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Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight

0∞

Film 0∞ Directed by Mar Sudac Gus and Clark — married, late 30s — would like to apply for a mortgage. Their small but…
ARCHIVAL, Asian Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

1983

Film 1983 Directed by Adla Massoud Four decades after surviving the 1983 US Embassy bombing in Beirut — one of only two people to…
Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

4000 Days

Film 4000 Days Directed by Daniel Catullo 4000 Days is a powerful documentary chronicling the relentless fight of three families who turned their personal tragedies…
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

A Place Of Honor

Film A Place Of Honor Directed by Vanessa Roth A Place of Honor recounts the lived experiences of veterans and gold star family members from before, through...
QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Acting Like Women

Film Acting Like Women Directed by Cheri Gaulke Revisiting the groundbreaking feminist performance art movement in 1970s Los Angeles, one artist spotlights the inspirational, transformational, radical…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

After What Happened at the Library

Film After What Happened at the Library Directed by Syra McCarthy Akita the drag queen hasn't left her apartment in days. Her inboxes overflow with messages of praise, concern,…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema, Women In Film Spotlight

Aftertaste

Film Aftertaste Directed by Chase Norman When two lovers spend a little too much alone time together, their extramarital affair turns from lustful to…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, The Immigrant Experience

Ana the Cleaner

Film Ana the Cleaner Directed by Guy Bauer Ana spends her days cleaning the homes of Chicago's elite while feeding an obsession with true crime. When…
American Indie Spotlight, ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

And Again I Dream

Film And Again I Dream Directed by Catherine Gund, Mariah Norman Ivy Young (1947-2023), a journalist and organizer, knows that mainstream society will not preserve her story after she's…
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Show-Me Cinema, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Annie Turnbo Malone: The Untold Story

Film Annie Turnbo Malone: The Untold Story Directed by Kim Love This documentary brings to life the remarkable story of Annie Turnbo Malone, the woman who launched an international…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, SLIFF Kids / Family Films, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Antonio and the Last Wizard

Film Antonio and the Last Wizard Directed by Eros Zhao An illusion designer undertakes the intricate restoration of a 19th-century automaton trapeze performer, developing a profound bond with…
Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Anyone lived in a pretty how town

Film Anyone lived in a pretty how town Directed by Daniel Kreizberg In a picturesque town, a man named “anyone" rejoices in the beauty of everyday life and celebrates the…
Animation Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience

Apart

Film Apart Directed by Pola Maneli Amid the harsh realities of South African apartheid, two boys—Themba and Joel—form a dangerous friendship. As hate and…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Are We Breaking Up?

Film Are We Breaking Up? Directed by Mia Hagerty When Shandaeya and Nic watch a theatrical reenactment of the fight that nearly ended their relationship, they are…
Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Beneath the Surface of the Everyday

Film Beneath the Surface of the Everyday Directed by Alex Morelli An observer of quotidian strangeness, Deb Sokolow creates semi-fictitious drawings and books commenting on architecture, politics, and pop…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Beware the Wolves

Film Beware the Wolves Directed by Alex Bush While isolated at their estranged grandparents' home, two children begin to suspect that their elders may be more…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Bob And David Climb Machu Picchu

Film Bob And David Climb Machu Picchu Directed by MICHAEL LAHAIE Comedy legends Bob Odenkirk and David Cross tackle one of the world's toughest hikes — and each other…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, SLIFF Kids / Family Films

Bob’s Best Friends

Film Bob’s Best Friends Directed by Randy Kent A lonely man discovers he has an ability to talk to dogs after a sudden illness strikes. Through…
ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience

Born Secret

Film Born Secret Directed by Riley Fitchpatrick A filmmaker returns to his hometown, Oak Ridge, the secret city that built the atomic bomb. There, he…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties

Brother Verses Brother

Film Brother Verses Brother Directed by Ari Gold Inspired by Francis Coppola's concept of Live Cinema, "Brother Verses Brother" is a radically personal one-take musical film.…
ARCHIVAL, Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience

Brothers in Blood: Black in Vietnam

Film Brothers in Blood: Black in Vietnam Directed by Joseph Puleo In the 1960s and early 1970s, Black Americans fought two wars, one in Vietnam and one at home…
Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Buckskin

Film Buckskin Directed by Mars Verrone An experimental portrait of the filmmaker’s grandfather: Carroll B. Williams Jr., a ground-breaking African-American forester, reflecting on his…
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience, SLIFF Kids / Family Films

Building a Dream

Film Building a Dream Directed by Ally Betker Following a catastrophic storm, a youth organization expands its mission to help a community in need.
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Buried Under Years of Dust

Film Buried Under Years of Dust Directed by Sophie Sartain How does someone go from not communicating for 25 years to narrating her life story? Buried Under Years…
American Indie Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Race In America: The Black Experience

C.R.E.A.M.

