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Documentary Shorts – Local Voices, Essential Stories

This compelling collection of short films brings together the distinct perspectives of St. Louis filmmakers as they explore what it means to uncover authenticity, truth, and deeper meaning in the world around us. These narratives highlight a shared, local journey to look past the surface and capture the raw honesty of the human experience.

In this program


To Build a Home

Directed by Luncy Elfrink

Through a combination of soundbites from their conversations and visuals of their houses, this short film tells the stories of three Webster Groves homeowners and their distinct journeys of turning their house into a home.

A Lovely Uncontrollable Thing

Directed by Ashley Seering

As artist Victoria Moore transforms raw materials by hand, she also redefines happiness and success on her terms, proving that a meaningful life is built one piece at a time.

Eat ‘Em While They’re Hot

Directed by Patty Fong

There is a Midwest sandwich that intrigues food enthusiasts and locals alike. Watch as Don Ko, a local community leader, prepares this Chinese American fusion dish that can only be found in St. Louis, Missouri.

Legacy By Design

Directed by Chadwell Ruthsatz

This short documentary navigates the timeline of a life well-lived, utilizing restored vintage archives to bridge the gap between the past and the present and illustrates how one man’s ‘design’ became the cornerstone of a family’s legacy.

Disbelief

Directed by Genevieve Kochanowicz

A local magic group in St. Louis explains what makes their show unique, and the joy that magic can bring.

Intervention

Directed by Kate Grumke, Kyle Pyatt

Scientists head into some of the last remaining prairies in North America to undertake the painstaking work of hand-pollinating an obscure plant that is struggling to survive in the modern world.

The Magic of the MAC

Directed by Cory Byers

The Macoupin Art Collective (the MAC) believes creativity should be accessible to all, so to provide that accessibility, they offer a variety of arts classes to the community.

My Ozarks Episode 14: Crockett and Tonya

Directed by Zachary Scott Clark

Episode 14 of My Ozarks follows Crockett and Tonya Oaks, III to West Plains, Missouri, where they are restoring a deeper sense of belonging through art, memory, and community.

Beyond the Story

Directed by Zachary Scott Clark

Beyond the Story goes behind the scenes of Episode 14 of My Ozarks, a documentary series telling intimate stories of real people and places across The Ozarks.

Robin Cecilia Wheat

Directed by Carson Crow

Robin Cecilia Wheat is an intimate portrait of a woman who kept hope through a lifetime of tragedy. From navigating a difficult upbringing to enduring the loss of loved ones to accident and addiction, Robin consistently chose a life of positivity, spunk, and resilience.

Dates & Times

Hi-Pointe Theatre

July 26, 2026
4:00 pm