New York Film Academy MFA Filmmaking student Yair Shvartz is generating buzz in the film community with short comedy Bert’s Plan. Shvartz, originally from Israel, wrote, directed and produced Bert’s Plan, which received the CINE Golden Eagle Award. In addition, the film took home the Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival, and the Van Gogh Award at the Amsterdam International Film Festival.
Bert’s Plan follows a struggling middle-aged writer attempting to get his book published. Downtrodden and plagued with rejection, Bert comes up with a plan that takes an unexpected and hilariously dark turn. Says Shvartz of the project:
“Bert’s Plan was not the easiest shoot. It was a big challenge but with a lot of hard work and our hearts put into it, it all came together! The crew did an amazing job. We had wonderful actors and I had my DP, Ezequiel Arribas (also a NYFA student), with whom I had previously worked on a few other shorts, who did an incredible job. I was lucky to have been surrounded by such a wonderful crew.”
Bert’s Plan screens this Saturday, July 30th at 4:45pm at Symphony Space in New York as part of the Manhattan Film Festival. Schvartz is currently in the fundraising stage for his next project, a feature film titled Worried Minds.