Film C.R.E.A.M. Directed by Ryen McPherson A modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" told entirely through lyrics sourced from over 700 Wu-Tang Clan…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

CAITY

Film CAITY Directed by Lindsay Calleran 16 year-old Caity and her newly sober father, Paul, co-operate their family business: a locally-beloved haunted house. When…
Asian Focus, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Child of the Rouge

Film Child of the Rouge Directed by Taz F. Stark The recounting of a young girl's entry into the world on April 17th, 1975, the day the Khmer…
ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Come to See Me at Oglala

Film Come to See Me at Oglala Directed by Mary Heather Carver, William T. Horner This is a 1987 interview of William Horn Cloud, a renowned traditional Oglala Lakota singer, historian, philosopher, and…
Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Couture To the Max

Film Couture To the Max Directed by DORI Berinstein COUTURE TO THE MAX" shines a light on an extraordinary young designer who inspires us to dream boldly…
Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Creature Mountain

Film Creature Mountain Directed by Loring Weisenberger Creature Mountain is the first chapter of a feature film (currently in production) that tells the tale of…
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Crime & Parody

Film Crime & Parody Directed by Will Thwaites After an amateur comedian is thrown in jail for political satire, The Onion joins his fight for free…
American Indie Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties

Crystal Cross

Film Crystal Cross Directed by Richie james Follin A quirky Christian singer and a suicidal dad drive cross-country, forging an unlikely bond through bad decisions, bizarre…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Cycle

Film Cycle Directed by Laura Dyan Kezman, William Howell CYCLE pierces the silence surrounding police violence through the death of Ty’rese West, a Black teenager killed by…
1992, American Indie Spotlight

Daughters of the Dust

Film Daughters of the Dust Directed by Julie Dash In 1902, a Gullah family on the Sea Islands off South Carolina decide whether to migrate to the...
Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Dear Upstairs Neighbors

Film Dear Upstairs Neighbors Directed by Connie He A young woman desperate for a good night’s sleep is kept awake by her exceedingly noisy neighbors. As…
Environmental Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Degree of Certainty

Film Degree of Certainty Directed by Simon Schneider It’s 1982, and Jackson Miller, a young risk analyst at one of the biggest US oil companies, fears…
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Dropping Off

Film Dropping Off Directed by Ian Scott McGregor, Will Mayo Shot almost entirely on security cameras and iPhones, Dropping Off follows Thom, an aspiring musician gigging as a…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Dust

Film Dust Directed by Swisyzinna Dust explores how one tragic event reverberates through the lives of several people across generations. When a young…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Women In Film Spotlight

Edie Arnold is a Loser

Film Edie Arnold is a Loser Directed by Kade Atwood, Megan Rico Timid dork Edie accidentally takes the spotlight when she starts a punk band with her fellow “turds”, becoming…
Studio Spotlight

Elsinore

Film Elsinore Directed by Simon Stone The fight of his life. The triumph of a lifetime.
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Eternal

Film Eternal Directed by Joshua Jeffrey Miller Eternal is an allegorical tale about a man who, in his grief, seeks out death and the ability…
Animation Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Flamingo in the Garden

Film Flamingo in the Garden Directed by Xinhui Ma A young Chinese woman recovers from a traumatic injury in a Moroccan hospital, where isolation, pain, and morphine-induced…
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema, Women In Film Spotlight

Forget Me Not

Film Forget Me Not Directed by Danielle Herrera Boivin, Michelle Bucci When a fracture in the multiverse tears them from their parallel lives, a guarded go-go dancer and a…
Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Fork in the Road

Film Fork in the Road Directed by Jonathan Nastasi, Vivian Sorenson Through compelling stories from independent farmers across the United States, from Alaskan kelp harvesters to dairy farmers in…
American Indie Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, New Filmmakers Forum

