Filmmaker Spotlight: “Spurs & Dolls” by FunMill Films
Hey readers! This month, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the filmmaker spotlight series, I decided to try something new and highlight a short from a group of filmmakers that I haven’t met or worked with yet.
“Spurs & Dolls” is a 3-minute Western comedy short film created by — and starring — Josh Miller, Kinsley Funari, and Sean Manos. Miller and Manos play an outlaw and a deputy, respectively, who square off against each other. The dialogue, score and performances of these two men playfully subvert and satirize the inherent masculinity of the Western genre. Yet James Newman’s cinematography still paints them as though they are serious warriors facing off in the climax of a Sergio Leone film.
But what ultimately won me over about this short was its ingenious plot. I don’t want to spoil it since it’s only 3 minutes, but what I will say is that the ending is unexpected, yet hilarious and thoroughly satisfying. “Spurs & Dolls” is a scintillating display of creativity that crescendos its way to a brilliant payoff and showcases the ingenuity of these filmmakers. I can’t wait to see what they do in the future.
Anyway, Funari and Miller also run FunMill Films, the production company that made this short. This company also operates an annual festival that showcases the work of Cleveland filmmakers. Visit their website to learn more about them and FunMill Film Fest 2, which will be taking place this spring. I’ll be back next month with another spotlight. Until then…
