2022 Micheaux Film Festival Schedule & Programming Booklet

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Table of Contents • History of Oscar Micheaux - pg 3 • Executive Team Statement - pg 4 • Virtual Lineup - pg 5 • Thursday Lineup (Auditorium 2) - pg 6 - 15 • 2022 Honorees - pg 16 - 17 • FRIDAY Lineup (Auditorium 2 & 3) - pg 18 - 47 • Sponsors highlight - pg 48 • Partner Highlight (AWAACC) - pg 49 • SATURDAY Lineup (Auditorium 2 & 3) - pg 50 - 69 • Special Events / Panels / Industry Screenings - pg 70 - 71 Nominees - pg 72 - 75

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History of Oscar Micheaux Oscar Micheaux (October 2, 1884 – 1951) was a pioneering African American author and filmmaker, and without a doubt the most famous producer of race films.

Micheaux, was born near Metropolis, Illinois and grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, one of eleven children of former slaves. As a young boy he shined shoes and worked as a porter on the railway. As a young man, he very successfully homesteaded a farm in an allwhite area of South Dakota where he began writing stories. Given the attitudes and restrictions on black people at the time, Micheaux overcame them by forming his own publishing company to buy his books door-to-house.

The advent of the motion picture industry intrigued him as a vehicle to tell his stories. He formed his own movie production company and in 1919 became the first African-American to make a film. He wrote, directed and produced the silent motion picture The Homesteader, starring the pioneering African American actress Evelyn Preer and based on his novel of the same name. He again used autobiographical elements in The Exile, his first feature film with sound, in which the central character leaves Chicago to buy and operate a ranch in South Dakota. In 1924, he introduced the moviegoing world to Paul Robeson in his film, Body and Soul.

Given the times, his accomplishments in publishing and film are extraordinary, including being the first African-American to produce a film to be shown in “white” movie theaters. In his motion pictures, he moved away from the “Negro” stereotypes being portrayed in film at the time. Additionally, in his film Within Our Gates, Micheaux attacked the racism depicted in D.W. Griffith’s film, The Birth of a Nation.

The Producers Guild of America called him, “The most prolific Black – if not most prolific independent – filmmaker in American cinema.” Over his illustrious career, Cledisson Micheaux wrote, produced and directed forty-four feature-length films between 1919 and 1948, and wrote seven novels, one of which was a national bestseller.

Micheaux died in Charlotte, North Carolina while on a business trip. His body was returned to Great Bend, Kansas, where he was interred in the Great Bend cemetery with other members of his family.

Oscar Micheaux’s legacy lives on through this festival, and his accomplishments have most recently been honored by the solo exhibit in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

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Executive Team Statement Hollywood and the studio systems of the film industry during the rise of the film career of our namesake, Oscar Micheaux, were not supportive (to say the least) of the idea of an artist having control over their work who wasn’t – let’s just say it – a cis white male. This didn’t change the fact that they were indeed interested in his work, aimed to produce it, and with the goals of tapping into the potential audience and revenue it may have brought them – as long they were in charge. So, he said no. He went and did it himself, his way, and so the legend he was became legendary.

In an infamous letter by Micheaux that he sent to theaters all over the country when trying to find a theatre to premiere his first, truly independent film, The Homesteader, he wrote: “We want to see our lives dramatized on the screen as we are living it, the same as other peoples, the world over.” Only one theater accepted the film. It broke records, it sold out and then some, and it was the first of its kind. Pioneering, disruptive, independent: simply legendary.

This became the core of programming this season. We are doing it. We are breaking records. We are giving voice to more pioneers and we are expanding that mission. We recognized the lack of parity we saw in our festival as well as in the industry as a whole, and we didn’t wait to get to work on it. It’s vital we look in the mirror as an organization, and as individuals, to always ask the hard question – “who is not here, who is not heard, and what can I do about it?”We must challenge ourselves to recognize when we haven’t done enough, celebrate and make space for those who deserve and fight every day to be seen (and their stories) the world over – starting here at The Micheaux Film Festival.

We are thrilled to have countless world premieres, LA premieres, North American premieres – and we are not premiere focused, trust me. We are thrilled because they are stories and films full of parity not oft seen (but we saw was needed this year/ all years)– and some of the most incredible films and new forms, brave and bold, cutting-edge, smart, and FULL of voice and vision of the identities and the people who create them. You’ll find in our line-ups, that some of our best projects this year are getting their first big-screen treatment, an international audience online of thousands, and access to industry-leading professionals who are excited to see their work at MFF. This season includes incredible new styles/forms that push boundaries, a record-breaking number of projects from creators identifying as womxn, LGTBQ+, with disability, multi-hyphenate identities, and new innovation of style and forms (and some brilliant musicals – hello!) and one of the most internationally and ethnically diverse group of storytellers – in both submissions received and selected screenings. The worlds of these projects have incredible and strong voices, perspectives, and represent the LEGENDS on the rise who made them – and – that we are proud to present a season where parity and diversity is seen, heard, breathed, and lived so fully on screen to bring our audience, our industry, our creators, and more – a place where the world over can be found for a brief moment this summer right here at The 2022 Micheaux Film Festival.

We hope you embrace and fall in love with selected projects & artists as much as have. We’ve watched every single submisreceived, and every selection in this lineand many quite frankly have moved us, us, and challenged us.

these we sion up; changed

With love, with gratitude, and with humility to be in the presence of legends – thank you for being here and thank you to all the creators for sharing your stellar work.

Tanner Medding Programming Mastermind Noel Braham & Courtney L. Branch Co-Founders | Co-Directors

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Virtual Programming

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LET’S START A DIALOGUE - 11 AM A mixture of digital talks and interviews that give us an intimate look into new worlds, and shorts that pose interesting questions worth a conversation.

