Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Introduces “APP”
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
What has happened to the good old-fashioned dating scene, when we were accustomed to meeting “the one” and we fell head over heels after interacting with them face to face? To tell you the truth, technology has taken over every part of our lives and made it impersonal and yet instantaneous. Instant gratification is what we all seek and our devices are quick to help us achieve that much desired success in all aspects of our lives, most obviously with finding love.
The overall concept was recently explored at Tribeca Film Festival 2014 when the short film “APP” hit the big screen for its world premiere to a sold-out audience. With the catch phrase “Love is dumb. Now there’s an app for that:)”, you can imagine where the film takes you. What did we ever do before the arrival of iPhones and iPads? Now Paul, a shy and yet brilliant app developer, is trying to launch the newest love “APP” but needs venture capital right now in order to get his invention off the ground and running.
This comedy gets right to the heart of the matter as Paul looks to sex-starved investor, Mike, to make his newest idea become his reality. Mike wants Paul to prove it works and what better of an atmosphere to ignite the power of the “APP” than at a bar. The target is beautiful blond Zoey, a woman that Mike wants Paul to hook up with through his “APP” and prove that it really works. Paul might just be in luck because his “APP” tells him that she recently broke up with her boyfriend. Mike tells him to score with Zoey and the capital is his. From the beginning, the “APP” declares Paul and Zoey incompatible but he is willing to take his chances and accept the consequences. The rest you will have to wait and see but we can tell you that the night continues to take some unpredictable turns.
So what was behind the writer’s thought process in developing this screenplay? While so much technology is right at our fingertips these days, we seem to be more confused and more alone now than ever. Through this particular film, Alexander Berman, the writer, shows us that our collective loneliness is only increased by technology and although we may consider it the solution to our problems, it may only create even more. Our social media platforms fuel our desire for instant success.
Berman grew up in front of the laptop for a large percentage of his childhood, while the generation before him grew up on the soccer or ball field. Our interdependence on our mobile devices is almost frightening in present day. This film takes you right into a distinct part of that world.
With an outstanding cast of Braden Lynch, Sara Sanderson, JR. Cacia and Ashley Lambert, the story is even more convincing. The artists behind the camera such as Alexander Berman, Edouard de Lachomette, Robert Phillips, Edward Salerno Jr., Matthew Novak, Jeremy Lerman and Benjamin Berman, are young yet extremely experienced in the world of technology and its reign on our lives.
What makes this newest film so special is the spotlight that shines ever so brightly on these creative writers, producers, cinematographers and actors, all thanks to the American Film Institute. The AFI explores and fosters talent in a mentoring manner, creating an atmosphere derived for maturation of skills and gifted talent. Many past graduates of the American Film Institute have gone on to win Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Tony Awards and have even been highly recognized for their achievements at Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. Alfred P. Sloan Foundation generously granted a $25,000 grant to the making of the film “APP.”
While the film hits a high note on just how influential technology has become today, it is an entertaining look into a topic that we all are fixated on, love. Make sure and visit the devoted website known as www.appthemovie.com.
PHOTO CREDITS: PR Contacts, Susan Szotyori and Jessie Cohen
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