Party Puffers

Super delightful film. So awesome to see those in thier golden years having the chance to shine on screen. And shine these grey haired goofballs did. Such a fun premise and the commitment to the bit was spot on. Loved the cookie throw!

the setting was superb and some great camera work.
It made me think this is the type of rest home shenanigans that await us millennials:)

P.s. last 3 shot with the vape... GOLD

I am profoundly impressed whenever a societal group that doesn't always get their chance to shine on the silver screen is highlighted. Here with absolutely unbridled joy Glowtime presented a beautiful story full of colourful characters, proving we are always young at heart.

The world building was strong in this film, little nuances such as the birthday boy in the rest home having soldiers on his cake reflecting his stoic everyman calm demeanor; clean shaven but still happy to enjoy his special day. Whilst the more 'mobile' man Dale was given more visual flourishes with his facial hair and walker frame. Not to mention cheeky quips for days.

Of course how can we forget our leading lady. The bringer of violence (through cookies) and taking no shits from the help with nuanced growls and facial expressions evoking an inner animalistic spirit.

The tension is high throughout the film, with a drum driven soundtrack through the chase that evokes memories of THE NAKEY PREY, driving home the feeling and excitement of two old timers battling for a special vape. Only comedic gold intercutting back to reality gives it a point of difference that I absolutely loved.

Direction is a particular highlight in this film for me, letting the film breathe with relatable humanistic dialogue and extracting very high quality performances from the entire ensemble.

Like could you believe these two being juvenile delinquents and ram raiding in their youth? Obviously a bit extreme but the rebellious spirit was so well done it was a joy to watch with a perfect final shot.

Audio was super clean I think my only super minor nitpick was a very small continuity error with the holding of a knife between 2 shots on one occassion, but overall this was splendiforous.

Glowtime!

I was actually super excited to see your BTS photos, and I loved your team’s entry last year. It was the kind of narrative that catches you off guard.

SPOILERS

Okay, let’s get down to business: Party Puffer. Ultimately, if my life during retirement is anything like this, I’d die with a smile.

I thought it was clever having Borris not speak — it reminded me of all those Disney and Hollywood films where there's that one silent character we unconsciously invest in and eventually they end up playing a key role in the story.

I thought it was hilarious that he lied to her. It was like she knew, he knew it — but it was the thrill that made the adventure enjoyable.

As always, your team did a great job with lighting and grading. I could see where you pushed the visuals to bring out the subject and the room. Really nice glow on Borris as well. (Glowtime — hehe.)

My only nitpick was the small continuity error — the movement of the knife going from horizontal to vertical in the next shot. When the accident happens (supposedly an important moment), Borris’s hand drastically changes position in the shot after he’s bumped. It felt like it needed to be one smooth motion, rather than broken into two. Also, the slow motion wasn’t emphasized as I thought it would be. Moments like the cake getting smashed or even the chase could’ve benefited from it, in my opinion.

That said, the precious being the vape was a great touch. I actually giggled when she first mentioned it — it brings a childlike element into the mix, and it really works. I assume the miniature was the smaller vape? That was clever too. “I got another one, but that one was precious.” You really hit two beats in one line there.

Overall, it was a lighthearted film, and if my senior years are anything like this, I’d enjoy my cake even if its bumped into my face.

Well done, Glowtime! 😊

RS Productions

It was so refreshing to see older actors get their chance to shine in this film - a rare treat during 48 Hours! The use of slow motion was absolutely brilliant and the overall story was simple, yet funny.

This was so so good! My elderly grandfather lives with my family and my sister and I were leaning over to each the other the whole film whispering [this] is Grandad. We were in stitches the whole time and I think you guys got the biggest laughs of the evening at the finals - so well deserved this was awesome!

Two films this year had excellent pay off.
This film and Positive Barry.
An absolutely deserving national finalist.

It's always excellent when people act as themselves - when children act as children, and old people act as old people. I loved how the actors were happy to make fun of themselves, and lean into the caricature of old people in a rest home. It was a very fresh film because the actors and the setting were so different to anything else. Very enjoyable to watch, and it would have been even more enjoyable to make!