Rewriting Hollywood

Dir./Writer/Producer: Jared Milrad With the help of special guest hosts along the way, Jared interviews directors, writers, actors, producers and other changemaking creatives who are breaking barriers and overcoming adversity to have their stories told and voices heard. Join the conversation on Rewriting Hollywood to empower inclusive, impactful storytellers and harness the power of story for good.

Digital Talk | Run time: 4:12

Black in Hollywood Dir. Brandon Miree

‘Black in Hollywood,’ is a docu-series that celebrates Black Excellence in the lives of creatives living and working in Hollywood. In an interview format, it aims to explore misconceived notions of working in the industry, the intersectionality of ‘blackness’ in film and television, and the ups and downs of their unique journeys.

Digital Talk | Run time: 22:00

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What Do You Do?!

Dir./Producer: Christian Henley What Do You Do?! is a non-scripted interview-style program. Our host, Christian, meets with guests to discuss their careers and the paths that led them there.

Digital Talk | Run time: 14:07

ORIGINS & ODYSSEY - 12:25 PM Origin stories, reflections, and journeys taken…

Reminiscence

Dir. Jia Zhao; Producer: Jiali Ding A poet travels through landscapes that are like poems and paintings, understanding his dreams and looking for his transcendence.

Music Video | Run time: 4:26

Picture This…

Dir. Matt Winters; Writer: Matt Winters, Andrew Essig; Producer: Ken Gregory, JIG Reel Studios

When Jay, a quirky Hollywood talent manager’s number one client, Rita pays him an unexpected visit to his office to fire him, he pulls out ALL the stops to keep her from doing that.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:52

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Sebari Milach

Dir./Writer/Producer: Lethabo Mmakgomo Mokgatle Sebari Milach is an awareness film aimed to show the dark ritualistic practices of female circumcision illegally practiced in Africa. This film touches on a true story about a young Ethiopian girl who gets tricked by her mother into getting circumcised at a ritual purification ceremony shortly after her sister passed away from the same practice.

Student Short Film | Run time: 14:15

Heart of the Hinterlands

Dir./Writer: Camila Martins; Producer: Camila Martins, Daniel Edmundson On the lead up to Carnaval, a group of fearless women in the Brazilian hinterlands defy convention and challenge the male-dominated role- playing tradition of Maracatu by forming the world’s first all-female troupe.

Documentary Short Film | Run time: 23:00

UNSUNG HEROES - 1:40 PM A look into the stories of the pandemic’s unsung heroes.

2020 Year of the Nurse

Dir. Don Juan, ROBYN Y Roots; Writer: ROBYN Y Roots, Tray Chaney; Producer: Knottyland Music This song salutes and acknowledges nurses for a job well done during the biggest pandemic in history.

Music Video | Run time: 3:24

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2020 Year of the Nurse

Dir. Robyn Jones; Writer: Robyn Jones, William Roebuck; Producer: Robyn Jones, William Roebuck, Christopher Roots 2020 Year of the Nurse is a documentary about Black nurses and practitioners in Virginia, New York, and other cities across the country. This project provides insight into how they fought to save lives from the devastating effects of Covid-19.

Documentary Feature Film | Run time: 1:21:42

BLACK MAGIC - 3:25 PM Highlighting films with magic, mysticism, and supernatural (and super-powerful) created by and/or told through the lens of Black filmmakers and artists.

Sojourn

(Dir./Writer: Nesib Shamah; Producer: Sarah Crowe, Tifa Tomb, Jennessa West Athena Barnes is interrogated by Detective Ray Sanger in a small town police precinct. Alone together, Athena uses her special abilities to reveal the real reason she is in this place with Ray and take him on a journey that will only end when she achieves her main goal: revenge for the wrongful death of Gil Landry.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:45

The Mason Ring

Dir./Writer: Terry Dawson; Producer: Fiona Hardingham, Nicole Mairose Dizon It’s a late summer night in South Los Angeles, and teenage brothers EARL and ANTOINE are making a rather unusual late-night drop. On the eve of their GRANDFATHER’s funeral, they’re tasked with delivering his MASON RING to the funeral home in a last-ditch effort to get it on his finger before the service the following morning.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 15:06

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Super Dilemma

Dir. Chase Yi; Writer: Faviola Rivas, Arthur J Davis; Producer: Doyan Artist, TK Richardson, Arthur J Davis Roommates after a long day of work, discover maybe life isn’t as simple as sharing Mom’s lasagna.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:39

Jordan

Dir./Writer: Ebony Blanding; Producer: Phoebe Brown, Brandon Puncho Williams When a tween mermaid enthusiast discovers an ailing water creature, she uses a magical wish to change the fate of their existence...and her own. JORDAN engages the genre of fantasy and cli-fi (climate fiction) to shape a fairytale where everyone has agency and representation.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:32

Crystal & Chelsea

Dir. Charlotte Kennett; Writer: Camille Corbett, Khiyon Hursey; Producer: Camille Corbett, Miranda Pancheco

Crystal and Chelsea is a half-hour comedy series about Crystal, a psychic that scams white women into being less racist, learning how to navigate a friendship with her roommate, Chelsea, a white woman set on having the “Pinterest perfect” life.

Web Series | Run time: 25:00

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RISE UP - 5:15 PM The moment of change that ignites the path forward, forever affected by the events which sparked it.

On/Off

Dir./Writer: Nicolas P. Villarreal; Producer: Nicolas P. Villarreal, Alessandro Squitti) Endless distractions threaten to destroy creativity.

Animated Short Film | Run time: 7:00

Wish Hill

Dir./Writer/Producer: Aleah Marrow Kaden and Damon find their childhood wearied amidst the pandemic. As quarantine fatigue sets in, Kaden becomes increasingly aware that the new normal is capricious.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 8:17

Illegitimate Voice

Dir. Taylor Bazile, Will Casse, Uma Chatterjee,, Ashley Clark, Victoria Cruell, Pedro Edmond, Stefie Gan, Kacey Layson, Oscar Li, Guilia Pan, Aaron Parris, Rachel Priebe, Ashley Lynn Raymer, Maria “Lupita” Roa, Lau Rodriguez, Armando Sepulveda Mendoza; Writer: Stefie Gan Stefie Gan moved to the United States from Malaysia as a child.

