ONLINE EVENT FILMS – Indie Shorts Awards New York

OFFICIAL ONLINE EVENTS

NEW WAVES Showcase

From New York to the world, this competition aims to bring the best shorts of the season to every cinema fan around the globe. Though we might not be able to see each other’s reactions in this format, the overwhelming feelings experienced after watching an amazing film can never be compared. Technology can sometimes be harmful towards our society, but today, it’s allowing us to understand, explore, be surprised by and enjoy, cinema from all around the world. Enjoy our Official Online Event!

Fractured Realities

These films explore life’s struggles, from heartbreak and guilt to survival and self-discovery. Through loss, injustice, and inner battles, each character faces a world that challenges their reality, forcing them to find strength, face the past, or step into the unknown.

In Your Wake

By Kennedy Headon

In Your Wake follows emotionally shut down Des on her journey through grief after experiencing a great loss.

The Orange at the Seder

By Jacob Combs

When Adam brings his first-ever girlfriend to his beloved mentor’s annual queer, all-male Passover seder, he must come out of the closet all over again—putting his relationship with his chosen family in jeopardy.

Hometime

By Jonathan Lambert

An inner-city boy, Sam, spends his 10th birthday in a pub, waiting for his mother Leanne to call it a night. As the night unfolds, the situation deteriorates steadily, leading to events that will leave a lasting impact on the young boy.

Meek

By Hannah Sperling

An eighth-grade girl on the cusp of self-awareness gets more than she bargains for after she steals her first bra.

The Inspiring Team

By Alexander Borisov

"The topic of World War II is truly one of the most sacramental and painful for Russia. It was the times when young men, inexperienced fighters left their homes without even saying ""Goodbye"". None of them knew if they would ever be able to see their loved ones again, if they would ever be able to return home from the war.The film shows the story from World War II, when Ural artists united together in teams to become an inspiration for Soviet soldiers, raise the morale of the troops and lead them to Victory. The artists went to perform to the front lines. They showed up in any weather conditions, on any platform, whether it was a forest or a field, a hospital or a military base. They brought with them costumes, musical instruments and props to revive the soldiers' memories of civilian life and times of peace. Each artist brought something personal to each performance - there were no people and families in Russia who were not be affected by the war.The script for “The Inspiring Team” is based on true events: the draft was based on the stories of Ural artists, who performed on the front lines during the Second World War."

Two scars

By Lan Wei Hao

During a fierce dispute between the fierce teacher Meiling and Jiang Yizhen, a rebellious student in the class, teacher Meiling accidentally injured Jiang Yizhen. At the same time, there was an inexplicable scratch on her car...

Children of Light

By Minkyu Kang

In the 1960s, a Korean boy (16), kidnapped and assaulted at a juvenile center on a remote island, must escape with his rival to survive.

Chapter XIII

By (Iris) Concetta Lombardo

Sergio is a writer who has isolated himself from the world. His publishing house puts him under pressure. Stopping at Chapter XIII, he goes into crisis and doesn't know what to do. A presence, close to him, will force him to "look" inside himself, until he makes an irreversible choice...

Past Nowheres I Wait

By Gudmund Arne Lilletveit

After the killing of a lamb, Solvår succumbs to deep guilt and sorrow as she is plunged back to a tragic past. In an almost limbo-type state where death hangs heavily in the air, she must confront the darkness of her past.

Heydays

By Jamil Walli

A homeless man wanders the streets of the city. Hungry, he begs for food to no avail. He then resolves to scavenging public bins in desperation to eliminate his hunger.

Hemorrhage

By Ella Lentini

In the reality that is now southern America, a young couple must travel from Georgia to Virginia to get an abortion, but when she hemorrhages and starts to bleed out on the way back in a state that has criminalized abortion - should they try and make it back across state lines into the safety of Virginia, or risk being arrested by going to the emergency room?

Ella Ella

By Jurian Joseph Gravett

Ella Ella is a psychological short film that explores hard-earned life lessons of love and relationships, seen through the bittersweet lens of the lonely.

The Color Blue

By Enoch Jace Leung

Selina and Simon must face life with newfound heaviness after unexpectedly losing their unborn child. Asking themselves how to miss a face they’ve never seen. What it would take to move on, and how it will impact their marriage. Most of all, how to deal with love that has nowhere to go.

Erótico

By Aaron Bertrand-Ruiz

The film follows the formative years of "Zeca", a boy who's been exposed to pornography and sexual content from an extremely young age and his struggles to find normalcy, once the veil of a society that normalizes this starts to come off.

Dead Ball

By Peter Navarre

A devoted basketball player struggles to find closure between his dying relationship and his love for basketball on a phone call with his ex-girlfriend.

Static Night, Suddenly Noise

By Sam French

When Dorothea decides to kill herself, her antique wooden radio comes to life in a desperate attempt to save her.

Holestepper

By Sergio Fernández Muñoz

Angel (Oswaldo Salas), an enthusiastic high school teacher, discovers a website where his students make fun of him and his disability through some strange videos. Mixing the reality and the digital universe adolescent, Angel will be involved in a world hitherto unknown.

Who We Are

These films explore identity, love, and belonging. Each character faces a turning point—whether questioning who they are, standing up for what they love, or breaking free from expectations. Through self-discovery and tough choices, they search for a place where they truly fit.

Pace

By Beck Williams

Struggling with dysphoria, a boxer wrestles with the decision to transition at the potential cost of their marriage. When another boxer who shares their identity enters the gym, the two find solace in training together while navigating their own challenging journeys.

Contact

By Reece Loustalot

A junior series racing driver struggles with the death of his best friend and teammate after they collide with each other on track.

