Year: 2020

Runtime: 13 minutes

Director/Writer: Dicle Ozcer

Stars: Brianna Ripkowski, Pourya Rahbar, Andrew Searles, Christopher Tedrow and James C. Burns

By Georgia De Souza

In the time of the Coronavirus and the industry being at a halt, it was refreshing to watch Dicle Ozcer’s short “Big Break” as it comically and satirically told the story of a young woman (Brianna Ripkowski) trying to break Hollywood.

To build up a character’s depth in the space of 13 minutes is challenging, however the excitement reflected through Ripkowski’s characterisation effortlessly brings Deena to life. Ozcer’s film takes us through the many stages of emotions within a 13-minute duration, from the excitement Deena shows as she thinks she has finally made move in the film world, to the nerves of meeting film producer Todd Ryder (James C. Burns), and then the utter heartbreak of finding out her role is cut short.

“Big Break” is an example of how women truly are a power to be reckoned with.”

Despite the inevitable predictability of Ozcer’s film, she offers a short that is relaxing to watch. At first it may seem like another short about another wannabe actress, but by introducing a satirical element, revealing the truths of the film industry, Ozcer writes in the lengths one would go to, to make sure they get their big break.

However, it is the surprising ending to the film which augments the comedy of the short. Revealing a different side of Deena and posing the question if she truly was doing acting for the love, or for the fame.

“Despite the inevitable predictability of Ozcer’s film, she offers a short that is relaxing to watch.”

What makes this short so special is the crew behind the cameras. In Their Own League prides in promoting the female involvement in the film industry, and “Big Break” is an example of how women truly are a power to be reckoned with. “Big Break” is not only directed by Dicle Ozcer, but also written and produced by the young woman, whilst circulating the narrative around a female.

Rightfully “Big Break “has been nominated in many film festivals, bagging a few already. The careful precision of details from the Jazz music introduction to the handheld camera movement and warm colour grading has all supported the success of this short film. An easy watch that I believe many would enjoy.

To find out more, please check out Dicle Ozcer’s site here: https://www.dicleozcer.com/bigbreakfilm.html