In this animated documentary, she recounts her experiences with culture shock, racism, and ultimately activism.

Animated Documentary Short Film | Run time: 4:53

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DELUSIONE

Dir. Breton Tyner-Bryan DELUSIONE is an examination of dissociation, as a means for survival and manipulation. Fueled by lust and love, one’s reality is ultimately designed by one’s desires, leading to a mirage of illusion.

Narrative Short | Run time: 7:00

HERE

Dir. James Anthony; Writer/Producer: Bethel Dixon HERE follows the journey of a young first generation African American girl named Meskerem, who encounters cultural bias on her first day of middle school and learns to stand strong through the support of her immigrant mother.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:37

Road Dogs

Dir./Writer: Victoria Peralto Cruz; Producer: Marc Novak

Three teen foster girls - Kid, Anna, and Jules - all have reasons for hating their group home. Kid plots their escape to go in search of her biological mother, in hope of finding “home.”

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 23:04

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Something in the Clouds

Dir. Josh Sikkema, Johnny Ray; Writer: Johnny Ray; Producer: Thomas Blunt, Johnny Ray A fourteen-year old boy witnesses his neighbor get abducted across the street. A moment of bravery to save her will test his courage on the bike ride of his life.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:53

ANCESTORS & GADGETS - 6:40 PM Stories of technology and change, and what those who come before have to say about it.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Think Outside of the Boxx Dir. Rippin Sindher; Producer: Gurinder Sindher

As a world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher Scientific played a pivotal role globally and was at the heart of the response to Covid-19, working with government agencies and researchers to ensure priority access to instruments and thinking outside of the box.

Commercial Spot | Run time: 1:28

Who are you?

Dir./Writer: Maggie Wong, Producer: Meghana Murthy Told exclusively through hands, ‘who are you?’ shares the story of two elderly lovers who meet for the first time. It isn’t long before they learn their time together is limited.

Music Video | Run time: 3:13

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Heartland

Dir./Writer: Jahmil Eady; Producer: Selena Leoni A woman attempts to immortalize her dying grandfather using virtual reality technology, but her obsession with documenting drives a wedge between them.

Student Short Film | Run time: 10:40

Privoke

Dir. Bernadette Speakes; Writer: Yolanda T. Ross; Producer: Sharar Ali-Speakes, Bernadette Speakes Stevie, a dark skinned “color obsessed” black woman, buys a “beauty cream,” which unlocks an evil ancestral spirit, whose power grows from her darkest fears.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:47

Color Your World

Dir./Writer/ProduceR: Bailey Ardies A girl who isn’t satisfied with her relationships with her family and friends participates in a trial that simulates the seemingly perfect life through Virtual Reality.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 16:49

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Fade Dir./Writer: LaVarro Jones, Producer: LaVarro Jones, Phakiso Collins, Tamala Baldwin, Ian Grant When Myles inherits a watch that gives him the power to teleport, he begins to discover the mystery behind his father’s untimely death.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 24:00

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Brenda Gilbert Brenda Gilbert is the Co-Founder & President of BRON, a company she co-founded with husband Aaron L. Gilbert in 2010. The BC-based parent company BRON Media Corp. has global divisions, which include BRON Studios, BRON Digital, BRON Releasing, BRON Life, and BRON Ventures. As a part of leading the senior team, Brenda weighs in on policy making, strategic corporate planning, hiring of key executives, and the ongoing refinement of BRON’s corporate vision. Brenda had spent eight years as President of BRON Animation, where she produced the original animated films “Henchmen” (Cartoon Network) and “The Willoughbys” (Netflix).

Currently, she focuses on BRON Life, the company’s non-scripted division, where she’s passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless. Championing filmmakers with impact is the foremost priority for BRON Life’s projects. Current projects include the Reverend Al Sharpton documentary “Loudmouth”; “Reggie”, a documentary about Reggie Jackson, Five-time World Series champion and 14-time All Star baseball player who challenged the racial divide in baseball during the 70’s and 80’s; the docuseries “Nicki”, following the life of Nicki Minaj, a global music icon and influencer; and many others.

Brenda and BRON have championed many important creators, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers over the company’s history, shining a light on culturally and socially relevant topics, providing opportunities for women, and celebrating diverse storytellers. BRON has been behind such female filmmakers as Nia DaCosta (Candyman), Liesl Tommy (Respect), Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe (Queen & Slim), Andrea Berloff (The Kitchen), Jennifer Kent (The Nightigale), Debra Granik (Leave No Trace), Patricia Rozema (Into the Forrest), and Reed Morano (Meadowland). Along the way, Brenda has Executive Produced dozens of projects including important historical and thought-provoking films such as “The Survivor”, “Monster”, “The Birth of a Nation”, “The Red Sea Diving Resort”, and “The Front Runner”.

Much of Brenda’s time is spent on BRON’s charitable initiatives and on being BRON’s chief ambassador.

In addition to her role on BRON’s Board of Directors, Brenda sits on the BANFF World Media Festival as Vice-Chair and is a Board Member and Development Committee Member of Film Independent She

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also volunteers her time at the following initiatives: Vancouver Film School – Advisory Council Member; LaSalle College – Advisory Council Member; OIAF (Ottawa International Animation Festival) – Advisory Committee Member for The Animation Conference; Women of Color Unite – Mentor for #STARTWITH8 Program; Consulate General of Canada (in Los Angeles) – Mentor for Canada Global Program; Creative Cypher - Mentor for Film XLerator Program; Women In Animation – Creator and Track Chair for Mentorship program for women in creative roles for the Vancouver chapter for two years and Jury Panelist for talent (women in key/leadership roles) for ACE (Animation Career EXCELerator) Program; Urban World Film Festival - Jury Panelist for narrative shorts; Spark Animation Festival - Advisor & Jury Panelist for animated shorts and Co-Chair for Animation for Change; ARIFF (Africa Rising International Film Festival) – Advisor; Social Impact Collective of Shorts – Advisory Committee Member; AAPI (American Asian Pacific Islander) - Advisory Member.

