- The Madlab Post

For Blogmas this year, get ready to meet some of the most creative short film directors from around the world who are giving you a closer look at how their projects came together, even during moments when it seemed like things were going to fall apart.

MIDAS themed Christmas ornament by short film director Ben MeyerFrom channeling 60s era vibes for an unforgettable family dinner to finding the perfect wedding dress and overcoming the difficulties of working alone, learn how the power of community, cookies and spiders can either make or break a production.

If you’re new to Blogmas, it’s an annual blogging event that involves posting more festive themed content throughout the holidays. Some describe it as an advent calendar of sorts where bloggers around the world come together to celebrate the Christmas season.

Everyone does Blogmas in a different way including posting written, audio or visual content for 12, 24, 25 or 31 consecutive days in December.

Some bloggers also participate by posting on 12 alternate days in December, while other bloggers dedicate a number of posts in the days between December and January for this challenge.

Here at The Madlab Post, we’re doing a short blogathon based on the 12 Days of Blogmas, a collection of blogging prompts created an outdoor travel blogger, music teacher and Harry Potter addict named Britt at Alternatively Speaking. She made these prompts based on the popular song spanning the 12 Days of Christmas and we’re running with them in honor of Epiphany, the final day of the Christmas season that’s observed – depending on where you are in the world – on January 6 and January 19 with religious ceremonies, parties, 12-course meals, live performances, followed by several weeks of feasts and various cultural traditions to celebrate the baptism of the Lord, the arrival of the Magi, Three Kings or Three Wise Men.

To kick things off, directors from our Short Film Slam tournament style showcase take us on a quick tour of their Christmas trees and share their reasons behind putting one up (or not).

Jonesy Moore

Her romantic comedy film “When We're Thirty,” follows Will and Sarah, two longtime friends who, after a series of bad dates, make a pact to get married if they are both still single by the time they're thirty. The film then flashes forward to Sarah's wedding, from which she is contemplating running away, when Will is sent in to talk her through it. The film explores love, long-term commitment, and the friendship at the heart of every relationship.

“We put up a tiny little fake Christmas tree that the previous tenants of our apartment left because getting a real one requires too much cleanup.”

Celia Jaspers

Her family drama film “Milk,” is about a young girl who has a change of heart when she sees an old man unable to pay for his milk.

“I have two young kids, just coming out of Santa stage, but we put up a tree and decorate every year.”

Christmas tree by MILK short film director Celia Jaspers

Rahul Barkley

In his dark comedy film “Flipping,” a little help from a bud will go a long way...

“I did not only because I was away from home for the entire holiday. We did send out a Christmas card, though.”

Ben Meyer
His animated historical comedy "MIDAS," offers a fresh take on the old Greek tale of King Midas. The story follows the King, as his daughter, Marigold, desperately attempts to get him to see past his boundless greed — until Dionysus makes his godly entrance, bestowing upon the old king the ability to turn anything he touches to gold, and to chase his greed evermore.

“Yup!”

Christmas tree by MIDAS short film director Ben Meyer

Adam Chhour

In his drama film “A Taste of China,” a Chinese American immigrant couple arrives in America in 1999 to start a new life. They open a Chinese take-out in Philadelphia where they encounter new challenges to their lives. Aspirations and hopes that once pushed them to open the restaurant are set aside when they have a son and work to provide a better life for him. When the mother eventually passes away from cancer, the father and son are left to operate the restaurant on their own. The cultural and generational gap prevent them from forming a typical father and son relationship, but this does not hide from the commonalities they share in life.

“We put a Christmas tree every year! Mainly for my sisters and I to feel included, our family celebrates the culture of Christmas more-so with decorations, gift giving, and Christmas dinner.”

Brian Parks

In his psychological thriller film “Hangnail,” Gage and Hannah are a young couple making a new home off the coast of Florida. Their marriage has been rocky, but all of that changes when the new girl, Julie, moves in next door. As Gage becomes intrigued with Julie, the pressure of pursuing what he’s found or losing what he already has takes its toll as he’s pulled between two worlds. As the inevitability of the situation becomes clear, only time will tell if it sets him free or tears him apart.

“We always do.”

Christmas tree by HANGNAIL short film director Brian Parks

Al Julian

In his horror film “Birthday Boy,” a 1960's family celebrates daddy's birthday with a surprise of a lifetime.

“Sure did. The tree is symbolic of all Christmases for me, and the people I’ve lost and gained through them all.”

For a limited time, Celia’s family drama MILK, Ben’s animated historical comedy MIDAS and Brian’s psychological thriller HANGNAILare showing alongside Al’s horror BIRTHDAY BOY in Round III of the Short Film Slam (Virtual Edition), presented by The Madlab Post.

Jonesy’s romantic comedy WHEN WE'RE THIRTY and Adam’s family drama A TASTE OF CHINA are also showing alongside Rahul’s dark comedy FLIPPING in Round IV of the Short Film Slam (Virtual Edition).

Reserve your spot to see their films playing back-to-back in the virtual encore presentation of our first ever DOUBLE HEADER series, and cast your votes for your favorites. Tickets available here.

Check back often for new stories added throughout weekend and share your own Christmas tree traditions in the comments below.