Welcome To The 25th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival!!

The Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF)
Established in 2000 in the backyard of the entertainment capital of the world, the Beverly Hills Film Festival is considered among the most exclusive and influential film festivals globally. Through linking the groundbreaking talent of emerging filmmakers and exposing the community to the latest innovations in the cinema field, the Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF) exists as a cinematic and cultural patron. The Beverly Hills Film Festival's objective is to merge today's filmmaking pioneers with the wealth of cinematic heritage of Beverly Hills by edifying and developing the cinematic community and enhancing the impact of the arts.

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Block 1 at 1:15 pm

Visions Of Strangers
Student Film (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Joaquin Foster
Written By: Joaquin Foster
Produced By: Joaquin Foster
Cast: Brice Pierce

Synopsis: A man explores duality and the nature of conflict as he attempts to process a reoccurring visions he's been having of two women chasing each other on a beach.

Darling Henry
Student Film (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Oscar Zorn
Written By: Oscar Zorn
Produced By: Oscar Zorn
Cast: Max Zorn

Synopsis: Rookie news anchor Henry McCance tries to keep it together and deliver his first 24 hour news cycle. It ends up being five minutes of struggle delivering anything but news.

Fine Dining
Student Film (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Joshua Bowen
Written By: Joshua Bowen
Produced By: Pierce Thomas
Cast: Madison Ireland, Max Radtke, Steve Aaron, Erika Stone

Synopsis: Teenage cannibal Angela has fallen in love with her family's next meal. Once her parents forbid their love, it only sweetens the deal. When Angela tries to free him, she discovers her plan is more than she can chew.

Crazy For You
Student Film (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Sofia Morris
Written By: Sofia Morris
Produced By: Sofia Morris, Neil Patel
Cast: Bianca Castronovo, Alexandra Punch, Finn Norton

Synopsis: When Sadie and Jolene realize they're dating the same man, they team up to confront him, only to learn his darkest secret. Crazy for You is a short 11-minute cut from an original forty-minute dramedy pilot script written by Sofia Morris. Starring Bianca Castronovo, Alexandra Punch, and Finn Norton.

Le Parrot
Student Film (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Rachael Sonnenberg
Written By: Rachael Sonnenberg
Produced By: Martin de Crane
Cast: Will Janowitz, Catherine Curtin, Mariette Booth, Maxwell Bank

Synopsis: Three siblings return home for their mother's funeral. Embarrassment, hilarity, and chaos ensue when the siblings discover their mother has left them an unexpected-and outspoken-inheritance: her parrot.

Between The Son and The Moon
Student Film (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Daniel Asnake Mistir
Written By: Daniel Asnake Mistir
Produced By: Qiuping Han and Carl Rennie
Cast: Daniel Asnake Mistir

Synopsis: A young Ethiopian-American creative in Los Angeles learns of his estranged father's death and must decide whether to return to Ethiopia to bury him. Upon returning home, he finds his cousin throwing a party and encounters his ex, sparking chaos. As he tries to reconnect with her, he reflects on his father. Ultimately, he and his ex part ways, and he is forced to make a decision about his father's burial.

Overruled
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Kate Brooks
Written By: Kate Brooks
Produced By: Kate Brooks
Cast: Hannah Cabell, Geoffrey Cantor, Steve Teller, Carla Baechtle

Synopsis: Two couples are confronted by the lies they tell themselves, and each other, only to be left bare with the stark truth that will determine the future of their marriages.

The American
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Bryan Yanbing Lee
Written By: Bryan Yanbing Lee
Produced By: Chris Zilong Wang, Jessica Yiwen Qian
Cast: Leo Joo, Holly Cinnamon, Jordan Sobel, Romo Lee

Synopsis: After pooping his pants at a world-leaders' conference dinner, the first Asian-American President of the United States must escape the situation undetected before his reputation is ruined forever. Haunted by a traumatic childhood memory, Richard finds himself going to darker and more extreme lengths in order to protect his legacy.

Tomorrow
Student Film (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Jackson Schlekewey
Written By: Henry Thompson
Produced By: Natalie Gimon Valencia, Henry Thompson
Cast: Henry Thompson, Jerry Gureghian, Sarah Osman

Synopsis: George and Earl are neighbors, and suicidal - unbeknownst to each other. On the day that Georges climbs a roof to jump, he finds Earl already there. The conversation that ensues is one that hopefully can change the tide for both of them.

Midnight Ink
Student Film (16 mins) United States
Directed By: John Chiodi
Written By: John Chiodi, Larkin Flanagan
Produced By: Furtuna Aliu, David Buhrmaster, John Chiodi, Alyssa DiMartino
Cast: Max Henderson, Gunner Firmstone

Synopsis: A brash young boy and his shy friend ditch a funeral and embark on a moonlit journey to get a tattoo. "Midnight Ink" explores identity over a spectrum of time and the parts of us that are lost with age.

Block 2 at 1:30 pm

La View En Rose
Student Film (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Amanda Mergulhão Ferrari
Written By: Amanda Mergulhão Ferrari
Produced By: Jonathan Horton
Cast: Shanna Brajevic

Synopsis: While grieving the loss of her grandmother, Geni sees life in blue. However, her perspective is about to change when she discovers a surprise gift left from granny's will.

Tomber
Student Film (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Ella Jerrier
Written By: Ella Jerrier
Produced By: Ella Jerrier
Cast: Tessa Epinola

Synopsis: The pressure of the competitive dance world forces a young girl to develop unhealthy habits. Relying on the comfort of her best friend and her mother, she sees a way through.

Kairos
Student Film (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Ondine Bader
Written By: Ondine Bader
Produced By: Ondine Bader
Cast: Diedrich Bader

Synopsis: Two young actresses are pitted against each other during a routine rehearsal by a bitter and mean directing teacher who only wants to bring them harm.

The Entomologist
Student Film (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Lauren Chappell
Written By: Lauren Chappell
Produced By: Nikki Ghalili, Paige Broman, Bella Margolis
Cast: Kaitlin Large, Steven O'Brien, Darren Bailey

Synopsis: Faced with an indeterminate divorce and a disillusioned daughter, Rita must navigate a Virginia winter armed with nothing but her chronic depersonalization and a rather unusual cockroach problem.

Bodies
Student Film (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Luca Bueno
Written By: Luca Bueno
Produced By: Luca Bueno
Cast: Alonso Garcia, Trent Kemper, Jamie Lopez

Synopsis: Two LAPD officers respond to a disturbance call at a modest home in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood. The home reveals unsettling signs that suggest a larger, unseen story. Alvarez, grappling with his own cultural heritage, faces a moral dilemma that challenges his sense of duty and empathy. The film delves into the complexities of the immigration debate, highlighting the personal and ethical struggles faced by those on both sides of the law.

Silent Waves
Student Film (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Deuce
Written By: Deuce
Produced By: Pj Alani, Aolele Fenstermaker, Marielene Jones, Zane Jones, Fa'atumu Pato
Cast: Joi Dwight, Masina Torres, Praise Viliamu

Synopsis: After being violently attacked by her troubled brother, Ocean must face a tense standoff with her sister over calling the police, leading to a tragic family confrontation.

The Sitdown
Student Film (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Merivelle
Written By: Merivelle
Produced By: Merivelle Hannah, Mark Hannah
Cast: Robert Hallak, Sebastian Barba

Synopsis: After twenty years in prison, Vincent, a Made Man in the Italian mafia, reunites with his estranged son, Christopher, at his wife's memorial. Tension simmers as they navigate lost time, unresolved resentment, and Vincent's struggle to recognize a city that has moved on without him. As the night unfolds, Christopher learns his father's absence was a choice, not abandonment. The past can't be changed, but The Sitdown leaves a lasting mark.

Tornado
Student Film (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Jack Kendrick
Written By: Jack Kendrick
Produced By: Alex Bendo, Taylor Ervin, Lexi Preiser
Cast: Jason Dietz

Synopsis: A cash-strapped contractor takes his young sons to work instead of school, hoping to land a crucial deal. But when one gets hurt on site, he makes a desperate choice, asking his son to cover for him.

Aaban
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Grant Walker Simmons
Written By: Grant Walker Simmons
Produced By: Grant Walker Simmons
Cast: Jacob Athyal, Bruce Burns,Matthew O'Donnell,Anastasiia Bratchenko

Synopsis: An alcoholic that continues to drink obsessively begins to lose everything in his life. Nothing can rid his triggered trauma of alcoholism. He may not survive.

Block 3 at 1:45 pm

Nature Boy
Animation (3 mins) United States
Directed By: Dion Johnson
Written By: Dion Johnson
Produced By: Dion Johnson
Cast: Dion Johnson

Synopsis: Nature Boy follows the transformative journey of a man who has lost faith in love. At his lowest point, he encounters a magical boy who rekindles his sense of wonder. Through shared experiences and newfound insights, the boy helps him rediscover that true love is rooted in childlike curiosity and personal growth. The film weaves themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the enchanting magic of love's evolution.

Poor Poor Eldon
Animation (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Lorin Morgan-Richards
Written By: Lorin Morgan-Richards
Produced By: Lorin Morgan-Richards
Cast: Joshua Kovarik, Textbeak, Nana Grace, Nick Gligor, Berlin Richards

Synopsis: 1918, a period at the end of World War I. There is very little in Eldon's life that brings him joy. Society has all but crumbled around him, leaving what's left comically tragic. It is up to Eldon to change his plight, but is society ready?

Achag Aganca
Animation (5 mins) United States
Directed By: Artur Gevorgyan
Written By: Artur Gevorgyan
Produced By: Artur Gevorgyan
Cast: Achag

Synopsis: After exploding the little inner self an ordinary animated person runs away from himself, I will hide in the cave he said, no, on the mountain. Alas, its all the same…

The Illusionist Dilemma
Animation (5 mins) Italy
Directed By: Carlo De Togni
Written By: Luzia Ribeiro Da Costa
Produced By: Mondo Novo
Cast: Chris Blake, Simone Leonardi

Synopsis: At the legendary Robert-Houdin Theatre, escape artist Houdini meets cinema pioneer MEliès, plunging into a world where reality bends at will. Among talking heads, philosophizing elephants, and physics-defying fish, their lively exchange conceals a deep reflection on human creativity. As Houdini attempts to express his thoughts on progress, MEliès' fantastic distractions blur the line between illusion and reality.

One Final Day
Animation (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Paul Hollingsworth
Written By: Mike Arnott
Produced By: Ben Varadi
Cast: Justin Voegelin

Synopsis: At the height of the Second World War, two young soldiers on opposite sides of history question the war that they once glorified, and what they do to survive. One Final Day is a journey through war-torn Europe in an animated drama exploring the brutalities of war, bravery, honor and the price of freedom.

All captured with stop-motion animation by artists handcrafting puppets, props and artwork for over 10,000 work hours.

Tennis, Oranges
Animation (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Sean Pecknold
Written By: Sean Pecknold
Produced By: Sean Pecknold
Cast: Adi Goodrich, Emily Franz, Alfonso Estrada, David Kamp

Synopsis: A robotic vacuum suffering from burnout quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community and a
greater purpose on a quiet street where two lonely rabbits are stuck in perpetual loops.

One: The Animated Film
Animation (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Thomas E. Richner
Written By: Aaron Cole, Thomas E. Richner
Produced By: Aaron Cole, Thomas E. Richner
Cast: JR Rodriguez, Shane K. Sowell, Andy Friz, Christopher Parker, Dan Root, Keith Richner, Rafael Rosado

Synopsis: One follows a swimmer's emotional journey, capturing the thrill of competition and the challenges of transitioning out of sports. Through their eyes, the film portrays the camaraderie and excitement of athletic achievement, while also exploring the void and identity loss that can follow retirement. As the swimmer navigates these challenges, the narrative ultimately offers hope and strength to anyone facing their own struggles, reminding us of the resilience needed to move forward after life-changing transitions.

Flocky
Animation (12 mins) Spain, United States
Directed By: Esther Casas Roura
Written By: Esther Casas Roura
Produced By: Esther Casas Roura, Juan Carlos Concha Riveros
Cast: Kaylin Lee Clinton, Chaka

Synopsis: FLOCKY is an animated allegory navigating pregnancy, exploring the connection between a mother and her unborn child. Set in a melancholic and enchanting world, the story captures the essence of love, and the poignant nature of loss.

Transformation
Animation (13 mins) Germany
Directed By: Marcel Barsotti
Written By: Marcel Barsotti
Produced By: Marcel Barsotti
Cast: Em Bi

Synopsis: Only humans still live on Earth. Dangerous genetic experiments have wiped out the entire food chain. The only food which is keeping the last humans alive is the yellow Nova. In the far future, the last Drakzuls, highly intelligent beings, had to flee from their homeland, their planet destroyed by their enemies. They are searching for a new world to survive. And they found it.

Moonlit Bamboo Forest
Animation (13 mins) France, Singapore
Directed By: David Pagaille
Written By: Gabrielle D'Andrimont, Chamseddine Kaddouri, Joseph Morpurgo, David Pagaille
Produced By: Yiting Lyu, Chamseddine Kaddouri, Peter Zhaoyu Zhou, Mulan Fu, Marc Bodin-Joyeux, Lucie Friar
Cast: Ava Le, Elizabeth Charles, Kevin Lim

Synopsis: A young boy from Qingce Village, unwilling to spend his life in a small town, dreams of venturing the outside world. He steps into an ancient, mysterious bamboo forest, believing that once he crosses it, he will reach the world beyond. However, the forest is filled with ghosts and monsters from childhood legends. When danger strikes, a lady in white rescues him, revealing a forgotten legend that draws him deeper into darkness…

Jus d'Orange
Animation (14 mins) France
Directed By: Alexandre AthanE
Written By: Alexandre AthanE, ChloE CElErien
Produced By: Nolita, Animoon, The Singing Plant Company
Cast: Voice Cast: JosE Garcia, Charlie Bos, La Big Bertha - Composer: Ian Caulfield

Synopsis: Toni, an orange grower, sees his life flash by, swallowed up by an industrialized world that overwhelms him. As the modern world encroaches on his peaceful existence, he is left to grapple with his memories. Only a tender recollection from his past can save him and restore the connection he once had with nature and himself.

In Half
Animation (25 mins) Spain
Directed By: Jorge Morais
Written By: Jorge Morais, Silvia Pazos
Produced By: Jorge Morais
Cast: Music composed by: Juan M. Camean

Synopsis: In a vivid tapestry woven from a child's imagination, a man grapples with his deepest fears as he embarks on a mesmerizing journey through a fantastical realm. This enchanting universe, brimming with magic, forces him to confront haunting memories and inner conflicts. As he navigates this strange world, he must seek the answers that will illuminate his path to self-discovery.

Block 4 at 3:30 pm

Blanca
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Carlos Grana
Written By: Carlos Grana
Produced By: Timothy Gagliardo
Cast: Stefanie Estes, Mair Flores, Matthew J. Harris

Synopsis: During a violent coup in 1948, Peru's First Lady must drive her maid and wounded chauffeur to the hospital down a deadly road in the Andes.

Neighbor
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Oliver Finley
Written By: Oliver Finley
Produced By: Karine Benzaria
Cast: Anna Mikami, Jack Schrader, Ewa Maria Wojcik

Synopsis: Late one night, Emma races to meet a work deadline in her apartment when a violent argument erupts through the wall next door. As the domestic dispute escalates, Emma must choose whether or not to intervene. With each passing moment, the space between witness and participant shrinks, revealing a haunting truth: our choices echo long after the moment of decision has passed.

Logged In
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Kim Bonifay, Pascal Bonifay
Written By: Kim Bonifay, Pascal Bonifay
Produced By: Kim Bonifay, Pascal Bonifay
Cast: Garrett Stivers

Synopsis: In this Black Mirror-esque short, an AI reveals the secrets of everyone Vincent knows and loves, with devastating consequences. This cautionary tale - set in the near future - explores the intimate dangers of omniscient technology.

Residence
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Thomas Simon
Written By: Thomas Simon
Produced By: Erin Gilchrist, Darren Maynard, Thomas Simon
Cast: Ashley Lenz, Nahesi Crawford, Aaron Jay Rome, Francesca Ling, Kolten Horner, Krishna Smitha, Tyler Huxtable, Tyler Harlow, Ashley Amelia Grace

Synopsis: At an exclusive Los Angeles real estate showing, guests anticipate opulence - but the deal is not what it seems. As a sudden illness overtakes them, the true motives of their host come to light in a shocking, unforgettable finale.

Skinwalker
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Dylan Bradshaw
Written By: Dylan Bradshaw
Produced By: Al Boyer, Andrea Boyer, Clay Southerland
Cast: Evan Williams, Joseph Lopez, Cliff Cisneros, Autumn Boyer

Synopsis: Two strangers must unite to hunt down an ancient, forest-dwelling monster that lures victims into the woods by mimicking the voices of their loved ones.

Pandaal
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Shaily Sanghvi
Written By: Naosheen Ahmed,Rutul Desai, Sagar Nayak, Shaily Sanghvi
Produced By: Naosheen Ahmed, Siddhant Vig, Preeti Saraogi
Cast: Naosheen Ahmed, Jai Jhala, Anupam Dhyani, Almanya Narula

Synopsis: ‘Pandaal' is a world of its own. Here, Durga, a female pimp, delivers justice by pimping out abusive men. Strong yet scarred, she battles her traumatic past while protecting her girls. Her world shatters when she pimps out an abusive man to a client who turns out to be her own father. Forced to confront her darkest nightmare, Durga must rise above her pain and reclaim her power in her own fierce, elegant way.

Mannequin
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Mark Tran
Written By: Mark Tran
Produced By: Long Vo, Thierry Lu, Ngoc Le, Rob Ernst, Peter Lindsey
Cast: Paul Yen, Porter Duong, Nazzy Nepacena, Ngoc Le, Cat Ly, Joe Ho

Synopsis: In Oakland's Little Saigon, Minh, a sleep-deprived father struggles to care for his infant Hien, while his wife, Trang leaves for a family funeral in Vietnam.
Desperate to find comfort for Hien, he seeks solace in a mannequin. As Minh's exhaustion deepens, he forms an unsettling bond with the mannequin blurring the line between reality and hallucinations. As Minh's struggles unravel, he discovers the truth that he can no longer deny.

Serial
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Calliope Tsoukalas
Written By: Calliope Tsoukalas
Produced By: Calliope Tsoukalas, Jenna Miles, Michael P. Blevins
Cast: Calliope Tsoukalas, James E. Smith, Hunter Paul

Synopsis: Sam and Nicky, a young couple struggling after a miscarriage, move to get a fresh start. At the same time, a serial killer surfaces. While the new neighbor vies for Sam's affections, the couple is tested on what it takes to survive.

Block 5 at 3:45 pm

Cash Collectors
Feature (84 mins) United States
Directed By: dominique milano
Written By: mark g chapman
Produced By: dominique milano jd hughes
Cast: Angie Everhart, Michael Madsen, Costas Mandylor

Synopsis: 2026. The world is in chaos. Banks and retail stores are under attack. Looting, robbery, and loan fraud are rampant.
To restore law and order, the private sector created a team of enforcers: "CASH COLLECTORS"
Under the direction of Arizona Pinnacle Bank, Cash Collectors have authority to recover stolen property by any means necessary. Channel 3 Los Angeles acquired the rights from Pinnacle Bank to broadcast live collections for a
Global TV Show

Block 6 at 5:30 pm

Glance
Short (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Luka Bazeli, Alexi Papalexopoulos
Written By: Dasha Gorodenska
Produced By: Dasha Gorodenska
Cast: Dasha Gorodenska, Farah Marwan

Synopsis: Iris dreams of experiencing a life of freedom and love, unbound by her disability. As she delves into her deepest thoughts, she grapples with the question of whether love is possible for everyone.

