At first you wonder why this film won the 48 hour film project, was selected to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival, and gathered awards like the judges had no choice. It began, after all, with plain looking person who appears happy yet dirty and in his long sleeved polo shirt and slacks. That is of course until you reach that part that made your heart skip a bit.

Directed by Ben Crowell and Joel Marsh, One Step Forward also makes you think why it was titled such when the story was told from present to past – in a result-cause sequence. But then you follow that one main character for four minutes while speculating what made him afloat and that happy–what made him roll his body in the woods, jump into the water from the bridge, do cartwheels in the park and a lot of other unusual things. It was not just about seizing the day. And by the end of the film, you realize why the man is taking one step forward.

With no words at all, the short was accompanied with music that is both whimsical and endearing–something not overpowering the emotions emanating from the character.

One Step Forward certainly deserves “Best Film,” “Best Directing,” “Best Cinematography,” and “Best Editing.” But what I like about it the most is its appeal to the human emotions, including the small pleasures and the grandest things that make us all happy and giddy.

Related Links:
Ben Crowell on Vimeo
Joel Marsh’s Official Website
One Step Forward on Boston’s Finest
One Step Forward on Director’s Note

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