AniFab judge's aggregate score for MicoKansas is 7.1 out of 10 with one judge commenting, "Interesting macro look into a few harrowing moments of being a frog in a pond with predators. We want to see more!

AniFab judge's aggregate score for SMART is 7.2 out of 10 with one judge noting, "SMART is a passionate take on the lives and work of LA's animal rescue team. SMART is smart!"

AniFab judge's aggregate score for Saudade is 8.9 out of 10 with one judge writing, "This film allowed me slow down and step into another world! The cinematography is beautiful and brings us in direct contact with an animal that few of us ever see up close, let alone touch. This is a touching story, yet culminates in hope; hope that the children of Kenya will learn the value of keeping their wildlife alive. A lovely film!"

​Director Statement
With Furball, I wanted to create a quirky short that explores the many ways in which we connect (or struggle to). Whether we're yearning for a relationship, possessive of one, or lucky enough to be in a healthy one, it seems we all share one thing - a fear of the unknown. Furball is about taking risks, letting go of our fears and egos, and discovering something better than we could have ever imagined, no matter what our species.

AniFab judge's aggregate score for Furball is 8 out of 10 with one judge writing, "I can't stop smiling! Furball had me amused and enthralled from the start! I actually thought the description being spoken at the beginning could have been of Furball or his human. As the story unfolded this story had me chuckling out loud - loved it!"

AniFab judge's aggregate score for Amber's Halfway Home is 6.9 out of 10 left with these comments, "Reached out to this filmmaking team.  Amber's Halfway Home resonates with the core of the work of the World Animal Awareness Society.  It is recommended this project become serialized. 

AniFab judge's aggregate score for Left Behind is 6 out of 10 with one judge leaving the following comment, "It is so important to have these voices sharing stories of animals from around the world.  I am recommending Left Behind for selection in July."

​Ariel Neo is a visionary new voice in filmmaking. Over the past two years, she has broken into the international scene with Flying Through the Water and Rainslide, which have both won multiple awards in festivals and competitions. Her latest short film, Firefalls, promises to be even more influential as Neo hones her style and skill, presenting a dramatic, wordless narrative which uses archetypal imagery and symbolism to make the tragedy of climate change come alive before our eyes.
In addition to her broad conceptual vision, Neo is devoted to detail. She prepares every aspect of filming: scouting her own locations, designing costumes, creating props, and storyboarding the action. Neo began her creative journey as an oil painter, and her paintings, impressive and richly colored images rendered on four to seven-foot round canvases, make appearances in her films, acting as totems that reinforce the significance of her cinematic work. Where words fail, these images shepherd us into new understanding by setting a tone full of reverence and beauty. In turn, her films explore and dramatize the themes that Neo’s artwork has always sought to capture: the beauty and diversity of nature, the joy of creativity, and her grave distress at what is happening to our environment. In fusing together art and film, she strives to make something new, an immersive and active art installation that reaches out and enwraps the viewer, creating an atmosphere that is immediate and suspenseful and yet introspective. This unique vision is what sets Neo apart and promises an exciting future.