence by – Jason True
“Embracing the Silence” is a moving documentary about Daniel Mione’s journey through deafness, from childhood dreams of hearing to embracing a silent world, and navigating the challenges of cochlear implants along the way. [ PG ]

No Leg Power by – Reign Burton
After experiencing a life changing event, Cj is able to find himself again through the love of Crossfit. [ G ]

Doctor Sleep by – David Powers
A sleep physician reveals how the messaging around sleep actually helps create insomnia. [ G ]

The Pirate Prince: The Story of Sam Bellamy by – Zachary Tuttle
During the “Golden age” of piracy, one name risen to the title of the “Prince of Pirates”. This is the tale of Sam Bellamy and his quest to become the richest pirate off the coast of the Americas. [ PG-13 ]

THE GOOD NEWS by – Dr. Jimmy McDowell
In sharing THE GOOD NEWS with others, we decided to hand out Bibles on a street corner & record the reaction and responses! We held up a sign, ‘Honk For A FREE Bible!’ If they honked, we delivered the free Bible to their car. What a wonderful insight into life in America 2024 regarding religion. [ G ]

Forward Smash by – Karen Aristegui
Six friends reconnecting through their shared passion for video gaming discover their bonds of friendship are stronger than ever. [ G ]

Delgado’s Last Heartbeat by – Malven Delgado and Rebecca Torres
A documentary dramatizing the true story of actor Malven Delgado and his journey through heart disease, the battle this brought to his life and the path that gave him the strength to overcome it all. [ PG ]

Notes for this genre: The film should be “told” in a story-like manner where we have interaction between a narrator, or other actors present. The limitation is up to the production lead, as long as it is made clear an attempt was made to bring contemporary presence (people) into the film. This second application is in endorsement of promoting as much member participation as possible, as well as an attempt to include as many award nominations possible in this particular genre to the production team’s participants.

Jason TRUE – Embracing the Silence
Embracing the Silence follows the poignant journey of a resilient individual navigating deafness. From childhood desires for auditory clarity to grappling with the challenges and controversies of cochlear implants, this compelling documentary explores the subject’s journey towards self-acceptance and a triumphant choice to embrace a silent world. [ Documentary , PG ]
Angeliz Bruno – Jesus Freak
A group of brave individuals in the entertainment industry gather together in this short Christian documentary to share their testimonies and faith with the world…Will the journey be easy? [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
David Powers – Doctor Sleep
A sleep doctor sheds light on the current problem with insomnia treatments and offers a groundbreaking new approach to recovery. [ Documentary , G ]
Reign Burton – No Leg Power
After experiencing a life changing event, Cj finds himself again through Crossfit [ Documentary , G ]
Zachary Tuttle – The Pirate Prince: the story of Black Sam Bellamy
During the “Golden age” of Pirates, one name arouse as the “Prince of Pirates”. This Documentary is about the life and legend of one of the wealthiest pirates who ever sailed the seas…”Black” Sam Bellamy. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Louie Castillo – Government vs The Government
A disabled veteran’s relentless fight against the Department of Veterans Affairs. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Michael Galgano – Boots to Blades
Wounded warriors form the Central Florida Warriors hockey team, battling injuries and their pasts on a path from combat boots to hockey blades. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Robert Laur – And……….Action
A look into the film makers and industry in Central Florida [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Malvin Delgado – Delgado’s Last Heartbeat
Delgado’s Last Heartbeat. A Documentary of the True Story of Actor Malvin Delgado and his journey through heart disease, the battle this brought to his life, and the path that took him to overcoming it all. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Jimmy McDowell – THE GOOD NEWS
2 men, not panhandling for money, but instead holding a sign “HONK FOR A FREE BIBLE!” interacting at intersections with drivers. How will human nature react? Happy, cursing, yelling at this free gift? This is where our unknown results will lead. [ Documentary , PG ]
Robert Brooksby – Entertainment Industry
The Industry Is Broken! [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Karen Aristegui – Forward Smash
Six friends reunite to relive their younger video gaming days. As their lives diverge their gaming friendship remains their binding thread. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]
Severin Hunt – Learning Forward Documentary
Nicole Greene saw a need to help kids who struggle to excel in normal learning environments. This lead her to create her own school to help challenge these kids to succeed. This documentary will cover her story and the story of the kids and family who she has helped. [ Documentary , PG ]
Melissa Dionne – He Loves Me/He Never Loved Me (A Brief Story of Narcissism)
We follow the stories of three highly successful and intelligent women, and how they fell prey to narcissistic monsters. [ Documentary , PG-13 ]

