7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards – Spotlight Q&A
Regal LA Live, September 6, 2025
Following screenings and premieres, a distinguished group of filmmakers and actors took the stage to reflect on their craft, their projects, and the unique role of independent short films. The panel featured an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers — Madison Wolfe, Raphaël Buisson, David Alan Graf, Tate Donovan, and Michael Paré — who explored themes of creativity within constraints, the balance between imagination and emotional truth, and the ways short films serve both as artistic laboratories and as platforms for established and emerging voices alike.
Madison Wolfe — Acorn, Iowa
Stepping behind the camera for the first time, Madison Wolfe presented Acorn, Iowa in its world premiere in the non-competitive section, and used the Q&A to reflect on her transition from actress to director. She shared how personal experiences shaped the film’s exploration of friendship and identity, and how working with her sister in the lead role added an extra layer of trust and vulnerability to the process. Her perspective underscored how directing offered new creative freedoms, while also requiring a different kind of responsibility.
Raphaël Buisson — Focal Point
Raphaël Buisson, the young French director of Focal Point, which had its world premiere in the non-competitive section, discussed the film’s origins and creative development. He described blending intimate themes of grief with cosmic ideas, and noted how his background influenced the film’s visual identity. The involvement of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Kip Thorne was also highlighted as an example of how scientific expertise can enrich cinematic storytelling. Buisson also acknowledged the challenges and opportunities of expanding a short film into a feature.
David Alan Graf — Focal Point
With a career spanning comedy, drama, and now science fiction, David Alan Graf brought a wealth of perspective to the panel. As the lead and producer of Focal Point, he reflected on the arc of his career and on what drew him to this ambitious project. His remarks emphasized how collaboration and trust shape performance, particularly in stories that demand both emotional depth and imaginative reach.
Tate Donovan — Steady
As the lead of Steady, Tate Donovan—awarded Best Actor of the Year—spoke about the appeal of independent short films as spaces for fresh, compelling storytelling. He reflected on how his own background as both actor and director shapes the way he approaches roles, and noted the importance of collaboration in bringing authenticity to screen. His insights reinforced the idea that short films, though compact, can carry as much resonance and impact as larger productions.
Michael Paré — Steady
Veteran actor Michael Paré, co-star of Steady and awarded Best Supporting Actor of the Year, emphasized what continues to attract him to independent projects. He reflected on the distinct rhythm of short films and the creativity that arises from working within tighter resources. His comments highlighted the enduring motivation of experienced actors to participate in stories that are personal, daring, and artistically meaningful.
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