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shareThe Documentary Shorts program at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase offers a powerful cross-section of real-life stories, each rooted in curiosity, care, and a strong sense of place. These films tackle everything from personal journeys and community issues to hidden histories and unexpected subcultures. Whether intimate or investigative, local or global in scope, each short reflects the distinct voice of its creator and the depth of documentary talent coming out of the St. Louis region.
A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
In this program
My Name is Pop-Pop
Directed by Sasha Kudon
My grandfather, Marc Silverman, was a frontline soldier in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. In 1970, he met my grandmother, Elaine Paget, and the two have been happily married for 53 years. During his time in ‘Nam, Marc became heavily involved in a controversial war, fighting in the 47th mechanized infantry, and eventually in the 101st airborne unit. He witnessed more than a 23-year-old boy could imagine, and has finally agreed to share his memories and perspective. Filled with near-death experiences, feelings of homesickness, and the reality of war, Marc exposes, in this documentary, why he told his grandchildren, “My name is Pop-Pop.”
Night Train Last Stop
Directed by Gina Margillo
Eight-two year old mensch, Ted Grossman, has been wooing Miami audiences with his velvet voice, on Sunday evenings on his WLRN radio program, Night Train, for 47 years. Now at the end of his reign, Ted reveals the secrets to contentment, if you can get a word in. He and his boisterous gang defy stereotypes and exemplify true community at any age.
I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots
Directed by Drew Brown, Tiffany B Lee
Selected for the St. Louis Public Library Film Festival. Selected for the 2025 Whitaker St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Step into the powerful short documentary “I Bear Witness,” where the emotional, economic, and physical impacts of Race Riots on Black Americans are vividly brought to life. This film unveils untold stories of resilience and survival and unearths an unforgettable narrative that transcends time, making history feel immediate and urgent.
Constantinos
Directed by Téo Gibbs
Constantinos is a portrait of a 95-year-old Greek man reflecting on the great loves of his life: his…
Smallpox Island
Directed by Josh Matejka
Three people in Alton, Illinois, reckon with the legacy and impact of a tragic historical site with roots in their city. Meanwhile, a medium from out of town visits the site to see what she can learn from the energy of the land.
Dates & Times
Hi-Pointe Theatre
July 26, 2025
1:00 pm