Robin Hofmann – Star Cafe
Elderly cafe owner struggles to maintain the small restaurant she built decades ago to support her granddaughter with Down syndrome. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Alex R. Wagner – The Engagement Ring
A man trapped in a time loop on New Year’s Eve must uncover the right choices to win over his love and break free, only to face a surprising twist in his quest for true happiness. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Arlene McQueen – In Between
Two strangers wake up in a weird house they can’t leave, forcing them to work together if they want to escape an uncertain future. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
David Kashner – Valentine’s Day
A year after a town tragedy, two lost souls find the thing that’s been missing in their lives. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Angela Hamilton and Nick Marinucci – Phone Home for the Holidays
Friends gather to celebrate Christmas in suburbia, but things go awry when an unexpected visitor shows up. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Brooke Fauver – White Day
After running away from Roslin confessing her feelings, Robin finds the perfect way to tell her how he feels. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Chuck Fusca – The Queen of Christmas
In a bid to win over new friends in her town, Sarah enters a cookie contest to become the ultimate “Cookie Queen” but discovers that the sweetest victory lies in the Christmas Spirit. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Emilio Roman – The Present
After a poor Wall street styled Negotiation with the Postal service, Santa Clause employee Rudolf to create a Sleigh that can travel at the speed of light, unknown to him, his wife Cookie, is plotting his demise. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Andrew Brunner – There Are No Mashed Potatoes in the Metaverse
A family Thanksgiving dinner that is held in the metaverse doesn’t go quite as planned. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Brandon Krum – New Years Evil
A movie about an actor action star who gets contacted by a crazy fan on New Years Eve with bombs planted all over the city. He must work with FBI agent Lucy Gordon to solve a series of riddles in order eliminate the threat and try and find the identity of the madman before the stroke of midnight! [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Joshua De La Vega – Catching Santa
A conspiracy theorist dedicates his life to catching Santa, One Christmas night He sets traps for St. Nick and makes a world-shattering discovery. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Krystal Derico – A Story of Hope
Logline: A story based on TRUE EVENTS: Tawana a mother of 3 gives her daughter a lifetime of advice as she battles Cancer and celebrates Christmas like it’s her last. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Kelly Weaver – Fait Haired Child
Having lost her mother last year, Johnna wishes to have a good Christmas this year. When a strange being known as Julian comes to her on Christmas Eve, Johnna just might get her wish. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Sky Belluomini – My Love Lilac
Lilac and Crystal have been struggling to get pregnant. Will a Christmas wish make their dreams come true? [ Holiday Theme , PG ] Lonnie Jackson – A Christmas Bumble
“Do you believe in Love at first sight? its real, but be careful or someone may get hurt.” [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Tyler Sussmann – Black Friday
Burdend with being involved in a toxic relationship this time on year, a young man, instead of finding great deals, find something he never thought he needed – clarity. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Neena Leon – Let’s Stay Together
LOGLINE: Infatuated with her childhood best friends Janelle and Parker, who are reunited high school sweethearts . Delphine’s crush on both of them gradually turns into obsession as she is forced to watch a growing romance blossom between them. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Dagniel Mantilla Sanchez – Is He Real?
When a spirited mother, Judy, strives to preserve her daughter Olivia’s belief in Santa amid schoolyard skepticism, their heartwarming journey through the magic of Christmas questions and traditions becomes a comedic and touching exploration of the enduring power of belief, family, and the enchantment of the holiday season. [ Holiday Theme , G ]
Arturo Uspango – Happy Thankschristmasvaleneasterween of July
Two children summon the spirit of life by merging the holidays. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Julia Dansereau – The President is Dead
Two college students set out to throw the greatest Halloween party ever- but at what cost? [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Luke Riether – Myra’s Last Hope
In a struggling town, a chance encounter with a kind-hearted homeless man sparks hope and leads to a heartwarming transformation as the community comes together just in time for Christmas. [ Holiday Theme , G ]
Sean Critelli – Visions of Sour Plums
As Santa settles in to read the letters sent to him from children worldwide, he discovers a letter that will change Christmas forever. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Joshua Shaffer – Merry Christmas Forever
The war on Christmas is over, Christmas won. A ragtag team of holiday heroes take the fight behind enemy lines to destabilize an unrecognizable winter wonderland. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
Kylee Peck – I’ll stop for you
woman faces alcohol addiction. Husband searches everywhere after her disappearance all for it to be an illusion. [ Holiday Theme , G ]
Amorea Fraley – Protraction
A trick or treating night, takes an unexpected turn and 4 children must fight for survival, in this fun family comedy holiday film. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Raymond Sostre – The Time Is Now
Life as an addict through the holidays. A story only heard of, but never seen by ordinary individuals. [ Holiday Theme , PG-13 ]
James Pinard Pinard – A VHS Christmas
After a father and son argument on Christmas Eve, the father receives a magical VHS tape that transports him to Christmas 1988, where he gets a chance to reconcile with his father. [ Holiday Theme , G ]
Valerie Jones Rash – Cracked: The Last Egg-stravaganza
A slightly irreverent mockumentary that sheds light on a 1994 county-wide church peanut butter Easter egg fundraising competition. [ Holiday Theme , PG ]
Adam Gomez – Unexpected Christmas
Amidst her own divorce, Emily discovers the true meaning of love and resilience as she sponsors a family in need for Christmas, revealing that sometimes the greatest gift is not what you can give, but what you can learn from those who have nothing. [ Holiday Theme , G ]