Friday the 69th

Film Friday the 69th Directed by Alex Montilla Porn filmmakers in 1981 seek to cash in on the slasher craze by making their own independent ripoff…
Asian Focus, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Getar Hero

Film Getar Hero Directed by Teddy Stern In the neon streets of Bombay, a down-on-his-luck cowboy has one night to recover his stolen guitar or…
Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Growing Humanity

Film Growing Humanity Directed by Zoe Malen Growing Humanity follows six resilient women farmers in the Western U.S., as they navigate gender discrimination, balancing life’s…
American Indie Spotlight, SLIFF After Dark

Hag

Film Hag Directed by Jackie Kelly Upon turning thirty, a jaded, lonely sex worker finds herself struggling to make ends meet, with her once...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Show-Me Cinema

Half Order

Film Half Order Directed by Remrod HALF ORDER is a cultural documentary exploring the bond between Black culture in St. Louis and the city’s...
Animation Spotlight, Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Hell

Film Hell Directed by Parker Croft A place where dreams are real, wishes come true, and everything is always awful for everyone.
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Show-Me Cinema

Hell on Hall Street

Film Hell on Hall Street Directed by Ben Pfeiffer, Troy Jones Hell on Hall Street documents the grassroots movement led by ArchCity Defenders to close and demolish St. Louis’s…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Her Baby Don’t Block Her Jumpshot

Film Her Baby Don’t Block Her Jumpshot Directed by Emily M Lobsenz For most of the 20th century, Iowa high school girls thrilled fans in packed stadiums playing 6-on-6 basketball.…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience

Heroes Among Us: Kid Electric

Film Heroes Among Us: Kid Electric Directed by Anthony Jones Get ready to be shocked and electrified by a new hero on the horizon. Kid Electric! This young…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

hi mom

Film hi mom Directed by SM Goldberger Maya struggles to find the right words to come out to her mom.
ARCHIVAL, Human Rights Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

High Times

Film High Times Directed by Jack Moseley High Times traces the outlaw ambition of Tom Forcade, a rebel publisher who turned risk into revolution when…
Asian Focus, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Home From The Vietnam War

Film Home From The Vietnam War Directed by Mat Hames Haunted by the war he tried to forget, a decorated U.S. veteran returns to Vietnam with a friend…
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Homebodies

Film Homebodies Directed by Rachel Olson Logline: In a near future where it literally costs money to leave the house, a burnt-out woman risks…
Asian Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Hoop Like This

Film Hoop Like This Directed by Shubhangi Shekhar Twelve players come together to form the world’s first professional Indian origin basketball team, risking their careers, reputation,…
American Indie Spotlight, Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

I Am Not The Last

Film I Am Not The Last Directed by Alvaro Donado Marooned by time and place in a natural world untouched by humankind, a young boy and his refugee…
Human Rights Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience

ICED out of America

Film ICED out of America Directed by Michael Nigro This is the harvesting of human beings​ -- for profit​ -- documented in real time.​ For nearly a…
Environmental Focus, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema, Women In Film Spotlight

Intervention

Film 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…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Jane Elliott Against the World

Film Jane Elliott Against the World Directed by Judd Ehrlich A rural Iowa schoolteacher becomes a national voice against racism after leading a controversial 1968 lesson in discrimination...
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

JIA

Film JIA Directed by Sam Mandich In the haze of a California summer, two best friends must reckon with their feelings for one another.
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight

Junkie

Film Junkie Directed by William Means Perpetual screwup Stevie (Rocky Shay) is running on empty having just escaped from rehab [again]. On a quest…
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Just Us

Film Just Us Directed by Anna Lauren Tufekci A story about grief, the isolation of motherhood, unwelcome company, and the quiet power of a home-cooked meal.…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Katya

Film Katya Directed by Timofey Pozhitkov A homesick immigrant mother makes the difficult decision to return to Russia with her young daughter, concealing plans…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart

Film Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart Directed by DORI Berinstein Kenny Loggins – multi-platinum, Grammy, Emmy-winning and Oscar and Tony-nominated Songwriter/Recording Artist – was a shy, gawky, unpopular…
Studio Spotlight

Killing Castro

Film Killing Castro Directed by Eif Rivera Centered on true events when Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro visited New York City and stayed in Harlem...
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema

Lady Killer

Film Lady Killer Directed by Caleb Wieland This Lady Killer is sure to have you clutching your pearls… A woman home alone is approached by…
American Indie Spotlight, Asian Focus, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema

Ladybeetle

Film Ladybeetle Directed by Jessica Che, John Che May, an anxious 18-year-old, struggles to move on from living a life dictated by the behavioral patterns she…
American Indie Spotlight, ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Landscapes of Memory

Film Landscapes of Memory Directed by Leah Galant Landscapes Of Memory follows Leah Galant's journey through Germany as she reckons with family trauma and the weight…
Animation Spotlight, ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Let’s All Go to the Lobby: The Story of Filmack Studios

Film Let’s All Go to the Lobby: The Story of Filmack Studios Directed by Justin Atkinson Robbie Mack, the third-generation owner of Filmack Studios, takes us behind the scenes of the world’s oldest producer…
American Indie Spotlight, Animation Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Living with a Visionary

Film Living with a Visionary Directed by Stephen P. Neary After 50 years of marriage, John must care for his wife while learning to live alongside her vivid…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Love Loaded

Film Love Loaded Directed by Jan Miller Corran When is a threat an idle threat and when is it a serious threat? Dr. Jack Scanlon is…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, New Filmmakers Forum

Love – Love

Film Love – Love Directed by Thomas Leisten Schneider After their grandmother’s death, two estranged brothers : Andy, who suffers from schizophrenia, and Jeff, an actor searching…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Love Thy Neighbor

Film Love Thy Neighbor Directed by Isabella Urrutia Witness a day in the life of Casa De Paz workers as they support newly released individuals.
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Women In Film Spotlight

Mackenzie

Film Mackenzie Directed by Mylissa Fitzsimmons An 11-year-old girl runs away from home hoping to meet her celebrity crush. Lost in the desert, she…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Manhood

Film Manhood Directed by Daniel Lombroso “Manhood” follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along...
Asian Focus, Fine Arts Spotlight, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Mark Hama: In Service

Film Mark Hama: In Service Directed by Brendan Leahy At 16, Mark Hama entered the Yashica camera factory to support his father and siblings; years later, he…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spanish-Language Focus, The Immigrant Experience

Mexicanamerican

Film Mexicanamerican Directed by Eddie Sánchez Expertly merging old VHS home movies with new family interviews, filmmaker Eddie Sánchez traces his parents' journey from…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Mistake

Film Mistake Directed by JT Ibanez On a tragic relationship ending date. A couple is trapped in a battle, troubled by an irreverent argument,…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema

Mort

Film Mort Directed by Larry Ziegelman, Terry Ziegelman A risk-averse actuary's all-nighter spirals into absurdity when an unexpected visitor claiming to be Death, forces him to…
Animation Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Moticos

Film Moticos Directed by Paige Meakin In rural Texas, a driver embarks on a solitary road trip where she is overcome with memories of…
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

My NDA

Film My NDA Directed by Juliane Dressner and Miriam Shor Bound by non-disclosure agreements that forbid them from even acknowledging they signed one, three individuals risk everything by…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Notes on Courtwatch

Film Notes on Courtwatch Directed by Kate Levy In early summer of 2025, when ICE officials began detaining asylum seekers at their hearings, an ad-hoc network…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Octarine

Film Octarine Directed by Dustie Carter An obsessed fan spirals into an AI-fueled psychosis after attempting to conjure a meeting with their favorite pop…
ARCHIVAL, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Oh Whale

Film Oh Whale Directed by Winslow Crane-Murdoch When news anchor Paul Linnman arrived in Florence OR on November 12th, 1970, he had no idea that…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

One More Cup

Film One More Cup Directed by Max Wagenblass As toddler Leona is about to host her very first tea party with her stuffed animals, it inexplicably…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Ornamental Horticulture

Film Ornamental Horticulture Directed by Sam Hyatt After experiencing the wrath of the internet firsthand, an aspiring succulent influencer struggles to make her second post.
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight

Out of the Woods

Film Out of the Woods Directed by Sal Bardo Max is slowing losing her memory. When she reunites with an old friend, Diana, a long-hidden part of…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema, Women In Film Spotlight

Permanent Scar

Film Permanent Scar Directed by Ally Betker An introverted and withdrawn young woman, Kali, meets a precocious little girl at a park. Though she tries…
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Plumped

Film Plumped Directed by Faye Tsakas, Nora DeLigter Inspired by Les Blank’s seminal short film Gap-Toothed Women (1987), Plumped is an honest, direct-to-camera survey film in…
Human Rights Spotlight, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Reading the World