Clarity
Short (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Joseph Oliver Hooten
Written By: Joseph Oliver Hooten
Produced By: Don Ohmer, Kyle Smithers, Joseph Oliver Hooten
Cast: Corinne Foxx

Synopsis: Meena, a young addict in early recovery, must delve into the darkest corners of her psyche in order to battle her inner demons and prevent a relapse.

The Open Door
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Dean Ronalds
Written By: Jason Hope
Produced By: Jason Hope
Cast: DJ Qualls, Ever Love Hope, C. Thomas Howell, Penelope Ann Miller

Synopsis: An adaptation of the famous short story "The Open Window" by H. H. Munro. A short film set in 1918, THE OPEN DOOR tells the story of Framton Nuttel who is sent to the countryside by his physicians in order to calm his nerves. It is there he meets a young girl, Mae, who begins to share the eerie secrets of this small town.

To End All Spells
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Nana Kwabena, Zak Cedarholm
Written By: Zak Cedarholm, Nana Kwabena
Produced By: Jatali Bellanton, George Hughes, Nana Kwabena
Cast: Nneka Ibeabuchi, Jidenna Mobisson, Mariah McKenzie, Nana Yaa Asare Boadu, Idara Victor

Synopsis: Amidst her village, Sumsun, nearing the brink of extinction, an unforgiving desert warrior fights to protect the legacy of Palve, a sacred psychedelic fruit that connects its indigenous to the spiritual realm. The only way to experience the effects of this scarce and forbidden hallucinogenic is through the remaining villagers greatest form of protection; their hair.

Above the Salt
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Phillip Crum
Written By: Phillip Crum
Produced By: Angela Long, Phillip Crum
Cast: Ryan Dorsey, Vj Kesh

Synopsis: It's been years since the original telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia tragically collapsed, and now we're thirty minutes out from it coming back online. Two local interference detection officers head out into the Appalachian day to uphold the reinstated ban on frequency-emitting household devices when they're taken off course by a mysterious light.

Halcyon
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Jordan London
Written By: Sade Katarina, Jordan Londion, Jesse Posey
Produced By: Lena Coccetti, Sade Katarina, Jordan London, Jesse Posey
Cast: Sade Katarina, Jesse Posey

Synopsis: A southern belle with a tarnished reputation falls for an outlaw drifter, and together find themselves in a fight for survival after a spirited spree of crime and love across America's heartland.

Upside Down Pineapple
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Cory Nixon
Written By: Jon Gomora, Chris Hager
Produced By: Elma Begovic, David Charpentier, Jon Gomora, Chris Hager, Jacob Slane, Grant Stivers
Cast: Elma Begovic, Charlene Westbrook, Rivkah Reyes, Ashley Smith, Mary Russ

Synopsis: The true story of her best friend's mysterious murder would make the perfect prime time miniseries. . . but can former queen bee Penelope Pierce convince her reluctant clique to sign over their life rights?

Vespertine
Short (29 mins) United States
Directed By: Lauri Levenfeld/ Grace Wethor
Written By: Lauri Levenfeld
Produced By: Lauri Levenfeld, Jillian Shea Spaeder
Cast: Brittany Ishibashi, Rena Sofer, Kate French, Marquita Terry, Miya Cech, Harley Grey

Synopsis: An assault on a top female entertainment lawyer fast-tracks a reunion for four long-lost friends- a "die or awaken" offering from a poisonous desert flower turns daytime debauchery into a kaleidoscope tale of sisterhood where unresolved trauma seeds revenge that could only be female.

Block 7 at 5:45 pm

All There Is
Feature (112 mins) United States
Directed By: Kit Williamson
Written By: Amir Ohebsion, Arash Homampour
Produced By: Sam Okun, Amir Ohebsion
Cast: Jason Priestley, Mena Suvari, Laurel Marsden, Elsie Fisher, Nick E. Tarabay, Shiv Pai

Synopsis: A troubled teenager's world is upended when a tragedy involving her best friend is blamed on her filmmaker father's controversial sci-fi movie. As she struggles to navigate the aftermath, she eventually comes to a deeper understanding of herself and the people around her. Once free from her own prejudices, she is able to better understand her friend's trajectory which ultimately leads to an unexpected and surprising healing between cultures and generations.

Block 8 at 6:00 pm

Stooper
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Bennett Watanabe
Written By: Bennett Watanabe
Produced By: Eliel Ford, Brendan Garrett
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Valor Hirsch

Synopsis: An estranged dad takes his ten-year-old son to the horse races to gamble the kid's birthday money in the hopes of a winning a new bike.

My Baby, My Doll
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Marianna Kaimakliotis
Written By: Marianna Kaimakliotis
Produced By: Samantha Schofield, Blair Taller, Marianna Kaimakliotis
Cast: Kristine Gallo, Caitlin Zerra Rose, Jane Murdoch

Synopsis: After arriving home for her younger sister's birthday, a young woman, disconnected from her family, struggles to feel welcome and share the news that she's pregnant

Chance of Rain
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Paul Rush
Written By: Paul Rush
Produced By: Poul Farnham, Natalie Gimon
Cast: Katherine Cortez, Hilty Bowen, Zoey Moses

Synopsis: After losing her mom, a young woman comes home to take care of her aging Grandmother. Late one night she is woken up by the sound of rain and voice from the rain tells her she is going to die the next time it rains. She just happens to be the new local weather woman and it is going to rain tomorrow.

The Persistence of Memory
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Genevieve Hannelius, Zulema Young-Toledo
Written By: Genevieve Hannelius, Zulema Young-Toledo
Produced By: Griffin Di Stefano
Cast: Katie Findlay, Michael Thomas Grant

Synopsis: When Shirley's husband moves them to a burgeoning town on the Salton Sea, she begins to discover the murky truth lying beneath the shimmering waters and must decide if she is willing to shatter the mirage of this desert oasis.

Special Will
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Chelsea Ray Gilson
Written By: Chelsea Ray Gilson
Produced By: Chelsea Gilson, Andrew Rogers, Gabriel Zake Simao
Cast: Dennis Ray Gilson, Ethan Bichara, Chelsea Ray Gilson

Synopsis: When an 11 year old with Down's Syndrome befriends a cantankerous Vietnam Veteran dying of cancer, the two form an unbreakable bond and discover the true meaning of friendship.

The Suit
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Carol McCann
Written By: Carol McCann
Produced By: Michael Lesser and Carol McCann
Cast: Kristine Nielsen, Delaney Quinn, Bethany Caputo, Kent C. Jackman

Synopsis: The short film, The Suit, inspired by a song of the same name written by the legendary songwriter Hugh Prestwood, follows a salt of the earth older woman and her granddaughter who go in search of the perfect suit for Grandpa, a man who has spent his life "scratchin' the earth." This seemingly simple task is ultimately revealed to have a more profound and moving purpose."

Welcome To Klyde's Kitchen
Short (22 mins) United States
Directed By: Sonia Bajaj
Written By: Sonia Bajaj, Phillip Bellury
Produced By: Sonia Bajaj, Craig Miller
Cast: Beau Bridges, Ezekiel Bridges, Sana Saeed

Synopsis: A brash young business executive (Ezekiel Bridges), charged with a DUI, is sentenced to performing community service at a homeless center, where he serves indigents against his will and despite his prejudices. A new visitor, a ragged homeless man (Beau Bridges,) and the homeless center's manager (Sana Saeed,) teach him the value of caring for the forgotten.

Block 9 at 7:45 pm

Hello Beautiful
Feature (90 mins) United States
Directed By: Ziad H Hamzeh
Written By: Nina Cullen-Hamzeh, Ziad H Hamzeh, Christine Handy
Produced By: Timothy Danis, Michael Espinosa, Ziad H Hamzeh, Christine Handy
Cast: Tricia Helfer, Tarek Bishara, Saddie Stratton, Lisa Marcos, Syed Badreya, Sara Boustany, Susan Shalhoub Larkin

Synopsis: A powerful and emotionally charged film that delves into the harrowing yet transformative journey of Willow, a successful model whose life is shattered by a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. Based on Christine Handy's bestselling novel Walk Beside Me, the film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Block 10 at 8:00 pm

The Comics
Short (14 mins) Canada
Directed By: Karen Knox
Written By: Veronika Gribanova
Produced By: Veronika Gribanova, Spencer Hahn, Stephen Raglow
Cast: Veronika Gribanova, Ryan Belleville, Marcia Johnson

Synopsis: When Annie and Mark's controversial comedy video goes viral, they make a run for the country. There, they hide out in a worn down, under the radar motel, hoping to stay out of the public eye while their video rapidly makes its rounds on social media.

Don't With Ba
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Sally Tran
Written By: Sally Tran
Produced By: Meilin Grey, Sally Tran
Cast: DINH, John Chen

Synopsis: In Chinatown slum, Thao and their friends unite after their grandmother's murder and robbery. Disillusioned by authorities, they seek street justice against a thieving gang, aiming to protect their community's elderly and fight petty crime, finding renewed purpose and solidarity.

George
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Aaron Craig, Alex Craig
Written By: Keith Crawford, Kelly Crawford
Produced By: Aaron Craig, Alex Craig, Christopher Wiegand
Cast: Adrian Martinez, Angela Sarafyan

Synopsis: George works at a crematorium by day and loves baking by night. His two passions soon overlap when asked for a favor from his niece.

The Blue Diamond
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Sam Fox
Written By: Sam Fox, Addison Heimann
Produced By: Geenah Krisht, Desiree Staples
Cast: Desiree Staples, Barbara Crampton, Emily Ashby, Ethan Daniel Corbett, Jadon Cal, Gillian Jackson Han

Synopsis: After the death of her toxic mother, a cultish 80s après ski club is the setting of a grieving daughter trying to find closure, but as usual with 80s ski clubs, nothing is as it seems (aliens).

Dizzy
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Zac La Roc
Written By: Zac La Roc, Olivia Allen
Produced By: Nick Cassavetes, Rooter Wareing, Hannah Swayze, Stuart James, Jared Kurt
Cast: Sydney Taylor, Hannah Kepple, Kayla Blake, Vel-9

Synopsis: Dylan and Lizzy are best friends, growing up in a typical dystopian suburbia. Dylan is all gas, no brakes. Lizzy is more in touch with the risk verses benefit equation. Tonight, we join the unlikely duo as they drop acid, steal a car, and head out. The wild sequence of events that ensue remind us all that life's a trip, might as well enjoy the ride.

Wander Women
Short (32 mins) United States
Directed By: Drew Denny
Written By: Scarlett Bress, Olivia Singer
Produced By: Ann-Margret, Isabella Dake, Tanya Turak, Rodric David, Nick Canosa, Mary Ann Jacobsen, Mary Ann Clement
Cast: DeStorm Power, Sam Swank, Brett Dodenhoff, Olivia Singer, Scarlett Bress

Synopsis: Rescued from a doomsday cult, Hannah and Eve are thrown into a world they barely recognize, modern-day Los Angeles. Escaping the cops, the girls race through the city stumbling onto a holy site, the local thrift store. There, they discover the uncharted wonders of womanhood and sexuality. Revelations are cut short when a robbery erupts. Now with blood on their hands, literally, they flee towards The Kingdom of Fun as their last hope for sanctuary.

Block 11 at 8:15 pm

The Last Gunfight
Feature (95 mins) United States
Directed By: James Bamford
Written By: JD Zeik
Produced By: Steven Paul
Cast: Jon Voight, Adam Woodward, Eloise Anderson, Charlotte Vega, Rade Sherbedgia

Synopsis: In a high-stakes underground tournament, the world's fiercest fighters, including corporate mercenaries and elite warriors, clash in a brutal survival game where alliances shift, betrayals are common, and the ultimate prize is a path to redemption - or death. Let the games begin!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Block 1 at 11:30 am

Selfiesh
Animation (3 mins) Italy, United States
Directed By: Jose Cura
Written By: Walton Zed
Produced By: David Guido Pietroni, Ruben Dario Salas
Cast: Ramiro Blas, Amparo Roca

Synopsis: The intense journey of a young woman trapped in the grip of social media addiction and the obsessive pursuit of the perfect selfie. Her fixation spirals out of control when she encounters a sinister doctor who offers the illusion of aesthetic perfection. This film serves as a stark critique of society's relentless quest for digital validation, exposing the devastating impact on self-worth and reality in the age of social media.

The Ordinariness of Being Deaf - as Told by Alex
Animation (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Karmel Graham
Written By: Karmel Graham
Produced By: Karmel Graham
Cast: Alex the animation

Synopsis: Alex is deaf, but it doesn't define him. Instead, it defines the perception of him by others. This AI generated short film using Midjourney, Runway and Speechify takes us on a journey led by Alex, who shares what it's like - and what it's not like - being hearing-impaired. Through his lens we learn that the human experience has many similarities, despite what some consider as significant differences.

Love Photosynthesis
Animation (4 mins) Ukraine
Directed By: Alisa Zolonz
Written By: Alisa Zolonz
Produced By: Alisa Zolonz
Cast:

Synopsis: Within the microscopic realm of a leaf, Water embarks on an improbable love story with Chloroplast with the duo struggle to overcome their differences. Battling to unify it triggers a transformative journey for the pair, and others around them

Darkness Falling
Animation (5 mins) Poland, United States
Directed By: Marcin Nowrotek
Written By: Marcin Nowrotek
Produced By: Ceiri Torjussen, Marcin Nowrotek
Cast: Marcin Nowrotek, Ceiri Torjussen, Luanne Homzy, Michal Rodzinski

Synopsis: An animated, music-driven short film delving into themes of vulnerability and the repetitive cycles of violence. Written, directed and animated by Polish filmmaker Marcin Nowrotek, the piece is an artistic response to Ceiri Torjussen's track DARKNESS FALLING (which comes from his 2024 album SOUL IN THE MACHINE).

Mnemonade
Animation (5 mins) United States
Directed By: MetaPuppet
Written By: MetaPuppet
Produced By: MetaPuppet
Cast: MetaPuppet

Synopsis: As her mind fades, a woman with dementia discovers that each bite of food from a mysterious diner's menu unlocks fragments of her forgotten life, forcing her to confront bittersweet memories and rediscover her true self before the last dish is served.

The Faith of Joe
Animation (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Steve Dawson
Written By: Steve Dawson
Produced By: Steve Dawson
Cast: Steve Dawson

Synopsis: As the mandatory implant signifying defiance against God looms on the horizon, Joe emerges as a defiant figure, willingly sacrificing everything to uphold his beliefs. Alone beneath the shelter of a solitary apple tree, he remains steadfast, dedicating himself to helping others—no matter their choice regarding the implant.

Flip
Animation (7 mins) Bulgaria
Directed By: Ivailo Boliarov
Written By: Ivailo Boliarov
Produced By: Ivailo Boliarov
Cast: Ivailo Boliarov

Synopsis: Somewhere out there, through the lonely streets and corridors of personal searches, questions and building attempts, lies the way out to be able to change our lives and our surroundings, in the way we want. The key turns out to be not only finding the right door, but also how to turn everything upside down to open it. Or maybe the journey isn't over yet.

Land of Darkness
Animation (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Chad Reininger
Written By: Chad Reininger
Produced By: Chad Reininger
Cast: Chad Reininger, Alan Maxson, Emily Ellsworth

Synopsis: An epic fairy tale about love at first sight. The coward demon Wrothren meets the angel warrior Aerna in a battle above the clouds, and together they fall into the Land of Darkness. Surrounded and outnumbered, Wrothren must discover his courage in order to defend someone he has just met. Someone that was supposed to be his enemy.
Can love alone be light in the dark?

One Giant Waddle
Animation (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Kevin M Jones
Written By: Kevin Jones, Oliver Magga
Produced By: Kevin M Jones
Cast: Rose Jones, Otis Jones

Synopsis: One Giant Waddle
A group of penguins watching the moon landing gets jealous of the astronauts' constant bragging about taking giant steps. While the penguins watching are stuck on Earth, with gravity keeping their steps so tiny that their walking style is mockingly referred to as waddling.

Happy Life
Animation (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Sara Caldwell
Written By: Kelly Karam
Produced By: Sara Caldwell
Cast: William Reliford, VFX

Synopsis: Happy Life is a stop-motion animation about an old woman who turns her loneliness into joy with the help of three balloons and a mysterious stranger.

Fast Forward to Forever
Animation (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Dylan Martin
Written By: Brendan Carretero
Produced By: Jeffery Gary, Brendan Carretero, Burton Chaikin
Cast: Corey Timmons, Akil Jackson, Marlee Learner

Synopsis: Fast Forward to Forever is a story that tackles the grieving process and the questions we ask ourselves when someone passes away. The film follows Josh, a wallflower-type of sorts. He is pulled into Anna's world as he recognizes someone who feels alone too. After her eventual passing, we follow Josh as he looks back at the past and begins to reflect on what it means to grieve for a lost loved one.

The Sacred Society
Animation (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Benny Zelkowicz
Written By: Benny Zelkowicz
Produced By: Benny Zelkowicz
Cast: Benny Zelkowicz, Kurt Oldman, Maile Costa Colbert

Synopsis: An evocative animated documentary about the volunteers who clean and dress bodies for burial according to Jewish custom. Using moving sand to Illustrate a little-known ritual, the film explores the value of tradition in how we grapple with our own mortality.

Disabled: A Love Story
Animation (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Sheila M. Sofian
Written By: Sheila M. Sofian
Produced By: Sheila M. Sofian
Cast: Terry Szold, Jon Fain

Synopsis: An animated documentary exploring the affect Multiple sclerosis (MS) has had on Terry and her husband/caregiver, Jon. Beginning with the diagnosis and continuing through their +35 year marriage, Terry struggles to continue working as a city planner and teaching while losing her mobility. Jon works as a writer, and together they learn to adapt to each stage of the disease while maintaining their relationship.

Fruckus
Animation (26 mins) United States
Directed By: Evan York
Written By: Chuck LaVallee, Evan York
Produced By: Ramy Katrib, Evan York
Cast: Chuck LaVallee, Evan York

Synopsis: Award-winning animated short about redemption: The life of Chuck LaVallee—street hustler turned Hollywood agent. A junkie at 13, he rose to sign legends like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Alanis Morissette at William Morris. Now battling cancer from a dirty needle, Chuck asked me to record his journey—sex, drugs, rockstars, and mobsters - to leave something behind.

Block 2 at 11:45 am

Tiny Tree Concert
Documentary Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: David Neptune
Written By: David Neptune
Produced By: David Neptune, Ryoji Inatsugi
Cast: Ryoji Inatsugi

Synopsis: Ryoji Inatsugi isn't just a musician. He's a rockstar… for babies. This short documentary tells the story of how he found his calling playing music classes with babies and their families in parks around Los Angeles.

Dreamful
Documentary Short (15 mins) Armenia, Greece
Directed By: Sarko MeenE, Vahan Khachiyan
Written By: Sarko MeenE
Produced By: Sarko MeenE
Cast: Sarko MeenE, Hogh Khonav, Vahan Khachiyan

Synopsis: Dreamful follows an 80-year-old art collector dreaming of transforming Chiliomodi Island, Greece, into a sanctuary for artists and pilgrims, reflecting on life's simplicity and beauty.

Las Mariachis
Documentary Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Francesca Hill
Written By:
Produced By: Francesca Hill
Cast: Maricela Martinez

Synopsis: A short documentary profiling the director of one of LA's finest all-female mariachi groups, Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas. In a male dominated world of mariachi, she fights for recognition and carries the weight of fifty years of family tradition on her shoulders, while also seeking to empower future generations of women in mariachi — hoping to forge her own legacy as both a musician and a mother.

After the Bomb
Documentary Short (19 mins) Northern Ireland
Directed By: Heather Brumley
Written By: Heather Brumley
Produced By: Heather Brumley
Cast: Jennifer McNern, Margaret Yeaman

Synopsis: In an era where the violence of war often leaves victims forgotten, a woman whose life was devastated by a bomb in Northern Ireland joins with fellow victims and survivors to fight for restitution and acknowledgment from a negligent government. Amidst her fight, she finds new healing in a friendship based on shared need, where one walks and the other sees.