Ernest Dickerson

An Emmy, Peabody, and two-time Image Award winning film and television veteran whose signature brand of visual story-telling has been entertaining movie and TV fans for more than thirty years. Dickerson’s extensive work on the silver screen and on television has successfully solidified him as one of Hollywood’s top creative talents.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Dickerson earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University, after which he attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There Dickerson met filmmaker Spike Lee, with whom he would ultimately collaborate as Director of Photography on such classic films as She’s Gotta Have It, School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, and Malcolm X. Dickerson’s 1992 feature directorial debut Juice -- an urban drama whose social and cultural resonance continues to this day, and which launched the film careers of Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps -- gave way to other big screen credits, such as Surviving the Game, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, Bones and Never Die Alone. His work as a visionary filmmaker and storyteller has been showcased in some of the top television shows of the past decade, including hit series like “The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” “Treme,” “Dexter,” “Heroes,” and many others.

Some of Dickerson’s most recent television credits includes the 2022 premier of HBO’s “Raised By Wolves” along with “DMZ” and “Interrogation” where he also served as Executive Producer on both, Amazon’s “Bosch” and “The Man In The High Castle”, Netflix’s “House of Cards” and “Seven Seconds” and Epix’s hit series “Godfather of Harlem”. Dickerson’s independent feature, DOUBLE PLAY, based on the internationally acclaimed Frank Martinus Arion novel and filmed on the island of Curacao, began streaming in North America February 2022.

Dickerson, who is a long-standing member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

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FULL HOUSE - 11 AM Stories of family - the trials, the drama, the love.

Pieces of a Memory

Dir./Writer: Kyle Alex Brett; Producer: Tom McLeod, Shweta Katya, Shelley Fort, Trevor Burton

From the podium of his wife’s funeral, a husband reads a eulogy, recalling the pieces of their forty-year marriage and one of their last afternoons together.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 6:55

Dear Mama

Dir. Winter Dunn; Writer: Charmaine Cleveland; Producer: Nicole Mairose Dizon

The death of Tupac draws different reactions from a father and his artistic daughter, forcing them to confront the emotional aftermath of their own tragedy.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 6:55

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Mechanic’s Rose

Dir./Writer: Yucef Mayes; Producer: Craig T. Williams

A mother, suffering from a terminal illness, escapes hospice care to make a perilous journey across Newark NJ to attend her son’s graduation.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:30

The Lovers Lyfe

Dir./Producer: Nina Brooks

The Lovers Lyfe is based on a true story that shows no matter how long or how far apart if its meant to be, it will be.

Web Series | Run time: 22:00

Intended Parents Dir. Jabari Redd, Dr. Louis Deon Jones; Writer: Dr. Louis Deon Jones; Producer: Dr. Louis Deon Jones, Taylor Byron Barr, Andre Davis, Zane Jones, Dario Harris, Jabari Redd, Tori Kay Williams, Joseph Blackwell, Amanda Michelle Smith, Frederick Irvin, Milan Christopher

Intended Parents is a short film about a Black millennial couple, seeking to expand their family through surrogacy. With one partner identifying as a transgender woman, the couple find themselves continously educating or being imprisoned by outdated traditions and opinions from loved ones.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 30:00

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THE WORLD OVER 12:45 PM Oscar Micheaux once wrote, “We want to see our lives dramatized on the screen as we are living it, the same as other peoples, THE WORLD OVER.” Stories of Race, Religion, Sexuality, Identity, Socio-Economic Culture and Barriers all told with truth as we, they, and many are living

LET ME SEE YOU CLAP CLAP

Dir./Writer: Zarian Hadley; Producer: Brandon Miree A tale as old as time itself, ‘Let Me See You Clap’ is a music video that illustrates black love and culture before the stain of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. It encompasses the sound and sensuality of African culture of past and present.

Music Video | Run time: 7:19

the tides

Dir./Writer: Maryam Hajibeigi; Producer: Maryam Hajibeigi, Shayan Ebrahim, Christopher Sheffield The tides centers around a young Muslim woman’s identity and her personal sense of belonging. Cutting a piece of thread that’s been a part of her inner fabric for so long and the fears of letting go.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 8:22

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Copper & Wool Dir. Tyler C. Peterson; Writer: Molly Shayna Cohen, Amanda Ferrarese, Susan Lousie O’Connor, Tyler C. Peterson; Producer: Mei Lin Lau Mann The week before her Orthodox Jewish wedding, Elisheva escapes to a rented room in the hills outside of Los Angeles to clear her head. While dodging calls from her mother and fiancé, Elisheva begins to form a life-changing bond with Meredith, the eccentric divorcee who owns the house she’s staying in.

Music Video | Run time: 7:19

Fishbowl

Dir. Jacqueline Chan; Writer: Gene Wang; Producer: ZhiQi Yeo, Benjamin Nobuki Atkins Fishbowl follows Natalie Song as she returns home with her childhood friend, Joanne Cheng, to celebrate Chinese New Year at the Cheng household. Navigating festivities that were once inviting but now seem tinged with a foreign animosity, Natalie finds herself trapped between the burgeoning attraction she feels for Joanne and the unnerving attention placed upon them by both their families.

Student Short Film | Run time: 14:54

Egúngún (Masquerade)

Dir./Writer: Olive Nwosu; Producer: Alex Polunin Seeking healing, a woman must return to Lagos, the city of her birth.

Student Short Film | Run time: 13:41

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Five

Dir. David Orantes; Writer/Producer: Duran Jones At the age of 16, Malcolm was convicted of reckless homicide. While inside he converted to Islam, and after 7 years he is released. Now 23 years old, with no diploma, no work history, and no place to go, he returns to his childhood home seeking the forgiveness of his Mother.

