Dan Abramovici’s SPACEMAN Starring JK Simmons Set to Open Hollyshorts

20th Annual Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival Announces New Sci Fi Fantasy Coming of Age Film to Open 2024 Festival

[LOS ANGELES August 7, 2024] — Press Play Films announces their newest film, Spaceman. Written and directed by emerging visionary filmmaker Dan Abramovici, the film stars Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons ( Whiplash, Being the Ricardos, Red One), Mena Massoud ( Aladdin, The Royal Treatment) and Trevor Copp ( Bulfinch’s Mythology).

Spaceman is not only a fresh and innovative take on some of the most beloved and renowned cinematic genres, it’s something brand-new: A mix of sci fi, fantasy, and coming of age, combining elements of classic hollywood, a la Chaplin and Keaton, with cutting edge practical effects, in a film that brings to mind classic works by Michel Gondry and Baz
Luhrman. Spaceman has been selected as the opening film for the 20th Annual Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival which takes place on August 8, 2024 from 7:30pm PST at the TCL Chinese Theatre 6 in Hollywood followed by a Q&A with cast and crew.

Spaceman is produced by Ali Mashayekhi ( The Last King, Evolving Vegan), Mena Massoud, and Dan Abramovici.

Spaceman uses mime, stop motion, classic animation, and theatrical elements, to explore one artist’s loss of creative passion and his journey to get it back. Allied with his passion (Mena Massoud), Spaceman (Trevor Copp) has to travel through the looking glass, and battle his imposter syndrome (J.K. Simmons), in order to truly see himself once more.
The film is an exploration of identity, artistic passion, and the fragile nature of human connection. It weaves themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the pursuit of dreams.

“My hope is to blur the lines between the tangible and the ephemeral. By delving into Spaceman’s subconscious we are able to explore the cathartic nature of artistic creation and the ways in which it can offer a sense of purpose, as well as the danger and risk to one’s sense of self.” Said Abramovici.

“ Spaceman is a unique film in many ways, including it being highly commercially viable while staying true to its artistic integrity. It’s a movie that audiences all over the world will relate to on so many levels.” Said Mashayekhi.

The 20th annual HollyShorts Film Festival opens August 8th with a red carpet right on the steps of the Dolby theatre. The festival’s much-anticipated 20th edition is being held from August 8–18, 2024. From over 6000 entries, over 400 films form this year’s anniversary program. Spaceman joins the ranks of Damni (starring Riz Ahmed), The Brown Dog (with
Steve Buscemi), and a handful of other specially curated selections.

Judges for this year’s festival include such marquee names as Rosario Dawson, Rachel Brosnahan, Matthew Modine, David Dastmalchian, and Tyrese Gibson.

This year’s celebration of short films will take place in person, with screenings at the world-renowned TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and virtually through the official festival streaming platform, BITPIX.

Visit the festival website for more information.

Originally published at http://behindtherabbitproductions.wordpress.com on August 7, 2024.