Binibining Iniibig

By Keith Lafuente, Claire Gustavson

Eleven contestants vie for the crown in this beauty pageant informed by Filipino tradition and American ambition. Featuring a cast entirely made up of LGBTQ+ Filipinos, Binibining Iniibig asks: Do the inherited rules and systems we follow actually serve us?

Corahe

By Lucia Roman Canivell

Lola and Julia work as flamenco performers in Seville, Spain. However, their relationship and their love for flamenco are challenged by the difficult working conditions and the struggle of the flamenco tradition to survive in modern times.

Adrift

By Pernille Lund

ADRIFT is a short film delving into the complexities of sexuality and societal expectations. Eva, a 44-year-old writer in a traditional family, experiences a profound shift when her daughter's teacher, Solvej, sparks unexpected and rapidly shifting feelings within her. Fascinated and somewhat apprehensive about the intensity of her newfound attraction, Eva grapples with the whirlwind of emotions as she navigates this uncharted territory. Through intimate character exploration and poignant storytelling, ADRIFT invites viewers to reflect on identity, and the unpredictability of human connection.

27 Club

By Collin Viator

A 27-year-old filmmaker's perception of success and identity are challenged as he struggles to make a retirement video for his grandmother.

The Orange at the Seder

By Jacob Combs

Unscripted Lives

Life doesn’t always go as planned. From awkward moments and big choices to strange surprises, these stories follow people facing tough situations in funny, dramatic, and unexpected ways.

Midnight Ink

By John Chiodi

A brash young boy and his shy friend ditch a funeral and embark on a moonlit journey to get a tattoo.

Rx

By Philip DuDeVoire

A rookie delivery driver encounters a nightmare customer during a bizarre delivery on their 2nd day of work.

The Passenger

By Frank Quatrone

A well meaning, sexually exploratory, paraplegic man in a wheelchair meets an open minded girl. Together they discover the awkwardness that comes with casual dating, particularly ones that begin in a sex shop.

Portrait of a Grieving Housewife

By Yana Alliata

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…

2008

By Maya Weldon-Lagrimas

A woman recounts her experience living in a dysfunctional queer household while California repealed gay marriage during the 2008 election.

Hi, Friends!

By Wheaton Simis

A cringe-inducing short film that takes place in the all-too-familiar present day of New York City. The world is closing in around us, and it's a battle of wills for who can go the longest before the obvious is proclaimed: we are not OK.

There’s a Klansman in the Trunk!

By Xavier Ingram

After a young Black man miraculously survives an attempted lynching by wannabe Klansmen, he is presented with the biggest decision of his life: get revenge or show mercy.

Volador

By Miguel Angel Hernandez, Tessa Elizabeth Osborne

Mateo, an 18-year-old from Mexico, considers abandoning his life in America to return to the place he once belonged, but the presence of his new friends challenges him to accept a new reality.

Sunny Side Up

By Lexi Brown

Sunny Side Up follows Sadie and Max, two young twenty somethings 8 months after a one night stand gone wrong, navigating what they will do when Sadie shows up at Max’s door pregnant, after leading him to believe she got an abortion.

Soliloque

By Hadrien Langue

Wanting to impress an office colleague during an afterwork, the anxious and awkward Jerome brings Jean-Jean, his plush ventriloquist articulated. The show is missed, Jean-Jean is vulgar, not funny and takes over Jerome.

Role Play

By Elizabeth Katz

At a big Broadway audition, triple-threat Stella's obsession with impressing the Director and her charming new crush blurs the lines between reality and musical fantasy, threatening to consume her in the process.

Joe

By Greg Furman

The parody origin story of how history's most hated character, Grandpa Joe Bucket from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, became the lazy freeloader we know today.

Laugh Out Loud: A Comedy Showcase

Traditions, beliefs, and personal choices shape our lives, but what happens when they take an unexpected turn? From bizarre family customs to surreal encounters and impossible situations, these films explore the humorous, eerie, and thought-provoking moments when reality bends in the strangest ways.

Happy New Year!

By Laura Gregory

At a New Year's Eve party, heavily pregnant Grace and her friend Beth, are faced with every woman's worst nightmare - for Beth, a man who can't seem to make up his mind. For Grace, having to try and not wee herself because of a stubborn zip on her jumpsuit. But an unexpected 'visitor' is about to make this New Year's Eve one they will remember forever...

Just a Pill Away

By Frederick Shih

"Just a Pill Away" follows Judy, a struggling actress grappling with the pressure to take a new drug that guarantees a permanent, perfect smile. Because of her refusal to conform, she constantly fails auditions despite her passion and dedication. Torn between her belief in authenticity and her desire to succeed, Judy decides to seek guidance from her former drama professor. After a disappointing meeting with her mentor, she eventually takes the pill and betrays her ideals, becoming the very person she despised.

Flipping the Switch

By J.G. Murphy, Nolan Pugh

Join student filmmakers Desmond McCarthy and Ian Pert as they investigate the Solar Truth Foundation leader Sarge Markson. Sarge believes the sun doesn’t exist, and the elites are preparing to flip the switch.

Buckets

By Dan Lubetkin

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.

Time To Kill

By Vincent Ferrari

An incompetent hitman wrestles with his own demons while waiting for his target.

Gobble

By Chelsea Walker

Everton (20s) and Victor (60s) are stuck in the depths of the British countryside. The film tracks them over one day as they attempt to kill time by learning to play tennis on an overgrown court. But something isn’t right – buzzards circle over head, foxes are fighting, and an old Kunekune pig keeps coming to disrupt their game. As they find themselves trapped in a neverending English hell of drizzle, ham sandwiches and offbeat conversation, we realise they’re waiting for Gobble, the pig, to complete an endless task.

Family Traditions

By Jay Bogdanowitsch

When a besotted Groom is at the Altar about to marry the Love of his life, then he discovers his Bride's and her Family's eccentric traditions to his own discomposure.

