February

As Kermit the Frog once observed, "It's not easy being green." People look down on you or make judgments based on how others look, especially those who are different from themselves. With "February", Nathan Deming makes some bold writing and directing choices to thrust the immigrant experience into the limelight, placing it front and center with the protagonist, Miguel.

Miguel is a Mexican immigrant, who recently came to Tomah, Wisconsin in search of a better life for him and his family. He is a bit of a social recluse, understandably so after moving almost 2,000 miles away. However, in the midst of this enormous life change, he manages to hold down a job performing odd jobs at a hotel (maintenance work & cleaning). Miguel runs into several instances of cultural differences and at times nearly outright racism directed towards Hispanics.

Miguel's sister, Rosa, and brother-in-law, Louie, provide him food and shelter as he works to make his life better. After an incident leaves him nearly unemployed, he stumbles upon the lesser known pastime of ice fishing. Louie, despite attempting to scare Miguel, reluctantly hooks him up with Carl, an ice-fishing enthusiast.

"February"'s strengths lie in its overarching story to help shape life as it happens to Miguel. Deming's writing and direction keep this nearly 48 minute short film on pace, that will keep audience's attention on what happens next. The writing sometimes fell into several trope traps, but overall the script was solid and fresh. The film's editing, coloring, and cinematography are all top notch, especially the sound levels and sound quality (which can easily suffer even in blockbuster Hollywood films).

Standout Performances -

Miguel - David Ezekiel Duran breathes life into Miguel in a way that many men can identify with, painfully exposing the nerves about loneliness and looking to bond with other men but unaware how to go about it.

Louie - Erick Inestroza carries a charisma necessary to bring the social butterfly of the film out and build the bridge that leads Miguel to Carl.

Carl - Ritchie Gordon's portrayal of Carl is the strongest performance of the film, with a natural gruffness and depth of character that is lacking in much modern cinema.

I maybe partial as I am married to Ritchie Gordon, Carl. But this movie was like a clip out of our life. Ritchie is kinda crazy and hilarious in real life and Ice fishing is definitely one of our fave past time. The line where they say there crazy people that sleep out there is hilarious to us, because we have been midnight fishing ourselves many times!! When we met the director Nathan, it was definitely meeting of two worlds. Us rednecks from Wisconsin and the California movie crew. But wanting to show real wisconsin lives he definitely dove into our favorite pastime to give the movie a definite real feel too it. Seeing the movie filmed and spending time with the crew ice fishing was such an experience. But seeing the movie come together and tell such a life like story, of real wisconsin natives. That was something else! This movie is heartwarming and hilarious definite must see!!!

February is an insightful short that showcases a perspective you might not expect from Midwestern cinema. Mexican immigrant Miguel starts to connect to his new home in Wisconsin for the first time by taking up ice fishing. I loved the central dynamic of two very different people coming together over a shared interest. There was some fun dry comedy, but also plenty of effective drama. At its heart it's a story about human connection transcending cultural barriers. It benefits from strong filmmaking by writer-director Nathan Deming and features some great, memorable performances. Would definitely recommend if you get a chance to see it!