Finding Filman: A Comedy Riding On The Strength Of Its Script

Over the 13 minutes that the film runs, Finding Filman is deceptively unassuming. You start off alternately laughing at the highly conceited protagonist and at the film too, but that changes, leaving you constantly reassessing and readjusting your perceptions about it (although the eponymous Regis Filman remains just as ridiculous). 

The screenplay (co-written by director Kevin Anglin, and Nat Anglin and Brian Regal) borrows the help of the film’s intuitive editing to keep up the pace and comedic energy. This allows the film’s essence to shine through its unappetizing lighting and camerawork. The overexposed, poorly lit frames have you ready to write the film off before Regis Filman (played by Regal) has even appeared on screen, but the character of his disgruntled roommate offers enough incentive to continue. 

Regis, thoroughly in love with himself, has been submitted for a nomination for the Best Newcummer award, traditionally awarded to those who do ejaculate on-screen. Regis, being a softcore actor, does not. We learn of his history through aforementioned roommate, Jake (Nat Anglin), the unfortunate man saddled with the responsibility of both handling Regis and his many personal and professional turns, as well as put up with what cannot be avoided. Fake moaning at 5:30 in the morning turns out to mostly be the latter. 

When the inevitable happens and Regis finds out he did not get nominated, it is upto Jake to minimize the impact of the fallout (because of course there was one) on his own life. 

This turning point is arguably the film’s hilarious best, paving the way for a delightful climax. It is of the feel-good variety, and unexpectedly, a film about an egocentric softcore actor does have something to feel good about. 

Watch Finding Filman Short Film