Stories That Matter

Dive into the world of real stories with this compelling collection of documentary short films. Stories That Matter highlights powerful, eye-opening narratives that explore diverse topics, from personal journeys to global issues. These films offer a deep look into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of individuals and communities, sparking thought, reflection, and conversation.

Threads of Anzal

By Alex Broadstock

An exploration of Morocco’s 3,000-year-old rug-making tradition.

An Oath

By Nanu Tlisov

In one Russian provincial town there is a "Society of the highest truth", whose mentor for more than 10 years has been a woman Elena, the owner of the "Wisdom" dan. For half a century of its existence, karate has firmly established itself among martial arts, invariably attracting a large number of spectators. The film will tell about the sports school "Yamate" for children and teenagers in Cherkessk, which practices the style of "Kyokushin", one of the most difficult and tough types of karate.

Passageways

By Geneviève Tremblay, Milla Cummings

Stop motion documentary which traces the journey of women in search of balance through the metamorphoses of menopause.

Heart of the Sea

By Shireen Rahimi

Heart of the Sea is a short film going above & below the water to show us how Bermuda is building a blue economy that creates economic opportunity while protecting its natural heritage and unique island ecosystem.

Trading Stories with the Voiceover Artist

By Simon Waterhouse

Journey into the New Zealand jungle to meet a voice over artist who left the big city behind to pursue his dreams.

Tokyo Toy Boy

By Esli Khan Balatova

"TOKYO TOY BOY is set in the heart of Shinjuku, in the Kabukicho district, known for its nightlife and host clubs. In this documentary, we follow Kazuho, a former host boy who, at the age of 19, comes into contact with the Yakuza. After a traumatic event, he decides to escape. His story offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s hidden world."

Manos Negras

By Alberto Peláez Valtuille

“Black Hands (Manos Negras)” is an intimate story that talks about family ties, the loss of loved ones and characters who are not capable of living in the present, either because they long to return to the past, like Donato, or because they continually fantasize about the future. , like Pedro.

sansedai

By Kayli Kimura

Through intimate conversations over old photobooks and home movies from the 1930s, SANSEDAI (三世代) explores themes of identity and belonging as it follows the filmmaker’s 92-year-old grandmother’s journey growing up during war, migrating to a country that was once deemed an enemy, and what it means to be Japanese-American.

My Last Journey

By Karolien Vanhees

"Freddy is a 56-year-old man who has been incarcerated for more than 30 years. Drugs are the common thread in his life and has caused him to end up in prison. In order to obtain drugs he has committed armed robberies and thefts in the past. He has already served time in several prisons in Belgium.Now he is staying in the prison of Hasselt. During this long period, he has received no visitors which make him feel lonely. Currently he is staying in the drug-free section of the prison. He is trying to get rid of his addiction.Freddy hopes that this move will help him, once he is released, successfully reintegrate into society and build a new life. Will Freddy succeed in achieving his goal?"

Gary’s Letter

By Charlotte Krüger

Portrayal of 92-year-old holocaust survivor and Shanghai refugee Gary Sternberg, who encountered an unorthodox newfound connection to Germany.

Imagination in Motion

Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds with this captivating collection of animated short films. Imagination in Motion brings together a diverse range of animation styles and techniques, from whimsical tales to thought-provoking narratives. These films push the limits of visual storytelling, offering a blend of artistry, innovation, and emotion that will transport you to fantastical realms and leave you inspired.

The Forest of the Honey Bees

By Erwan Le Gal

A poetic short animated film who celebrate the bees , Nature , Women and preservation of Life... (for All Audience).

Henrietta Finds a Nest

By Hannah McNally

Inspired by a true story of resilience and compassion. Henrietta, a young chicken, escapes a factory farm and finds a loving home, highlighting the power of love and connection.

Sights on Scene

By Joakim Ekström

Sights on Scene is a story about seeing the unseen through the lens of a skateboarder. This visual narrative explores the everlasting search for spots to skate, a journey that ultimately shapes the way you perceive the world.

Deadline

By Idan Gilboa

"Deadline is a black comedy Stop-motion short that explores the power balance between bureaucracy, death and feline devotion of the elderly. At its center is a story of a brave friendship and solidarity between two senior ladies sickened by society's disregard and disrespect.b"

Mal-Être

By Emilia Rodriguez-Caouette

In the quiet confines of a sewing box, a patched rag doll confronts a formidable foe: a menacing pair of scissors. Each strike from the sharp blades brings back the deep-seated anxiety within this delicate doll. To escape this threat, she must summon the courage to overcome her fear.

The Murderer

By Kyla Atlas

This is a story I wrote when I was eight, then animated thirty years later.

Cabeço

By Paula Mae Ohba Gonsalez

A lighthouse that belonged to a small village in northeastern Brazil, faces destruction when the balance between the river and the sea is broken

Time Flies

By LJ Burnett

In this fast-paced comedy adventure, two flies with opposite personalities struggle to make the most of a 24-hour lifespan. The energetic A-fly rushes to complete every activity on a massive bucket list, whereas the introspective Z-fly searches for a deeper meaning, only to spiral into existential dread. As the sun starts to set, the flies panic that their time is running out. But in the end, a death-defying encounter forces them both to live in the moment while they still can.

