Driven Films is thrilled and humbled to announce the remarkable achievements of their short film thriller, "The Release," at the esteemed 2023 Alternative Film Festival. With great gratitude, we share the news of our film winning the coveted Best Director (Matthew Tucker) and Best Actor (Ben Buchanan) awards. The heartfelt recognition reflects the dedication and passion poured into this project by the entire cast and crew. Let's delve into the captivating story of "The Release" and reflect on the significance of these honors.

Director Matthew Tucker on set of his debut film — Director Matthew Tucker worked to bring his vision to life for “The Release” as part of Driven Films ongoing Sandbox Projects where we bring our passion projects to life.

The Power of Storytelling

"The Release" is a gripping tale that revolves around Brian, a United States Army veteran torn apart by the tragic loss of his wife and daughter at the hands of a notorious crime lord. Motivated by an unwavering quest for justice, Brian embarks on a path of revenge. However, as the film delves into the moral complexities of his mission, it raises profound questions about the nature of vengeance and its repercussions. Through a compelling narrative filled with tension, emotion, and suspense, "The Release" captivates audiences and invites introspection.

Still frame from short film The Release — Meticulous and thoughtful set design added to the film’s suspense and intensity.

Celebrating Exceptional Talent: Best Director and Best Actor

The accolades received by "The Release" at the 2023 Alternative Film Festival humbly acknowledge the outstanding talent involved in the project. We extend our sincerest appreciation to director Matthew Tucker, whose visionary approach to storytelling resonated deeply with viewers and industry experts alike, earning him the Best Director award. Tucker's skillful direction created an immersive and atmospheric world that brought the story to life in a captivating manner.

We are equally grateful for the remarkable performance delivered by Ben Buchanan, who portrayed the tormented protagonist Brian. Buchanan's nuanced portrayal authentically conveyed Brian's internal struggle, capturing the hearts of audiences and leading to his deserving recognition as Best Actor. We are humbled by his ability to bring depth and authenticity to the character, enhancing the impact of "The Release."

Actor Ben Buchanan in the final scene of the short film — Lead actor Ben Buchanan brought a level of intensity needed for the role.

Recognition for Outstanding Cinematography

We are also humbled by the nomination for Best Cinematography, recognizing the exceptional work of Director of Photography Joe Nicklo and Camera Operator Locksley Lennox of Trilux Creative. With his discerning eye, Joe skillfully captured the mood and atmosphere of the film, elevating the storytelling through breathtaking visuals. His attention to detail, creative use of lighting, and thoughtful compositions enriched the narrative, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall cinematic experience. We express our deepest gratitude for his immense talent and contribution to "The Release."

Camera Operator Locksley Lennox filming a scene for short film The Release — Camera Operator Locksley Lennox capturing key shots using the Dana Dolly.

Celebrating the Alternative Film Festival

The Alternative Film Festival holds a special place in our hearts, as it provides a platform for filmmakers of all levels to showcase their creativity and talent. We extend our sincere appreciation to the festival organizers for their commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers, including beginners like ourselves. The festival's status as an IMDb-qualifying event and its quarterly online competitions in March, June, September, and December make it a valuable opportunity for artists worldwide.

behind the scenes of a short film — Professional equipment was used despite being on a budget. As part of our Sandbox Project program, we continually push our limits and learn new techniques on set so that we can bring them to our client work.

A Promising Future

As we celebrate the success of "The Release" at the 2023 Alternative Film Festival, we do so with deep humility and gratitude. These accolades not only validate our creative vision but also inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of independent filmmaking. With renewed passion and determination, we eagerly anticipate future festival nominations, always striving to share our storytelling with audiences around the globe.

still image from award-winning short film The Release

Conclusion

Driven Films humbly celebrates the exceptional achievements of our short film thriller "The Release" at the 2023 Alternative Film Festival, where it was honored with the Best Director and Best Actor awards. We are immensely grateful for the recognition and express our heartfelt appreciation to the festival, the cast, and the crew. This success serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and fuels our dedication to continue creating meaningful and thought-provoking cinematic experiences for audiences worldwide.

“The Release” short film wins Gold at the Alt Film Festival