500 Years of Friendship
Documentary Feature (49 mins) United States
Directed By: Abby Mohaddes
Written By: Abby Mohaddes
Produced By: Abbas Mohaddes, Abby Mohaddes
Cast: Abbas Mohaddes, Abby Mohaddes, Mahmud Javadi, Yadi Kamelian, Nezam Emtiaz, Kaveh Amirdelfan, Arya Jahani, Peter Levitov, Daryoush Razavian, Bagher Tarkian, Mahmoud Shams Amadi, Farrokh Choobineh, Taimour Tanavoli, Kamy Modares, Shelley Zaborowski

Synopsis: In 500 Years of Friendship, director Abby Mohaddes explores her father's decades-long bond with a group of Iranian men, formed during their time as foreign students at the University of Nebraska in the 1970s. Amidst the Iranian Revolution and the Iran Hostage Crisis, their friendship provided strength and solace. Abby returns to Nebraska with her father, witnessing how their enduring connection has transcended generations, offering a poignant exploration of connection, resilience, and cultural identity.

Block 3 at 1:30 pm

The Rider
Documentary Short (27 mins) United States
Directed By: Roberto Serrini
Written By: Roberto Serrini
Produced By: Adam Fitzgerald, Greg Moore, Roberto Serrini
Cast: Matias Corea, Yve Assad, Christopher Myott, Roberto Serrini

Synopsis: Unsafe, uncomfortable, unreliable and the only vehicle where you are the windshield, The Rider is an extremely experimental, savvy and sassy cinematic exploration of why on earth real riders entertain insanity and mount these literal death traps.

Isky
Documentary Feature (61 mins) United States
Directed By: Cheyanne Kane
Written By: Cheyanne Kane
Produced By: Kerry Ann Enright
Cast: Ed Iskenderian

Synopsis: Ed Iskenderian, also known as Isky, is the motorsports legend whose groundbreaking innovations revolutionized racing. Isky is a driving force behind high-performance camshafts, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the pursuit of speed. Ed shaped an entire automotive era and became an eternal icon in the process. Today, at 103 years of age, Isky's passion and drive continues to inspire generations, while reminding us that age is no barrier to innovation and success.

Block 4 at 1:45 pm

Dawn Ready
Documentary Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Jennifer Cawley
Written By: William Cawley
Produced By: William Cawley
Cast: Laird Hamilton, Daniel Robinson

Synopsis: Big wave surfer Laird Hamilton and Military Jet Fighter Pilot Daniel Robinson are on a mission to constantly revolutionize their equipment and the readiness required to achieve their goals. This documenytary intertwines the extraordinary worlds of two modern day heroes, and the parallels that exist within their relentless focus on pushing the boundaries of their careers and training.

World Changers
Documentary Short (23 mins) United States
Directed By: Spencer Stander
Written By: Zach Sudfeld
Produced By: Spencer Stander, Zach Sudfeld
Cast: Zach Sudfeld

Synopsis: World Changers is a gripping journey into resilience, where hope fuels transformation. Hosted by former NFL player Zach Sudfeld, this documentary dives into Uganda to uncover fearless changemakers—an HIV+ advocate revolutionizing healthcare, a rebellious nun rescuing trafficked children, and a leader reimagining education. Blending adventure, purpose, and unfiltered storytelling, World Changers doesn't just document change—it dares audiences to be part of it.

Jacob de Haan: A Voice Out of Time
Documentary Feature (73 mins) Israel, The Netherlands
Directed By: Zvi Landsman
Written By: Zvi Landsman
Produced By: Zvi Landsman, Mira Mendel, RenE Mendel
Cast: Shira Clara Winther

Synopsis: The holy martyr for the most extreme Jewish sect in Jerusalem was also a hero for the Dutch LGBTQ community. To the Zionist establishment—a threat. In 1924, he was shot dead in a Jerusalem alleyway, his assassins never caught. The anti-Zionist sect of Neturei Karta holds the Zionist establishment responsible. Today, never-before-heard audio recordings finally solve this century-old political murder mystery and shed light on the extraordinary figure of Jacob Israel de Haan.

Block 5 at 3:30 pm

3 Minutos
Short (5 mins) United States
Directed By: Douglas Ryan
Written By: Douglas Ryan
Produced By: Alexandra Grace, Douglas Ryan
Cast: Alexandra Grace, Austin Barnes

Synopsis: A young couple at potential crossroads in their lives, quickly evaluate their relationship as an unexpected question leads to the start of a deeper conversation.

Buckets
Short (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Dan Lubetkin
Written By: Dan Lubetkin
Produced By: Jenica Bergere, Dan Lubetkin
Cast: Sam Daly, Olivia Elena Aguilar

Synopsis: A workaholic dad joins his basketball-obsessed daughter at the park. They discover the court is a physical impossibility when every shot - no matter how ridiculous - goes in.

Crudo
Short (7 mins) United Kingdom
Directed By: Tom Wilson
Written By: Tom Wilson
Produced By: Tom Wilson
Cast: Claire Dellamar, Clayton Farris, Cali Fredricks, Gabriel Tigerman

Synopsis: Foodie culture comes to blows when two couples meet in an LA restaurant.

Shot in Beverly Hills, CRUDO is a satire on the central place restaurant culture has taken when it comes to keeping up appearances. The foodie "one-upmanship" that usually bubbles away under the surface suddenly explodes into physical violence in this comedy short.

Raging Doll
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Ruthie Marantz
Written By: Jessica Catalano
Produced By: MJ Bernier, Rob Simmons, Kresh Novakovic
Cast: Jessica Catalano, Yamaneika Saunders, Laila Zakirova, Bryan Burton, Tracey Carnazzo, Cathy Moriarty

Synopsis: Lee, a vapid and delusional woman-child, drags herself through another uninspired boxing workout with Coach. When a confident teenage champion shows up to train like a boss, she baits Lee into her first ring match by savagely roasting her appearance.

Cake for Two
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Andre Enzensberger
Written By: Andre Enzensberger
Produced By: Andre Enzensberger
Cast: Andras Ostrom, Felicia Stalzer

Synopsis: A young man of lovable character anxiously awaits his perpetually late date. As he practices speeches to confront his love interest about her tardiness, a series of increasingly absurd events lead him down a path of chaos and surprises.

Shut Up, Jack
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Alec Bewkes
Written By: Alec Bewkes
Produced By: Bennett Cordon
Cast: Alec Bewkes, Anand Mahalingam, Rahne Avant, Amelia Evans, Izzy Fox, Rickey Wilson

Synopsis: After his joke bombs at a party, Jack's anxiety spirals out of control as he argues with his subconscious about the best path to social redemption.

Misses Pickles
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Jennifer Plante Johnson
Written By: Naomi Odes Aytur
Produced By: Jennifer Plante Johnson, Naomi Odes Aytur
Cast: Jennifer Plante Johnson, Naomi Odes Aytur

Synopsis: When Donna attempts to rescue an abandoned kitty for a local shelter, she finds her ex-girlfriend June on the same mission. Will lingering feelings and open wounds get in the way of saving the cat?

Contra
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Bradford Jackson
Written By: Bradford Jackson
Produced By: Bradford Jackson, Alex Popov
Cast: Brendan White, Justin Stewart, Erin Lindsay King, Cooper Canady, Aryeh Pico, Kevin T. Bennett

Synopsis: Bill and Lance, two ripped, no-nonsense American commandos, have been called upon by their grizzled old Commander, Colonel Blood, for one last death-defying mission. But when their chopper crash-lands in the heart of the Last Frontier, they're left stranded, outnumbered, and outgunned. With nothing but their bare fists, oversized weapons, and an insatiable thirst for destruction, they carve a path of carnage through their enemies, leaving behind one simple reminder:

Real men don't reload.

Loganberry Lane: a Book Gets Banned
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Cathy Cahlin Ryan
Written By: Cathy Cahlin Ryan
Produced By: Cathy Cahlin Ryan
Cast: Toks Olagundoye, Kristen Johnston, Julia Campell, Julia Montgomery, Jay Karnes

Synopsis: When the Regan School's PA decides to ban "offensive" books - the ladies of Loganberry go into action to fight city hall and the school's hierarchy that bonds them in their united front.

Virgin Murder
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Sam Erokhin
Written By: Lukas DiSparrow
Produced By: Daria Volynska, Polina Herman, Rudolf Nayshuler
Cast: Lukas DiSparrow, Diego Lacamara, Ilonna Danchenko,

Synopsis: Two lifelong friends, both over 35 and still virgins, set off on a journey to finally lose their virginity. Their plan takes an unexpected dark turn, and they find themselves in increasingly chaotic situations as they try to avoid the consequences of their actions. Each step only drags them deeper into trouble, testing their friendship and resolve.

Night Shift
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By:Pranav Bhojwani
Written By:Pranav Bhojwani
Produced By:Pranav Bhojwani
Cast:David Lee, Young Jin Lee

Synopsis:A security guard is tasked with guarding the most rare Ferrari Collection in the world. On his first night watch…things start to go wrong…

Block 6 at 5:15 pm

Motherhood: A Day in the USA
Documentary Short (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Danielle Lurie
Written By: Danielle Lurie
Produced By: Danielle Lurie
Cast: Anna Malaika Tubbs,Eve Rodsky,Chudney Ross,Katie Finneran, Zaria Forman,Liuba Grechen Shirely

Synopsis: Filmmaker Danielle Lurie has spent several years documenting the days-in-the-lives of over 45 mothers across America which she will turn into an episodic series. This short collection of her vast footage highlights a typical day-in-the life of mothers in America and pays homage to the invisible work done everyday to care for and love our nation's children, all while doing so - as the main musical track suggests - under enormous pressure.

The Original Badass
Documentary Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Simantini Chakraborty, Godfrey Reggio
Written By: Simantini Chakraborty
Produced By: Simantini Chakraborty, Godfrey Reggio
Cast: David Aubrey (Editor) Gil Talmi (Music)

Synopsis: A group of award-winning filmmakers has created a powerful film titled THE ORIGINAL BADASS that celebrates American ingenuity, innovation and influence. The apolitical film was made at a critical time during the momentous 2024 election year to inspire hope and bring people together in a deeply divided nation full of hate, anger and vitriol. This bold film is an urgent reminder that it is our collective responsibility to cherish and preserve the great American experiment.

Resurgo: Detroit
Documentary Feature (105 mins) United States
Directed By: Stephen McGee
Written By: Stephen McGee
Produced By: Jessica Care Moore, Stephen McGee
Cast: The People of Detroit

Synopsis: A $1 house? Detroit, once home to America's greatest ruins like Michigan Central Station is now the comeback story of the century. Between 1910-1960 Detroit became known as the richest cities in the world. When the main industry left town so did 2 million white people and Detroit's narrative shifted to its' post industrial ruins. So what about the people who chose to stay? A documentary film 20 years in the making.

Block 7 at 6:00 pm

This is Ira Richer
Documentary Short (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Rick Knief
Written By: Rick Knief, Alejandro Delgado
Produced By: Rick Knief
Cast: Ira Richer

Synopsis: Explore the mind, life, and influences of this visionary artist who landed in SOHO, NY during the 1980's amongst notable figures in the art world. Discover how a critical early event inspired the breakthrough that shaped his foundational works.

You TV
Documentary Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Von Kochar
Written By: Von Kochar
Produced By: Les Brown Jr., Von Kochar
Cast: Norman Solomon, Richard Spring, Manny Mashouf, Clemens Martin, Cynthia Lloyd, Francois Taborelli

Synopsis: A documentary exploring YOU-TV, the groundbreaking 1988 video-sharing platform that predated the internet and pioneered user-generated content. Conceived in Paris by Norman Solomon during Helmut Newton's promotional tour and launched in Los Angeles, YOU-TV/WAT (World Access Television) quickly gained a global following, becoming the earliest attempt at social media.

Fugue
Documentary Short (25 mins) Brazil
Directed By: Maria Alice Arida
Written By: Maria Alice Arida, Marcela Chamlian
Produced By: Luiza Rangel
Cast: Marcio Scavone

Synopsis: The Brazilian photographer Marcio Scavone revisits his career and his iconic portraits from the past. In "Fugue", portraits and landscapes appear alongside images of his childhood and youth. For Scavone, searching for the meaning of photography is also telling his life story. At the age of 70, Scavone discusses the relevance of his work, reveals his fear of death and questions what the final frame of his life will be.

Martin Scorsese, My Life in Music
Documentary Feature (54 mins) France
Directed By: Clara Kuperberg, Julia Kuperberg
Written By: Clara Kuperberg, Julia Kuperberg
Produced By: Clara Kuperberg, Julia Kuperberg, Martine Melloul
Cast: Martin Scorsese

Synopsis: Martin Scorsese is renowned for his masterful use of music in his films. His relationship with music is deep and complex; he considers it a crucial element of cinematic storytelling. In many of his films, music plays a role almost as important as the characters themselves. It can serve to underscore the characters' emotions, reinforce the film's themes, or evoke a particular era.

Block 8 at 7:30 pm

Stealing the Sky
Feature (100 mins) Canada
Directed By: Megan Follows
Written By: Marie Dame
Produced By: Marie Dame, Penny Noble, Megan Follows
Cast: Marie Dame, Megan Follows, Anusree Roy, Ali Kazmi, Dylan Trowbridge, Olga Korsak

Synopsis: STEALING THE SKY is a bitingly funny and brutally honest look at the modern gig economy, the housing crisis, and the changing face of a major North American City.

A mosaic of interlocking stories, the film centers around a lovingly appointed loft, home to artists and oddballs, across the street from a refugee center. Holly, a struggling actress, earns her income by renting out the loft. But the building is marked for demolition.

Block 9 at 8:00 pm

Rocancourt, The Film
Documentary Feature (62 mins) France, United States
Directed By: David Serero
Written By: David Serero
Produced By: David Serero
Cast: Christophe Rocancourt, Victor Sherman, FBI agents, more.

Synopsis: Director David Serero takes us on a journey through the life of Christophe Rocancourt, a character of mystery and audacity. A new cinematographic style involving documentary, thriller, action film, and spontaneous interview, captivated audiences at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Rocancourt's rise from humble beginnings to international conman in Beverly Hills, stalking the American press as a member of the Rockefeller family and going on the run, having the FBI and Interpol on his tail.

Block 10 at 9:30 pm

The Grand Strand
Feature (113 mins) United States
Directed By: Luke Lowder
Written By: Luke Lowder
Produced By: Amanda Grupp, Dustin Whitehead, Isaiah Wolfe
Cast: John Carroll Lynch, Wilds Clemmons, Erin Ownbey, Dustin Whitehead

Synopsis: Burdened with choosing his legal guardians, Levi spends the summer before he starts high school with his cousins at their family's trailer in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Block 11 at 9:45 pm

Her First Time
Student Film (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Mikaela Brown-Cestero, Malia Aniston
Written By: Mikaela Brown-Cestero
Produced By: Mikaela Brown-Cestero
Cast: Mikaela Brown-Cestero, Preston Scott

Synopsis: July 12th 1964; Alice Graham's first ever first date, and a moment that will change her life forever. A girl never forgets her first time.

Break
Student Film (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Jose M Tenorio
Written By: Jose M Tenorio
Produced By: Christian Cuevas
Cast: Malena Ida, Avery Caroline Wilson

Synopsis: A vagrant breaks into a home and discovers a dead body and abandoned child. They must then make the moral dilemma of stealing what they can or staying and ensuring the child's safety. At the end, police sirens are heard approaching and the vagrant decides to take the child and surrender themselves to the authorities.

A Sip Of Coffee
Student Film (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Andres Felipe Bernal Farias
Written By: Andres Felipe Bernal Farias
Produced By: Sehran Khan
Cast: Christian Lockard Fischer

Synopsis: Jenna is trying to close the dinner for the night but a man comes in at the last minute and a mysterious conversation between them reveals the true identities and intentions of our two characters.

The House of Solomon
Student Film (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Samuel Benitez
Written By: Samuel Benitez
Produced By: Ryan Muina
Cast: Marcus Humose

Synopsis: Post-Apocalypse, USA: Solomon, a man of faith, is trying to keep his family safe. When danger arrives at his door, can he forsake his beliefs and kill in order to guarantee his family's safety?

Golden Hour
Student Film (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Shiyu Zhou
Written By: Alex Hanno
Produced By: Danae Grandison
Cast: Katie Wieland, Nikki Nunziato

Synopsis: In the near future, an overly enthusiastic art teacher's life begins to slowly unravel when she's confronted by a rebellious student with more than a few dangerous secrets.

Subject To Memory
Student Film (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Evelyn Kircher
Written By: Evelyn Kircher, Robert McGraham
Produced By: Evelyn Kircher, Robert McGraham
Cast: Kelly Tappan, Kennedy Taylor, Mabel Maultsby

Synopsis: When a grieving young woman seeks spiritual healing at a rustic retreat, she learns that she may not just be a participant, but a target.

The Shadow in the Mirror
Student Film (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Katie Ann O'Keefe
Written By: Katie Ann O'Keefe
Produced By: Richard Alexander Kroening
Cast: Georgia Markey Kyle Slayton Kyle Reed

Synopsis: In the midst of a diabetic crisis, a young woman faces the ghosts of her past with a former addict boyfriend who revisits her life.

Family Reunion
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Sarah Jo CarrE
Written By: Sarah Jo CarrE
Produced By: Diamond Fierro, Sarah Jo CarrE
Cast: Jetta LaJewel, Jeremiah Soderstrom

Synopsis: When a young girl is stalked by what she believes to be a lake monster during a family reunion, she is forced to face what is truly frightening her…

Basketcase
Student Film (22 mins) United States
Directed By: Justin Lord, Katelyn Wagner
Written By: Justin Lord and Katelyn Wagner
Produced By: Griffin Douglass, Ryan Jachetta, Justin Lord, Abel Vang
Cast: Eliana Moger, Liam Brewster, Emery Gordon

Synopsis: Kaylin has never met someone outside her family. She has also never been told why everyone in her family has to wear baskets over their heads. Unable to bear her parents' mysterious rules any longer, she secretly invites a boy she met online over to visit.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Block 1 at 11:15 am

Lunch Time
Animation (2 mins) Canada
Directed By: Wen Gao
Written By: Wen Gao
Produced By: Wen Gao
Cast: Wen Gao

Synopsis: In a vast castle, a baby girl cheerfully plays with her toys as lunchtime approaches. Meanwhile, an ominous bird monster escapes its chains underground and heads toward her nursery.

Purple Haze
Animation (3 mins) United States
Directed By: Jay Shore
Written By: Jay Shore
Produced By: Jay Shore and Carter Blackwood
Cast: Illustrator/Animator: Carter Blackwood

Synopsis: Purple Haze, an animated short, tells the crazy but true story of a regular Joe who somehow ends up at Prince's house….then things get weird.

Le Charade
Animation (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Erika Totoro
Written By: Erika Totoro
Produced By: Erika Totoro
Cast: Thaddeus Varness, Josie Howe, Will Macuch, Dahlia Kressler, Lilianna Martinez, Holly Koehler, Sarah Hatfield

Synopsis: A stop-motion psychological comedy set in a run-down 1950s diner. Le Charade follows the final performance of a lonely mime and the psychotic episode that ensues after his imaginary friend breaks up with him and he is forced to re-enter society.

Croak Show
Animation (5 mins) India
Directed By: Suresh Eriyat
Written By: Suresh Eriyat
Produced By: Nilima Eriyat
Cast: Animation: Toonz Animation India, Sound: Resul Pookutty (CAS, MPSE), Vijay Kumar (MPSE), Music: Rajat Dholakia, Sameer Uddin, Artistic Direction: Anil Kumar SR, Storyboard/Layout: Nijin Nazeem

Synopsis: As night fell, the marsh came alive with the much-awaited concert of nocturnal creatures, attended by the denizens of the wetland. All was well until an ardent fan could no longer contain their excitement.

