By: debbie lynn elias
I wasn’t familiar with Ivo Raza or his work until recently, but let me tell you, he’s on my radar now thanks to his latest short film, SEVENTEEN HOURS IN. Completely unexpected, writer/director Raza expertly captures not only emotion, but crafts three distinct acts of a story within a mere 15 minutes, making one feel the time lapse of a day-in-the-life solely through strong performances and striking cinematography.
Poignantly opening with a very surreal bright, almost ethereal visual, we meet Liz. Through her facial expressiveness, you know she is receiving bad news and it doesn’t take long before we find out what. She has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. With an ambitious and energetic “go for it” attitude, Liz heads to the local bar for a quiet drink to clear her head, come to terms with her diagnosis. But on meeting the utterly sweet and charming Kevin, she has a better idea. Be reckless and carefree. Have some fun. Upbeat, happy, full of life, she and Kevin dive right in for some bedroom fun, leading to some completely surprising twists and turns that celebrate the ironies, and humor, of life.
As Liz, Jennifer Dawson delivers an emotionally chameleonic yet believable performance. We see the emotional impact of that first day of diagnosis as Dawson goes from a quiet disbelief with no words, to a “live life to its fullest” progression. Interesting and effective tact to take that resonates with truth.
I’ve been watching David Lipper since his days as the unnamed hot springs victim in Dante’s Peak. No matter how limited a role, Lipper always makes the most of it and here as Kevin, he shines. Charming, affable, likeable and sincere, his play with Dawson keeps the mood upbeat in what could easily have turned maudlin. When he learns of Liz’ cancer, Kevin has no trepidation and, in fact, provides subtle positive reinforcement through his body language. Nicely played by Lipper.
So engaging is this short that one quickly becomes invested in Liz and Kevin. I, for one, would relish the opportunity to see SEVENTEEN HOURS IN expanded to a feature. With limited time to tell the story, Raza and his DP Bernardo Nogueira, lens judiciously and effectively with natural bright lighting (but for the opening which is brightly, hazily lit with an ethereal vibe), keeping the film upbeat. With close-ups and two-shots, Raza creates an intimacy that allows for the audience to connect.
Eclectic music selections ranging from the an electronic Zimmer-esque sound to Harry Belafonte completes the picture.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, festival screenings during the month take on a whole new level of poignancy.
Written and Directed by Ivo Raza
Cast: Jennifer Dawson, David Lipper, Aniela McGuiness, Kathrin Rein, Will McLean
You can catch SEVENTEEN HOURS IN at these upcoming festivals in October:
Tacoma Film Festival – October 3-10, 2013 – http://www.tacomafilmfestival.com/
Louisville International Film Festival – October 9-12, 2013 – http://louisvillefilmfestival.org/
New York City Independent Film Festival – October 14-20, 2013 – screening 10/20 at 12:15pm http://www.nycindiefilmfest.com/films/view/seventeen-hours-in
