“Like A Summer Sonata”
Drama/ 12 min/ 2016
written & directed by Natalie MacMahon
Two Strangers, one secret- a lot to lose.
Paloma holds the key to Stephen's hidden secret, using it as a tool to maneuver their relationship according to her terms. Driven by an inexplicable attraction, she begins an incessant journey of following him, despite the surrounding danger.
“Like A Summer Sonata” consists of four different parts that are named after the classical structure of a Sonata. It can be described as a psychological, film noir drama, which raises several moral questions.
“Like A Summer Sonata” is available for streaming on AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Like-Summer-Sonata-Natalie-MacMahon/dp/B079QCF237
and SOONER:
https://stream.sooner.de/recommended/like-a-summer-sonata/m/like-a-summer-sonata
CAST & TEAM:
Jonathan Florez , Natalie MacMahon, Ekaterina Prokofyeva
DOP: Amber Palmer /Production Coordinator: Sylvia Pollow/ Foley & Sound designer: Jacopo Vannini/ Mix & Mastering: Kolloagency/ Original Music composed by Jacopo Vannini
Festivals:
Cannes Short Film Corner 2016
Melbourne Indie Film Festival 2016 ("Indie Spirit Award Nomination)
Miami Independent Film Festival 2016
New York Film Week 2016
Headline International Film Festival 2016 ("Award of Merit")
New York State International Film Festival 2016
Venice Film Week 2016
Toronto Film Week 2016
Blow-Up Arthouse Film Festival 2016
The European Independent Film Awards 2017
Washington PA Film Festival 2017
Warsaw Independent Film Festival Warsaw -Best Director Award
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK:
“Each movement builds like music, quiet tension, rising stakes, then a final note that lingers long after.”
“Beautifully shot and tightly controlled. Black and white never looked so dangerous.”
“A psychological game disguised as romance. Every glance felt loaded with danger and desire.”
“Classic noir vibes with a modern moral twist. You’re never quite sure who’s in control and that’s the thrill.”
“Paloma’s obsession is magnetic and terrifying. The moral lines blur fast and beautifully.”
“The black & white isn’t just a style, it’s a statement. This film lives in the grey areas.”
“What I loved most? The moral ambiguity. No heroes here, just beautifully flawed people circling each other.”
“Moody, mysterious, and masterfully composed. Noir fans will eat this up.”
“Power, desire, secrets. This short turns emotional manipulation into high art.”
Lola Want To See The Sea
EXPERIMENTAL DRAMA/ 5 MIN/ 2016
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY NATALIE MACMAHON
Short Descritption:
Lola's fascination with hitchhiking and fabricating identities offers her an exhilarating escape. But when an unexpected connection challenges her perception, she starts seeing herself in a new light.
Longer description:
LOLA likes to get into cars with strangers- to get away, to take a risk and do something unexpected, dangerous and exciting.
Every time Lola meets someone new, she makes up a story and identity. But most of the time, she calls herself “Lola” and tells them that she wants to see the sea.
Hitchhiking has become her hobby and taking a risk her passion until one day someone makes her see herself in a different light.
"Oaxaca Film Festival" review:
"Lola wants to see the sea" is an aesthetic and original reflection on anonymity and thrill ”.
"This film is original and offers something very interesting visually. The use of a photography in the background, the choice of the black & white, the cinematography of the short. It all combines to create something unique that definitely appeals to the audience. It creates curiosity. It changes. The story and the idea at its core is interesting and definitely original."
Festivals:
Sydney Indie Film Festival 2016 (world premiere)
(Nomination for the Extra Mile Award)
North American Film Awards 2016 Best Narrative Short Award
Cine Pobre Film Festival 2016 (Mexico)
Female Filmmakers Festival 2017
Eve Film Festival 2017
Alternative Film Festival 2017 Nomination Best Director
River Film Festival 2017 Padua, Italy
Hastings Film Fringe Festival 2017
Eichstädter Filmfest 2017
Corti in Cortile 2017
GRRL Haus Cinema Film Festival 2018
Short Shorts Film Festival 2018
Cort di Mare 2018- Finalist Lisbon Film Rendezvous 2018
Film Festival Bahari Indonesia 2019
Audience Feedback:
“Like a poem in motion. Hitchhiking becomes a metaphor for identity, escape, and quiet self-destruction.”
“The black-and-white imagery made it feel timeless, like a memory she never fully owned.”
“Lola isn’t just looking for the sea, she’s looking for herself.”
“Lola’s lies aren’t lies. They’re versions of a girl trying to find the one that fits.”
“Every ride is a risk, every story a shield. This film captures the thrill and loneliness of running from yourself.”
“She lies to strangers, but what really hurts is how lost she is to herself.”
“Loved the photography-inspired aesthetic, every frame felt like a memory, half-true and fading.”
“She says she wants to see the sea, but maybe she just wants to stop running. Beautifully sad.”