User Reviews

Had the good pleasure of seeing this film at the HollyShorts Festival at Grauman's Chinese in Hollywood recently, and all I can say is it makes you think.

In fact, in Director/Producer Sam Borowski's Q&A after the film, he said he made it so people would think. (I am paraphrasing somewhat, but that was the gist of it.) And, when you see the film, you will understand completely.

Having seen NIGHT CLUB - Borowski's last feature - at Newport Beach last year, I was very familiar with his work, and have met him before, one of the draws to me coming out and seeing this excellent short. However, I wasn't expecting what I got - and that is not a bad thing. In fact, it was an excellent surprise.

Without delving too much into the subject matter, all I will say is the way people react to their plants and their environment plays into the theme of this movie, though it digs deeper - pardon the pun.

Borowski's direction was excellent, as was the acting of SOPRANOS star Federico Castelluccio. I also got a chance to meet actress Maria Rusolo, who did a nice job in the film.

Lisa Buffington co-wrote the script with Borowski for this very original and very timely short movie with a message. All I can say is try and catch it at a festival near you. Borowski mentioned they were playing in several more, and they had hopes to qualify this film for an Oscar.

It wouldn't surprise me a bit, even if this film did. Possibly another excellent surprise related to this film in the future ...

Pollination is a short film definitely worth watching! From the distinctive buzzing that immediately draws you in to the enticing music that brings you on a journey from story to story. I loved the contrast within the three back stories and how great each actor completely committed! Paul Sorvino and Maria Rusolo are great as they argue about babying the plant, Mary Dimino is hilarious as the drunk, and Federico Castelluccio is intense- making all their performances truthful and entertaining. Sam Borowski who is a great director proves himself again from great direction, to great shots of both the beautiful plants and the actors, and creatively bringing this story to life. Pollination has a strong message with a twist you don't see coming! Very clever and unique. Bravo!

Happened to catch Pollination * with another film buff at the HollyShorts Film Festival and I really enjoyed it. Really enjoyed the Question and Answer afterward with Filmmaker Sam Borowski and actress Maria Rusolo.

Without giving too much away, Pollination * shows people in strange situations interacting with their plants. These situations are all at once bizarre, humorous and yet disturbing.

The end of the film is truly earned and has real meaning. Not only is an important social issue at the heart of this film, not only does it make you think about our environment, but it was entertaining - even with the message. And, a lot of that credit goes to Borowski for masterful direction and shot selection.

The performances are all there, too, from Rusolo's loving wife, who "baby's her plant," according to the not-so-loving husband Bill Sorvino to Mary Dimino's inebriated crazy-woman (see the film LOL) and the simply brilliant Federico Castelluccio, who shows tremendous range in this. While many people know him as "Furio" from "The Sopranos" the hit HBO T.V. Series, he really shows an amazing side of himself here.

If you happen to see it at a festival near you try and catch this wonderful short.

Pollination * is one of those films that you'd rather go into not knowing so much about. In the words of Frank Costanza, you want to "go into it fresh!" It's an odd, yet effective, film. One that will naturally make its way around the country in film festivals. I know this because I saw this film at a festival in front of a large, captive audience that shared an equal amount of laughs, shocked silence and veracious applause.

I don't really want to go into the plot of it for the reasons I have mapped out above, but I will say that Sam Borowski has directed a fine film, from a script he penned with Lisa Buffington. It's not only clever and humorous, but it will evoke some real thought in the end, which is anything, but humorous.

There I go - I've said too much already. Pollination * see it as it makes the rounds at festivals and ultimately comes to your town. And, do yourself a favor ... go into it, fresh!

This short has a powerful message for its viewers. Its does a great job at highlighting the true beauty in nature and all of its elements. But what starts off looking like a nature documentary, turns into an important topic in today's society.

Sam Borowski uses a genius concept in exploiting the issue presented in the short which will become present to you almost immediately. There is also much credit to be given to Federico Castelluccio who has a brief but effective role towards the end.

There are many elements to this film that shine a very important light on the topic at hand. Major props to the producers and cast for making this an excellent short.