
Bad Beat
SHORT FILM (PROOF OF CONCEPT) (2021)
Director / Writer / Co-Producer
Runtime: 21 minutes


Definition of a ‘Bad Beat’:
In poker, bad beat is a subjective term for a hand in which a player with what appear to be strong cards nevertheless loses.
Synopsis:
"Cards are war in disguise of a sport."
When three interconnected men reunite following WWII, they are forced to face the wrath of each others resentment for trauma caused during the war. After a poker game that reunites two ex-comrades, they are forced confront their past in order to overcome their trauma... however, instead the men bury their wounds in greed, temporarily numbing the pain and causing great collateral damage.
It begs the question, are these men inherently violent or are they a product of their very unfortunate experiences.

Head of Department Credits:
Writer & Director: Lexee Gordoun
Assistant Director: Tane Palise
Producers: Helena Naisara, Lexee Gordoun
DOP: Lauren Griffiths
Camera Operator: Dylan Faulkner
1st AC & 2nd AC: Josh Mifsud, Phillip Scibberas
Production Designer: Tessa Leal
Editor, Colourist and Continuity: Jashwin Prasad
Stunt Co-ordinator: George Saliba
Armourer: Daniel Martin
Cast:
Jeffery Alto: Benjamin Murray
Richard Banks: John Logiacco
Archie Hills: Hayden Simmons
Leo Addington: Luke Moody
Thomas Alto: Chase Smith-Wood
Anna Alto: Kristy Woodward
List of Awards:
Andromeda Film Festival - Best Short Film
Los Angeles Film Awards - Best Crime Film
New York international Film Awards - Best Producer and Best Student Film
Vienna Indie Short Film Festival - Best Student Film
Venice Shorts - Best Student Film
Paris International Short Festival - Best Student Film