Eclipse Film Festival 2003

"Saints and Soldiers"
(USA) Feature Drama
Producer: Adam Abel
Director/Producer: Ryan Little
35mm / 90 min.

“Saints and Soldiers” is based on the horrifying historical event know as the “Malmedy Massacre.”

In mid-December 1944 Hitler’s Army blitzbriegs through the Ardennes forest into Belgium creating the terrifying wintertime offensive known as the “Battle of the Bulge.” Corporal Nathan ‘Deacon” Greer and close friend Gordon Gunderson find themselves held captive with over one hundred other allied Soldiers in a snow-covered field near Malmedy, Belgium. As panic and confusion ensues the German captors open fire on the unarmed Soldiers. Deacon, Gunderson and a handful of other Soldiers escape into the nearby woods. Without weapons or food they take on the unforgiving winter as they try to find their way back to Allied occupied territory.

Contains Some Wartime Violence

“The Best Two Years”
(USA) Feature Comedy
Director/Producer:
35mm / 90 min.

Four missionaries. Half a world away. The experience of a lifetime.

Shot on location in Holland, THE BEST TWO YEARS is the story of Elder Rogers (KC CLYDE), a seasoned yet distracted missionary assigned to train Elder Calhoun (KIRBY HEYBORNE, The R.M.), an eager yet unsure greenie from Oklahoma. Together they will learn the value of hard work, the importance of friendship and the magnitude of their calling.

THE BEST TWO YEARS is based on the acclaimed stage play, The Best Two Years of My Life, by Scott S. Anderson. It features an original soundtrack by Michael McLean and a story that is sure to inspire the missionary at heart.

All Ages

"Clipping Adam"
(USA) Feature

Writer/Director/Producer: Michael A. Picchiottino
Director of Photography: Jim Orr
35mm / 90 min. 22 sec.

Despite what he says, Adam is not “fine”. The summer before freshman year should be a time full of possibilities, but Adam struggles with family tragedy, everyday teenage growing pains, and the very real threat of high school hazing. Fortunately, Adam finds allies (some likely, some unlikely) who help him repair his heartache as well as his ailing relationship with his father. Set in a small, Southern California beach town, Adam discovers the inner strength one can find with the support of a community. His story is proof of the notion that with the help of family and friends, you can always find your way back home.

Contains Some Minor Language

“First Aid For Choking”
(USA) Feature
Director: Megan Griffiths
16mm / 90 min.

Small-town girl Gillian Tremaine enrolls at the local beauty school with her roommate and best friend Jay. Walking into class on her first day, Gillian is confronted with issues from her past she has long buried, but which she must now resolve. Involving a cast of Gillian’s dysfunctional family, her outrageous classmates, and an unexpected free spirit, First Aid for Choking tells the story of fining a voice, using it, and not allowing your past to devastate your future.

Warning: Contains Heavy Language

“The Collectors”
(USA) Feature Action
Writer/Director/Producer: John Lyde
DV / 81 min.

"The Collectors" is about a family in conflict. Logan wanted to follow in his father's footsteps as a kickboxing champion. But his dreams are literally shattered when an automobile accident leaves him without the use of his legs. His family and former friends watch helplessly as he withdraws from the world and shuts himself off from life for two years. The only person who can talk to him is his grandfather, a pioneering mathematician and computer game programmer. Logan's grandfather designs a game specifically for him, called "The Collectors," which gives him a glimpse at the adventure and athleticism he longs for. But Logan soon encounters danger and intrigue as the barriers between his real and virtual lives seem to break down.

Contains Martial Art Violence