Student Short Film | Run time: 23:39

VIVACIOUS SPIRIT - 2:20 PM Stories of family - the trials, the drama, the love.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Power of Research Dir. Rippin Sindher; Producer: Gurinder Sindher

This campaign is a reflection of that tenacity and commitment to thinking outside of the box by bridging science with dance and art. To elevate the artistic vision, the entire spot was done as a one-shot (a reflection of the power as one we have worldwide to come together and make change).

Commercial Spot | Run time: 1:28

Book Heckler Dir. Tess Paras; Writer: Laurie Majers, Eddie Mujica, Lauren Walker, Calvin Seabrooks, Glo Tavarez; Producer: Eddie Mujica An unwelcome guest, who thinks she knows best, attends a book reading.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 3:58

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Wish Upon A Disco Ball

Dir./Writer: Anabel Iñigo; Producer: Rachel Bridget Allen, Danielle Mullins, Alissa Nguyễn A disco musical about two Afro-Latina sisters who find out what it means to grow up – and how that doesn’t mean growing apart.

Student Short Film | Run time: 19:14

The Whippersnappers Dir./Writer: Ryan Cole; Producer: Raiquel Brown, Ryan Cole Withering away in the Germantown nursing home, The Oldheads grow tired of the same routine. One day, OG’s grandson, Chauncey, visits and gifts his elders with a smartphone. This smartphone has the power to make their greatest dream come true; to become young again, thus… The Whippersnappers are born!

Animated Short Film | Run time: 5:00

The Lifted

Dir. Shayla Racquel; Writer: TJ Ali; Producer: TJ Ali, Jayce Baron, Tre Wesley Inspired by the cultural awakening to dismantle assault against women and conquer their own past trauma, two best friends of over thirty years attempt to rescue a young woman they believe to be in danger in a car share ride. When things take a bad turn, the aunties take matters into their own hands in this short, thrilling adventure.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 24:00

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LOVE, LUST & OTHER DRUGS 3:30 PM Stories of love, romance, obsessions, lust, and passion.

Spotlight

Dir. Vivian D. Payton; Writer: Summer Payton; Producer: Vivian D. Payton A woman gets put in the hot seat and interrogated, only to find out that she is having a nightmare.

Music Video | Run time: 3:53

Date Dir./Writer: Chi-Yang Shao; Producer: Winnie Chen, Chi-Yang Shao A nervous man, a reserved woman, both seem uneasy about their dinner rendezvous. However, they try to extend this awkward occasion by ordering dishes that will take forever to prepare.

Student Short Film | Run time: 7:57

Break/Up Dir. Ashlei Hardenburg-Cartagena; Producer: AJ Mattioli BREAK/UP is a queer musical short film following three confidently flawed people who should definitely not be dating.

Musical Short Film | Run time: 10:35

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Car Therapy: Uncoupling

Dir./Writer/Producer: Jennelle Williams A college therapist who moonlights as a ride-sharing app driver meets a too turnt lesbian couple with too much tea (and other things!) to spill in the car.

Web Series | Run time: 7:18

The Golden Teacher Dir./Writer/Producer: Aryka Randall After being triggered by an old memory of a past lover, Koi uses magic mushrooms to cope with residual feelings. New to psychedelics, Koi unknowingly enters an altered reality where their ego is broken down in real time.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 16:22

The Last Croissant Dir./Writer: Jessica Redish; Producer: Jessica Redish, Jeff Fitzgerald A woman will do whatever it takes for the last croissant.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 3:05

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PeloLove

Dir. Elohim Peña; Writer/Producer: Keisha Champagne Amid the pandemic, Alexis successfully found her true love despite quarantining alone. Today, for a modern love segment, a TV reporter interviews Alexis about the new long distance romance.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:45

The Out-Fit Dir. Maty Young; Writer: Jessica Rookeward; Producer: Jessica Rookeward, Lee Cohen When coming out of the thrift store isn’t all you do. A new coming-of-age queer film follows Emily, a costume-wearing 25-year-old, on her journey through change, love, and discovering one’s self.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:57

Fever Dir. Angele Cooper; Writer: Jeremy Feight; Producer: Meghana Murthy, Jason M. Cox, Daniel P. Calderon, Chenney Chen, Ramfis Myrthil, AJ Leon, James Jr. Cole, Leslie Williams, Griffin Matthews “FEVER” is a psychological thriller that follows Jay, who after a series of violent events, escapes his racist family to embark on a new life with his Black boyfriend, Andre. While taking a pit stop to celebrate Andre’s mother’s 50th birthday, Jay’s mental health unravels as he faces the realities of his interracial relationship and the dangers of his whiteness.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:00

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SCARIER THAN FICTION - 6:15 PM A twist on the truths that are more frightening than make believe.

Ivar Tunnel: Shook Ones

Dir./Writer: Akilah Walker; Producer: Diana Gonzalez-Morett, Leon Pierce Jr., Kejuan “Havoc” Muchita Ivar Tunnel: Shook Ones is a darkly comedic social thriller that glimpses into the psyche and isolation of a black woman.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:22

Black Butterflies Dir./Writer: Tamara S. Hall; Producer: Kiah Alexandria Clingman, Kayla Magginson A woman who’s haunted by the ailing health of her postpartum sister is confronted with a fight to save her sister and ultimately, herself.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 20:09

Richard Dir./Writer/Producer: Brad Rundblade A day in the life of serial killer Richard Ramirez in Los Angeles circa 1985.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:02

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Grace Dir. Pokey Spears; Writer: Pokey Spears, Emerson Korum; Producer: Pokey Spears, Eddie Espinoza, Joel Muniz, Shawn Skadburg

Santino an undocumented immigrant, trapped in Los Angeles by an enterprising criminal, works as a ‘handyman’ at an ‘Anything Goes’ Massage parlor to pay off his debt, but the Decadence of the business, his unstable boss, his family left in Mexico, and an underage girl (Grace) forced into prostitution push him toward violent ends.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 26:00

OPENING NIGHT Delia’s Gone - 7:45 PM Delia’s Gone is a profound yet heartwrenching film that exemplifies the failed criminal justice and public health systems. The film shines a light on the untreated mental health pandemic in the United States and encourages audiences to ask how the government can better serve and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Starring: Stephan James, Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, and Paul Walter Hauser

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I AM, THEREFORE I EXIST - 9:45 PM Stories that showcase the bold, the renegade, the unorthodox, the silenced, the outcasts, and the triumph of those who don’t need to prove their mere existence.

