Filmmaker’s Short “Reels” Shine on Flint Street

by Karen Ponzio

Elm City Reels with Madonna Lewis
Flint Street Theater
July 12, 2026

Film fans were treated Sunday to two short films by Connecticut-based Madonna Lewis followed by a discussion and an audience Q&A. The event was part of Elm City Reels, an ongoing series presented by Flint Street Theater that focuses on those involved in local independent filmmaking with a goal of creating a space where connections can be made between those working in and on the films and those who watch them.

Trey Moore, creative consultant at Flint Street Theater, hosted the event as well as led the post film discussion and Q&A session. He began the program by describing Elm City Reels, their goal being to create space for independent filmmakers to show their work and noting how it was a space for “anyone who works in the process.” He then introduced Madonna Lewis, mentioning her background in screenwriting and animation as well as how she creates “emotionally grounded stories that explore family, identity, and the complexities of human connection.”

Lewis came forward to introduce her two films that would be screened. She described the first one, “Scars,” as the one she made in 2024 “just to see if she could make a good short film.” The second one, “Flashing Lights,” she made a year later with the hopes that she could make a “bigger, better” film though she noted that it was “challenging.”

“I really hope you can see my growth as a filmmaker,” she added.

In less than nine minutes, “Scars” offers an immediate and effective glimpse into the head and heart of Rainn (played by Gladene Kalphat as an adult and Ava Lewis as a child), who struggles with the memories of an act involving as gun as one makes itself present in the present during a quieter time with friends. “Scars” succeeds at being the type of short film that feels utterly complete in its message and meditations, but because it does that so well also makes the viewer wish they could spend more time in this world with these characters.

“Flashing Lights” uses its 23-minute run effectively as well, diving into the relationship between Philly and Leah (played by Gabriel Fabian and Christina Vinson) whose break up leads Philly to make a bet with friends that he can sleep with Rhonda (played by Gladene Kalphat), a performer he meets at a strip club a couple of weeks post break up. This film includes flashbacks that give the viewer a closer look at the couple’s relationship as well as a ride on Philly’s emotional see-saw as he tries to deal with love and letting go. While this film is bigger in scope and run time, it still feels immediate and intimate, the viewer becoming wholly invested in Philly’s predicament. Will he try to get back together with Leah or will he push forward with the bet?

Moore and Lewis sat down on stage after the films were over to talk about, among other things, the music in both films (written and performed by her brother Israel Lewis) and finding locations to film them (both were filmed in South Windsor and parts of “Flashing Lights” were also filmed in East Hartford). While the idea for “Scars” came from a conversation Lewis had with her sister who had been to a gun range, the idea for “Flashing Lights” was “very loosely based on a personal experience” though the story itself was “completely fictional.”

“We’ve all been there,” she said with a laugh, and Moore agreed.

The Q&A portion of the event followed with audience members praising the films and asking questions about the filming process itself as well as how she took her ideas from writing the story to the screen. She was also asked about her influences which ranged from animation like Avatar The Last Airbender when she was in college to such current influences like the HBO series “Insecure” as well as “Breaking Bad.”

Lewis talked about challenging herself from film to film, noting that she asked herself, “What did I do that I can improve upon? What can I do differently next time to make it easier for myself as a director?” In this instance she decided to get help filming “Flashing Lights” so she could concentrate more on her directing. She also noted that she has new projects in the works for everyone to look out for.

One of the most inspiring moments of the event was at the end, when Lewis was asked if she had any advice to offer.

“Make something,” she said, adding that there was “a lot of power in that.” She also talked about the “blooming community in CT” for filmmaking and that it helped to “meet as many people as you can.” Through her company, Coco Productions, she is also offering writing workshops currently where attendees bring scripts to read together. She also told the audience that if they were looking to make films to reach out to her for help.

“I’m big on creating opportunities I wish I had,” she added. 

Moore also encouraged people to make their films “and then come on down to Flint Street Theater.”

“We need more filmmakers!” he said.

More information about the films of Madonna Lewis can be found via Coco Productions on social media and You Tube. Both films shown at the event can be viewed on YouTube, and “Flashing Lights” is now also streaming on Tubi. For more information about Elm City Reels and other Flint Street Theater screenings and events, please see their website and/or Instagram page.