44 CUTS APRIL 2013 www.screenagazine.com

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Not Just a bit of Fluff......................................................................................................

RELEASED May 1stCERTIFICATE PGDIRECTOR Sebastian Whitsfield CAST Philly Marra, Sebastian Whitsfield, Terrisha Downton-Snood and Robbie Judkins RUNNING TIME 5 mins.PLOT When a boy, (Sebastian Whitsfield) cheats on his ‘girlfriend’ (Terrisha Downtown Snood) he seeks wisdom from the great the buddhist, Robbie Judkins

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A truly creative and meaningful insight into the trials of young love. Philly Marra stands as real joy. You may have just caught her recent cameo on ’30 Rock’, playing the part of Jack Donaghy’s life coach which was utterly hilarious. However, as gifted as she is at comedy her performance in ‘Fluff’ is enchanting and does not rely on her comedic sensibility, instead we see an truly touching interpretation of Whitsfield’ script, which anchors the film and gives it real heart without ever being sentimental. Overall stand-up comics seem to be breaking through and we are beginning to see just what they can do. Whitsfield has also turned a corner; his anchoring performance (which he has also produced) has ensured the film’s narrative never flags.The short, just over five minutes, is shot on entirely on location which has now become a hallmark of a Whitsfield film. ‘There is so much more life on a real street, I need that energy to imbue my film.

IF YOU ARE EXPECTING to see ‘Crazy Love’, Part 2, then ‘Fluff’ is going to be a big disappointment. Whitsfield has succeeded in throwing off the Rom-Com slush and delivered

Good performance too from Robbie Judkins, a memorable and uplifting performance in his part as the mystic.Whitsfield is well within his comfort zone, being no strangerto playing the almost comical looser. Such familiar elements aside Whitsfield is authentic.When I stopped by his offices last week, I was surprised when he told me that the film was inspired by a true life episode, ‘I believe that being so intimately connected to the story gave me a better grasp of my character.’ How did you find directing? ‘I have to admit working on both sides of the camera has it’s problems, but I’d do it again.’

VERDICT Marra’s role isshamefully underwritten (especially for an actress capable of carrying a franchise), but Fluff is a indie cut above your average boy meets girl with a lovely experimental-chaos vibe.

David Hughes

★ ★ ★

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Whitsfield reflects,

‘working on both sides

of the camerahas it’s

problems but I would do it again’.

FLUFF

‘A LITTLE GEM’

IN CINEMAS.........

44 CUTS APRIL 2013 www.screenagazine.com

Fluff

FILM

S O

F TH

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United Kingdom 2013

Reviewed by Clyde Sadian

Director: Sebastian Whitsfield

Our very own ‘Blue Valentine’

There’s a scene in Sebastian Whitfield’s film in which Noah, a distressed teen finds solace in the southerly winds beautifully depicted both visually and digectically. This is a little charmer of a film which stays with you long after you have left the cinema. The simple narrative allows the story to roll a long but underneath all is simmering. The love interest, Philly Marra is pitch perfect, showing just how wide this still young actress is. As for Whitsfield I was pleased to see his move away from ‘Crazy Love‘ two dimensionality into a far deeper and funnier character study. Spoiler Alert! Robbie Judkins plays the mystic and as always brings his own familiar quirkiness to the part.

The second film from Whitsfield is inclined to this sort of symbolism in a way that his last, Crazy Love (2012), was not.

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Credits and Synopsis

Produced byAlison SterlingWritten by Sebastian RiversDirector of PhotographyAndirezejWojceichowskiFilm EditorJohnny RossAnnie Sherbonne

Production editorJim BeamMusicChris HajianSound MixerzsqEric Thomas

©First PositionFilms LLCProduction

CompaniesA Bess KargmanProductionsupported byThe Manhattan MovementcastPhilly Mara, Sebastian Whitsfield

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It’s an eloquent love story soft but funny without ever being formulaic. It is truth that wins, and plays out so absorbing.

With ‘Fluff ’ Whitsfield moves on to vastly different territory. An expansive and many textured love story, shot on location in London the film explores moments.