Neil
Animation (5 mins) Italy
Directed By: Michelle
Written By: Michelle
Produced By: Michelle
Cast: Michelle

Synopsis: This animation tells the story of a person lost in the illogical world. Maybe true emotions are missing, maybe the courage to live… the fact is that Neil lives a crazy life, a ‘non-life'. Everything around him is the same, in motion yet irreparably still. That desert exists only in his mind, he is actually surrounded by people and streets and buildings, all the same and heavy.

My Turn!
Animation (5 mins) United States
Directed By: Isabelle Tumboimbela, Daisha Sherman
Written By: Daisha Sherman, Jazmine Silver, Isabelle Tumboimbela, Izzy Turner
Produced By: Morgan Mayhew
Cast: Elisa Biancalana, Isabelle Biancalana

Synopsis: See the importance of sisterhood through a wacky, slapstick-filled morning race to the bathroom. One sunny morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, Beth and her younger sister Liz become fierce rivals in their competition to the bathroom. Beth regrets unintentionally hurting her little sister during the scuffle, and they both realize how much they care about each other.

Amped
Animation (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Vincent Salvano
Written By: Vincent Salvano
Produced By: Logan Hester
Cast: Vincent Salvano

Synopsis: During a late night at the office, two co-workers struggle to stay awake until they stumble upon a mysterious drink that gives them supernatural abilities beyond their control.

Christo the Civilized Barbarian
Animation (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Shaddy Safadi
Written By: Shaddy Safadi
Produced By: Shaddy Safadi
Cast: Shaddy Safadi

Synopsis: 400 AD at the height of tension between the unruly Barbarian Clans and the imperialist Roman empire, Christo, a civilized barbarian, consistently tries and fails to bring Roman-esque decency, decorum, and cleanliness to his dim-witted yet affable brethren. An animated "Curb Your Enthusiasm-like" comedy that deals in purposely low stakes 21st century grievances against the backdrop of a high-stakes ancient world.

Hot Wing Redemption
Animation (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Alicia Kellum, Connor McLean
Written By: Connor McLean
Produced By: Alicia Kellum, Connor McLean
Cast: Brian Deer, Chance Barbour, Ethan Brown, Isaac Gauntz, Eugene Mihai, Victor Maccachero, Natalie Haynes, Rhiannon Katz, Madison Lanik, Mallory Snellen, Lena Clayborne

Synopsis: In the gritty streets of 90s NYC, justice is served…with a side of buffalo sauce. Lawyer Man and his ragtag crew of superheroes are basking in triumph over arch nemesis Jacob - a rollerskating 5th-grade teacher. But when Jacob shows up to battle once more, they learn Lawyer Man's sister (and Jacob's girlfriend) has been kidnapped by the fire-breathing dragon Terri! Now, bitter rivals must become allies as they set aside their beef (and wings).

Tea Story
Animation (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Celina Lung
Written By: Celina Lung
Produced By: Celina Lung
Cast: William Al Rushing

Synopsis: In the City of New York, an immigrant dad, yearns for his American born daughter Eva to value her Chinese heritage. She strives for independence and conformity with her peers. Living above his acupuncture clinic, it seems increasingly difficult each year to reach her. This is shown symbolically by this single father, trying to make Eva appreciate Chinese tea despite her reluctance. Their relationship is strained the night before her departure to a new job.

The God Man
Animation (10 mins) Canada
Directed By: Andrew Foerster
Written By: Andrew Foerster
Produced By: Andrew Foerster
Cast: Andrew Foerster

Synopsis: An interview with Astronomer Jonah Weisman, the man who discovered "The God Man" a seemingly 20km tall alien corpse that is slowly drifting toward earth. But is it what we think it is?

Bippy the Little Robot
Animation (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Glenna Burmer
Written By: Glenna Burmer
Produced By: Glenna Burmer
Cast: Jack Ellis, Gaby West, Barret Thomson, Seth Chaffee

Synopsis: Bippy the Little Robot takes place in the future when humans are long gone and all that is left behind are their broken and forgotten machines. Within the ruins of this harsh, bleak landscape lives an irrepressible little robot named Bippy who embodies a zest for life and spreads a message of hope by sharing his love of music.

On the Streets of Willoughby
Animation (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Travis Sheflin
Written By: Travis Sheflin
Produced By: Travis Sheflin
Cast: Travis Sheflin

Synopsis: When a young boy goes missing in the most dangerous neighborhood in Jack Knife City, washed-up detective Frank Falcon takes on the case, in this animated puppet Noir.

Gig Work
Animation (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Max Giraldo
Written By: Andrew Giraldo, Max Giraldo
Produced By: Max Giraldo
Cast: Lynn Favin, Tom Aglio, Eric Rocha, Rocky Mckay, Adam D. Bullock

Synopsis: In a chaotic, dystopian future where gig work dominates every aspect of survival, Will—a morally flexible hustler—takes on an unusual job that throws him into an unpredictable adventure. Along the way, he crosses paths with Luke, a peculiar furry companion with a knack for trouble, and navigates a city filled with eccentric characters, deadly cultists, and malfunctioning AI. Fast-paced, irreverent, and darkly comedic, Gig Work blends satire, action, and sci-fi absurdity into a thrilling ride.

Block 2 at 11:30 am

The Girl On A Motorcycle
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Nathalia Pizarro
Written By: Nathalia Pizarro
Produced By: Sara Nyman, Alix Brown, Andres White, Fabien Colas, Nathalia Pizarro
Cast: Lou Lou Safran, Will Worden, Spencer Draeger, Tayler Buck, Steve Olsesn, Jefferettiti Moon

Synopsis: Wrapping her legs around a cyclone of metal and machinery, she is…
The Girl On A Motorcycle! Guided by vicious Rock N Roll; Rebecca, a young adulterous teenage girl, flees on her 1967 Electra Glide to see her ideal lover, Daniel.

The Man Who Never Cried
Short (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Andy Taylor
Written By: Andy Taylor
Produced By: Isaac (Shady) Allen, Maja Korsika
Cast: Jamie Houghton, Cooper Musser

Synopsis: On the front steps of a New York City apartment, new-found friends Earl and Harold chat about emotional vulnerability. Intrigued by their conversation, Earl makes it his mission to make Harold open up.

Yajnopav?ta
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Rahul Koul, Ford Cowan
Written By: Ford Cowan, Rahul Koul
Produced By: Haneol Lee
Cast: Aditya Bhatt, Meenu Saini

Synopsis: While preparing for his upcoming Yajñopav?ta, a sacred Hindu thread ceremony, a conflicted Indian American college senior struggles to open up to his traditional mother.

Never Leave Before Sunset
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Anita Lashey
Written By: Anita Lashey
Produced By: Almog Andonir, Jennifer Levinson, Adam Silvera
Cast: Anita Lashey, Grace Kaufman

Synopsis: A young woman grappling with unresolved grief over her late mother encounters a mysterious girl on a beach in Malibu, sparking an unexpected journey of healing and self-discovery that reveals love's power to transcend time and memory.

Wendy and the Lost Boy
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Alec Patchin
Written By: Alec Patchin
Produced By: Kat Donachie, Alec Patchin
Cast: Avery Cole, Alec Patchin

Synopsis: More than a decade after returning from Neverland, Peter is having second thoughts about this real world. He returns to Wendy to find solace in their friendship.

Grand Romantic Gestures
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Emily Grooms
Written By: Donato De Luca
Produced By: Donato De Luca, Udeesha Dilanka, Marissa Falsone
Cast: Donato De Luca, KarieAnn Randol

Synopsis: On the night of their one year anniversary Joe proposes to his girlfriend, Katie, under unusual circumstances. Caught off guard, she must decide if he is really the only man in the world for her.

Ruin Falls
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Caleb Gonzalez
Written By: Caleb Gonzalez
Produced By: Lance Childers, Caleb Gonzalez
Cast: Jack Dullnig, Colton Aldridge, Ryan Webster, Adan Maverick Carcaño, Tony Stevens

Synopsis: Ruin Falls tells the story of two childhood friends, Ethan and Kyle, who become inseparable after Ethan's father dies from an opioid overdose. Years later, the growing fractures in their friendship surface when Ethan is forced to confront Kyle about his emerging alcoholism.

Radio Caesium
Short (22 mins) United States
Directed By: Joshua McQuilkin
Written By: Joshua McQuilkin
Produced By: Joshua McQuilkin, Victoria Negri, Nicola Rose
Cast: Audrey Kovar, Samuel Dunning

Synopsis: The story of Elle and Julian, two people inexplicably connected across multiple worlds. Including one where a nuclear bomb will impact at any moment, and their remaining time together is counted in minutes.

Block 3 at 1:10 pm

Portraits of a Grieving Housewife
Short (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Yana Alliata
Written By: Yana Alliata
Produced By: Yana Alliata, Nicole MacNaughton, Ivan Joel Vega, Genesis Socoro
Cast: Isabella Kaplan, Pat Hall, Stav Shely

Synopsis: Portrait of a Grieving Housewife is an exploration of evil in ordinary life. Mrs. Parker is interrogated about her deceased husband, who tragically drowned in their swimming pool a few days earlier, however, something is amiss as she retells her side of the story…

Map of the Stars
Short (5 mins) United States
Directed By: Joyce Lee
Written By: Joyce Lee
Produced By: Jeff Vespa
Cast: Kristina Li

Synopsis: Set in Los Angeles, California in the 1960's, Map of the Stars follows Stella, who dreams of Hollywood stardom. She spends mornings visiting celebrity homes found in her souvenir Map of the Stars guidebook before heading to work as a secretary. One day, she secretly writes to the fabled director Cecil B. DeMille. She then goes down a rabbit hole where her aspirations of becoming an actress are finally realized. Or are they?

Willow
Short (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Daniel Santandrea
Written By: Daniel Santandrea
Produced By: Krystle Houiess
Cast: Micah Leonard

Synopsis: A psychological thriller that delves into the fractured mind of a young woman trapped in the shadows of her abusive marriage. Everyone has their breaking point.

Professional Development
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Armin Siljkovic
Written By: Dave Rosenberg, Jim Todd
Produced By: Dave Rosenberg, Jim Todd
Cast: Jim Todd, Dave Rosenberg

Synopsis: A disgruntled, veteran Math teacher crashes the classroom of a young, idealistic Film teacher and tells him that things have gotten so bad that he's thought of shooting up the school. Will the youngster be able to inspire the veteran to turn his frown upside down in the time span of recess?!

Little Haiti, Miami, USA
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: XF Serrano
Written By: XF Serrano
Produced By: Timothy Mark Davis
Cast: Amarylis Nuñez's Barrios, Jahmari Pierre

Synopsis: A Cuban woman arrives in Little Haiti with a painting, searching for the man it depicts. She doesn't know who he is—only that her son painted him and he lives there. Unable to speak English, she enlists a 14-year-old Haitian-American boy for help. Riding his electric scooter, they explore the vibrant neighborhood, showing the painting to locals, hoping to uncover the man's identity and the reason her son painted him.

A Villager Elegy
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Konstantin Lavysh
Written By: Konstantin Lavysh
Produced By: Konstantin Lavysh
Cast: Rina Gri, Alexander Kashperov

Synopsis: When an old Villager buries his last friend, he decides to take his own life. A Guardian Angel intervenes, but is he there for the Villager? Is saving a Life the quintessential goal, or is it the moment before, the touch, the opportunity to say good bye?

A Life, Lost
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Andrew Nisinson
Written By: Andrew Nisinson
Produced By: Meilin Gray, Helene Korich, Andrew Nisinson
Cast: Bryan Fitzgerald, Meilin Gray, Anthony Misiano

Synopsis: A man falls out of the sky, landing on a beach in the afterlife, only to discover he remembers nothing of his life. Fortunately for him, he meets Jess, who shows him the ropes and sets out to help him recover what he lost.

Selftape
Short (21 mins) United States
Directed By: Rob Freedman
Written By: Rob Freedman
Produced By: Jake Ebright
Cast: Natalie Holt MacDonald; Olabisi Kovabel; Nancy E Paley; Miles Cooper

Synopsis: Two split-off, dissociated parts of the same soul-ravaged person, one a talented actress whose spiritual injuries sustained long ago have rendered her numb to her own feelings, and the other a nomadically wandering yet ultimately angelic paparazza who keeps the actress's fragile, sequestered feelings safe from further harm, struggle to reunite with each other and become one whole person once again.

Block 4 at 1:15 pm

Dying To Live
Documentary Feature (71 mins) Canada
Directed By: Chris Atkins
Written By: Chris Atkins
Produced By: Yinnon Miles, Itay Manor
Cast: Majed El Shafie

Synopsis: ""Dying To Live"" is a gripping documentary that sheds light on the Oct. 7 Massacre and the efforts of OFWI founder, Majed El Shafie, an Egyptian man determined to expose the truth about the terrorist organization Hamas to the world.
This powerful and thought-provoking documentary aims to spark a global conversation about the Oct. 7 Massacre, the activities of Hamas, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Block 5 at 1:30 pm

Bribe, Inc.
Documentary Feature (95 mins) Canada
Directed By: Peter Klein
Written By: Peter Klein, Calyn Shaw
Produced By: Peter Klein, Calyn Shaw
Cast: Nick McKenzie, Alexandra Wrage, Tom Martin, Figaro

Synopsis: A father and his two sons pulled off the biggest bribery scandal in modern history. Their arrest—and the ensuing battle over their prosecution—shines light on how pervasive corruption is around the world.

Block 6 at 2:40 pm

Where the Sand Meets the Sea
Short (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Christy Knudson
Written By: Christy Knudson
Produced By: James Dudley
Cast: Thomas Asturias, Gabriella Giro, Casey Black, Joseph Arioto

Synopsis: Elijah Torrence ventures into the barren desert wasteland he once knew as home in an attempt to reunite his broken family and reclaim lost memories.

Influence
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Danny Cooke
Written By: Danny Cooke
Produced By: Brian Joe
Cast: Harrison Cone, Van Paul Quattro, Sydney Malakeh

Synopsis: When a beauty influencer's boyfriend turns off his phone during a run, he unknowingly opens a gateway into the mind of a serial killer. As his visions intensify, revealing glimpses of the next victim, a strange psychic connection pulls him toward a chilling and unexpected climax.

The Slip
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Alex Sherman
Written By: Alex Sherman
Produced By: Cal Varo
Cast: Lucas Brahme, Steven Carter, Rashed Qurwash, Brittany Bennett, Cal Varo

Synopsis: A sidelong glance into L.A., The Slip unravels in the space between reality and cinematic construction. Noir, and in this case Neo-noir, is a genre marked by its mood. The Slip utilizes the formal aspects of film to create this mood, endowing human interactions, pedestrian movement, and landscapes with extrinsic intrigue. After all, something is bound to happen…

A Congress of Crows
Short (23 mins) United States
Directed By: Sean Martinez
Written By: Patrick Thompson
Produced By: Dennis Carter, Amil Fuentes, Victoria Mitchell, German Valle
Cast: Daniel Bullock, Larry Larson, Allie Rivera Quiñonez, Shannon Hutchinson

Synopsis: When a group of killers, working a twelve-step program, tell the tales of past sins their dark secrets are revealed and bold actions are taken.

Flirtologist
Short (29 mins) France, United States
Directed By: Madeline O'Leary
Written By: Madeline O'Leary
Produced By: Gayle Gallagher
Cast: Maeve Tuma, Arkadii Archie Maznev, Brandon Rothstein, Scott Michael Dunn

Synopsis: A teenage girl on a contentious family camping trip attempts to amuse herself with a handsome stranger, but she must learn that her budding sexuality is treacherous, and the war between the sexes eternal.

Block 7 at 3:10 pm

How Kids Roll
Feature (112 mins) Italy
Directed By: Loris Lai
Written By: Loris Lai, Dahlia Heyman
Produced By: Elda Ferri, Tarak Ben Ammar, Loris Lai
Cast: Marwan Hamdan, Mihkael Fridel, Lina Khoudri, Tom Rhys Harries

Synopsis: In the midst of war-torn Gaza during the scond Itifada (2000 - 2005), a Palestinian boy, an Israeli boy, and a former surfing champion form an unlikely friendship over their mutual love for the water.

Block 8 at 3:20 pm

Oratorio
Short (12 mins) Russia
Directed By: Elvira Sinelnik
Written By: Natasha Voloshina
Produced By: Elvira Sinelnik; Alexander Shchetinin; Evgeny Rossinsky; Tatiana Moiseeva; Mariel Chledowska
Cast: Mariel Chledowska, Efim Arkhipov, Andrey Zhilin, Olga Ryzhkova, Alexander Shchetinin

Synopsis: Because of her unrequited love for Yura, Mirel has not been able to fall in love with someone else for 11 years. Desperate to meet her love, she decides to become a nun. Mirel sings in the choir of the Catholic church, where Yura comes to arrange his wedding. This day changes everything in their lives.

Bun Maska, Chai
Short (14 mins) India
Directed By: Anand S Iyer
Written By: Anand S Iyer
Produced By: Anand Iyer, Durgaprasad Mahapatra
Cast: Ravikishan Shukla, Rakshit Bhuchar

Synopsis: In a bustling Irani cafE in Mumbai, seasoned hitman Vicky bhai and his eager protEgE Wasim share chai and bun maska. Their casual banter takes a dark turn as Vicky tests Wasim, asking how he'd eliminate various unsuspecting patrons. Wasim responds with chilling precision—until Vicky points to a sweet girl next door. To his shock, Wasim confesses his love for her. But Vicky coldly slides a phone across: "She's your first assignment."

Hi,Dad!
Feature (81 mins) Kazakhstan
Directed By: Damir Tastembekov
Written By: Sergey Litovchenko, Damir Tastembekov, Bota Yerimbet
Produced By: Erik Tastembekov, Ainur Tastembekova
Cast: Zhasulan Kopbergen, Yerkebulan Daiyrov, Yulduz Rajabova

Synopsis: Aman is a high school student who has grown up without a father. His mother is so devoted to caring for him that he has become withdrawn and socially isolated. At school, Aman is constantly bullied. He sets himself a goal—to find his father and bring him back into the family. His long and difficult search eventually leads him to a shocking truth about his father.

Block 9 at 4:30 pm

There Were Trees
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Travis Stewart
Written By: Travis Stewart
Produced By: Zachary Brown, Karen Zipor, Aisling Scott Lynch
Cast: Tye White, Hollie Bahar

Synopsis: Troy's relationship with his AI companion Mel seems normal on the surface. That is until he discovers that his subconscious is bleeding into his AI world. An endless cycle of life's excess haunts his daily existence. In order to break this cycle and to change his reality, he needs to confront past trauma to free himself from a waking AI nightmare.

Faye and Lexi
Short (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Olivia Lige Wuri
Written By: Olivia Lige Wuri
Produced By: Olivia Lige Wuri, Mickey Chiang
Cast: Maya Haughawout, Niah Andino

Synopsis: Living with her control freak father, submissive teen girl Faye never gets the courage to stand up for herself, even if she's teased by her classmates. Meeting with a rebellious teen girl named Lexi, Faye questions her weakness, starts to feel love and courage, and finally breaks free.

Once Upon A Dime
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Lauren Julia
Written By: Lauren Julia
Produced By: Lauren Julia, Rick Licht, Quincy Chad
Cast: Quincy Chad

Synopsis: Set in Los Angeles, Nkosi plans and executes the perfect first date, but as the sun sets, we realize that things with Nkosi aren't quite what they seem.

The Butterfly
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Nicholas Richman and Chris Roy
Written By: Nicholas Richman, Chris Roy
Produced By: Chandler Lovelle, Nicholas Richman, Chris Roy
Cast: Naomi Nelson, Conrad Cecil, Azeem Vecchio

Synopsis: EL has always dreamed of becoming a model, but her insecurities say otherwise. Teetering on the edge of her ambitions, she never feels quite enough. But when an unexpected photoshoot opportunity arises one evening, EL embarks on a powerful and fantastical journey, one that challenges her deepest fears, redefines her idea of beauty, and pushes her to finally embrace the true meaning of self-love.

