Assistant Professor Tim Ritter’s latest short film, Golden Years, was honored by winning Best Comedy Short Film at the Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival in Oklahoma. His film has also been selected for the Fort Myers Film Festival taking place May 14-18. This accolade adds to Ritter’s growing list of achievements, highlighting his talent for crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.
The Bare Bones Internation Film and Music Festival, known for celebrating independent filmmakers who bring compelling stories to life, provided an ideal platform for Golden Years to shine. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes screenwriting competitions, live musical performances, and networking opportunities to celebrate independent art.
Ritter came up with the inspiration behind the film about a decade ago (see film synopsis below). “I wanted to write something for fantastic local actors Cindy Karr and Sara Oliva, who I felt I had underused on my second feature film Testament, and channeled my own frustration at the time with always being poor and fantasizing about the good life as the plot vehicle for it,” said Ritter.
When he revisited the concept a decade later to write the script, he mentions that he had a more mature perspective.
Ritter also discusses what this moment means to him. “Golden Years is a little more accessible and less abstract and challenging than a lot of my previous work, particularly my features, and my first timid step into comedy, so it’s nice to see it connect with audiences,” said Ritter.
The recognition brought special significance as well because of Ritter’s history with the festival.
“Bare Bones gave me their top award overall last year, the Robert Rodriguez Indie Auteur of the Year Award, for my film Echoes, and they champion true independent films and voices, so it’s a setting that’s always been a good fit for me. It’s always great validation to be recognized for our film work, and in a very crowded independent film marketplace, it means a lot to get any formal recognition like this.”
Film synopsis:
An older couple spices up their retirement by breaking into wealthy people’s homes and throwing themselves parties. With pressure mounting from both family and the local authorities, the good times might be running out.
Written by Majdulina Hamed.
Published to Nicholson News on May 1, 2025.
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