Under Armour: Thoughts Run Life Dir. Sin Wei Lee

A girl struggles to redirect her life back onto her path of pursuing dream.

Commercial Spot | Run time: 0:58

My Asian Dir. Jami Rambera; Writer: Suzen Baraka; Producer: Ayana Baraka My Asian is a poetic rallying cry, highlighting the horrific miscarriages of justice that Asian-Americans and Asians in America are, and have historically been subjected to: from day-to-day micro-aggressions to actual acts of violence and terror against members of our community.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:12

A Florida Story

Dir. Caleb Scott, Jessica Farr; Writer: Caleb Scott, Jessica Farr; Producer: Caleb Scott, Jessica Farr, Gable Stage Welcome to Florida, a place where a meth-addicted couple stole a motorized handicap cart from Walmart and drove it down the highway because they didn’t feel like walking to the bar; where a man beat his boyfriend nearly to death with a singing bass fish after arguing about what to have for dinner; where a cemetery groundskeeper called the police because he thought one of the corpses had climbed out of their grave; where the mall Easter Bunny beat the crap out of a kid for bullying another boy; a place where Floridaman and Floridawoman roam free.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:02

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On the Line

Dir. Brianna Devons; Writer: Brianna Devons, Lamar Usher; Producer: Brianna Devons, Lamar Usher, Leon Pierce Jr., Alexis Arago With both his career and family on the line, Lamar must decide what he’s willing to lose when the pressure of his career and his family are both on the line.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:45

Taffeta Dir. Lovell Holder; Writer: Roger Q. Mason; Producer: Lovell Holder, Roger Q. Mason, Adam Hyndman Based on their play “Lavender Men,” playwright-performer Roger Q. Mason explores questions of identity and vicious cycles of addiction in their short film “Taffeta.” As a toxic phone sex relationship spirals out of control, the titular Taffeta must confront whether they will be able to break out of the destructive habits and crippling loneliness that have haunted their life.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 11:07

Sparkles

Dir. Jacqueline Pelczar; Writer: Tina Fielding; Producer: Cody Greenwood A 37-year-old woman with down syndrome runs away from home and embarks on a journey from Kalgoorlie to Perth.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:00

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Talk Black Dir./Writer: Destiny J Macon

A timid engineer develops a wild and expressive split personality to help her speak up to the boy’s club at work.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:02

Mid-Coitus

Dir./Writer/Producer: Kevin Ghee When confronted with a case of rape, Assistant District Attorney must struggle with her bias to determine whether she’ll charge the woman. She enlisted her friends to help her make the decision.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 15:33

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THE DILEMMA - 11 AM Stories of people solving (or creating) problems.

Brunch

Dir. Tess Paras; Writer: Austin Antoine, Calvin Seabrooks; Producer: Eddie Mujica Austin is invited to his first ever brunch, and his world is changed forever.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 3:12

Bothered

Dir. Emerson Niemchick; Writer/Producer: Julie Phillips Jenn and Eddie are two friends navigating dating, social media and political correctness in a pandemic.

Web Series | Run time: 4:00

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Party Podcast

Dir. Tess Paras; Writer: Lauren Walker, Laurie Majers, Calvin Seabrooks; Producer: Eddie Mujica A bride records a podcast episode during her bachelorette party.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 3:59

Roger, Espionager Dir. Brooke Jaye Taylor; Writer: Matthew Cornwell, Brian Chapman; Producer: Matthew Cornwell, Ray Wood

When recruits from an abandoned 1980s covert training program start showing up dead, the CIA rushes to save the program’s most promising trainee.

Narrative Feature Film | Run time: 58:21

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FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS - 12:25 PM Strap in for a wild ride of vengeance, revenge and going to extremes.

Jared Was Here

Dir. Satie Gossett; Writer: Kamala Lane; Producer: Kamala Lane, Keturah Hamilton When a narcissistic businesswoman commits a hit-and-run crime, strange occurrences and faces haunt her - all in the name of the victim.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:55

Summa Culpa Laude Dir./Writer: Echo Nguyen; Producer: Olly Landreth A perfectionist high schooler strives to be valedictorian, but when her rival takes the top ranking, she devises a scheme to seize the number one spot.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 18:03

The Fourth Dir./Writer: Johnny Kirk; Producer: Jason Chau, Mario Smith Eager to celebrate the 4th of July, a group of young black and Latino friends experience a police encounter that shatters the meaning of the holiday. Based on real-life incidents, the story examines the trauma of being in the shoes of the young men stopped.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 11:45

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Hermanita

Dir. Elohim Peña; Writer/Producer: Keisha Champagne Amid the pandemic, Alexis successfully found her true love despite quarantining alone. Today, for a modern love segment, a TV reporter interviews Alexis about the new long distance romance.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:45

The Well Dir./Writer: Gerald “Bam” Whaley; Producer: Jaime Zevallos The Well is a story of 17 year old Tasha Fields who is fighting for her life, caught in the middle of a deadly domestic dispute between her parents.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:55

TRUE STATES - 1:40 PM Stories that showcase the reality of family matters spanning culture, and the many true states familial relationships exist in.