Scavengers

By Aliyah Penelope Cruz, Isabella Moreno

"Pinpin, a small tinkerer made of found objects, and Matilda, an origami yellow-billed magpie, reside in a backyard full of abandoned items. One day, an alluring bottle cap flips over the fence and into their yard. The tenacious tinkerer and the mischievous magpie both decide they must have it for themselves, initiating a rivalry where they test their limits for the treasure they have desperately searched for. "

Final Chord

By Ruth Blory, Itai Osterman

"On October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked the Nova Music Festival, massacred and abducted hundreds of people. Our film responds to this tragedy. That morning, two childhood friends experience the attack differently. Keren dances at the festival when something feels wrong, while Lily is at home. A missile alert sends her and her neighbours to the shelter. As contact with Keren fades, Lily realizes something terrible has happened. Her growing anxiety is eased only by music."

Worth In Progress

By Aida Grace Larson

A creature with no face in the last few days of it's life.

A Solid Future

By Javier de la Torre González

A Solid Future is an 2D/3D animated hybrid short film that tells the story of Bob, a guy that through a mysterious machine can see the future of anyone who dares put a token into it. Reading from person to person, Bob will see that the future is an unpredictable thing and will do everything in his power to avoid letting the totalitarian and horrific future of Cute Guy, from becoming a reality. Unfortunately for him, destiny has another thing in mind.

Light Headed

By Pia Alm

What happens when a Badger accidentally breaks the sun?

Number32. Giant Fish

By Seunghyun Si

My hope is to pay homage (in a very small way) to the great works of the 1930's and 1940's.

Who Do We Appreciate

By Chad Stewart

A quick, 1 minute film about the age-old conflict of numbers: Odd versus Even. Traditionally animated, drawing every character of every frame by hand with actual pencil and paper.

The bleeding nose

By Marie-Esther Durocher

In an autobiographical movie, Marie-Esther has just arrived in the Yukon. After sneezing, her nose began to bleed very intensely. She started panicking and made questionables decisions.

Cold Soda

By Huayi Yu

Your dog is always thinking about you and wants to get you a cold soda.

Rhythm in Motion

Feel the beat and experience the energy in this dynamic collection of music and dance short films. Rhythm in Motion celebrates the universal language of music and movement, showcasing a variety of performances that blend rhythm, creativity, and emotion. From captivating choreography to soulful melodies, these films highlight the powerful connection between sound and movement, leaving you energized and inspired.

Rock N’ Rolled

By John Fahy

Young tightly-wound accountant Harmony Hart brings her new boyfriend Felix 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'.

Lamante – Non Chiamarmi Bella

By Nicolò Bassetto

"An agricultural and matriarchal society where women of different ages live in harmony by cultivating pomegranates (the fruit of revenge and a symbol of their spilled blood), after separating from men. But women's freedom is once again endangered, according to a wise elder of the community. The women's people will make their scream heard. A surreal narrative is thus built where the music is interrupted by acted parts, in which Lamante and his companions defend themselves armed with knives and pomegranates from the male pack leader. ""Non Chiamarmi Bella"" almost seems like a feminist manifesto rich in symbolism but not exempt from irony which taking refuge in myth wants to metaphorically tell the drama of our present. It’s not a feminist work. It’s a scream against power and those who hold it."

Morning Interlude

By Sirius

At daybreak on a country road, a young couple returns from a restless night visibly exhausted. Angry with each other the couple will in a magnetic danse try to reconcile.

Alone In The Darkness

By Danny Robashkin

Music video for the track Alone ion the Darkness by Siames

Drugstore Lovin’

By Christian Robertson

Inspired by "Badlands", "Bonnie & Clyde" & music video by Zak Bryan "9 Ball", Drugstore Lovin' is a love story between a seemingly reckless, all seeing & on the run Soul. With a reserved yet quietly hungry for life/thrill "good girl". The video represents the importance of following one's intuition, even if it doesn't make sense for that person at that present time. Love doesn't always make sense in the moment, but deeper connections make us forget all about that.

There’s Always Something

By Redamo Rosa

An isolated individual frantically quits his dead end job, which leads to an almost mythical odyssey in search of a greater purpose.

Blurt

By Liz Mulkey

In “Blurt” we explore the lives of two women who feel out of sync with their current paths. Set against the backdrop of the transitioning New England landscape from fall to winter, the film unfolds through a series of expressive dance sequences that convey their internal struggle and emotional turmoil. Their vivid color dresses symbolize the brightness and energy they hold that feels out of place and pent up in the cold stark environment. As both characters are maxed by their circumstances they unexpectedly cross paths. Through shared emoting and movements, they find solace and relief in their friendship. Ultimately, “Blurt” highlights the journey of finding connection in times of uncertainty, showing that friendship can bring warmth and clarity even in the coldest of seasons of life.

Chill in the Dark

Enter a world of unease and suspense with this gripping selection of short films that push the boundaries of fear and tension. Chill in the Dark weaves stories that explore the unknown, where every moment is filled with uncertainty and dread. From psychological puzzles to unsettling surprises, these films will leave you breathless and questioning what lies beyond the shadows.

Upholstergeist

By Michael Patrick Clarkson

Claire repairs furniture for a famous restoration tv show. Showing up to work on an uncanny day, Claire’s on edge after a strange encounter with a gate and smashing a coffee mug. These incidents are minor preludes to a bizarre and dark encounter she’s about to have. A macabre and sinister brother and sister bring a Victorian wingback for Claire to repair. With the cameras rolling, Claire greets the duo and tries to have a pleasant interaction with them in understanding their needs. What she learns is their grandmother died in the chair and they believe she’ll stop haunting them if Claire can fix it. After an awkward chat with the show’s producers, Claire agrees to repair the wingback if the strange encounter with the siblings doesn’t air on tv. After falling into a trance-like state, Claire restores the wingback, only to find herself alone in the workshop at the end of the day. Her task complete, Claire tries to leave. A ghostly figure keeps appearing in Claire’s peripheral vision as strange noises and ghostly activity takes place in the workshop. Facing her terror, Claire tries to burn the wingback until she is forced to sit in it by the haunting figure… and vanishes. The brother and sister have been observing from outside, under cover of darkness. Their task complete, they leave. We’re left with the image of Claire’s stitched face, hidden in the fabric of the chair she restored – neither dead or alive – but trapped.

