“Cut From Home.”

HIT, like many other indie film sites, gets dozens and dozens of filmed efforts for review and promotion. Much like SAT scoring, you get 200 points just for showing up and signing your name which is to say any completed film deserves recognition just for getting it in the can. But again, just like the SAT, some folks score higher than others.

Which brings me to writer/director Jason Shahinfar’s “Cut From Home,” his first feature film. It was shot entirely on location in Savannah, GA with a very small crew and a full cast of non pro actors. Before you start rolling your eyes or Mumbling the M word, I was amazed at how right Jason and his team got it.

These types of projects depend on a crack DP because no matter how compelling the character study or story or lack of both, it’s to no avail if the film is unwatchable at worst or mildly compelling at best. Brian Udoff did an excellent job of framing and ‘lighting’ the often ‘un-framable’ with his mini-DV. I believe the pictures communicated the intention of Jason very well. It may have helped that Mr. Udoff is credited with the story. They both knew what they wanted.

The story is kinda perfunctory. A young couple wanders around dealing or not dealing with a tragedy from the past. The acting surpasses that of many ‘pros’ work I have seen. Sam Mallo and Dani Niedzielski are on the screen the whole time as they interact with a farmer and his wife, some friends, get wasted and so on.

Again, what kept the film fascinating, in addition to the cinematography, was the amazing structure and editing. Jason Yi cut the film to keep it moving and interesting even if the subject matter flags. I might suggest you call him for your next project. Well done.

Jason’s first film is far better than most at this level and budget. Pop over to the film’s website www.cutfromhomethefilm.com to get more info and arrange to view it. Recommended.