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Human Ties

This spotlight explores the emotional connections that shape our lives, featuring films that examine the human condition. These films are deeply personal and explore themes of healing, self-discovery, and the bonds that tie us together, often through challenging and transformative journeys.

Sponsored by the Center for Humanities at Washington University in St. Louis

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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

A Witch’s Heart

Film A Witch’s Heart Directed by Laura Martin A woman flees into the forest at dawn, her white underdress stained with blood. A warning of the…
Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight

After the Song

Film After the Song Directed by Ryohei KUMAMOTO Kiita, a 14-year-old boy, grows up surrounded by music under the care of his blind mother, Hanae, who…
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,…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Race In America: The Black Experience, Robert French and French-Language Focus, The Immigrant Experience

Alaska

Film Alaska Directed by Ilan Cohen The plan is simple: Léo hides inside the suitcase, which Jo drops into the bus luggage hold -…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

All About the Money

Film All About the Money Directed by Sinéad O'Shea A son of one of America's wealthiest families creates a communist revolutionary base in rural Massachusetts as a…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

An Accident

Film An Accident Directed by Angelika Spangel Set within the microcosm of a small village the story weaves together multiple narrative threads to explore the…
Animation Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Robert French and French-Language Focus, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Ana, en passant

Film Ana, en passant Directed by Fernanda Salgado After the death of her grandmother, Ana, a young black French woman, finds herself adrift in the city…
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…
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…
Asian Focus, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight

Bear Entanglement

Film Bear Entanglement Directed by Ted Sharks Satoshi, a bear hunter, lives a quiet life with his wife, Sachi, who cannot speak. Their peaceful routine…
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…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Between Sky and Sea

Film Between Sky and Sea Directed by Ismail Abu Hatab A largely wordless portrait of life in displacement from Gaza City filmmaker Ismail Abu Hatab (1993-2025), Between Sky…
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…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Beyond Silence

Film Beyond Silence Directed by MARNIE BLOK Two women, two generations, same trauma - a deaf PhD student seeks help from her university counsellor, only…
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…
Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Broken Dawn

Film Broken Dawn Directed by Hae-0h Park At dawn in Seoul, an elderly substitute driver faces indifference and rudeness while navigating the challenges of working…
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.…
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…
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…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Close Your Eyes Hind

Film Close Your Eyes Hind Directed by Amir Zaza When tank fire kills her family, six-year-old Hind Rajab is left alone in a shattered car. Trapped and…
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…
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…
Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Dog Ear

Film Dog Ear Directed by P√©ter V√°cz After witnessing his parents' violent fight, eleven-year-old Berci struggles with his anger and emotions, finding a way to…
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Echoes Beneath The Hill

Film Echoes Beneath The Hill Directed by AIME OCTAVE Set in 1994 Rwanda, on the verge of the genocide against the minority Tutsi. Jeanne, 10, a daredevil…
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…
Asian Focus, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Eight Walls Two Doors

Film Eight Walls Two Doors Directed by Miaochun Zhang As protests erupt back home, a Chinese woman living in a New York hospital travels between her past…
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, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Flodni

Film Flodni
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Robert French and French-Language Focus, The Immigrant Experience, Women In Film Spotlight

Four wise monkeys

Film Four wise monkeys Directed by Xin Wang A nearsighted neighbor, silent policemen, a wary Chinese family... A drama inspired by a true story, where a…
Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

From Gaza with Love

Film From Gaza with Love Directed by Charles Villa, Suhail Nassar Before the war, Suhail Nassar was a graphic designer. Since then, he has been filming the children of…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Glorious Summer

Film Glorious Summer Directed by Bartosz Szpak, Helena Ganjalyan A sun-drenched Renaissance palace. Three women remain in a carefree state of limbo, tended to by an unseen,…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Hai Davai

Film Hai Davai Directed by Vlad Gradescu On the cusp of leaving her rural Moldovan village for a new life abroad, Nina is stopped, quite…
Environmental Focus, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race In America: The Black Experience, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Harvest

Film Harvest Directed by Hyacinth Parker, Natalie Baszile Four brothers. One farm. A season that could change everything. HARVEST follows the Nelson brothers, fourth-generation farmers in…
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.
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.
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, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Spanish-Language Focus

Inside

Film Inside Directed by Alvaro G. Company, Mario Hernandez For 80 years, Elías hasn’t been his true self. Until today.
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Spanish-Language Focus

Jardines Del Bosque

Film Jardines Del Bosque Directed by Álex Barragán, Diego Barragán Santos, Lechuga and Daniela remember the summer of 2014, when they were preteens, and Arlette, an older girl…
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…
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Kikuyu Land

Film Kikuyu Land Directed by Andrew H. Brown, Bea Wangondu In Kenya’s tea highlands, one man’s claim to his family’s stolen land sets Mr. Mungai against a multinational…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

La Boheme

Film La Boheme Directed by Robin Norton-Hale In present day East End London, an aspiring novelist falls in love with a Ukrainian cleaner whilst his...
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Spanish-Language Focus

Lonely Nights

Film Lonely Nights Directed by Julián Acosta Vera Andres, a shy, upper-class young man, begins an unexpected relationship with Lorena, a young prostitute controlled by a…
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…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight

Many Waters

Film Many Waters Directed by Imri Matalon After a diving accident leaves fiercely independent Israeli Natalie paralysed, she enters rehabilitation determined not to be pitied.…
Animation Spotlight, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Robert French and French-Language Focus, Women In Film Spotlight

Marble & Lemons

Film Marble & Lemons Directed by Anna Katalin Lovrity During a vacation on the Italian coast, a classy woman and her free-spirited adult daughter are struggling to…
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,…
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…
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…
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, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier

Film Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier Directed by Brian Ryu In the shadow of America's secret artillery war against ISIS, soldiers Joshua Bullard and Joshua James battle debilitating…
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.
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

Our home’s cigarette butts

Film Our home’s cigarette butts Directed by Eduard Amado Amanda, trapped in the monotony of her daily life, sees how her son’s unexpected return stirs old wounds…
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, The Immigrant Experience

Princessy

Film Princessy Directed by Franciszek Korolczuk Diana, a 22-year-old mother, is awaiting her partner’s return so they can move to England together. However, their…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Right on Time

Film Right on Time Directed by Tom Bent When Ben is late to an important family event in his Cornish hometown, memories of his tumultuous relationship…
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…
Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Sandiwara

Film Sandiwara Directed by Sean Baker Michelle Yeoh delivers a transformative performance, amid Penang’s vibrant cityscape. In collaboration with Academy Award-winning Director Sean Baker,…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Scary Lullaby

Film Scary Lullaby Directed by Daria Lebedeva Yura has an unusual diagnosis: the number of heartbeats he has left is limited. To survive, he avoids…
Animation Spotlight, Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

See you tomorrow.

Film See you tomorrow. Directed by Keiya Ando A five-year-old boy wakes to find his beloved dog has died in the early morning. As he drifts…
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…
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, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Shoulder

Film Shoulder Directed by Batchen Kahalani Seventeen years ago, when she was a child, the director experienced a traumatic event that still holds her,…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Signal

Film Signal Directed by Zak Jarvis Starring Emmy award winner Christopher Eccleston as Ray, a railway Signalman whose routine night shift turns into a…
Animation Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Small Hours

Film Small Hours Directed by Oscar Wyndham Lewis Struggling with alcohol addiction and mental illness, an artist reaches out to an old friend.
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, 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, 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,…
Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Robert French and French-Language Focus

The Arab

Film The Arab Directed by Malek Bensmaïl In Algeria during the “years of lead,” against the backdrop of the Black Decade, Kamel, a young journalist,…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

The Burden of Manhood

Film The Burden of Manhood Directed by Aurora Nossen Jørn-Gunnar identifies as a cat, but is an adult man, whom feels insufficient as a man and has…
ARCHIVAL, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

The Dark Knot at the Center

Film The Dark Knot at the Center Directed by Inês Pedrosa e Melo Drawing from an archive of letters written in the 1960s, the film reimagines women's clandestine journeys from across…
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…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

The Last Prometheus of Donbas

Film The Last Prometheus of Donbas Directed by Anton Shtuka A story of heroic energy workers at the last operating power plant in eastern Ukraine, only 10 km…
Asian Focus, Human Ties, International Spotlight

The Last Room in Hanoi

Film The Last Room in Hanoi Directed by Coz Greenop The Last Room in Hanoi is a dark, romantic drama that delves into the depths of grief, love,…
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

The moon we love like a brother

Film The moon we love like a brother Directed by Iñaki Velasquez Two exchange students in Chile, Anya and Sung-Joon, are kidnapped by a rideshare driver who is clearly xenophobic.
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Robert French and French-Language Focus

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

Film The Most Beautiful Girl in the World Directed by Vassili Schneider Gabriel has become friends with "the most beautiful girl in the world." Obsessed with her, he sets aside…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The Race

Film The Race Directed by Zoran Pribičević Sanja, Darko, and their 7-year-old daughter Mara live in perfect family bliss—until a sudden heart defect shatters their…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Women In Film Spotlight

Those Who Whistle After Dark

Film Those Who Whistle After Dark Directed by Pinar Yorgancioglu After a supernatural encounter, retired Mr. Melih spirals into an existential crisis. As he ventures into a search…
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…
Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Traces

Film Traces Directed by Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk Traces shines a light on Ukrainian women who, after surviving conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and torture during Russia’s…
Animation Spotlight, Asian Focus, Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Trading Cards

Film Trading Cards Directed by Radheya Jang An enigmatic man journeys back in time to find his younger self, seemingly to revisit the nostalgia of…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus, Women In Film Spotlight

Under the Sun

Film Under the Sun Directed by Isabel Barajas On a vacation, 10-year-old Elisa wants her mother to teach her to swim, but Claudia's incessant work calls…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

Visiting Time

Film Visiting Time Directed by Sebastian Szewczykowski Ula wants to see her deceased son. Together with Dorothy, his girlfriend, she deceives the receptionist to get…
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…
Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition

WEGWERF!

Film WEGWERF! Directed by Cole Edwards An anti-AI in the arts comedy. A hospice workers gets more than he bargained for cleaning the room…
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…
Cinema For Students Program, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, International Spotlight, Oscar-Qualifying Shorts Competition, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women In Film Spotlight

Who Trains My Hands To War

Film Who Trains My Hands To War Directed by Caroline Gaio Founding a social Muay Thai project in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Mestre BG and his…
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…