Dale Metz – Retribution
Faced with an impossible choice in a dystopian society, a father leads his youngest daughter to be sacrificed. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Tracey Jane – THE HEARTBREAK
A disoriented woman gets an unwelcomed stay at the world’s worst hotel & spa, down at the end of Lonely Street. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Joseph o’connor – Abduction of Courtney Garland
“In a small town, a teenage girl’s life takes a surreal turn when she becomes mysteriously impregnated and abducted by extraterrestrial beings. As her bewildered father races against time to protect her, he grapples with the haunting reality that her mother has already fallen victim to the same otherworldly fate.” [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Kimberly DiPersia – Saving Cycle
When his crush is tragically killed, Jake abandons everything to save endangered Katheryns in alternate dimensions. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Matthew Thomas – The Old Box
A young girl finds an unusual item in an old box [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
DoC Bravo – Shift Swap
Kerrie needs Friday off but it’s the 13th and a “freaky” event happens when she wakes up in another person’s body. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Aline Lucas – Moment in Time
When Derek gets the chance back in time to right a wrong, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he has to fix the past or to even exist in the future. [ Sci-Fi , G ]
Manny Plaza-Fernandez – “Let Me In”
A young man’s life is thrown for a loop when he encounters a familiar face has broken into his apartment. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Erik Helsen – The Day the Earth Stopped Spinning
A being from space arrives with an important message for the future of the earth. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Ross Capps – ISOLATED
An awkward teenager is invited to a deserted island by her old childhood friend for one last party to hold onto their youth. As the party builds the isolated teen’s anxiety, something on the island threatens to ruin the good times. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Lauren Butterfield – Forbidden Shadows
When a lonely boy meets an unlikely friend, his life is forever changed. [ Sci-Fi , G ]
Bianca Castillo – TimeForce – The Beginning
A young boy uncovers his father’s past, turning what seemed like mere storytelling into a startling reality. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Dawn Millings – Butta Crust
When her employees serve up a half-baked Pi Day surprise, Patricia is forced to clean up their mess before they can make it. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Jason Kathawa – To Serve Man
A child-like robot receives counsel from an appointed lawyer regarding the robot’s larceny charge and likely death sentence. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Douglas Nary, Jr. – Red Cutter
In a dystopian future on permanent lock down due to a deadly epidemic, monthly treatments must be enforced to ensure humanity’s survival. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Jonathan Silva – The Dinner
A man in mourning sits down for dinner with a hologram to say a proper goodbye and seek the closure he never received all those years ago. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Hugh DiMauro – The Backup
Deputy Wes Moore, under investigation for a bizarre, supernatural, duty related shooting, enlists the help of a retiring colleague also the subject of department scrutiny for his own paranormal incident. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Adam Brunner – VuDu
Two stranded space explorers struggle to survive the harsh elements of a new world, only to realize their fate is out of their control. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]
Claire Huder – In The Blink Of An Eye
A young woman who is always forgotten when out of sight takes a chance to meet someone special and finally be remembered. [ Sci-Fi , PG ]
Jacob Schwartz – SANCTUARY
In a dystopian community where senses are dulled, a man who’s tasked with helping the community rise to paradise suddenly uncovers that everything, even he is not what it appears. [ Sci-Fi , PG-13 ]