Film Reading the World Directed by Catherine Murphy, Iris de Oliveira In 1963, global icon Paulo Freire led an experimental project teaching hundreds of rural farmers to read, write…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Reentry

Film Reentry Directed by Keenan OReilly Two friends make a pact to get out and stay out when released from prison.
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Remedy in the Rhythm

Film Remedy in the Rhythm Directed by Jon Boogz Haunted and guilt-ridden after his childhood best friend's suicide, Jon spirals into isolation until his friends push him…
1992

Reservoir Dogs

Film Reservoir Dogs Directed by Quentin Tarantino Every dog has his day.
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Rise of the Dead

Film Rise of the Dead Directed by Emma Jacqueline A sapphic apocalypse survivor must go on a journey to find a cure for her undead and unrequited…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage

Film Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage Directed by Deborah Riley Draper RB_SM_WIKI.1716__Pablo Picasso meeting with Rosanjin
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Show-Me Cinema

Ronita Rambo

Film Ronita Rambo Directed by Michael Doshier At a small-town diner in rural Missouri, a tough-talking waitress finds the courage to ask a pair of…
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford

Film Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford Directed by Gaylen Ross Sapiro v. Ford tells the riveting true story of Aaron Sapiro, a young Jewish lawyer who took on…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Sawyer Avenue, Sunday Afternoon

Film Sawyer Avenue, Sunday Afternoon Directed by Bill Morrison When masked US Customs and Border Protection agents abduct a man from a residential street in Chicago without…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

See You Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow

Film See You Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow Directed by Desdemona Chiang An aspiring queer stand-up comedian delays her career aspirations to do the greater work of caring for her…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Seized

Film Seized Directed by Sharon Liese Balancing the absurdity of small-town politics with the gravity of a constitutional crisis, the small town of Marion,…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, New Filmmakers Forum

Sender

Film Sender Directed by Russell Goldman After receiving a series of unnervingly personal packages she never ordered, a woman, newly sober and starting over,…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

She Dared to Dream: Ayanna Pressley

Film She Dared to Dream: Ayanna Pressley Directed by Abby Ginzberg She Dared to Dream documents the journey of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley from her early years in Chicago to…
Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Si la Isla Quiere (“Island Willing”)

Film Si la Isla Quiere (“Island Willing”) Directed by Cece King Chile's Robinson Crusoe Island, named for the marooned sailor who inspired the novel, has a higher percentage of…
Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Sotobosque

Film Sotobosque Directed by Raina Bhargava Dany Murillo was born and raised in Camarones, a small community nestled in Ecuador's Pacific Forest. With the…
American Indie Spotlight

Stages

Film Stages Directed by Ryan Booth After the tumultuous breakup of his band, Ben Garza embarks on his first-ever solo tour. Life on the...
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

State of Nebraska v. Crotchy the Clown

Film State of Nebraska v. Crotchy the Clown Directed by Benjamin Radford State of Nebraska V. Crotchy the Clown is a short documentary about a clown named Crotchy who took…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, The Immigrant Experience

Stay Forte

Film Stay Forte Directed by Doron Eran Stay Forte is a haunting story of survival, resilience, and the fragile bonds that hold us together when…
American Indie Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Stop to Stop

Film Stop to Stop Directed by Asher Grodman, Samantha Massell Carolyn is flooded with political text messages. When a chance encounter reveals the identity of one of her…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, New Filmmakers Forum, Women In Film Spotlight

Take Me Home

Film Take Me Home Directed by Liz Sargent Anna, a middle-aged Korean adoptee with a cognitive disability, cares for her aging parents in a fragile balance…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Tampons & Taxes

Film Tampons & Taxes Directed by Emily Harrold When male legislators in South Carolina refuse to repeal a sexist state tax on menstrual hygiene products, the…
Animation Spotlight, Studio Spotlight

Tangles

Film Tangles Directed by Leah Nelson When Alzheimer’s disease begins to strip away her mother’s vibrant personality, a headstrong young woman is forced to...
Animation Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

That Night

Film That Night Directed by Hoda Sobhani When Iran's Evin prison caught fire on October 15, 2022, activist Neda was locked inside a smoke-filled cell,…
Cinema For Students Program, Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The [Conserv]atives

