Film Programme
Ana's Playground
fiction
United States, 2009, '19''
Director: Eric D. Howell
Producer: Jillian Nodland, Marsha Trainer
Director of photography: David Doyle
Writer: Eric D. Howell
Composer: Michael Wandmacher
Editor: Clayton Condit
Synopsis: Ana’s Playground is a short film about a rag-tag group of children in an unidentified, war-torn country who are playing soccer while listening to a professional match. When their ball flies out of reach, our hero Ana is unexpectedly forced into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a sniper. As the contest on the radio heats up, Ana, her friends, and the sniper all listen intently to the broadcast. In a fleeting moment, Ana forges a connection with her enemy – a mutual respect born in the recognition of worthy adversaries. However, the shared moment passes and the no man’s land swallows them up once again, with soccer, and sport in general, representing what’s left of their receding youth.
Director: Eric D. Howell
Eric began film production at age 10 with his father’s 8mm camera. Creating animated and action/adventure shorts is where he learned the basic language of cinema. As a teen he acquired his first job in the film industry. Since then Eric has worn multiple hats on a plethora of both independent and studio films. From camera operator, effects technician, stuntman, and locations scout, to dolly grip, director and producer, Eric has thoroughly experienced every role involved in the production of a motion picture.
After working his way through the technical aspects of filmmaking, Eric began to focus on the other side of the camera. He joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1992 to begin performing as a stuntman and bit-part actor. This experience in turn propelled Eric into stunt coordination and 2nd unit directing. Within these roles Eric developed skill in creating a safe space for actors to elicit a dramatic performance under myriad conditions. Credits include NORTH COUNTRY, A SIMPLE PLAN, FARGO, UNTAMED HEART, THE MIGHTY DUCKS, SUGAR & SPICE, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, JOE SOMEBODY and A SERIOUS MAN. To date, Eric has been involved in the production of over 40 feature films, hundreds of commercials and music videos as well as the occasional documentary project.
Eric’s producing & directing experience began with the international award winning short The Interview. He made history by creating the first motion picture to be shot on film and debuted on the internet. Following this success, Eric went on to direct two seasons of a nationally syndicated children’s action/adventure series titled Critter Gitters. Tight budgets and tight turn-around while working with film, animals, and children in remote locations continue to serve his grasp of the demands involved with performance and production. In 2001 Eric received a degree in screenwriting from the prestigious Minneapolis School of Cinema (MCTC). After writing several highly praised feature screenplays Eric dove back into directing and emerged with his internationally acclaimed ANA’S PLAYGROUND. This film has won top honors at 20 festivals around the world and has recently been short listed for an Academy Award®. He is represented by United Talent Agency and managed by Anonymous Content.