Calabaza

Dir. Stephanie Osuna-Hernandez; Writer: Gerardo Maravilla; Producer: Evelyn Angelica Martinez, Mireia Vilanova On the Friday before Halloween, Martin, a Mexican-American rocker dude, feels like celebrating. He’s getting ready to finally move out and has plans to carve pumpkins with his new love, Lynn, a Filipina rocker girl, but at the last minute, Lynn asks to change their date to his place, sending Martin into a panic.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:55

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Moose Tracks

Dir. Ayanna McKnight; Writer: McKenzi Vanderberg; Producer: Chelsea Patricia Ramírez, Joon Cho On the night after his wife’s funeral, a newly widowed father must help his teenage daughter when she gets her first period.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:26

Dot Dir. Tiffany Frances; Writer: Kimberlee Kidd; Producer: Matthew Keene Smith, Wenjie Kong

On the day of her daughter’s seventh birthday party, a long-suffering caretaker finds herself in a dark and uninhibited situation.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:15

Over My Dead Body

Dir./Writer/Producer: Meital Cohen Navarro When a young Jewish Persian-American woman tells her parents that her fiancé is Muslim, they make her choose between him and them.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 24:59

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Last Name Unknown

Dir./Writer: Dui Jarrod; Producer: Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “Pee” Thomas, Christopher Hicks, Dui Jarrod, David Blackman Last Name Unknown is a dramatic series that examines the gripping reality of the growing youth homelessness crisis; as it follows several residents of the Beyond Hope Youth Shelter’s harsh, yet hopeful lives of beating the odds, finding their place in society, and living their distant dreams.

Web Series | Run time: 28:17

CHEAUXTIME - 3:25 PM A compilation of stories from #MicheauxAlum

Outside

Dir. Paul Michael Bair; Writer: Paul Michael Bair, Samuel Radford; Producer: Paul Michael Bair, Sam Radford When two longtime friends and business partners, Truly and Bandit, try to go legit, the Big Boss enlists her worker Hector to send a message by taking Bandit’s baby for ransom.

Music Video | Run time: 5:46

Expecting

Dir. Jared Milrad; Writer: Jared Milrad, Nathan Johnson; Producer: Jared Milrad

On the night of their gender reveal party for twins on the way, Taylor and Alex Armstrong have a few big surprises to share with the world.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:13

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Morena

Dir./Writer: Nicole Mairose Dizon; Producer: Nicole Mairose Dizon, Loren Maxine After an insecure folk artist seeks out skin whitening cream to cope with everyday life, she must race to reverse its terrifying supernatural side effects.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:30

Broken Drawer Dir. Rippin Sindher; Writer: Matthew Gamarra; Producer: Gurinder Sindher, Rippin Sindher In order to continue living, a broken man must confront childhood trauma buried deep inside a family heirloom. Inspired by true events, Broken Drawer explores the power of love and letting go.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:20

Parents

Dir. Eric Dickens; Writer: Clint Coley, Lauren Chanel Allen; Producer: Clint Coley, Monica Boyd Parents is the story of Isaiah and Alanna who have both given up on the idea of love and marriage and decide, “Shoot, why not just have kids together since we’ll never find love.”

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 25:17

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How to Do Sh!t with Guido Gagootz Dir. Adriano Valentini; Writer: Adriano Valentini, Sandro Iocolano Watch Guido Gaguzzi show you how to do sh!t!

Web Series | Run Time: 10:00

FIGHTING DEMONS - 6:10 PM Whether internal or external, we all have demons to fight and skeletons in the closet.

Izzy’s Demons

Dir./Writer: Greg Garay; Producer: Jumai Yusuf, Alexa Velasquez Izzy is a person who struggles with the decision to reconnect with an old friend. As she gives into her jealousy for her friend’s success, she makes a decision that her subconscious does not let her get away with so easy.

Animated Short Film | Run time: 6:58

Ting Tang

Dir. Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin; Writer: Mimi A. F. Newman; Producer: Kent Booze Jr., Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin

Grief has overcome once-lovers Wesley and Vaughna. The stark difference in their coping mechanisms causes them to lose everything between them.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:59

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Dr. West’s Fervor

Dir./Writer: Maria Katre Osler; Producer: Kenneth Mosley When Dr. Anthony West, a quirky psychiatrist meets Rose, an awkward patient who suffers from a mysterious mental illness, he’s forced to face his own cloistered demons of self-reluctance.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:37

7 Sharp Dir./Writer: LaCora Stephens; Producer: LaCora Stephens, Madalyn Lawson, Darin Craddolph After discovering a deeply sinister family secret, a domineering grandmother, and her passive daughter, must make a difficult decision.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:18

No Church in the Wild: Act 2

Dir. Richmond Obeng; Writer: Bree Hemphill; Producer: Richmond Obeng, Erika Kelley, Bree Hemphill Leslie Wagner-Wilson, trapped in Jonestown, a controlling, destitute settlement run by an increasingly manic Jim Jones, has grown increasingly disillusioned. Leslie’s husband Joe however, has risen through the ranks of the People’s Temple cult and, despite knowing of his wife’s unhappiness, is determined to keep her and their son in Jonestown.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:35

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The Pulpit: The Prelude

Dir./Writer: Tosin Morohunfola; Producer: Sam Findlay, Lydia Anderson, Kevin Willmott When a progressive, midwestern pastor’s life is threatened by extremists, she must answer to a gang of interrogating FBI Agents as she reels from the trauma of terrorism.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:14

PURSUITS & DECISIONS - 7:35 PM Stories of adventures and achievements, and the comedy that can ensue.

Martha’s Journey

Dir. Dritter.Akt, Alexander Weber, Victor Jim Moye-Noza; Writer: Dritter.Akt; Producer: Dritter.Akt The University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten is a creative safe space to try out new things, experience different concepts and challenge yourself. You can only create something truly personal and unique if you believe in yourself and your own ideas.

Commercial Spot | Run time: 2:05

The Adventures of Rashaad in Real Estate

Dir./Writer: Knoa Knapper; Producer: Knoa Knapper, Josh Beal, Bryan Nest

The Adventures of Rashaad in Real Estate is a comedy set in the absurd, cutthroat, high stakes world of Los Angeles realty.