Film The [Conserv]atives Directed by Dominic Whinfield Gill, Nadia Michelle Gill As extreme weather intensifies and the 2024 election looms, four Republicans embedded in different corners of the conservative…
Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

The Custodian

Film The Custodian Directed by Khaula Malik Following Samu Qureshi, a devoted Washington Commanders superfan who has spent more than 50 years building the country’s…
Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

The Expiration of Darius Campbell

Film The Expiration of Darius Campbell Directed by Charlie Roth In a retro-futuristic "revitalization suite" widow Bethany Campbell pays to have her dead husband Darius revived so that…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The Good News

Film The Good News Directed by Christopher Hoerdemann A documentary about the transformation of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood—told by the people who are leading it. Once dismissed…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

The Great Experiment

Film The Great Experiment Directed by Eric Daniel Metzgar, Stephen T. Maing The Great Experiment is an ambitious cinematic time capsule of one of the most volatile and perplexing eras...
ARCHIVAL, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The Last Picture Shows

Film The Last Picture Shows Directed by Rustin Thompson Filmmaker Rustin Thompson journeys into the American West on a search for traces of what was once a…
Studio Spotlight

The Liberation

Film The Liberation Directed by Guy Nattiv Rita is entranced by the mesmeric Leader and renounces her family to embrace the world of the enigmatic...
Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The Life We Leave

Film The Life We Leave Directed by JJ Gerber An ambitious entrepreneur and two funeral directors pioneer a groundbreaking eco-friendly deathcare facility in Washington state, challenging traditional…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

The Lorraine

Film The Lorraine Directed by Sam Pollard Renowned documentarian Sam Pollard tells the astonishing, inspiring story of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, site of...

The Tiger Widows

Film The Tiger Widows Directed by Kaustuv Mukherjee A documentary feature about human survival, resilience and hope against all odds in the perilous forests of “Sundarbans”,…
American Indie Spotlight, Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience

The Whistle

Film The Whistle Directed by Greg Franklin A Jewish doctor and his family are living a comfortable life in Cologne, Germany when, in 1938, the…
ARCHIVAL, Human Rights Spotlight, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Theodor Herzl: The Man Behind Israel

Film Theodor Herzl: The Man Behind Israel Directed by Dominic Howlett, James Dann Theodor Herzl is one of the most consequential figures in modern history; yet almost no one knows his…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Tim Miller Citizen Artist: Performing Stories to Change the Ending

Film Tim Miller Citizen Artist: Performing Stories to Change the Ending Directed by Keenan OReilly Citizen Artist explores the life and career of the internationally acclaimed performance artist Tim Miller who, over his…
Human Ties, J. Kim & Sharon Tucci Italian Focus, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Tiramisu

Film Tiramisu Directed by Katerina Munis In the aftermath of ICE raids, a temperamental Italian chef must bargain for help in his kitchen from…
Asian Focus, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Unbroken Reins

Film Unbroken Reins Directed by Udi Zaken On the vast Kazakh steppe, a young boy named Nurzhigit finds joy and purpose in caring for horses,…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, New Filmmakers Forum

Wake

Film Wake Directed by Devon M. Schwartz Four estranged siblings deal with difficult relatives and an anxious funeral director at their father's wake, where family…
American Indie Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Water Cooler

Film Water Cooler Directed by Emma V.F. The Trump administration has turned immigration courts into deportation traps. As ICE agents wait to arrest their targets…
Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties

We Are The Shaggs

Film We Are The Shaggs Directed by Ken William Kwapis WE ARE THE SHAGGS is a music documentary about The Shaggs, an all-girl band that created some of…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

What Will I Become?

Film What Will I Become? Directed by Lexie Bean, Logan Rozos Winner of the Amnesty International Film Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, What Will I Become? explores…
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Wild Inside

Film Wild Inside Directed by Penny Lane On February 2, 2023, Flaco — a male Eurasian eagle-owl, the largest species of owl in the world...
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Wood Street

Film Wood Street Directed by Caron Creighton Two unhoused men turned community leaders— John and LaMonté —organize their neighbors in the face of displacement, addiction,…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Worldless

Film Worldless Directed by Amin Nakhi Worldless tells the personal story of an Iranian filmmaker whose search for a better life becomes a difficult…
American Indie Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird)

Film Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) Directed by Anna Fitch, Banker White Anna spends a decade obsessively building a detailed 1/3-scale version of her friend’s house after losing her. It’s…