538. 4Qs with Jacob Langsner

What are the 4Qs? (1) Three favorite films. (2) An underrated film. (3) An overrated film. (4) A lesser-known film people should seek out.

Friday I shared my chat with Jacob Langsner, who I know as the filmmaker behind the award winning animated short, “SUM: A Tale From the Afterlife.”                                                                                                  The film had its world premiere at Sherman Oaks Film Festival in 2024 and took home the Grand Jury Award – Best Short Film – Animation as well as the Filmmakers Award – Outstanding Writing – Animation – David Eagleman

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to get deep with Jake and follow up with the 4 Questions.

You can learn more about Jacob and his work at Jacoblangsner.com
as well as on Instagram at @jakelangsner

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Discover Indie Film Links
DIF Podcast WebsiteDIF Instagram – DIF BlueSky
Discover Indie Film Foundation (nonprofit for the arts) Website
Sherman Oaks Film Festival
Film Invasion Los Angeles

Source: Discover Film

Sentient

2025 Official Selection: Short Film – Thriller

A tech company pushes to stress test their latest product as investors threaten to pull funding.

Director(s): R. Scott McHenry
Writer(s): R. Scott McHenry
Producer(s): R. Scott McHenry, Robb Jacobson
Key Cast: Jenna Kohn, Tessa Danielle, Wayne Jay, Victor Chi, Nestor Vinelli

Country: United States
World Premiere

Return to 2025 Official Selections – Films

Source: FILA

537. Jacob Langsner “SUM: A Tale From the Afterlife”  

Happy Friday Folks. We have a terrific interview to kick off your weekend.

This episode’s guest is Jacob Langsner, who I know as the filmmaker behind the award winning animated short, “SUM: A Tale From the Afterlife.”                                                                                                  The film had its world premiere at Sherman Oaks Film Festival in 2024, but I was in another theater moderating a Q&A and never got a chance to truly meet Jacob at the festival.
That’s why I love this podcast, I get to make up for the fact that I didn’t get to discuss this truly wonderful film with its creator.

And guess what? Jacob absolutely knocked me out by revealing that he is both a filmmaker and a recent law school graduate, working full-time in Las Vegas at a prestigious law firm.                                        Talk about a well rounded individual!

SUM: A Tale From the Afterlife took home the Grand Jury Award – Best Short Film – Animation as well as the Filmmakers Award – Outstanding Writing – Animation – David Eagleman

You can learn more about Jacob and his work at Jacoblangsner.com
as well as on Instagram at @jakelangsner

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Discover Indie Film Podcast Links
DIF Podcast WebsiteDIF InstagramDIF BlueSky

Discover Indie Film Foundation (nonprofit for the arts) Links
DIF FoundationSherman Oaks Film FestivalFilm Invasion Los Angeles

Source: Discover Film

Scissor Sleepover

2025 Official Selection: Short Film – Horror

A short-sighted prank at a sleepover hurts more than just the perfect hairs on Brittany’s head.

Director(s): Nee Kirschman
Writer(s): Nee Kirschman, Zachary Foster
Producer(s): Nee Kirschman, Zachary Foster
Key Cast: Taylor Shurte, Teya Patt, Sherry Mandujano, Lauren Mayer, Jonaye Kelsey Anderson

Country: United States
Los Angeles Premiere

Girls just wanna have fun. Brittany just wants to dance.

Return to 2025 Official Selections – Films

Source: FILA

Roughing It

2025 Official Selection: Short Film – Comedy

A trans teen and her mom must survive a night of winter camping after being challenged by her politically incorrect uncle.

Director(s): Michael D. Cohen
Writer(s): Michael D. Cohen
Producer(s): Felix Mack, Michael D. Cohen
Key Cast: Erinn Hayes, Sophie Giannamore, Michael D. Cohen, Chris Cornish

Country: United States
World Premiere

Nature calls

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Source: FILA