The Clock Painter
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Dylan Levine
Written By: Shannon Jilek
Produced By: Frederik Ehrhardt
Cast: Anna Maria Blackwood, Corinne McLoughlin, Peter Gonzalez

Synopsis: Teenager Clara's life takes a surprising turn for the better when she lands a lucrative job at a watch factory, but a startling discovery soon changes everything.

Half a Century
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Jackie Mahoney
Written By: Tessa Duke
Produced By: Tessa Duke, Jackie Mahoney, Ulla Prida, Rachel Weinberg
Cast: Noelle Alvernaz, Valynn Turkovich

Synopsis: When Sarah, a nanny struggling to make ends meet, joins her affluent employers on vacation, she becomes entangled in their murky family dynamics after uncovering a dark secret.

Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County
Short (21 mins) United States
Directed By: David Kobzantsev
Written By: David Kobzantsev
Produced By: Renee George, David Kobzantsev, Melissa Willis
Cast: Shayla Stensby, Noah Fearnley, Travis Joe Dixon, Emma Nasfell

Synopsis: In a small farm town, a free-spirited teenage girl and a dangerously irresistible bad boy ignite a rebellious spark that shakes up the rural landscape.

Champions
Short (23 mins) United States
Directed By: AG Bros
Written By: AG Bros
Produced By: AG Bros, Lianne Becker, Collin Meath, Benjamin Thompson,
Cast: Felix Torrez-Ponce, Jason Sanchez, Sean Allen Krill, Gary Perez

Synopsis: Two brothers from a struggling community defy immense odds in a high-stakes track tournament, but a moral choice threatens to divide them just as they stand on the brink of victory and a chance to change their future.

Block 10 at 5:15 pm

From Banao to the world
Documentary Short (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Kristy Espinoza and Yulma Garcia
Written By: Yulma Garcia, Aly Sanchez
Produced By: Kristy Espinoza, Yulma Garcia, Aly Sanchez
Cast: Aly Sanchez

Synopsis: When we transform nostalgia into fuel to move forward, it will always take us to the place where our dreams were born. This is a journey through the streets of Banao that saw actress Aly Sanchez grow up, where she shows us what she learned from them.

Like Tears in Rain
Documentary Feature (81 mins) The Netherlands
Directed By: Sanna Fabery de Jonge
Written By: Sanna Fabery de Jonge
Produced By: Lea Fels, Isidoor Roebers
Cast: Ineke Hauer- Ten Cate, Whoopi Goldberg, Mickey Rourke, Robert Rodriquez, Paul Verhoeven, Miranda Richardson, Jason Eisener, Vincent D'Onofrio, Anton Corbijn

Synopsis: All his life, charismatic and mysterious actor Rutger Hauer kept the outside world at arm's length. Through private, never-before-seen footage, his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge helms a fascinating new feature documentary that reveals his life behind the scenes.

Block 11 at 5:30 pm

Gracie Turns 15
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Ari somerfield
Written By: Ari Somerfield
Produced By: Ari Somerfield, Kylie Kozar, Dustin Pearlman
Cast: Natalie Gustafson, Steven Hemminger, Francesca Xuereb, Scott Kuza, Regan D. Floria

Synopsis: Gracie's 15th birthday lunch with her family takes a turn after she unknowingly eats one of her mother's weed gummies, sending the celebration into unexpected chaos.

If Gators Could Fly
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Sarah Hardwick, Alexa Roosevelt
Written By: Alexa Roosevelt
Produced By: Michael Dufek, Sarah Hardwick, Collin Kroll, Sara Nelson, Tami Nelson, Alexa Roosevelt, Kelly Roosevelt, Nick Roosevelt
Cast: Alexa Roosevelt, Sarah Hardwick, Taylor Cozort, Antonio Chicco

Synopsis: Two life long best friends from South Florida come to terms with the fact that it's their final day living together in their childhood hometown.

Frank and 3
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Charlie Ullrich
Written By: Charlie Ullrich
Produced By: Peter Chamalian, Steven Ogg, Charlie Ullrich
Cast: Steven Ogg, Jenna Jimenez, James Debello, Chirag Chopra

Synopsis: Frank is a character in turmoil. Loss has reared its head in Frank's life. While in this state, he happens upon an unlikely companion: a paper towel dispenser. The viewer is invited into a story of acceptance and insight as the two characters navigate the road ahead.

Last Stop Paris
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Christian Aceves
Written By: Christian Aceves
Produced By: Joo Yeon Yoo
Cast: Sam France, Kathryn Hutchinson

Synopsis: Hard-luck mob fugitive Charlie Clementine and heartbroken recluse Laura Sinclair cross paths as strangers in a sprawling Los Angeles story told in 3 separate events.

Vipers
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Kevin Clark-Ryan
Written By: Kevin Clark-Ryan, Paige Van Tassell
Produced By: Melissa Balan, Greta Onieogou, Marissa Rutka
Cast: Michelle DeShon, Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Kelly Sry, Jack Lancaster

Synopsis: A sheltered farm girl (Mitzi) must win over her fiancE's boujee, LA friends over dinner. But the alpha of the group (Beatrix) is determined to crush Mitzi under her Louboutins.

In Order to be Here
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Guy Camilleri, Samuel Camburn
Written By: Samuel Camburn
Produced By: Drea Castro
Cast: Samuel Camburn, Liz Eldridge, Ho-Jung, Dion Earl, Sarah Tither-Kaplan, Douglas Weston, Drew Hinckley, Guy Camilleri

Synopsis: A sex addict alcoholic resistant to help meets his match in an unusual AA meeting.

Small Town Punks
Short (25 mins) United States
Directed By: Michael Kumar
Written By: Michael Kumar
Produced By: Michael Kumar
Cast: Corynne Engstrand, Thomas Brill, Ryan Gangl

Synopsis: What does it mean to be punk? Is is the fashion? The music? The ideals? As an important day approaches, a group of punk anarchists cause havoc around town in order to send a message.

Block 12 at 6:45 pm

An Enemy Within
Feature (97 mins) United Kingdom
Directed By: John Michael Kennedy
Written By: John Michael Kennedy
Produced By: Michael Jefferson, John Michael Kennedy
Cast: William Moseley, Kim Spearman, Patrick Baladi, Alex Lincoln

Synopsis: From a stately manor, a groom, Caleb Wingate, is given a choice over who lives and dies on his wedding day by an assassin known as The Wolf.

Block 13 at 7:00 pm

Prisoner of War
Feature (110 mins) Philippines, United States
Directed By: Louis Mandylor
Written By: Marc Clebanoff
Produced By: Marc Clebanoff, Brandon Menchen
Cast: Scott Adkins, Peter Shinkoda, Michael Copon, Gabbi Garcia, Michael Rene Walton, Gary Cairns, Masanori Mimoto, Shane Kosugi, Cowboy Cerrone

Synopsis: In April 1942, a British Wing Commander (Scott Adkins) is shot down during the Battle of Bataan and taken prisoner in a Japanese run prisoner camp where he is forced to fight for his life against the camp commander's most skilled fighters.

Block 14 at 7:30 pm

Details (about the end of the world)
Short (15 mins) Greece
Directed By: Elli Papadiamanti
Written By: Elli Papadiamanti
Produced By: Elli Papadiamanti
Cast: Alejandro Guerrero

Synopsis: A musician is thrown into crisis when, in a bewildering chain of events, his beloved violin is displaced by a contrabass. Oscillating between acceptance and denial, he struggles to come to terms with this uncanny new reality.

A Golden Job
Short (17 mins) France, United States
Directed By: Rayen Hediji
Written By: Michel Biel, Rayen Hediji, Alexis Landry, Eric Vordja
Produced By: Floriane Andersen, Melina Caracache, Rayen Hediji
Cast: Michel Biel, Anton Cisaruk, Anne Serra, Ouassini Embarek

Synopsis: Two friends, fed up with their daily lives, decide to move to Los Angeles in search of a new life. Thanks to the new dream job they've just found, they lead a jet-set lifestyle and are paid a fortune. But this job actually contains something much darker…

Trifole
Feature (101 mins) Italy, South Africa, United States
Directed By: Gabriele Fabbro
Written By: Gabriele Fabbro, Ydalie Turk
Produced By: Casey Diepeveen, Massimo Fabbro, John Humber, Mattia Puleo
Cast: Ydalie Turk, Umberto Orsini, Margherita Buy, Enzo Iacchetti, Frances Sholto-Douglas, Francesco Zecca, Birba

Synopsis: In this bittersweet portrait of a vanishing rural way of life, Dalia travels to Piedmont to care for her aging grandfather Igor, an expert forager. Armed with his field notes and loyal dog Birba, she searches for a prizewinning truffle to save his home.

Block 15 at 8:45 pm

Bottle Service
Short (9 mins) Canada
Directed By: Amara Kremblewski, King Louie Palomo
Written By: Amara Kremblewski
Produced By: Amara Kremblewski and King Louie Palomo
Cast: Amara Kremblewski, Matthew Kevin Anderson, Tom Stevens

Synopsis: In a high-octane world of luxury nightlife, Amara is a glamorous bottle service girl drowning in a whirlwind of drugs, music and excess. Haunted by a traumatic past she can't escape, her attempts to numb the pain through indulgence only lead her deeper into chaos. Reliving her experiences while speaking with her therapist, she begins to reveal that, ARAMA her dark counterpart has emerged during her blackouts, getting revenge on Amara's behalf.

The Justices
Short (27 mins) Japan
Directed By: Yahn Kawamoto
Written By: Yuuka Higashi, Yahn Kawamoto
Produced By: Yahn Kawamoto
Cast: Jovana Stevic, Milos Sreckovic

Synopsis: "WHAT IS JUSTICE?" It's theme of the movie.
Two strangers sit together at a floating cafe on the Danube River on 2019. What begins as an everyday conversation leads to an unexpected conclusion.
A mother who has lost her daughter sticks to her sense of "her justice". This is a socially conscious crime suspense drama that highlights the problems of modern society. There is some "JUSTICE"; justice of society, of private, of government and more.

Caballo
Feature (78 mins) SPAIN
Directed By: Steffy Argelich
Written By: Steffy Argelich
Produced By: Grear Patterson - Ventana
Cast: Luka Isaac, Spartan Daggenhurst, Dora Postigo, Camille Jansen, Joanna Preiss

Synopsis: Car chases, point-blank violence, explicit sex, open fields, suburban neighborhoods, miserable conditions and a certain impulse for social denunciation.
Luka trapped in his worst self, flees an event and escapes into a rehab that turns out to be a cult.

Block 16 at 9:15 pm

Longevity Hackers
Documentary Feature (113 mins) United States
Directed By: Michal Siewierski
Written By: Michal Siewierski
Produced By: Ruben Figueres, Michal Siewierski, James Pratt, John Salley
Cast: Tony Robbins, Mark Cuban, Tony Hawk, Wim Hof, Tony Horton, Bryan Johnson

Synopsis: Narrated by Academy Award Nominee Edward Norton, Longevity Hackers takes you on a journey to discover the latest research and science breakthroughs in the field of longevity, anti-aging and life extension. Featuring the top experts, scientists, researchers, startup CEO's as well as celebrities and critics in the longevity space. Discover how the human race might be approaching immortality. The film creates hope for a longer and healthier life in the not-so-distant future.

Friday, April 4,  2025

Block 1 at 11:15 am

Unforgotten
Short (5 mins) China
Directed By: Stanley Hao Wen Yu
Written By: Stanley Hao Wen Yu
Produced By: Yin Qiao, Jia Shi, Xiaoming Yu
Cast: Xinli Yuan, Bin Hong

Synopsis: In 2035, due to an over reliance of online socializing and a deterioration in social skills, the government created and enforced a countdown APP, where if you fail to meet someone in person in under 365 days, they will be erased from your memory forever.

The Demiurge
Short (8 mins) Italy
Directed By: Daniele Girardi
Written By: Daniele Girardi
Produced By: Daniele Girardi
Cast: Pino Quartullo

Synopsis: The Demiurge is the story of a designer overwhelmed by nagging memories, and a creative power that instead of being a pleasure, is an addiction that absorbs his energies. His works are the mirror of his will, and above all, of the dissatisfaction of his deepest desire.

Adelaida
Short (11 mins) Nicaragua
Directed By: Tamara Hernandez
Written By: Tamara Hernandex
Produced By: Juan Hernandez Jr.
Cast: Flavia Carbone

Synopsis: Based on a conversation I heard with my grandmother when I interviewed her at 103 years-old, Adelaida is the story of a young Nicaraguan woman as she flees into the jungle, pursued by the ones who love her the most.

Kill An Ant
Short (11 mins) Syria
Directed By: Al Hasan Ismail
Written By: Al Hasan Ismail
Produced By: General Cinema Corporation
Cast: Bashar Ismail

Synopsis: Through the film's story, we present…the impact of money on human behavior and the actions that a person can take in order to achieve wealth.

Hot Elephant
Short (13 mins) SPAIN
Directed By: JORDI CALVET
Written By: Jordi Calvet
Produced By: ANTONINA MATYASH
Cast: OCTAVI PUJADES, ANNA SENAN, AINOA TRAVE

Synopsis: A young girl who aspires to become an actress goes through a casting that gradually escalates until she receives a proposal that surpasses the limits of a normal casting.

Iva-Leo (≠Jewels and Guns)
Short (15 mins) Japan
Directed By: Taisei Kashima
Written By: Taisei Kashima
Produced By: Takahiro Furukado, Taisei Kashima
Cast: Takahiro Furukado, Miku Hiramatsu

Synopsis: In a near-future where the elements of love (IVA-LeO) are visible, Man calls it highly toxic and Woman holds up a gun. IVA-LeO flows from the lovers' eyes. A gunshot. He called the sea eternity, she freedom. The geese were crying.

The Red Stone
Short (24 mins) Mexico
Directed By: Jaime H. Jasso
Written By: Jaime H. Jasso
Produced By: Rodolgo Guzman
Cast: Denisse Corona, Guadalupe Ortiz

Synopsis: In 1909 an archaeologist is sent to restore pre-Hispanic artifacts for the Independence Day anniversary. Amid rumors of curses and disappearances, she explores a grand mansion alongside Leonor, the enigmatic housekeeper. Unknowingly, she has awakened something ancient—a grotesque entity woven from human limbs lurks in the shadows. As a mysterious pre-Hispanic idol emerges as the key to the horror, the house turns into a deadly trap.

Block 2 at 11:30 am

No Escuchado (Not Heard)
Short (7 mins) Puerto Rico
Directed By: Jazmín Caratini
Written By: Jazmín Caratini
Produced By: JosE G. Molinari-Rosaly, Jazmín Caratini, Jesús Romero, Natalie Droz
Cast: Jazmín Caratini, Jorge Armando Rivera

Synopsis: No Escuchado follows a woman who feels increasingly uneasy during a movie.She seeks help from an usher in hopes of alleviating her discomfort. However, a breakdown in communication leaves the usher unable to understand her request. As the situation unfolds, what begins as a simple misunderstanding evolves into a deeply transformative encounter, altering both their lives in unexpected and lasting ways. The film explores themes of connection and the profound impact of being truly heard.

Epiphania
Short (9 mins) Greece
Directed By: Antonis E. Voultsos
Written By: Antonis E. Voultsos
Produced By: Antonis E. Voultsos
Cast: Nick Mellos

Synopsis: It is the dawn of Epiphany. A swimmer prays before diving into the sea for the Cross. A perpetual loop. A test in man's irrational, persistent effort to resist the inevitable fall. Homelands and religions fall gloriously before his eyes, every time a ""Cross"" drowns in their waters. Somewhere far from here, another hell exists.

Retrogression
Short (10 mins) Germany
Directed By: Merlin von Garnier
Written By: Merlin von Garnier
Produced By: Wassily von Koslowski
Cast: Svenja Jung, Wolfgang Michael, Filippa Baumeister

Synopsis: Kleo returns to the place of her childhood with the impending death of her father. In doing so, she plunges into an old trauma and, together with her younger self, manages to forgive her father.

Puti
Short (15 mins) New Zealand
Directed By: Aroha Awarau
Written By: Aroha Awarau
Produced By: Louisa Tipene Opetaia
Cast: Mia van Oyen, Tuakoi Ohia

Synopsis: A teenage girl living in poverty in an urban city in New Zealand loses her innocence while making the ultimate sacrifice to help her family.

Sunflower
Short (17 mins) Poland, United Kingdom, United States
Directed By: Mateusz Balcerek
Written By: Mateusz Balcerek
Produced By: Pinar Binay, Mateusz Balcerek, Vicky Witowska
Cast: Martyna Zozula, Sylwia Boron, Helena Mazur, Wieslaw Zanowicz

Synopsis: Inspired by a true story from 1944, "Sunflower" is a wartime fairytale told through the eyes of a young girl. As she flees war-torn Ukraine with her family, she clings to childhood innocence, transforming the horrors of war into a game of hide-and-seek. Through magical realism and poetic imagery, "Sunflower" blends history with fantasy, capturing a child's resilience, the fragility of hope, and the enduring power of imagination in the darkest of times.

Teddy
Short (20 mins) Norway
Directed By: Nini Bull Robsahm
Written By: Nini Bull Robsahm
Produced By: Axel Mustad
Cast: Beck Bull

Synopsis: Max, a lonely boy bullied at school, finds solace in a discarded teddy bear. As his bond with Teddy grows, strange and violent incidents befall his tormentors-eerily mirroring what Teddy experiences. Realizing a dark force is at play, Max must choose between his only friend and stopping the harm. Teddy explores social rejection, the cycle of violence, and the cruelty of childhood, where innocence and destruction intertwine.

The Remaining Ones
Short (24 mins) Norway
Directed By: Filip Koren
Written By: Filip koren
Produced By: Filip Koren, Andreas Sørli
Cast: Tord Kinge

Synopsis: Peder reflects on his childhood memories when he attends to his father's funeral. His older half siblings expects him to honor their father, but Peder's memories are telling him otherwise.

Block 3 at 12:45 pm

Maud et Luna
Short (11 mins) France, United States
Directed By: Alec Huggins
Written By: Alec Huggins
Produced By: Matthieu Moerlen
Cast: Chloe Groussard, Lary Muller

Synopsis: After weeks of secretive work, Luna finally unveils her painting to her girlfriend, Maud. The portrait is of a nude women. Maud is less than thrilled.

Astronaut
Short (12 mins) Canada
Directed By: Kevin Cheng
Written By: Kevin Cheng, Stephanie Joan
Produced By: Stephanie Joan, Luke VandenBerg
Cast: Tobi Wong, Victor Young, XiaoQing Ye

Synopsis: A young Chinese-Canadian boy is visited by his absent father who builds him a spaceship out of cardboard and launches him on a fantastical mission to connect with the neighbourhood kids.

Charlie
Short (15 mins) Australia
Directed By: Mel Poole
Written By: Mel Poole
Produced By: Dan Macarthur, Mel Poole
Cast: Bryan Probets, Finn Treacy, Brittani Clark

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, "Charlie" portrays the poignant journey of a homeless man grappling with self-loathing and traumatic memories. Amidst his solitary existence, only the kindness of soup van volunteer, Angie, offers solace. When a street kid named Eddie seeks companionship, Charlie's past resurfaces, prompting a transformative confession. Through Charlie's catharsis, the film challenges perceptions of homelessness, inspiring empathy and action towards social change.

Verflechtung
Short (19 mins) Switzerland
Directed By: Philip Hofmänner, Simon Pflanzer
Written By: Philip Hofmänner, Simon Pflanzer
Produced By: Philip Hofmänner and Simon Pflanzer
Cast: Jana Selina Cocivera, Gregory Reymont

Synopsis: In the near future, Susana's fiancE Marco decides to have a chip implanted in his brain. Marco, who suffers from severe depression and has professional problems as a result, sees this new technology as his only chance, not to lose touch. Susana, who originally drew his attention to the chip, soon begins to have doubts, when Marco begins to change dramatically.

