Benners Quarry

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Fresh Guacamole - American - 1:40 minutes
This film holds the distinction of being the shortest film ever nominated for an Oscar. It boasts captivating computer-generated graphics and a truly imaginative story line. Remarkably, it has amassed over 230,000,000 views on YouTube, potentially making it one of the most-watched short films in history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y

Harvest in Ticino – British - 3 minutes
In 1957, the BBC produced a short documentary that made its debut on April 1st of that year. It stands as one of the most renowned April Fools' hoaxes ever orchestrated. The documentary's effectiveness was amplified by the authoritative BBC announcer, who, with his refined British accent, lent it an air of immense credibility, ultimately deceiving a significant number of individuals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVo_wkxH9dU

The Paperboy - India - 13 minutes long
This 2016 film has garnered numerous accolades at Indian Film Festivals and is a captivating piece of cinema on various fronts. It narrates the story of a young orphaned paperboy eking out a living in a bustling Indian city while being homeless. His survival hinges on his paperboy job, but he's also passionate about drawing, using available stones to etch his art onto walls. The boy's striking innocence and his remarkably natural acting shine throughout the film.In black and white and devoid of dialogue, this movie stands as a visual masterpiece. The cinematography exhibits an artistic and exquisite touch. The camerawork frequently employs a narrow depth of field, accentuating the focal point while gently blurring the background images. It's a film that invites multiple viewings, encouraging viewers to contemplate its deeper meaning. The vibrant shoes introduced into the boy's otherwise drab life symbolize color and joy, embodying a universal tale of hope cherished by every child. Additionally, this film underscores the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone's life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neWPK3fRg5c

Five Minute University - "Italian" - 5 Minutes
It is important that I include something education, since I did teach college for many years. As a college teacher I realized there was so much truth to this short film.

In the early 1980s, there was a comedian who frequently graced the stage of Saturday Night Live, where he consistently portrayed the character of an Italian Catholic Priest named Father Guido Sarducci. Some of you might have fond memories of him, hence the use of quotes around "Italian."Beyond his SNL appearances, he was an active participant in the stand-up comedy circuit. What set him apart was his style; he wasn't your typical one-liner comedian. Instead, he crafted routines that spanned 4 to 5 minutes, offering insightful observations about our world. Some of these routines were nothing short of brilliant, showcasing his exceptional writing skills. Today, I'd like to share one of his routines from the early 1980s, entitled "The Five Minute University." Regrettably, the video quality may not be as pristine as we'd prefer, but I believe you'll still find it enjoyable.

https://youtu.be/c00GPvns31U?si=r8y3IbiKjodvZrvb

Mr. Happy, Johnny Barnes - Bermuda – 11 minutes long
Hailing from Bermuda, this 2011 film introduces us to Johnny Barnes, a remarkable individual who truly stands out. At times in our lives, we encounter individuals whose inherent kindness seems to reach a saintly level. These exceptional people leave an indelible mark on us, and Johnny Barnes is unquestionably one of them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_EX5NzqNXc

Intelligent Design - 5 Minutes American
I want to introduced everyone to the enlightening series of short documentaries known as TED Talks. TED Talks are brief lectures captured in front of a live audience. These engaging talks had their inception in 1990, under the motto "Ideas Worth Spreading." Their videos are freely accessible, and the "Ideas Worth Spreading" ethos imparts valuable insights into our world. Many of these lectures delve into the outcomes of research, shedding light on various realms of science, technology, and culture. Speakers are allotted a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and captivating ways possible. Today, I'd like to showcase a relatively short TED Talk. The title, "Intelligent Design," may seem like a playful turn of phrase, but it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the talk.

https://www.ted.com/talks/david_gallo_underwate…

J-Mac – 6 minutes – American
I'm an avid sports enthusiast, and one of my cherished sports quotes hails from President Harry Truman. It's been recounted that one of his aides observed a curious habit of the President's – when Truman perused the daily newspaper, he unfailingly turned to the sports pages before anything else. Intrigued, the assistant inquired about this habit. In response, President Truman offered a profound insight: " The sports pages are filled with man's achievements, while the front page is dominated by his failures." Now, turning our attention to our next film, it's unquestionably a testament to remarkable human achievements. This film, produced in 2006 by ESPN Films, was created with the noble purpose of raising awareness about autism.

https://youtu.be/RmaIsE2nLZk?si=NjgO8fuPDBkl1dF_

This film never fails to bring a hint of emotion to my eye. It originates from the year 2006, and my curiosity led me to follow up on Jason to discover what became of him. Each year, ESPN presents awards recognizing outstanding athletes and other notable sporting achievements. In 2006, Jason received the prestigious ESPN award for the best sports moment of the year. Remarkably, he outshone contenders such as Kobe Bryant's 81-point game and George Mason's remarkable run to the final four. Jason's journey also led him to encounters with luminaries like Oprah Winfrey and President Bush. For many years, he has been quietly and diligently working in the bakery department at Wegman's in his hometown near Rochester, New York.Notably, Jason passionately travels across the United States, dedicating his efforts to raising funds for autism research. Furthermore, since 2007, he has been actively contributing as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Greece Athena High School, working alongside Coach Johnson, who commends his burgeoning knowledge of the game. This heartwarming story truly shines in every aspect.