Perfect Wall

By Sea-Hoon Jeon

Symmetrical stiffness Perfectionism artist Oh Ju-bom's perfect daily life begins to distort.

Toby

By Naomi Bird

Friendship Starts at Six Feet Deep

Vessel

By Leila Garrison

A young disabled girl, who is kept under strict control by her overprotective mother, sees a way out of her situation when her mysterious new aunt comes to visit.

Knoche and the secrets of Buena Vista

By Djamil Demetrio Jassir

"To die or not to die, that is the dilemma Based on real facts. 1878. Dr. Gottfried Knoch, a German physician, settled in a Caribbean country since 1845, welcomes his old friend, the nation's president, to his mysterious Ranch called Buena Vista. The President really wants to investigate a series of strange rumors that have come to his attention: the disappearance of bodies from the morgue of the hospital that Knoch runs. An error by one of the doctor's assistants places in the president's hands the keys that open the door to the place that hides the secrets of Buena Vista."

A Day Like Tonight

By Patricia Allison, Philipp Walsch

In an apathetic world Stanley leaps from a rooftop to escape his reality; only to question his existence in another. Philipp Walsch and Patricia Allison star in this experimental portrayal of a modern psychosis.

Hide & Seek

By Shahmeer Madni

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

Way out

By Fredrik Ronnqvist

Ellen and Marie are members of a cult, which focuses on leaving your old life behind. After having violent experiences within the cult the two of them decide to escape together.

Reconsolidation

By Abbie Lucas

After a tragic accident takes the life of his best friend, a grief-stricken introvert copes with the loss using memory-alteration therapy, but he soon learns that some memories don't want to be forgotten.

Catacombs

By Chad Cunningham

During a raging thunderstorm, a correctional officer must face the horrors that haunt the maximum security prison where he works.

Red Eyes

By Sam Pates

"Two friends take the weekend to go camping in a historical mining town, but they have different motives for the weekend.A series of confusing and strange events begin to transpire, leading James to question ""Is someone watching us?"""

With Love, Charlie.

By Jaren Hayman

"In 1951, North Korea initiated a sweeping invasion of South Korea with the intent of reunifying the nation under communist control. Jae, a South Korean fluent in English, found himself forced to enlist in the northern army due to his unique skill as an interpreter.Across the globe, Charlie is one of 1.5 million Americans who were drafted to fight in the Korean War against communism. The convergence of their paths on the battlefield culminates in a fateful encounter, where the lives of Charlie and Jae's families undergo an irreversible transformation. Four lives forever changed; forever linked."

Christmas, Dumpling and Tortellini

By Zilong Wang

"After a long painful exile from her father, Aurora visits him on Christmas Eve but is greeted by a Chinese couple who now own the house. Despite the husband Jiawei's objection, the pregnant wife Xiaowen welcomes her inside. Keywords: System Tags: "

Turmoil

By Toni Yazbeck Abi Khalil

A former war photographer in the 90s gets robbed by a child. Following the kid leads him to a dark place. SHAWKY is not able to detach himself from what he saw and this will trigger his PTSD caused by the war.

3, 2, 1, 0

By Mingun Kim

The three people, who were in an accident during their trip and were in distress on a deserted island, try to survive with a positive mind, but gradually start to watch each other's faces.

Final Girl

By Sabrina Pate

The time is the 70s. Petra, an attractive young woman, miraculously survived after being kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer. She is invited by Jerry, the host of a typical American late-night talk show, to tell her story. What appears at first to be a regular interview quickly changes into a dark and twisted game to the point that one of them dies on screen. Is it a dream, or is Petra reliving her worst nightmare?

Transformation and Reflection

From personal struggles to shifting worlds, these films explore change, self-discovery, and the unknown. Through art, memory, and imagination, each story reveals the power of transformation.

re:birth

By Laticia Fan

"A lost soul traumatized by her past and unable to move forward with life until a sound healer guided her to begin her journey of recovery and discovery, ultimately conquering her darkest memories, fears, and desires, and transcending the perpetual tug-of-war between attachment and letting go. "

Hyper Zone

By Ana Hofmann

"Hyper Zone is a film set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It explores processes of transformation and reorientation, bespeaks what could be called ""the manifold minor apocalypses"" of our time of upheaval. Whereas today the planet fears the planetary crisis, the film apparently sets in after the crisis. The old reality lies waste. (Jörg Scheller)The four protagonists ""create"" their new reality. The relationships between humans, mycelia, animals, non-living beings and bots intertwine in a social, abstract and ecstatic experiment."

Twink Time at Barbizon

By Patricia Silva

A cruisy imaginary in NYC

Loweliness

By Anton Mirny, Anastasia Belousova

People have left him on the ocean shore to let him touch his loneliness.A short story with a mythological overtone about finding yourself through inner reflection.

Burning Water

By Noa Röthlisberger

Burning Water provides insights into the emotional world of Tim and Ona. The two are not only separated emotionally, but also on an auditory and visual level. Tormented by heartache, he describes how he quickly fell into a toxic relationship. Comparing his love to water and fire, he reflects on addiction, pain, and hope.

This Is All You Are

By Winona Lu

"Judy, a swimmer under immense pressure from her mother, is pushed to breaking point. When she finally challenges her mother’s power over her, both of them must confront truths about each other that threaten to break them apart forever – or bind them tighter than before."