Alitisal
Short (19 mins) Canada
Directed By: Sabine Kahwaji
Written By: Sabine Kahwaji
Produced By: Jonathan T Akkawi
Cast: Omar Sidani

Synopsis: As a deadly explosion shatters their hometown of Beirut, three Lebanese siblings living abroad confront their mental health struggles amid uncertainty about their parents' fate.

Obscura (????)
Short (22 mins) Canada
Directed By: Arnold Lim
Written By: Arnold Lim, Claire Mulligan
Produced By: Lynne Lee, Claire Mulligan, Arnold Lim
Cast: Andrew Woo, Viva Lee, Kyu Nam Cho

Synopsis: Sang-Ook, a Hikikomori (shut in) whose locked himself in his room for a year, builds a camera obscura from his room as a conduit to the outside world.

Mind of Thoughts
Short (23 mins) Belgium
Directed By: Charlotte Verminck
Written By: Charlotte Verminck
Produced By: Charlotte Verminck, Martin Dewitte
Cast: Brienne Mizell, Berthe Tanwo Njole

Synopsis: Mind of Thoughts follows an artist ensnared in the labyrinth of her own mind, where thoughts sculpt reality and self-doubt blurs the boundary between truth and illusion. As she wrestles with relentless inner voices, she must confront the invisible forces shaping her existence before they consume her. A visually arresting exploration of the mind's fragile power, where perception distorts, reality fractures, and the most profound battle is the one waged within.

Block 4 at 1:15 pm

Rumble
Short (7 mins) United States
Directed By: John Frost
Written By: Alexis Acevedo, John Frost
Produced By: John Frost
Cast: Trevor Tordjman, Jordan Clark

Synopsis: When a young aspiring actor has to sell his dog to feed him and his pregnant wife he writes a screen play that will change his life, and the history of cinema, forever.

In The Ring of Brotherhood
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Hayden Livesay
Written By: Hayden Livesay, James Topmiller, Tony Vinci
Produced By: Paul Critzman III, Hayden Livesay, Tony Vinci
Cast: Tony Vinci, Hayden Livesay, James Topmiller, Zach Sale

Synopsis: Days before his biggest fight, MMA fighter Casey is brutally assaulted, leaving him torn between his desperate brother, who has bet everything on his victory, and his loyal trainer, who wants to protect him. As Casey struggles with trauma, In the Ring of Brotherhood explores the bonds of brotherhood, the silence of male vulnerability, and the harsh reality that dreams don't always come true in this intense, emotionally charged short film.

Darling
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Finola Hughes
Written By: Mandy Mills
Produced By: Susan Gallagher, Spooner Greenbird, Finola Hughes, Mandy Mills, Michelle Vaineharrison
Cast: Kristina Klebe, Mandy Mills

Synopsis: After months of suspicion, Fiona follows her husband to a seedy motel where her worst fears are confirmed. Accepting an invitation from Liza, the sex worker, to enter the motel room, Fiona learns that not everything is as it seems.

June
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Ben Holland
Written By: Ben Holland
Produced By: Taylor Burke
Cast: Hannah Sulak, Kelton White

Synopsis: On a trip home to scatter a loved one's ashes, childhood friends June and Paul process their shared grief and navigate the complexities of their relationship.

Lea
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: John L Puma
Written By: John L Puma
Produced By: John L Puma, Mitch Camarda, Louisa Erlich
Cast: Louisa Erlich, Julio Lourido

Synopsis: A young woman grieving the loss of her mother copes in a unique way and is ultimately confronted about it, forcing her to make a change.

Wes + Kyra
Short (21 mins) United States
Directed By: Kevin V. Doan
Written By: Kevin V. Doan
Produced By: Kevin V. Doan, Anna Gurvits, Jessie Li White, Henry Wolf
Cast: Sidney Rose White, Ryan O'Dell

Synopsis: A vampire couple in New York City who rent a room for three days to drown out their addiction, face the toxicity in their relationship, and grapple with the idea of death as it circles all around them.

Block 5 at 1:25 pm

Third Wheel
Short (5 mins) Japan, Switzerland
Directed By: Kevin Haefelin
Written By: Hikari Onodera
Produced By: Youmi Haefelin-Roch
Cast: Yoshihiko Bito, Amane Kimura, Keigo Matsutani

Synopsis: Edo Period. Following his abrupt death, Gohei, a master carpenter, returns as a ghost to make peace with his wife, Sachi but finds out he is invisible. He must rely on Sakichi, his once-neglected apprentice gifted with psychic abilities.

Evol
Short (6 mins) England
Directed By: Hayley Reeve
Written By: Hayley Reeve
Produced By: Hayley Reeve, Debbie Sweeney
Cast: Amelia Clarkson

Synopsis: A poetic short film about a young woman, Dolly, who's grappling with the
haunting echoes of past relationships and her unraveling sense of self.

Dolly navigates a journey of love and self-discovery, reflecting on key moments in her romantic past. Each chapter explores a different relationship, from infatuation and passion to heartbreak and fleeting connections. Dolly's introspective journey leads to growth, culminating in a powerful realisation of beauty born from adversity.

Inferno In Paris
Short (14 mins) France, United States
Directed By: Quentin Dupuy
Written By: Tora Kim
Produced By: Tora Kim, ThEophile Champaloux, David Joussain
Cast: Tora Kim, Guillaume Rumiel Braun

Synopsis: Inferno In Paris takes inspiration from the opening lines of Dante's Inferno by asking the question: what if Beatrice, the embodiment of true love, descended into the Eternal Fire? An antidote to Emily In Paris, this is the dark, surrealistic story of Beatrix who hears a strange breathing coming from beneath the City of Light. She then sets off on a journey of obsession and redemption to find its elusive, elemental source.

My Late Summer
Feature (98 mins) Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia
Directed By: Danis Tanovic
Written By: Nikola Kupresanin, Anja Matkovic, Danis Tanovic
Produced By: Lana Matic, Boris T. Matic, Jovan Marjanovic, Mirsad Purivatra, Jelena Mitrovic, Miha Cernec, Anamaria Antoci
Cast: Anja Matkovic, Uliks Fehmiu, Goran Navojec

Synopsis: The story of a young woman who, in search of her roots on a small island, experiences an unexpected romance in late summer, which evolves into a tale of acceptance, forgiveness, and love towards others, towards the island, and most importantly, towards herself.

Block 6 at 3:00 pm

Capturing The Carbon
Documentary Short (38 mins) United States
Directed By: Jack Winch/Janice Overbeck
Written By: Janice Overbeck, Jack Winch
Produced By: Janice Overbeck, Rob Riggle, Jack Winch
Cast: Rob Riggle

Synopsis: Follow host, Rob Riggle, on a journey around the globe to understand how innovators plan to accomplish net zero by 2050. This docu-series focuses on the environmentally friendly inventions that are being implemented on a worldwide scale.
Through his trademark optimistic and curious personality, Rob brings a fresh perspective to the critical issue of climate change and inspires viewers to take action toward a more sustainable future.

I Hope This Helps!
Documentary Feature (52 mins) United States
Directed By: Daniel M. Freed
Written By: Daniel M. Freed
Produced By: Daniel M. Freed, Matthew Modine, Adam Rackoff
Cast: Daniel M. Freed, Bard

Synopsis: From executive producers Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff, "I Hope This Helps!" is a humorous, genre-bending hybrid documentary that invites viewers to ponder the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. In the film, investigative journalist Daniel Freed enlists the help of Google's AI chatbot, Bard, to collaborate on a documentary…about AI. Appearing in the blue, furry form it requested, Bard helps Freed explore the benefits and risks of this world-changing innovation.

Block 7 at 3:45 pm

An Imminent Threat
Short (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Chris Crampton
Written By: Chris Crampton
Produced By: Chris Crampton, Kelsey Rain
Cast: Keishianna Peterson, Dakin Stone, Patrick McElligatt, Kevin Anthony

Synopsis: Kaila grapples with her unease over her son growing up Black in America as he faces a monstrous adversary that blurs the line between childhood imagination and terrifying reality.

Quiet Please
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Nic Stanich
Written By: Nic Stanich
Produced By: Ross Buran
Cast: Anna Sitar, Simran Jehani

Synopsis: Emma Woods is a fiercely competitive tennis player desperate for her first tournament win. As her rivals mysteriously collapse, Emma inches closer to victory—but at a cost. With each match, her facade unravels, revealing the dark lengths she'll go to win. Quiet Please is a psychological horror that explores obsession, ambition, and the terrifying descent into madness when winning is all that matters.

Broccoli
Short (8 mins) United States
Directed By: Ben Ubiñas
Written By: Ben Ubiñas
Produced By: Jesse Gallagher
Cast: Rhett Ramírez

Synopsis: After an unfortunate encounter with an ancient god, a male model wakes up to discover a broccoli growing out of his face. Having lost his pretty privilege, he must relearn how to navigate the world.

Clementine
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Zoe Davidson
Written By: Zoe Davidson
Produced By: Ana Tenewitz, Zoe Davidson
Cast: Rivkah Reyes, Alyson Gorske, Alex Collyard

Synopsis: After rediscovering her childhood doll at her parents' yard sale, a young woman finds the doll is better at her social life than she is.

Chow
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Kevin Armento and Jaki Bradley
Written By: Alex Hacker
Produced By: Carolyn Levine
Cast: Ben Platt, Paulina Chalamet

Synopsis: The story of a man as his life begins to unravel after eating an unsettling meal abroad and becoming obsessed with recreating it at home.

Baby Blues - Going Dark
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: James P Gleason
Written By: James P Gleason
Produced By: Cynthia Gravinese, Gavin Glennon, James P Gleason
Cast: Tyler Poelle, Aliya Victoriya, Shanti Lowry, Jim Ortlieb

Synopsis: Barney needs a tooth out. His regular dentist is not in the office, but that's OK - Dr Carroway and her assistant Penny will take care of him today … He really should have rescheduled. This is not going to go well, especially after the power goes out.

Spermicide
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Scott Nuñez-Peterman
Written By: Cat Davis, Scott Nuñez-Peterman
Produced By: Cat Davis, Katie Nuñez-Peterman, Scott Scott Nuñez-Peterman, Chris Papagapitos
Cast: Cat Davis, Kimia Behpoornia, Thomas Hobson

Synopsis: Bailey and Amanda want to have a baby. They've got the perfect list of sperm donors lined up and force ranked. There's just one problem…

Their potential baby daddies won't stop dying.

Falling tree branches, fatal spin classes, art installations gone wrong, skydiving accidents. Even their "celebrity stretch goal" meets a gruesome fate. Are these two would-be moms just that unlucky? Are they cursed?

Or is there something even more sinister going on?

Sink or Sin!
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Jason Sanchez
Written By: Jason Sanchez
Produced By: Teagan Barnes, Simon Kienitz Kincade, Olivia Wong
Cast: Dan Stransky, Olivia Coca Bermejo, Derick Gonzalez Robles

Synopsis: In the top-rated game show in Hell, contestants compete for the chance to win ultimate prizes, or meet their untimely demise. When two siblings are forced to play, their unbreakable bond will change the show forever.

Block 8 at 4:30 pm

Injected
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Jake Skrok
Written By: Savannah Elmer, Jake Skrok
Produced By: Liz Meinders/Savannah Elmer/Jessica Orcsik
Cast: Savannah Elmer/Clayton Royal Johnson/Kevin Czako/Melanie Specht/Jazmine Waller

Synopsis: Piper, an easily influenced teen who is desperate to fit in, is determined to rebel against her aunt. She invites her best friend, Rosie, and a couple college guys over, and when "a couple college guys" turns into an entire party, she panics, leading her and her friend to be coerced into taking oxycodone. Soon after, Rosie is discovered unconscious and Piper must make a decision, save her friend or salvage her future social life.

I Used to Love the Night
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Malak Dabcha
Written By: Malak Dabcha
Produced By: Sofia Masson, Lauren Elizabeth Harris
Cast: Malak Dabcha, Capri Campeau

Synopsis: After becoming the victim of an armed robbery, Audrey tries to cope with her trauma, but only starts to become increasingly terrorized by her new reality.

Ed
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Victor Del Rio
Written By: Victor Del Rio
Produced By: Victor Del Rio, Anthony Pedone, Connor Rickman
Cast: Victor Del Rio, Jackie McCarthy, Jake Robert Robbins, Stephen Moore

Synopsis: A cyclical day in the life of Ed, a college aged internet addict. While his peers believe this is the prime of their lives, Ed struggles with isolation, anxiety, and his inability to connect. In an attempt to improve his recent shift in behavior, Ed's best friends host a house party where he is forced to confront his compulsion head on.

Mecanica
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Mike Harris
Written By: Olivia Sandoval, Mike Harris
Produced By: Olivia Sandoval
Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Olivia Sandoval, Megan Rippey, Joe Adler, Joss Glennie-Smith, Tomas Canseco

Synopsis: One boozy, drug-filled night after a show, the touring group Mecanica relaxes in a cabin somewhere in California, when founding member Liz receives startling news. The man who raped her years ago in New York has committed suicide, and as her bandmates move on to other topics of conversation, Liz is violently borne back into the past and questions both her present and future.

The Nature of Death
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Sean Cruser
Written By: Tyler Beveridge
Produced By: Tyler Beveridge, Sean Cruser, Murphy Martin
Cast: Murphy Martin, Tyler Beveridge, Bix Krieger, Torean Thomas

Synopsis: When an eccentric park ranger crosses paths with a grieving hiker, he offers his help in finding the perfect spot to scatter the hiker's father's ashes. As they venture deeper in the remote wilderness, the ranger's true intentions begin to blur.

Ranger
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Daniel E. Catton
Written By: Aramis Knight, Garrett Ryan
Produced By: Aramis Knight, Allen Ling, Caroline Mehki
Cast: Alex Neustaedter, Presciliana Esparolini, Sal Lopez

Synopsis: Ralph is a young park ranger who finds himself trapped between his conscience and his greed. In an attempt to outrun his traumatic past, he turns to a life of crime. As the gravity of the operation begins to eat him alive, he looks for an escape that might not exist.

Jeff
Short (25 mins) United States
Directed By: Julia Hebner
Written By: Julia Hebner
Produced By: Julia Hebner, Madison King, Michael Zumaya
Cast: Nicole Elliot, Brian Villalobos, Rebekah McLamb, Christine Cochrane

Synopsis: On a quiet night, phone sex operator Marcia receives a call from Jeff, a man seeking refuge in the anonymity of the hotline in order to relieve himself of confessions. Marcia is inured to the sometimes unsettling proclivities of her callers, but Jeff's increasingly disturbing admissions unmoor Marcia's sense of truth and memory and test her limits of empathy and forgiveness.

Block 9 at 5:30 pm

Legend Has It
Feature (112 mins) United Kingdom
Directed By: Niall Johnson
Written By: Cory Brusseau, Rob Weston
Produced By: Rob Weston, p.g.a. , Cory Brusseau, Sam Baldoni
Cast: Rupert Everett, Tamsin Greig, Emilia Fox, Harry Gilby, Robyn Cara, Imani Yahshua, Georgina Sadler, Huw Novelli

Synopsis: After his mother disappeared when he was a child, Daruosh, has always struggled to find his place in the world. But when this misfit teenager, stumbles upon a magical portal to the mythical Hidden Kingdom, the very same place his mother used to tell him stories about when he was a child, he soon discovers his true destiny: To become a prophesied warrior, who as legend has it, must destroy an ancient evil curse.

Block 10 at 5:45 pm

Prisoner No More
Documentary Short (34 mins) United States
Directed By: Jeff Wolfe
Written By: Jeff Wolfe
Produced By: Carole Middleton / Jennifer Wolfe
Cast: Jerzy Gregorek / Tae Jin Park

Synopsis: Jerzy Gregorek escaped communism in Poland in 1986 and dreaming of a better life, became a four time Olympic champion weightlifter, an author, and founder of the UCLA Weightlifting team. Tae Jin Park was born with Cerebral Palsy and believed in a life that wasn't limited by his diagnosis. This is true the story of what they accomplished together…

I'm Only Blind
Documentary Feature (65 mins) United States
Directed By: Kamelya Alexan
Written By: Kamelya Alexan
Produced By: Kamelya Alexan
Cast: Tim Paul

Synopsis: At 66 years old, Tim Paul is redefining what it means to live fully. Blind since childhood, Tim has completed 23 marathons, skis downhill, sails, swims, bikes, and even plays the flute and piano. He works full-time, serves his church, and refuses to let his disability limit his passions or pursuits.

Block 11 at 6:45 pm

Dusty
Short (17 mins) Australia
Directed By: Jeremy Lindsay Taylor
Written By: Travis Jeffery
Produced By: Travis Jeffery, Elizabeth Middleton, Valentin Lang, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Ari Haralambis, Craig Cowdrey
Cast: Shannon Ryan, Travis Jeffery

Synopsis: After the death of his best friend, Dustin spirals into a grief-fuelled bender for one - going to great messed-up lengths to keep her memory alive.

What Remains for Tomorrow
Short (17 mins) Uruguay
Directed By: Federico Casal
Written By: Federico Casal
Produced By: Joaquín Mauad
Cast: Camila Vives, Emanuel SobrE

Synopsis: A real estate agent and a lawyer, who have been having an affair in an old empty house for sale, must erase all traces of their presence before a potential buyer shows up.

Inevitabilis
Short (17 mins) The Netherlands
Directed By: Arjen Schotel
Written By: Arjen Schotel
Produced By: Eva Wulp, Charlotte Cattel
Cast: Steve Wall, Lucas Tavernier

Synopsis: A lonely writer who has fallen on hard times, is stuck in the last act of his book, but also in that of his life. Suddenly a stranger appears, who turns out to be a literal copy of the writer. This intruder helps him see how the writer can complete his final act.

Good Morning Mom
Short (17 mins) Turkey
Directed By: Oben Y?lmaz
Written By: Nuri Cihan Özdo?an, Oben Y?lmaz
Produced By: Hasan Do?anay
Cast: Özgür Yi?eno?lu

Synopsis: At a very huge farm in the middle of nowhere, two sisters engage in a secret struggle with
each other in order to win their mother's love. The family is irreparably shaken on the day the sister
gets stuck in the swamp due to an unfortunate accident.

Our Last Day As Kids
Short (22 mins) Canada
Directed By: Dylan Hryciuk
Written By: Dylan Hryciuk
Produced By: Style Dayne, Jeff Evans-Todd, Jeremy Ratzlaff
Cast: Axel Hansen, Maggie Robertson, Miles Fieldgate, Andromeda Atkins

Synopsis: A coming-of-age story set in the mid-2000s underground music scene, that follows quiet and naive punk, Casey, as he tries to piece together the broken memories recorded on his camcorder.

Miracles
Short (25 mins) Moldova, Ukraine, United States
Directed By: Ivan Nevesenko
Written By: Ivan Nevesenko
Produced By: Alex Falcon, Kathleena Yiting Lin, Sergiu Pascaru, Ivan Nevesenko
Cast: Nataliia Babenko, Oleksii Gorbunov, Alexandr Melnic

Synopsis: In a war-ravaged Ukrainian town on the brink of a nuclear strike, Mira, a troubled young woman, desperately seeks ways to preserve her hope and sanity as the looming threat of imminent death hovers.

Block 12 at 7:30 pm

BeforeHand
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Alphonso McAuley
Written By: Alphonso McAuley
Produced By: Jonathan Goldfisher, Martin Russell Johnson
Cast: Eddie Blackwell Williams, Paris Scott Allen

Synopsis: As a local artist is in search of a vintage jacket for an upcoming photoshoot, he ultimately encounters a first hand experience while shopping at a second hand store.

Fragments
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Jessica Burns
Written By: Jessica Burns
Produced By: Sarah Sawyer, Jessica Burns
Cast: Jessica Burns, Rowen Kahn, Kira Guchko

Synopsis: When a trigger thrusts Janie into an emotional flashback, she finds herself physically in the present but emotionally overtaken by her younger self—riddled with fear and trauma— causing her to relive and project her worst fears onto the present. Only by acknowledging and nurturing her younger self, can the hold she has taken on the present release and allow Janie to re-root herself in reality.

