The Chelsea Film Festival, running from October 16th through October 20th, 2024, at Regal Cinemas here in Union Square, is set to host the East Coast premiere of Ǝvolution, a thought-provoking experimental micro-short film that proves big ideas can come in small packages and in perfect circles.
In just 1 minute 16 seconds, this cinematic gem by Award-Winning Director Romina Schwedler, with original music by Argentine Composer Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, explores a cycle as old as time: life leads to progress, progress leads to destruction, and destruction, well, leads back to life. But is this vicious circle unbreakable? Ǝvolution suggests the answer is yes, unless we decide to open our eyes.
Inspired by the overwhelming number of recent events that threaten human existence, Ǝvolution, possibly the shortest film in this 12th edition of the festival, plays out entirely through the symbolism of circles, cleverly illustrating —in the blink of an eye— the repeating patterns of history, and confronting viewers with the uncomfortable truth that our so-called “progress” may, in fact, be guiding us to our own ruin.
Premiering at the Regal 14 Union Square, New York City, on October 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., Romina Schwedler’s micro-short, featuring Leah Young with cinematography by Alan J. Carmona, will be sure to spark conversations longer than the film itself! Forcing viewers to reconsider the true meaning of evolution, not just as a biological process, but as a reflection of our collective journey as humans.
With a string of festival appearances across the globe, including CineGlobe at CERN (Switzerland/France), Oscar® Qualifying Cinequest (San José, CA), Liverpool Film Festival (Liverpool, UK), and the prestigious Catalina Film Festival (Catalina Island, CA), Ǝvolution has been impressing audiences with its minimalistic approach and impactful message; from screenings in bustling cultural hubs like Mexico City, to museums, libraries and other public venues in Canada, and even the hallowed halls of CERN. The film has also received several accolades, including Best 1-Minute Film at both the Buenos Aires International Film Festival and the Feedback Under-5-Minute Film Festival, as well as Best International Film at the Gotta Minute Film Festival in Canada.
The Chelsea Film Festival, known for its focus on bold and innovative storytelling, is the perfect platform for the East Coast unveiling of this timely and visually striking piece. For those seeking films that challenge conventional storytelling and offer introspective reflections on the state of the world, Ǝvolution is not to be missed. Playing in the international films block alongside a diverse group of shorts, the screening will be followed by a Q&A, providing deeper insights into the film’s creation and its poignant message.
Tickets are available now through the Chelsea Film Festival website: https://bit.ly/4eLsXtM
Writer, Director, Editor Romina Schwedler
Producers Romina Schwedler, Ignacio Montoya Carlotto
Original Music Ignacio Montoya Carlotto
DP Alan J. Carmona
Cast Leah Young, Romina Schwedler
Executive Producer Romina Schwedler
About The Director
Romina Schwedler, born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and based in NYC, debuted as a director in 2014 with How a Man Gets Ready, which earned her recognition as one of SHOOT Magazine’s top emerging directors that year. Her short film The Visit, featuring Oscar® Nominee June Squibb and Sean Maher, went on to screen at over 50 film festivals, winning 14 awards and earning multiple nominations. Schwedler’s work continues to garner acclaim, including her recent Award-Winning short film Now You See Us, which has been featured in festivals across the globe. Currently working on her first feature film, Romina is now collaborating with Award-Winning Writer and Producer James V. Hart (Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Hook) and two-time Emmy-Winning Producer and Director Scott Winant (Breaking Bad, True Blood).
About The Composer
Argentine pianist, composer and arranger Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, has built an impressive musical career performing with renowned South American artists like León Gieco and Raúl Porchetto. After discovering his true identity in 2014 as the grandson of Estela de Carlotto, President of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, Ignacio embraced his family’s deep musical roots. He has released over a dozen albums, including SEP7ETO and Inocencia repetida, and his work was featured in the Netflix docuseries Stories of a Generation.
Event Details:
- Film Title: Ǝvolution
- Festival: Chelsea Film Festival
- Venue: Regal 14 Union Square, New York City
- Date: October 18, 2024
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
