Slamdance 2022 Film Festival Premiere – “Why haven’t you watched my short film?”

Even just hearing those seven words sends shivers down my spine. The chilling terror of having to find an adequate excuse, not hurting your friend’s feelings, and hopefully NOT have to watch the short – it’s a terrifying tightrope walk for only the bravest amongst us. The Event, however, isn’t a horror film – but rather a zany comedy from friends and co-creators Frank Mosley and Hugo de Sousa. Vince (Hugo de Sousa) and Jack (Frank Mosley) are both in the film industry, or, maybe struggling to be in the film industry would be a more accurate description. The tides are turning though, as Vince has finally made his first short film. There’s only one problem – Jack still hasn’t watched it. Some friend, right?

The Event has a silly sweetness that stems largely from the real-life chemistry of de Sousa and Mosley. There’s a comfortable familiarity to their friendship on screen which makes the difficult conversations that fuel this short truly delightful. An additionally delightful performance by Jennifer Kim as Jack’s girlfriend Beatrice adds a feminine touch to the film – and a few really great laughs. Overall, a silly little romp that highlights the perils and pitfalls of having friends in the film industry. I mean, we’ve all been there, right?

The Event made its world premiere at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival in the Narrative Shorts Competition.

6 out of 10