The Runner
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Nic Inglese
Written By: Matt Bryce, Nic Inglese
Produced By: Matt Bryce and Ginette Neveu
Cast: Matt Bryce, Livia Scott, Roy Schuler

Synopsis: A young and ambitious production assistant fights to keep the chaotic first broadcast of a new streaming news show from total disaster. As absurd tasks pile up and everything goes wrong, he scrambles to salvage the show—only to realize that in the world of live TV, failure might be inevitable.

Allergic To Love
Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Steven Cornfield
Written By: Rick Cornfield, Steven Cornfield
Produced By: Steven Cornfield, Stacy Kane, Clark Kegley, Daniel Turner, Andy Zanto,
Cast: Austin Fortune, Anthony Lounsbury, Laurin Jones

Synopsis: Calvin wants nothing more than to fall in love. He longs for the deep, heart-stirring connection that he's seen in his favorite romantic comedy movies, but there's just one problem: Calvin's extremely allergic to love.

Determined not to spend his life alone, and with a push from his roommate Tod, Calvin embarks on an unconventional journey to find romance without triggering his medical condition or facing his worst fear: embarrassing himself in front of others.

Trumpet Gumbo
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Brad Courtemanche
Written By: Brad Courtemanche
Produced By: Miguel Antonio, Brad Courtemanche, Brit MacFarland
Cast: John Fiore, Brandon Scales

Synopsis: Hot off of a win of the country's largest television cooking show, Chef Buddy Bontemps finds himself under the tutelage of one of the greatest chefs in modern time. Having never been in a perfectionist's kitchen, he gets devoured.

Don't Pick Up
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Jeremiah Kipp
Written By: Susannah Nolan
Produced By: Nick Candido, Lina Lansky
Cast: Keith David, Kathryn Erbe

Synopsis: Louisa enters a Children's Bookshop to escape a humiliating day. When Chris, the sweet and lonely store manager, attempts an awkward flirt, it both excites and terrifies her, awakening old compulsions. Which is stronger? Love?…or the wild need to escape with the book in her purse?

Ma ChErie
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Colleen Donovan
Written By: Colleen Donovan
Produced By: Colleen Donovan
Cast: Colleen Donovan

Synopsis: A young woman, ChErie, returns home after the grandmother who raised her suddenly passes away. Surrounded by relics from the past, she struggles to move on from her frustrations with her career and the way her own past demoralizingly defines her. But when she forges a connection with an unlikely new friend, he helps her finally start to process her grief and ChErie learns to define herself on her own terms.

Emma's Dilemmas
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Anya Migdal
Written By: Anya Migdal
Produced By: Phil Viardo, Drew Moerlein, Anya Migdal
Cast: Ciara Hanna, Amy Carlson, Drew Moerlein, Michael Lombardi, Clayton Dean Smith

Synopsis: When Emma's romantic escapades leave her broke and heartbroken, she discovers the path to finding herself just might just run through her meddling mother's wisdom.

Block 13 at 7:45 pm

The Wheels of Heaven
Feature (110 mins) Bulgaria, United Kingdom
Directed By: Ben Charles Edwards
Written By: Ben Charles Edwards, Dessy Tenekedjieva
Produced By: Dessy Tenekedjieva
Cast: Mickey Rourke, Gary Stretch, Dessy Tenekedjieva, Geoff Bell, Eleonora Ivanova, Dimitar Nikolov.

Synopsis: A troubled young girl meets a charming older boy who gradually gives her the strength to stand up to her abusive stepfather. But is the boy, as he claims, The fallen angel Lucifer sent to guide Iva in her destiny to save the human race? Or adeluded and dangerous young man?

Block 14 at 8:50 pm

There's Something I Have to Tell You
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Jamie Savarese
Written By: Jamie Savarese
Produced By: Spencer Drees, Jamie Savarese
Cast: Reagan Kelly, Suzanne Kovi

Synopsis: There's Something I Have to Tell You is the story of Anna, a reserved woman in her 20's who's temporarily living in a small town in the Bahamas to help her mom build a house. But beneath the surface, Anna is haunted by the memories of her past. During her stay, she struggles to release a devastating truth that has kept her and her mom divided for as long as she can remember.

Rubi
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Janice Picconi
Written By: Janice Picconi
Produced By: Janice Picconi, Kimberly Bass, Cameron Linly-Robinson, Thomas Picconi, Sam Hankins
Cast: Karla Hernandez-Gonzalez

Synopsis: On the first day of her new self-care routine, Rubi embarks on a meditative journey within her mind, crafting a sanctuary of solitude to explore creativity, navigate anxiety, and confront inner demons in her quest for self-love.

The Ninth
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Matt Ferrucci
Written By: Lauren Cantell
Produced By: Matt Ferrucci, Lauren Cantell, Angela Calero
Cast: Lauren Cantell, Andrea Grano, Danielle Dallacco, Lane Compton

Synopsis: An alcoholic's recovery is jeopardized when she accidentally sends a damaging email to her boss, forcing her to confront her past to save her job and sobriety.

Growing Daisies
Short (34 mins) United States
Directed By: Alessandra Gaia Williams
Written By: Alessandra Gaia Williams
Produced By: Alessandra Gaia Williams, Arielle Raycene
Cast: Arielle Raycene

Synopsis: Daisy is captivating. Haunted. Sexually obsessed by no fault of her own. We follow an erotic journey through her tormented mind. Her obsessive behavior and inner life are on display, as we learn more about her perversity, and why for some people, this is reality.

Block 15 at 9:30 pm

Love Lockdown
Short (15 mins) Australia
Directed By: Nicole Fantl
Written By: Nicole Fantl
Produced By: Nicole Fantl, Veronika Beck
Cast: Nicole Fantl, Ryan Johnson

Synopsis: A darkly twisted love story about lonely people who go to desperate lengths to find love in a disconnected world; and a woman who is finally ready to take control of the narrative of her own reinvention. How far will she go to have the life of her dreams?

The Sluggard Clan
Feature (93 mins) Slovakia
Directed By: Rastislav Boroš
Written By: Rastislav Boroš
Produced By: Rastislav Boroš
Cast: Milan Ondrík, Milan Mikul?ík, Samuel Teicher, Anežka Petrova, Kristína Spa?ova, Jana O?hova, Eva Bandor

Synopsis: At the end of the world, there's yet another village where the living live along with the dead, and dreams are more real than reality. Somewhere in the hills of central Slovakia three brothers live lost in time, dreams, naïvetE and folly that blur the boundaries between the real world and that of their late ancestors. A magical realist allegory about love beyond grave confronts Slovakia's Nazi and communist past.

Block 16 at 10:00 pm

Building Blocks
Short (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Scout Taylor-Compton
Written By: Scout Taylor-Compton
Produced By: Anthony Del Negro, Tom O'Connell, Owsley Robinson
Cast: Sierra McCormick, Sam Palladio, Tammy Townsend, Scout Taylor-Compton, Kynlee Heiman, Penelope Dukes, Tyler Gallant

Synopsis: In the heart of a dilapidated trailer park, Desariee, a young girl burdened by her mother's erratic bipolar episodes and the scars of her father's desertion, must forge a path through her tumultuous past. As she struggles to find stability and hope, she discovers strength in the most unexpected places, unraveling the hidden resilience within her fractured family.

Rowdy Friends
Feature (92 mins) United States
Directed By: Jacob Hatley
Written By: Jacob Hatley, Tom Vickers
Produced By: Tom Vickers, Jacob Hatley, Adair Moorefield
Cast: JD Cranford, Shay Walker, Brian Maynor

Synopsis: Residents of a North Carolina halfway house take matters into their own hands when a roommate suspiciously disappears. Led by a cast of first-time actors, recovering addicts and ex-cons, this blend of fact, fiction and genre offers an unhinged look at life on the American margins.

Saturday, April 5,  2025

Block 1 at 11:30 am

Sacrament
Student Film (13 mins) Brazil
Directed By: Renato de Castro
Written By: Renato de Castro
Produced By: Renato de Castro
Cast: Lucas Spada, Eduardo Venosa, Osmar Pereira, Gabriela Minerbo

Synopsis: With only a few hours left for a marriage ceremony, the groom, the best man and the bride's brother drink an aged whiskey while debating their relationship with the bride and their divergent values. What most of them don't expect is that this will be the last conversation of their lives.

Fragments of Yesterday
Student Film (13 mins) Argentina and United States
Directed By: iara Scherer Keen
Written By: iara Scherer Keen
Produced By: Frost Martin, Iara Scherer Keen
Cast: Chloe Clark, John Carlson, Anthony Mancini, William Murray

Synopsis: Zoe is a 22 year old woman who came to New York City with a big dream: being a dancer. However, along the way she ended up becoming a sex worker in order to sustain her lifestyle as well as her father's. One day he pays Zoe an unexpected visit which will change everything.

Kosher Test
Student Film (16 mins) Israel
Directed By: RIKI ROTTER
Written By: Riki Rotter
Produced By: Mika Rousso
Cast: CHEN ROZALES \ YGAEL SACHS

Synopsis: Tamar, an ultra-Orthodox girl
from an extremist community
is taken to the hospital by her beloved father
who thinks she has had sex
Her relationship with her father and her virginity
are tested
Synopsis

Khadda
Student Film (18 mins) India
Directed By: Rushan Jesani
Written By: Rushan Jesani
Produced By: Rushan Jesani
Cast: Nitin Guleria, Prajjval Khakharia

Synopsis: Despite a captain set against him, a wealthy soccer player battles prejudice, doubt, and his own limits to prove he belongs—no matter what it takes.

The Void
Student Film (18 mins) India
Directed By: Sashwat Mohta
Written By: Sashwat Mohta
Produced By: Sehran Khan
Cast: Thomas Cargin

Synopsis: A once brilliant teenager battling drug addiction seeks family support to heal his emotional wounds, but his conservative father's harsh discipline and mistrust risk tearing their family apart.

A Taste of Christmas
Student Film (20 mins) Germany
Directed By: Alexander Grohmann-Velchev
Written By: Alexander Grohmann-Velchev, Marcel Wiedner
Produced By: Laurenz Feidicker and Paula Tornieporth
Cast: Lars Krone, Marcel Wiedner, Anna Zangenberg

Synopsis: For Davis, Christmas is anything but peaceful - just an obligatory event where he's always overshadowed by his sister. But a chance encounter with the lonely Torsten at a rest stop changes his perspective. Amid family tensions and humorous moments, Davis learns that sometimes it's the imperfect togetherness that makes the real celebration.

Silent Cycle
Student Film (22 mins) India
Directed By: Smahi Anand
Written By: Smahi Anand
Produced By: Smahi Anand, Kaartik Jain
Cast: Akshara Padwal, Sunita Rajwar, Gandhaali Jain, Shaurya Sankhla

Synopsis: During a Navratri puja, 12-year-old Vrinda gets her first period, facing stigma and outdated traditions. Her strict grandmother, Lata, insists on unsanitary cloth rags, while her mother, Aruna, offers hesitant support. With help from her younger brother, Jai, Vrinda discovers sanitary pads, sparking a clash between tradition and modernity. As tensions peak, the family finds unity during Dussehra, symbolically burning Ravana and old taboos.

Days of night
Student Film (24 mins) Germany
Directed By: Adrian von der Borch
Written By: Adrian von der Borch
Produced By: Christoph Behr, Alexander Mayer, Alina Rhotert
Cast: Paula Schindler, Casper von Bülow

Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Luna lives on the streets with her boyfriend Marius. They both are addicts and are prepared to do a lot to get their fix. But when Luna realizes that she is pregnant, it is not only their relationship that is at stake.

Block 2 at 11:45 am

Voyager
Short (8 mins) Australia
Directed By: Joel Stephen Fleming
Written By: Damien Mulvany
Produced By: Joel Stephen Fleming, Damien Mulvany
Cast: Matthew James French, Michael Cuckson

Synopsis: A young Australian naval officer endures the loss of five classmates in a training accident, only to be assigned to the destroyer HMAS Voyager on her tragic last mission.

My David
Short (12 mins) Canada
Directed By: Kama Sood
Written By: Kama Sood
Produced By: Kama Sood, Aidan Kyle, Ashwin Sood, Michael Thoma
Cast: Camille Mitchell, Krzysztof Bryjak

Synopsis: Rose, an elderly woman appearing to struggle with dementia, is consumed by loneliness. One day, a jittery and awkward delivery man arrives at her door, claiming payment for an overdue shipment. Drawn by curiosity, or perhaps something deeper, Rose invites him inside. What begins as a mundane encounter quickly shifts into a tense power dynamic, as the two strangers expose their vulnerabilities and secrets, turning the tables on each other.

CIALT: Caught In A Love Trap
Short (14 mins) Spain
Directed By: Aaron Jean, Sophie von Rheden
Written By: Sophie von Rheden
Produced By: Kerstin Krause, Sophie von Rheden
Cast: Carmen Molinar, Chema Coloma, CEsar Torres, Clara Ruiz, Alfredo Calvo Garcia

Synopsis: Writer Kate Williams and songwriter Tan Zander have shared years of creative collaboration—until Tan abruptly ends their longstanding relationship with a cold, unexplained text message. Determined to confront him, Kate travels to Madrid, seeking answers. But what she finds is more than she expected—a hidden past intertwined with her own, and a long-buried secret in a mysterious wooden box.

Friday Night Flop
Short (16 mins) United Kingdom
Directed By: Simon Friedberg, Elliott Gerner
Written By: Elliott Gerner, Simon Friedberg
Produced By: Dawn Laren, Sarah Shepherd, Selina Dey
Cast: Tracy-Ann Oberman, Anoushka Cowan, Mark Fleischmann

Synopsis: A mother tries desperately to reconnect with her estranged daughter in a world of digital distraction. Friday Night Flop features a debut performance by Anoushka Cowan alongside her mother Tracy-Ann Oberman.

What's Wrong, Emma
Short (23 mins) France
Directed By: Teo Frank
Written By: Teo Frank, Pichya Nimit
Produced By: Thomas Chevillon, Karolyne Sosa
Cast: Sarah Bennington, Rosie Taylor-Ritson, Edward Crook

Synopsis: After receiving a signed copy of her ex-partner's debut novel, Emma, an emerging writer visiting the south of France for her father-in-law's birthday, feels… wrong!

Engelstan
Short (27 mins) Belgium
Directed By: Manu Coeman
Written By: Philippe Blasband
Produced By: John-John Goossens
Cast: HElène Vincent, Laurent Capelluto

Synopsis: Deborah is a rather tough piano teacher. She lives in Calais, France.
Mansour is a Syrian refugee with a continual big smile on his lips.
He wants to cross the Channel to England.
By accident, Deborah welcomes Mansour into her home.
An improbable meeting, which awakens a buried and tragic past.

Block 3 at 1:00 pm

It's My Party
Student Film (6 mins) United States
Directed By: Sarah Ann Shankman
Written By: Sarah Ann Shankman
Produced By: Wesley Ahart
Cast: Courtney Berwick, Erin Rose

Synopsis: Jenny is trying to make herself a birthday cake but her chronic illness is making it difficult. Her sister, Ana shows up and makes matters worse. She wants to vlog Jenny's birthday to get back in the good graces of her followers after being canceled. Tension rises as they get into a fight only sisters could have and then realize what they both needed most of all was just a night with each other.

Inaudible Articulations
Student Film (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Julia Lipsztein
Written By: Julia Lipsztein
Produced By: Julia Lipsztein
Cast: Rowan Walter, Natalia Guedes, Jodi Prusan

Synopsis: Inaudible Articulations tells the story of Jamie, a young man grappling with bipolar disorder, whose turbulent inner world strains his relationships with his mother and girlfriend, Tara. Through moments of despair and brief solace, Jamie's journey captures the quiet resilience and support needed to face his own mental health battles.

Chasing Daylight
Student Film (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Genesis Santiago
Written By: Genesis Santiago
Produced By: Good Omen and Pico Youth and Family Center
Cast: Iesha M. Daniels, Stacey Xia, Gabe Rivas, Jorge G. Diaz

Synopsis: A story about a group of friends learning to love one another and find the joy and healing they never received in the place that was supposed to be home. All the while becoming their own found family.

Little Candy Girl
Student Film (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Una Smoole
Written By: Una Smoole
Produced By: Nikki Ghalili
Cast: Madeline Lucas, Mason Kokodynski

Synopsis: A miniature girl who tap dances in candy machines runs away with a curious and charming rescuer, only for her to realize that she must be the one to save herself.

Click
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Jonathan Aspin
Written By: Riley Brooker
Produced By: Trent Garrett, Jacob Young
Cast: Madison Newton, Christopher O'Keefe

Synopsis: A coming of age story revolving Emaline, a Sophomore in High School who is coping with transferring to a brand new school district in the wake of just losing her father, trying to find something, anything to be passionate about.

Starting Line
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Brenton Bender
Written By: Brenton Bender
Produced By: Joey Cheng, Andy Yi Li
Cast: Shane O'Shea, Brendan Shannon, Shaw Jones

Synopsis: When a cross country coach pits two siblings against each other, Brody pushes himself to outpace his younger brother, Archie. But restless nights and a botched practice cause Brody's frustration to boil over and he lashes out - leaving Archie injured and forcing them both to deal with the consequences.

Enouement
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Angel Lu
Written By: Angel Lu
Produced By: Angel Lu, Danis Zhang
Cast: Angel Lu, Michael Zhang

Synopsis: Jen, an ambitious film industry amateur, struggles to balance her demanding job and caring for her grandfather with dementia. When a work crisis collides with her caregiving duties, tensions rise, leading to a moment of frustration. However, upon discovering a heartfelt letter from her grandfather, Jen is forced to reevaluate her priorities and redefine the essence of love and time in this New York City-set short film, Enouement.

Stay Here
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Marley Rankin
Written By: Marley Rankin
Produced By: Rabbani Kaur
Cast: Kayden Tokarski

Synopsis: A coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old girl obsessed with womanhood. She eagerly awaits the milestones that come along with it and cannot wait to grow up. However, when faced with a harsh reality that she did not anticipate, she must consider whether she is really ready to be an adult.

The Blue Inside
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Arya Jo Singh
Written By: Arya Jo Singh
Produced By: Phoebe J Yung, Winona Lu
Cast: Sendhil Ramamurthy, Samsara Leela-Yett

Synopsis: When struggling alcoholic Mo takes Naya to their town's daddy daughter dance, his daydream of reconnecting with her shifts into a nightmare as he is forced to publicly confront their strained past, and must choose between accepting reality or drowning in dangerous delusions.

Private I
Student Film (17 mins) United States
Directed By: Evan Patrick Adams
Written By: Evan Patrick Adams
Produced By: Tyler Kirkpatrick
Cast: Taylor Petracek, Avrielle Corti, Geoffrey Davin

Synopsis: A bellboy who uses his camera to spy on guests follows a mysterious woman with a dark secret, but he'll need to investigate himself first.

Block 4 at 1:40 pm

Singularity
Documentary Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Ali Aksu
Written By: Ali Aksu
Produced By: Ali Aksu
Cast: Jean Oelwang, Kate Kallot, Daniel Weismann

Synopsis: Filmed on Richard Branson's private Necker Island, Singularity brings together AI experts, philosophers, and innovators to explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on humanity. Covering ethics, governance, warfare, and society's future, the documentary delves into the existential questions AI poses. As technology evolves, Singularity challenges viewers to consider the balance between innovation and control, urging us to confront the responsibility of shaping a world where machines and humans coexist.