Into the Magnetic Fields

By Sandra Schäfer

"What waves and signals run through the hybrid landscapes between agricultural use and fallow land? Who passes through them? Working, traversing, and intervening in the landscape and space meet the atmosphere, the wind, the earth. Posthuman modes of production encounter magnetism and visions of Afrofuturism. The settings of the film include a field in the Lower Rhine region, outer space, a forest in Bad Marienberg, and a research site for migratory birds. Generated voices quoting texts by feminist science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin, theorist Mark Fisher, artist Lygia Clark, and interviews with foresters and bird researchers form the soundtrack together with music by Dominik Eulberg, Manuela Schininà, Maya Shenfeld, and Tim Tetzner."

Water Is Drinkable In The First World

By Valeria Portilla Odlianitskaya

Having just arrived in Berlin, finding a place to live seems impossible, until the opportunity arrives. Carla, a Latin-American girl, has a phone call with James, who rents a room in his apartment. He explains to her that if she wants to move there, she will have to share the same hedonist lifestyle they practice there.

Breach

By Joana Antonaccio

"In times of war, seven women from distant paths find shelter within the walls of an abandoned house. "

Felt

By Branislava Dragovic, Sam Grima

Embarking on a creative journey, a felting artist finds inspiration in the love and encouragement of her family. This heartwarming tale weaves together art, passion, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

The Power of Story

Dive into a captivating collection of short films that brings together a diverse range of narratives, each exploring the depths of human emotions. From confronting past traumas to redefining relationships, each story uncovers the powerful journey toward healing, understanding, and connection.

Ti lamp ti lamp

By Jonathan Arnoult

After emigrating from Reunion Island, Maelle has ended up wandering the streets of Nantes, France, and is now feeling more isolated than ever. One day, Emma, a nonconformist young woman, invades Maelle’s life and shakes it up for good. Step by step, Maelle learns to trust Emma and starts to overcome her exile, which is rooted in the French colonial past.

Serpentine

By Annie Young, Madeline Mack

After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization's motivations may be far more sinister than they seem.

Combat Breathing

By Eduardo Ecker

"Troubled by his stutter, a young performer will do whatever it takes to deflect responsibility for his voice, even if it means renouncing the opportunity of being heard. "

Untimely

By Chia-Che Chang

As Hao, a young adult who had moved north for work, returned to his hometown for the Lunar New Year to reunite with his family, a sense of unfamiliarity had grown between him and his family due to the many years apart. Hao’s friend, Rong, invited him out for drinks and a meal, unexpectedly bringing along Huei, Hao’s first love. Their encounter was especially awkward, with both maintaining a distance despite an undeniable desire to talk to each other. They strolled along the streets they once knew, reminiscing about the past and discussing the future. The conversation naturally drifted to wondering what might have happened if Hao had not left. As they talked, the surroundings seemed to transport them back to the day Hao left for the north. Unfortunately, these were just memories. Huei had just parted ways with someone, and Hao now had someone else in his life.

Jack Attack

By Ben Warhit

A down-and-out surf instructor desperately needs money to pay his rent and feed his dog. When one of his surf students goes missing under unusual circumstances, Jack becomes the person of interest.

In the Limelight

By Brandon Floor

"In an attempt to live up to his mother’s legacy, an aspiring actor tries to obtain a talent agent, but when his obsessive pursuit pushes those closest to him away, he must reevaluate what is most important."

Jean

By Cole Bat

In this one-shot short, Idella searches for Jean amidst a late-night house party.

Measure of Creation

By Ashton Sterling Bingham

"Measure of Creation" is a heartfelt short film that captures the profound beauty of life’s simple moments, seen through the innocent eyes of a child. The film tenderly reflects on family, joy, and the small wonders that make everyday life extraordinary.

Method

By Ryan Stephen Holly, Nkosi Solomon Roma

A gifted young actor is challenged by a mercurial director driven to unearth his darkest secret and reveal his truest self.

The End of All Wanting

By Finn Droga

Rose, a young woman suffering from a mysterious and debilitating pain, turns to an unorthodox doctor for help. However, as she delves deeper into his radical treatments, Rose must decide whether Dr. Connors’ solution to human suffering is really what she wants or even real at all.

Come Another Day

By Molin Liu

The short film "Come Another Day" reveals a story about Wendy, an illegal immigrant living in New York City, who attempts to pay off her husband's smuggling debt by prostituting herself.

Medicine

By William Amos McKegg

"When Marjorie and Jack offer their help and things take an unexpected turn, one wonders who was actually helping who."

In Good Hands

By Nicholas Buchheit

Dr. Diana Asante is desperate to finish another grueling evening shift as the only Black Pediatric Emergency Attending in a renowned Pittsburgh hospital. Just as the minutes of her work day are winding down, she is assigned two patients who challenge her skillset and cause those around her to question her competency. When one young child makes a shocking admission and another enters the ED in handcuffs, can Dr. Asante maintain her composure?

I’m Scared…

By Lisa Krest

Sasha’s body is here. But her mind isn’t. How is she supposed to keep living her ordinary life when her country 10,000 miles away entered a war conflict?

Bleach Bone

By John D. Nilles

Back in their youth, ranch hands Dwain and Jay robbed their boss. Now, nine years later, they return to the scene of the crime. At this wild boundary of their lives, Dwain and Jay attempt to dig up the truth of their past, their tenuous friendship, and the mysterious bones whose presence they can’t explain.

Babylone

By Antoine Béguin

A 12-floor building from 1964 can easily go unnoticed. That’s until a group of residents decide to add a thirteenth floor with glasshouses full of tropical plants, cacti and vegetables. The positive effects of this rooftop oasis percolates, literally, to the community that maintains them.

Connections That Matter

Explore the deep ties that bind us with this heartwarming collection of short films that focus on the strength of relationships. Connections That Matter delves into the complexities of love, support, and shared experiences between individuals, from parents and children to lifelong friends. These films celebrate the emotional power of connections that shape our lives and remind us of the importance of those we hold dear.