Puttin' on the Ritz - 6 Minutes - Russian
Now, let's explore a music video genre known as the "flash mob." Flash mobs had their heyday a few years ago and, much like disco and streaking, they eventually faded into obscurity. Nonetheless, during their peak, some flash mobs were truly astonishing.

Are you familiar with the concept of a "flash mob"? For those who aren't, a flash mob involves a group of dancers or musicians spontaneously performing in a public place, without prior announcement. Typically, one or two individuals will initiate the performance by dancing or playing music, gradually drawing more participants from the group. At first glance, it might appear as if those joining in are simply random spectators. However, the performance is intricately choreographed. The following video represents one of the finest examples of a flash mob that I've ever encountered. It features a large number of participants, remarkable dancing, and revolves around a Russian wedding. Moreover, they've selected an excellent piece of music – Irving Berlin's 1929 classic, "Puttin' on the Ritz."

https://youtu.be/oacelnX3VSQ?si=DZ-jQSUL3ph9m0ch

I’m So Excited – 6 Minutes - American
Perhaps some of you have come across this remarkable composite video that features dancing scenes from classic films. The synchronization of these vintage dance clips with a contemporary song is truly impressive. My wife and I have been passionate about ballroom dancing for nine years now. While I may not consider myself a master, I've gained at least the ability to appreciate and identify skillful dancers when I see them. This particular video showcasing the talents of great dancers from old movies is quite enjoyable. It's a fun challenge to try and recognize both the stars and the movies these clips are extracted from.

https://youtu.be/xVuIVP6Pef8?si=lMbuhIYbBGNfxWPo

Let’s Go to the Beach – 5 minutes long - Scotland
When it comes to past films that consistently attract attention, "The Ridge" stands out. In "The Ridge," we witnessed the awe-inspiring biking skills of Scottish rider Danny MacCaskill as he conquered a Scottish mountain. And now, Danny returns with his latest creation, "Let’s Go to The Beach."

Each year, the Banff Mountain Outdoor Film Festival acknowledges and celebrates exceptional outdoor and adventure films. These award-winning films then embark on a worldwide tour. I distinctly remember viewing this particular award-winning film a few years back during one of their World Tour screenings. This short film was shot on Gran Canary Island, a Spanish island located off the coast of Morocco. The location is undeniably breathtaking. Just like Danny's previous works, the cinematography is exceptional, often incorporating stunning drone shots. ...and, of course, his biking skills continue to astound.

After witnessing these incredible feats, it's astonishing that Danny is still with us.

https://youtu.be/GL0rbxB9Lqg?si=QwidWeIxEz0gOzdd

Lifted - 5minutes long - American
Let's journey back to your childhood once more, beginning with an animated classic. This particular gem hails from the illustrious studio Pixar, a proud subsidiary of Disney, renowned as the foremost pioneer in computer-generated animation. When faced with the task of selecting a cartoon for our viewing pleasure, it's impossible to overlook the sheer brilliance of PIXAR. You might recall the enchanting Pixar avian adventure from our initial session. In this film, pay close attention to the meticulous craftsmanship that permeates every aspect, from the visuals to the narrative – it's truly top-tier. Observe how this seemingly simple cartoon has the remarkable ability to evoke a myriad of emotions, all without the need for spoken words.

https://youtu.be/LVLoc6FrLi0?si=53b3x0ku1FDMFkNs

The Red Balloon - 34 Minutes - French
Back in 1956, this film clinched the coveted Oscar for short films, and it has since become one of the most cherished tales for children, achieving iconic status in the world of short films. Its enchanting narrative unfolds on the charming streets of Paris, where a young boy en route to school stumbles upon a red balloon ensnared on a lamppost. Little does he know that this balloon possesses magical qualities. The film takes us on a whirlwind of adventures as we follow the boy and his extraordinary Red Balloon.If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting Paris, you'll be entranced by the nostalgic allure of the 1950s Parisian street scenes in the movie. Much of the filming transpired in the Montmartre district of Paris, a place I had the opportunity to stay in a couple of years ago. The stark contrast between the vibrant red balloon and the otherwise drab, gray cityscape is truly striking. It's a masterpiece in its simplicity, featuring just two real characters - the young boy and the red balloon. This film is a delightful gem not only intended for children but profoundly about the essence of childhood itself. The young boy's authenticity is truly heartwarming.

Despite being a French production, the film doesn't rely on spoken dialogue. Instead, it communicates its beauty through visuals and emotions. It's simply a breathtaking and profoundly beautiful cinematic creation.

https://youtu.be/VexKSRKoWQY?si=2Hie8_9Fitxu3mX9

NOTE: I'm always open to presenting my short films to non-paying audiences. My only payment is seeing the smiles and laughter the films bring.

Dale Johnson
dalejohnson99@gmail.com
717-666-1130 (h)
443-841-4372 (c)

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