World Without Cows
Documentary Feature (85 mins) United States
Directed By: Michelle Michael, Brandon Whitworth
Written By: Michelle Michael, Brandon Whitworth
Produced By: Susanna Elliott, Alan Henthorne, Michelle Michael, Brandon Whitworth
Cast: N/A

Synopsis: A documentary that challenges our perceptions of cows and their role in our world. Two award-winning former journalists take you from the American heartland to Kenya, India, Brazil, and beyond, unraveling the intricate cultural, economic, and environmental threads that cows weave into our lives. Explore the impact of these animals and the far-reaching implications of their absence.

Block 5 at 2:00 pm

Binge!
Student Film (3 mins) United States
Directed By: Sam David Zhang, Rohit Relan
Written By: Sam David Zhang, Umut Ipek
Produced By: Hector Martinez, Annine Fan Zhang
Cast: Clayton Farris

Synopsis: A television addict discovers a strange broadcast one day while watching TV. As he gets hooked on what he sees, he begins to have an uncanny resemblance to the horror on screen.

Behind the Face
Student Film (4 mins) United States
Directed By: Hillfigure Hwang
Written By: Hillfigure Hwang
Produced By: Hillfigure Hwang
Cast: Agatha Rodriguez

Synopsis: Street noise. Pollution. Career. Deadlines. Responsibilities. Relationships. Social Media. Comparisons… The constant overstimulation and urban anxieties push an introverted young woman to enter a world of surreal nervous breakdown.

Hide and Seek
Student Film (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Shahmeer Madni
Written By: Shahmeer Madni
Produced By: Marbod Faure, Shahmeer Madni
Cast: Nayab Hussain, Jason Arcaro, Calvin Knegten

Synopsis: After running over their son's dog, a soon-to-be divorced couple dispute hiding it before he realises.

When Anya leaves her son alone with their dog to go confront her cheating husband, things take a turn for the worst as a heated argument turns into a tragic loss. However, from grief, retribution arises, allowing Anya to find revenge and pursue the glimmer of light in her uncertain future, but at the expense of her child's innocence.

Damned
Student Film (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Lukas Anderson
Written By: Lukas Anderson, Elio Andres
Produced By: Alexus Es
Cast: Cole Kelley, C.P. Walker

Synopsis: When a desperate father breaks house arrest, his determined parole officer tracks him by his ankle monitor. When a demon surfaces from hell to collect the father's soul, he becomes the target of a violent two-pronged chase.

Good People
Student Film (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Paul Cosby
Written By: Paul Cosby
Produced By: Noah Shelton, John Landry, Joseph Simpson, Nikki Groton, Paul Cosby
Cast: Sam Uehling, Violette Remington, Zion Aguilar, Emily Joy Lemus

Synopsis: When a cynical young man meets his new neighbors, he's confronted by the fact that they may be perfect. Will he find a crack in their scheme? or can two people really be flawless?

The Things We Keep
Student Film (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Joanna Fernandez
Written By: Joanna Fernandez
Produced By: Yaxing Lin, Lilith Mo, Tim Truesdell
Cast: Rebecca Holopter, Jenny O'Hara

Synopsis: Receiving word her estranged mother is unable to take care of herself, Kate returns to pack up her mom's house and send her to a nursing home. Unfortunately, it's a big task: her mother is a lifelong hoarder. As Kate unravels the mystery of her mother's obsession and illness, she discovers that the hoarding was actually self-preservation. There is evil in the house's walls, and they must be covered at all costs.

Rain
Student Film (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Imogen McCluskey
Written By: Imogen McCluskey
Produced By: Chris Crema and Austin Chen
Cast: Kimberly Alexander, Travis Hammer, Kyla Dyan, Kate Enggren, Timothy Davis-Reed

Synopsis: The appearance of a mysterious orange light upends a fraught family Christmas, forcing their pregnant daughter to decide between the overbearing expectations of her family or her own safety.

Breaking Character
Student Film (20 mins) United States
Directed By: Joey Buzzella
Written By: Joey Buzzella
Produced By: Aria Mahmoud, Brooke Westphal
Cast: Curran Seth, Ian S. Peterson, Corey Landis

Synopsis: Theo Maddison, a struggling LA actor, blurs the line between his performance and his own malicious thoughts as he commits further to a serial killer role.

Block 6 at 3:30 pm

Afloat
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Reilly Johnson
Written By: Reilly Johnson
Produced By: Margi Newquist - Johnson
Cast: Tali Papouchado, Mohammad Saleem, Candee Kramer

Synopsis: Avery, a new hire at Chicago Seas Boat Tours, attempts to stay afloat as she encounters a harrowing call to action on the Chicago River.

Shorthanded
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Jack Martino
Written By: Jack Martino
Produced By: Jack Martino, Izzy Page, Miles Salzgeber
Cast: Alejandro Escamilla, Jonathan Fishman, Nick Privitera

Synopsis: A Hispanic hockey player battles through a shoulder injury as he tries to secure the last spot on a highly competitive team under the command of a coach with racist tendencies.

Stride
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Alazar Aklilu
Written By: Alazar Aklilu
Produced By: Alazar Aklilu, Soibi Dagogo-Jack, Mackenzie Lyle, Sydney Malone
Cast: Darrell Battle Jr., Garland Scott

Synopsis: Mac, an 18-year-old track athlete, pushes his limits for the opportunity of a lifetime—a scholarship that could change everything. But as he ignores his father's growing concerns, he faces a challenge that tests not just his body, but his very sense of purpose.

Aperture
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Julie Anne Koehnen
Written By: Julie Anne Koehnen
Produced By: Paul Bees, Steven Elbert, Rachel Weber
Cast: Taylor Mills, Sasha Andreev

Synopsis: After trying to make it in the corporate world, a young photographer with no real-world success is forced to come to terms with her creativity if she is to find her real place in life.

Traveling Mercies
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Niva Dorell
Written By: Madison Trice
Produced By: Marjorie Kilpatrick, Reuben McDaniel
Cast: Madison Trice, Joseph Hanson

Synopsis: Two Black high school students have different attitudes about the daily micro aggressions they experience in an ultra wealthy neighborhood of Houston, TX. When one of them encounters a shocking outburst at their private prep school, they're both forced to reexamine their viewpoints.

Theater Kid
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Liam Burns
Written By: Liam Burns
Produced By: Alena Mauhs
Cast: Curran Seth, Alena Mauhs

Synopsis: A high school senior Kenneth nearly jeopardizes his schools theater production because of his delusions of grandeur and a treatment of his fellow cast mates as well as his crush Jane.

Block 7 at 3:40 pm

Lost Wolves of Yellowstone
Documentary Feature (92 mins) United States
Directed By: Thomas Winston
Written By: Avela Grenier, Thomas Winston
Produced By: Thomas Winston
Cast: Mike Phillips, Doug Smith, Rick Schwolsky, Sierra Rosen

Synopsis: On January 12, 1995 wolves returned to Yellowstone, 50 years after their extirpation. Mollie Beattie, the first female director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, carried the first Canadian born wolf into The Park's experimental acclimation enclosure, Alpha Female Wolf No. 5. From that day forward, their lives would be forever connected. This is the untold story of Mollie's Pack and the Lost Wolves of Yellowstone.

Block 8 at 4:00 pm

Cecilia's Ship
Short (10 mins) United States
Directed By: Bret McKee
Written By: Jackie Letkowski
Produced By: Jackie Letkowski, Bret McKee
Cast: Kelly Sindell, Sandra McClean, Meah Augustyn, Nick DeKay

Synopsis: A fatigued single mother, with a young dying daughter, is plagued by insomnia and a recurring dream. Cecilia's Ship is a short film that is haunting, touching, and teaches acceptance, especially in the face of trauma. Cancer doesn't discriminate.

Wandering Glider
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Ara Torosian
Written By: Solmaz Etemad, Marjan Golestani
Produced By: Alireza Attaalah Tabrizi
Cast: Ara Torosian

Synopsis: This artistic film delves into the topic of Iranian immigration and the pursuit of dreams without a clear understanding of the future. It tells the story of disappointed individuals who attempt to change their lives but find themselves disconnected from reality.

Sins of a Father
Short (14 mins) United States
Directed By: Nuekellar Hardy
Written By: Nuekellar Hardy
Produced By: Nuekellar Hardy, Esi Yamoah-Hardy, Jordan Sims, ?ukasz Dziedzic
Cast: Tongayi Chirisa, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Chris Butler

Synopsis: Amidst echoes of his past, Bryan embarks on a heartfelt quest to rewrite his future, confronting his father to break the chains of generational trauma and carve out his own legacy of love and growth.

Remnants of Nova
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: James Barker
Written By: James Barker and Kimmie Devereux
Produced By: James Barker, Richard S. Ormsby
Cast: Eloise Lola Gordon, Gabrielle Sarah Lewis, and Nancy Pop

Synopsis: Dani and Nova's band finally lands their first big gig—until Nova, battling depression, drops out, shattering their relationship. As Dani faces the stage alone, Nova spirals into crisis in this raw, urgent portrait of queer love, mental health, and the fragile chords that hold us together.

Bald
Short (15 mins) United States
Directed By: Monique Straw
Written By: Jessica Irvine Drake
Produced By: Jessica Irvine Drake, David Harrod Jr., Alexandra Chando, Charlene Fretz
Cast: Jessica Irvine Drake, David Harrod Jr., Devin Drake

Synopsis: After receiving life-altering news, a woman embarks on a transformative journey that pushes her beyond the safety of her comfort zone. Daring to embrace new experiences and confront hidden fears, she rediscovers parts of herself she never knew existed.

The Joke's On Them
Short (16 mins) United States
Directed By: Gary O. Bennett
Written By: Gary O. Bennett
Produced By: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
Cast: Yuyu Kitmura, Jen McCabe, Audrey Haynor

Synopsis: A driven businesswoman is forced to reevaluate her career after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. In the process, she is drawn to a subordinate whom she believes is repeating her own past mistakes.

The Second Oldest Man Alive
Short (22 mins) United States
Directed By: Jeremy Max
Written By: Ryan Delouya
Produced By: Ryan Delouya, Jeremy Max
Cast: Gerry Bamman

Synopsis: While reading a book of world records with his great-grandchildren, William Bennett discovers that the world's oldest man is just days older than he is. Seeing this as a way to cement his legacy, William attempts to outlive the oldest man.

Block 9 at 5:15 pm

America's Next Best President
Short (7 mins) United States
Directed By: Katie Cassidy
Written By: Katie Cassidy
Produced By: Katie Cassidy, Maya Ford, Stephen Huszar
Cast: Stephen Albanese, Maya Ford, Carlos The Cat, Dean Quackenbush, Linda Quackenbush, Lucy Frike

Synopsis: A spoof on American politics told as a game show. America's votes are in and we're down to the final five contestants. Watch to find out who The Next Best President of the U.S. is gonna be…

I Don't
Short (12 mins) United States
Directed By: Gabriella Kessler
Written By: Gabriella Kessler
Produced By: Georgia Velkes
Cast: Gabriella Kessler, Jens Austin Astrup

Synopsis: I Don't is about a runaway bride who decides that instead of walking down the aisle, she's running—far, fast, and toward a version of freedom she left behind. However, she must confront complicated truths in order to stop running away from herself.

O.C.D.
Short (13 mins) United States
Directed By: Luca Pizzoleo
Written By: Conor Patrick Walsh
Produced By: Luca Pizzoleo, Birdget Sonobe
Cast: Steven Ogg, Raz Fritz, Ariel Martin

Synopsis: A neurotic delivery driver named Owen battles his OCD at a local convenience store while his TikToker girlfriend plans an exposure therapy dinner date at home. But when she helps him resist his compulsion, it subsequently triggers the apocalypse.

Solutions
Short (18 mins) United States
Directed By: Dan Aid
Written By: Dan Aid
Produced By: Dan Aid, Jade Albany, Josh Gilmer
Cast: Dan Aid, Jade Albany, Josh Gilmer

Synopsis: In a last ditch effort to extricate herself from the ramshackle farce of her suburban existence a woman caught between her dysfunctional husband and her densely loyal lover attempts to off one while framing the other.

The Method
Short (23 mins) United States
Directed By: Rick Rocha
Written By: Rick Rocha
Produced By: Briana Bursten, Micheal Neeson, Rebekah Sherman-Myntti
Cast: Eric Roberts, Conlan Kisilewicz, Maia Scalia, Niall Cunningham, Ruaridh Mollica

Synopsis: A legendary acting teacher's relentless pursuit of perfection pushes an overly eager student into the dark depths of his own psyche. As the student becomes engulfed in a masochistic and obsessive acting method, the lines between reality and performance blur. Soon, the series of events takes a criminal turn, leaving the audience questioning… Where does the act end, and reality begin?

A Conscious Uncoupling
Short (24 mins) United States
Directed By: Alex J Britten
Written By: Alex J Britten
Produced By: Shelby Comstock Britten
Cast: Gregory James Cohan, Stephanie Barkley, Clayton Farris, Andy Cohen, Laura Schein, Tori Khalil, Zac Taylor

Synopsis: A couple facing the rocky shoals of their relationship chickens out and decides to ‘Consciously Uncouple', but throughout the process they're forced to face the emotions they've been avoiding.

Rock N' Rolled
Short (29 mins) United States
Directed By: John Fahy
Written By: John Fahy
Produced By: Ilise Ratner, Jason Miller, John Harris
Cast: Ava DeMary, Nicole Gut, Alex Tavis

Synopsis: Young tightly-wound accountant Harmony Hart brings her new boyfriend Felix Silva home to NYC to meet her mother, the world-famous rock star Desiree Hart.

The legendary diva and her entourage of colorful collaborators put Harmony and Felix through the rock n' roll ringer, testing the limits of their budding romance. Think Meet the Parents meets Almost Famous.

Block 10 at 5:30 pm

Call Me Shamsz
Documentary Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Geoff Browne
Written By: Geoff Browne
Produced By: Geoff Browne, Wilson Ebiya
Cast: Kareem ‘Shamsz' Samsudeen

Synopsis: At 15, Shamsz's world was shattered by a shocking diagnosis. Now, a decade later, this documentary follows his journey from despair to hope, as he inspires Nigeria's youth.

The Connector
Documentary Short (11 mins) United States
Directed By: Ian Mitchell
Written By: Larissa James, Ian Mitchell
Produced By: Ian Mitchell / Larissa James / Jerry Ying
Cast: Boss Watsaba

Synopsis: The Connector is a short documentary that uncovers the transformative power of bridges in underserved African communities, highlighting how these structures transcend their physical form to become symbols of empowerment, driving social change, gender equality, and sustainable development across the continent.

Hooked
Documentary Short (29 mins) United Kingdom
Directed By: Glen Fulthorpe
Written By: Glen Fulthorpe
Produced By: Glen Fulthorpe Domantas Jakubauskas
Cast: Glen Fulthorpe, Ashley Veevers, Danielle Houghton, Steven Fulthorpe.

Synopsis: Hooked follows a filmmaker's journey into his family's history of alcohol and opioid addiction, addressing generational trauma and the complexities of fatherhood while seeking redemption and understanding.

In a Box: Deported Noncitizen U.S. Veterans
Documentary Short (34 mins) United States
Directed By: Cutty Cuthbert
Written By: Rob Cuthbert
Produced By: Cutty Cuthbert, Rob Cuthbert
Cast: Edwin Salgado, Daniel Oyarzabal

Synopsis: In a Box profiles Edwin Salgado (a deported U.S. Marine Corps veteran) and Daniel Oyarzabal (a recently repatriated U.S. Air Force veteran). The film also explores the policies that enable and perpetuate the deportations of noncitizen veterans of the U.S. military. In a Box includes reporting from Tijuana, Mexico; La Mesa, California, and Los Angeles, CA.

Block 11 at 6:00 pm

Stairs of Love (Escadaria do Amor)
Short (19 mins) Brazil
Directed By: Gui Agustini
Written By: Helena Horta
Produced By: Valeria Silva
Cast: Valeria Silva and Robson Barbosa

Synopsis: Julia discovers Carlos intends to propose to her. This makes insecurities that were previously pushed aside resurface. In a struggle with love and with two strong and divergent personalities, the couple tries to survive this turbulent phase, exploring the traumas of their relationship, such as complicity, honesty, and their racial difference.

One Night
Feature (91 mins) Czech Republic
Directed By: David La?ka
Written By: David La?ka
Produced By: David La?ka, Katerina Duskova, Martin Sedivy
Cast: Adam Ernest, Vanda Chaloupkova

Synopsis: Two years ago, it seemed that Adam and Eliška could do everything. He was a successful rock guitarist. Now Adam's done two years in jail, working as a digger, can't get a proper job. And it's the whole bleak situation of their lives and the fact that Eliška has to sell herself via livechat for money that goes over Adam's head one night.

Block 12 at 7:15 pm

Sheepdog
Feature (128 mins) United States
Directed By: Steven Grayhm
Written By: Steven Grayhm
Produced By: Steven Grayhm, Joe Newcomb, Lynn d'Angona, P. Colin Kane
Cast: Virginia Madsen, Vondie Curtis Hall, Steven Grayhm, Dominic Fumusa, Lilli Cooper, Matt Dallas

Synopsis: A decorated combat Veteran is court ordered into treatment when an ex-convict shows up on his doorstep and reveals that he must put himself back together again.

Block 13 at 7:40 pm

Aliens Don't Like White People
Short (9 mins) United States
Directed By: Parker Reininga
Written By: Cameron Cowperthwaite
Produced By: Michael Murphy, Mark Cockfield, Parker Reininga, Cameron Cowperthwaite
Cast: Cameron Cowperthwaite, Keenon Rush

Synopsis: Two friends, caught in a debate about the existence of aliens and their public relations, commit to a routine break-in, only to stumble into a bizarre surprise.

The Alibi
Short (17 mins) United States
Directed By: David Chrzanowski
Written By: David Chrzanowski
Produced By: False Dice Productions, Allison Sanchez, Ken Czajkowski, Rusty Anderson, Terry Futschik, Logan Mansburger, Michele Silva-Neto, Lynn Wonchala, Rebecca Heberlein, Desiree Staples, Mary O'Keefe
Cast: Brendan Fehr, Piper De Palma, Jacob Childress, Ethan Daniel Corbett

Synopsis: In a near-empty, Detroit dive bar, circa 1984, a ten-year-old boy waits for his father to be done working. Alex's childhood hangout may not exactly be conventional, but he worships his Dad. And he's always felt safe around his crew. Until now. Because when the "job" his Pops is running goes sideways, Alex must prove his worth by completing a dangerous mission.

The Comic Shop
Feature (95 mins) United States
Directed By: Jonathan L. Bowen
Written By: Jonathan L. Bowen, Scott Reed
Produced By: Scott Reed, Ron Singer
Cast: Jesse Metcalfe, Tristin Mays, Micah Giovanni

Synopsis: A former illustrator, Mike runs a struggling comic shop in suburban Las Vegas. Disillusioned by his life at middle age, his dreams seemingly long behind him, he struggles with alcohol abuse. When a young customer, Brandon, moves to town and takes interest in his shop and illustrating skills, the two form an unlikely friendship that leads Mike back toward his dreams with Brandon hoping to follow.

Block 14 at 8:15 pm

Dwelling Among the Gods
Feature (102 mins) Serbia
Directed By: Vuk Rsumovic
Written By: Vuk Rsumovic, Momir Turudic
Produced By: Mirko Bojovic
Cast: Fereshteh Hosseini (main actress); Vuk Rsumovic

Synopsis: In 2015, as Hungary prepares to close its borders to refugees, a young Afghan woman and her family reach Belgrade during their exhausting journey to Europe. There, she discovers her younger brother Ali, who arrived in Serbia before them, has drowned and will soon be buried unnamed. While thousands rush desperately towards Hungary's closing borders, she refuses to leave Belgrade before burying her brother under his proper name. The true story of modern Antigone.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Awards Night Gala:

Location: The Beverly Hilton Hotel, International Ballroom, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210

Date:
April 1 - 6, 2025

Location:
TCL Chinese 6 Theatres,
6925 Hollywood Boulevard,
Hollywood, CA 90028

Click here to Buy Tickets

Click here for more information