The Promise

By Truitt Glover

Haunted by premonitions of her own murder, Cassie must find a way to stop what she fears will happen.

Ponytail

By Aisha Hamid

"In this quietly observed, intimate film about a Pakistani family, a grieving daughter reconnects with her widowed father and discovers a life altering truth about him.Subtly touching on themes of grief and depression, Ponytail attempts to capture the isolation we feel in loss, in mental and physical illness, and the many ways we show up for our family even when it is the hardest thing to do."

Happiness makes no tales

By Nicola Luciani

"An aspiring young actress returns home after a failure; the unexpected return destabilizes her mother, still shaken by the loss of her husband."

Make Money

By I-Chieh Teng, Tzu-Chin Chou, Yu-Fen Chen

Make Money" is a three-minute 2D short animation. The story revolves around a family of three living on a grassland. The playful young boy discovers accidentally that pulling up weeds causes them to transform into various objects. Unaware of his actions, he eventually pulls up all the grass on the entire plain. As a consequence, everything familiar from the past is gone, leaving a changed landscape and circumstances.

Conscience

By Mariya Lukavska

"München, 1991. Two brothers meet in the apartment of their father who just passed away. It is the first time they start an open discussion about their father's troubling past as an SS dentist. They discover that the father showed no remorse for Nazi crimes and clash due to conflicting opinions about this."

Amma

By Rishi V Datla

With his long distance girlfriend set to arrive soon, a recluse South-Indian man struggles to get his mom out of his house.

Places We Knew

By Oliver William Staton

"Places We Knew" is a poignant family drama that follows a young Japanese American as he returns to his childhood home in Japan, where he reunites with his estranged mother, uncle, and grandmother. Upon arrival, he discovers that his beloved grandmother has recently passed away. As he navigates the challenges of reconnecting with his family and adjusting to the changes in his former home, he faces a difficult decision: cling to cherished memories or confront the painful reality.

Moona’s Beauty Salon

By Ramsha Bilal

Moona's Beauty Salon explores a mother-daughter relationship on the daughter's wedding day, set entirely in a beauty parlour. As they prepare for the event, the mother begins to compare herself to her daughter, also wanting to feel youthful and desirable. This unspoken tension gradually builds into a silent rivalry, revealing the complexities of aging, beauty, and self-worth within their bond.

The Taste of Pork Belly

By Sophie Shui

"The little boy, who will soon enter elementary school, spends his days fooling around and exploring with his friends. When they are hungry, they can fill their bellies with sweet potatoes and snails. When the boy discovers the secret of his mother's floral skirt and his father suddenly came home, his untroubled childhood begins to darken… "

Johnny Malibu

By William Mazzola

Johnny, a dedicated single father, is struggling to provide for his daughter when he accidentally meets Ron, his former agent, who invites him to come back to the porn industry to live his glorious days again.

Bo Jacquo

By Mikaël Fitoussi, Grégory Fitoussi

Daniel is an actor in a Mafia movie. He’s preparing to shoot the crucial scene of the film, the death of his father. His emotional preparation will immerse him in the memories of his childhood with his own father, and will have an impact on his life…

Hearts in Bloom

Step into a world of love, passion, and unforgettable connections with this collection of short films that celebrate the beauty of human relationships. Hearts in Bloom captures the magic of love in all its forms, from fleeting moments to lasting bonds. These films explore the depth of emotion, the excitement of new beginnings, and the complexities of affection, leaving you with a warm, hopeful feeling.

Sea

By Yuan Lee

Due to a car accident that resulted in hearing impairment, Dahai struggles to communicate with others, leading him to become increasingly withdrawn and insecure, unwilling to engage with people. Qin, a pen pal he has never met, becomes the only voice in his silent world. However, one day, Qin sends her final letter, and Dahai's world, which had just begun to see a glimmer of light, is once again plunged into darkness...

Saint Bernard

By Luke Sargent

After playing backgammon together online for over a year, Bernard has a first date in his sauna with Sadie "IRL" tonight. When Bernard's mistress AND wife interrupt their date, everybody finds out a little more than they expected about each another. Typical of a modern day middle aged small town hook-up.

The Fools

By Andrea Studinger

The employee of the month, Mela, is celebrated at a small company picnic in the park. Only her confident and best friend Suzanne knows that she is leaving far away, and for a long time. Suzanne is devastated. But she has one last thing to give Mela before she parts. A little surprise. A heartfelt message.

Black Mass

By Brent Worden, Spencer Bang

"Escaping the grueling reality of his meaningless job, an introvert travels to a house party in search of a mysterious love interest."

Everything is in your head

By Igor Hnes

The main character, Jonathan, has limitations due to psychological trauma experienced in the past, which affects his decision-making in the present. The film shows that these limitations exist only in the mind and must be overcome for a better future.

Journeys of Discovery

Follow the transformative experiences of young individuals as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Journeys of Discovery showcases a collection of short films that capture the pivotal moments of self-realization, personal growth, and the search for identity. Through trials and triumphs, these films offer a heartfelt exploration of the path to adulthood, filled with lessons learned, relationships formed, and dreams pursued

The Promise of Intimacy

By Lin Cheng

"Anna, 18, arrives in a new city burdened with the weight of anticipation and uncertainty. As she navigates the streets, she eventually finds herself standing before a butcher shop, the stage for her long-awaited reunion with her estranged father.Despite rehearsing this moment countless times, the reality of their encounter falls short of Anna's expectations. Awkwardness hangs heavy in the air as the pair exchange hesitant glances, their emotions tangled. In her quest for an intimate father-daughter bond, Anna embarks on a journey of self-discovery. "

Moksha

By Sheel Yerneni

Moksha is a fashion short film that follows a forward-thinking young woman with an innate flair for high fashion that almost drowns in shame (literally) from a haunting conservative upbringing.

