This review was written by Paul Booth from Influx Magazine, and was published on 9/30/13.
influxmagazine.com/socal-film-festival-online-screening-room-2013/
"The first film I saw was Riff Raf directed by Jeremy Weiss (running time 15 min.). It's a Jazz movie and for all you music fans, let me say this. When I met him at the opening night party he said his film was "Because I love guys like Sonny Rollins." For you non-Jazz fans this is like a movie lover saying they like popcorn (Sonny Rollins IS Jazz). Riff Raf is a beautifully shot black and white film with a story as simple (and complex) as Jazz itself. Raf is musician late for gig in NYC and when he finally makes it, we realize our character is at the wrong gig. He plays trumpet, so (for me) this is a great tip of the hat to Louis Armstrong, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis. The director was in tune with the meaning of Jazz. That is, there is no meaning. It's living in the moment, it's making mistakes, it's sharing with others and staying true to your mission. Like Jazz, the film meant everything, but had no definition. It was poetic, truthful and honest. This film had to show itself like any great Jazz player does (ultimately saying "here I am"). If you like music (especially), check this one out. What pleasant surprise to see Jazz being honored in a short film. (15 min.)"
influxmagazine.com/socal-film-festival-online-screening-room-2013/
"The first film I saw was Riff Raf directed by Jeremy Weiss (running time 15 min.). It's a Jazz movie and for all you music fans, let me say this. When I met him at the opening night party he said his film was "Because I love guys like Sonny Rollins." For you non-Jazz fans this is like a movie lover saying they like popcorn (Sonny Rollins IS Jazz). Riff Raf is a beautifully shot black and white film with a story as simple (and complex) as Jazz itself. Raf is musician late for gig in NYC and when he finally makes it, we realize our character is at the wrong gig. He plays trumpet, so (for me) this is a great tip of the hat to Louis Armstrong, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis. The director was in tune with the meaning of Jazz. That is, there is no meaning. It's living in the moment, it's making mistakes, it's sharing with others and staying true to your mission. Like Jazz, the film meant everything, but had no definition. It was poetic, truthful and honest. This film had to show itself like any great Jazz player does (ultimately saying "here I am"). If you like music (especially), check this one out. What pleasant surprise to see Jazz being honored in a short film. (15 min.)"