Paper Tiger

By Eva Erhardt

When thirteen-year-old Ronnie gets her first period on September 11th, she struggles with her newfound womanhood as the world crumbles around her.

Aqui

By Anabella L Gonzalez

A young girl begins to physically unravel as the stressors in her life become overwhelming. With the help of a loved one, will she be able to piece herself back together?

Real Mother

By Tobin Carter

Having been told throughout his life he needs to meet his biological mother, adoptee Xavier finally does so, only to discover the only thing they have in common is blood.

Dusk

By Emilio Monarrez

Two friends, Alexandra and Kassia, are stranded in the middle of the road after hitting a pothole that punctures the tire. With only each other to rely on, they will have to support each other to fix the tire and continue their journey. In a moment of desperation, Kassia confronts Alexandra about her decision to take a different path in life.

Kocham Cię

By Denise de Lange

"The short film ‘Kocham cię’ follows Mila and Anna in their intercultural relationship, struggling with communication and identity.When Mila and Anna visit Anna’s parents, Mila starts to realize again that she does not feel at home in the Netherlands. While they are driving back home, Mila cautiously tries to speak up about it. During a phone call with a Polish friend and a musical connection with Anna, Mila dares to open up to Anna. She tells her how she feels about their relationship, communication, and her move to the Netherlands."

It’s not Time for Pop

By Amit Vaknin

Finding an apartment in Tel Aviv is never easy, especially on Memorial Day. Nevertheless, Yael has no other choice but to leave her home.

Otherworldly Realms

Embark on a journey beyond the imaginable with this captivating collection of short films that transport you to strange and extraordinary worlds. Otherworldly Realms explores the boundaries of reality, featuring stories that stretch the limits of our understanding, from futuristic landscapes to mystical encounters. These films invite you to explore vast unknowns, surreal adventures, and mind-bending possibilities that challenge the nature of existence itself.

Coywolf

By Zapata

After a night of too many drinks and microaggressions, Jaime walks home and finds more than he was looking for. He is unjustly picked up by the police and while detained, experiences surreal visions and symbols of his repressed heritage. After he is released the next morning, he comes face to face with a coywolf and a revelation of self. His Nawal has shown himself to him and Jaime's eyes have been opened and there’s no turning back. Steeped in Nahua culture, the film is a visual confluence of the modern displaced Native from Mexico reclaiming their own culture in the US of A.

Seven Sisters

By Isabella Culver

After a traumatic experience of sexual assault Juliet is desperately seeking to forget. Seven Sisters explores the aftereffects of trauma through the metaphor of modern-day witchcraft.

Alone Together

By Tobin Carter

Following a rapture-esque apocalypse, EDDIE traverses the desolate Earth searching for other survivors. After nearly a year of searching on his lonesome, he finds TONY. Initially the two are fast friends, however as time progresses, the two's friendship quickly deteriorates into something toxic and perverse. As Eddie considers his options, he must decide if it's better to be alone, or with someone who makes you miserable.

To Where the Sky Turns Blue

By Lindy van Hillo

At an abandoned gas station, the paths of Rue, Halley and Rayleigh cross and unravel through layers of time, where their memories and impact of choices intertwine. ‘To Where the Sky Turns Blue’ is a magical realistic psychological drama exploring the echoes of pivotal moments in our lives.

Honeybuddy’s!

By Daisy M Borders

Hidden deep in the woods, a timeless diner beckons a lost Ria to confront her grief and decide her future or risk fading into oblivion.

Shitshow

By Attila Gall

In the not-so-distant future, where power is everything, Jake, a mysterious hitman, is hired by Conrad to exact revenge on his unfaithful wife, Susan. Tasked with sabotaging a live TV show, Jake orchestrates a clever and unexpected plan to turn a demonstration of “smart metal” technology into her downfall. As his scheme takes shape, the lines between revenge and catastrophe blur, with consequences no one saw coming.

Revolver Superstar

By Healey Koch

A corporate enforcer with second thoughts is sent out to recapture an angel, and instead takes it to the movies.

Fingerprints of the Gods

By Zhenfeng Wei

"A reporter goes to interview a dude who names himself ""monkey.” During the interview, something unexpected happens, which makes him explore the truth of the world."

Hand Job

By Davis Cameron Chu, Meezahn Senbetta

"A sentient hand awakens to find his body unconscious. As the hand struggles to revive his owner, he discovers that his body attempted suicide. The hand develops a plan to save his body which sends him parkouring across his apartment. On his journey, the hand overcomes obstacles in this story of isolation, perseverance, and hope. "

Strangers

By Carolina Afonso

A woman is visited by a stranger, who brings the consequences of a past crime. A surrealist exploration of violence.

Others

By Chris Durr

A lonely radio enthusiast in a midwest suburb becomes suspicious that a teenager on his block is a response to his interstellar transmissions. Misperceptions turn to confrontation when they are interrupted by a close encounter with an unexpected guest.

Square

By Marieh Rudzka

Dystopia. Existential bloody absurdist drama about totalitarianism in the modern world. A freedom-loving young man was detained at a strike and got into the police, where, in anticipation of the worst outcome, he will have to face his fears that await him in the “Square” of unfreedom.

Last Cigarette

By Dario Alfredo Caamanxxo

Jane and Emily, two teenage friends, sit by the beach facing the end of the world, as a broken moon, knocked out of its orbit, will eventually hit the Earth. The youngest, Jane, must decide whether to reveal her true feelings for Emily, terrified by how Emily might react. As the clock ticks down, Jane's internal struggle grows as the end gets closer.