It centers on Rashaad, a rookie realtor, wading through this strange profession.

Web Series | Run time: 6:35

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How to End A Conversation

Dir. Gregory J.M. Kasunich; Writer: Phillip ​​ Musumechi, Jerry Spears; Producer: Phillip Musumechi, Gregory J.M. Kasunich A heartbroken man, unable to stop calling his EX, reluctantly enlist a therapist to help him lift the weight of his past relationship off of his shoulders...literally.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 7:30

xxVisible Dir. Bobby Yan; Writer: Bobby Yan, Brent Lewis; Producer: KarynRose Bruyning Covering one year of the 2020 pandemic, a successful young Asian American struggles to navigate life during the lockdown.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:18

Virginality

Dir. Vanna James; Writer: Bria Samoné Henderson; Producer: Bria Samoné Henderson, Vanna James, Jillian Macklin, Calvin R.L. Walker Virginality is an episodic series that chronicles the story of Jade Michelle Mason, a 30-ish overtly religious, single virgin who navigates adulthood with her millennial friends while finding her power in identity through her career and her untouched sexuality.

Web Series | Run time: 23:15

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40ish…

Dir. Traci Hays; Writer: Nicole Stuart; Producer: Caitlin Renee Campbell A 40-year-old actress , refuses to give up her dream of “making it,” in Hollywood, but 20 years later, she won’t face the reality, that age and how many followers you have, dictates the rules for talent and and when she lands her big break, she struggles to tell the truth, when casting demands to know her “real age,” before they’ll hire her for the role.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 24:51

BETWEEN THE SHEETS - 9:05 PM All’s fair in love and war… but is it really?

Go

Dir. Andres; Producer: AndresFilms, Tiago Vega “Go” is an energetic single that gives fans a glimpse into Tiago Vega’s new EP that blends afrobeat, electro-pop, and hip hop.

Although the track details Tiago’s frustrations with his relationship, the accompanying music video takes viewers on a romantic adventure through Acapulco, Mexico.

Music Video | Run time: 3:13

Spin

Dir. Brandi Nicole, Jen West; Writer: Brandi Nicole; Producer: Brandi Nicole, Anthony J. Davis, Wayne Hawkins, Valarie Patterson, David Rizzo

A happy-go-lucky baker is thrown for a loop after an unexpected run-in at work.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:58

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Meet Your Match

Dir. Zandras L. Spivey Jr; Writer: Tom Batt, Zandras L. Spivey Jr; Producer: Keith Hogan, Zandras L. Spivey Jr Meet your match is a story of a woman who cleverly lures in a persistent stalker into thinking that she will be his next victim.

But the tables swiftly turn when he realizes the trick is on him.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 16:47

Last Night

Dir. Sierra Nowak; Writer: Tai French

A modern day coming-of-age love story.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 6:59

Robyn Hood

Dir. NEEN.; Writer: Shayla Racquel; Producer: Moon Lee Ferguson A sultry succubus steals the belongings of unsuspecting men to quench her insatiable thirst for their souls.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 20:56

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Decisions

Dir. NEEN.; Writer: Shayla Racquel; Producer: Moon Lee Ferguson When a high-class businessman and a jaded sex worker find themselves together for a night, they realize that they need each other for more reasons than one.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 28:48

AINT I A WOMAN - 10:50 PM Stories of Black femininity and the different experiences it encapsulates.

Offbrand

Dir. PAX&Q; Producer: Marlon Barrow, KC Whitney In today’s age there are many people pretending on the internet. However in real life more often than not, there are consequences sooner or later.

Music Video | Run time: 3:35

Blue

Dir./Writer/Producer: Maryam Farahzadi Blue is a short film about the struggle of being different.

Animated Student Short Film | Run time: 4:00

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Artistic

Dir./Writer: Nina Lee; Producer: Lena Waithe Billie Thomas is a lonely teenage painter who is longing for a friend and finds one in an unlikely person.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:00

Pagliacci

Dir./Writer: Alex Ubokudom; Producer: Kaliswa Brewster

Pagliacci is a film that follows Justine Jennings, a conservative news pundit, and asks what is the price of selling out in America, when being Black already costs.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 9:27

The 5th of April

Dir. Michael Foster; Writer: Elinor McKenzie; Producer: Elinor McKenzie, Ghadir Mounib, Devin Michelle Bunten When a capable and hardworking young Black woman seeks advancement in her corporate career, she comes face-toface with the gender and racial biases of her workplace. All the while, a broader climate of hate continues to grow.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:22

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410 Stamped

Dir./Writer: Nicole Taylor-Roberts; Producer: Elegance Bratton, Chester Argenal Gordon, Tiffany Q, Danile Ornitz, Jean Elie, Danile Farris (D. Smoke), Kimberly J A young singer, Rashida, finds the magic of her voice on one wild night.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 17:17

Mixed Girl

Dir. Josiane Des Gray Desir; Writer: Josiane Des Gray Desir, Nikki Carter; Producer: Josiane Des Gray Desir, Joslyn Jahsi Vance, Yandy Smith Raised in a small racially divided town, Leslie, a white alcoholic, drug-addicted and vicious teenage mother falls for James, an African-American college student she meets at a fraternity party. Unbeknownst to James, she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a biracial baby girl.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:22

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We’d like to give a huge thank you to our sponsors and community partners! Without you this event would not be possible.

SPONSORS

PARTNERS

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The August Wilson African American Cultural Center We are so excited to partner with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, as the curators of their 2023 Black Bottom Film Festival.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) has an incredible 20 year legacy as the only African American arts facility located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The organization focuses on exhibiting and celebrating art and expression from Black culture across the African diaspora.

The Black Bottom Film Festival From age-old classics to contemporary work, the Black Bottom Film Festival illuminates and celebrates African American cinema and the uniqueness of Black people on film.

The festival will showcase movies that converge on the recurring themes of spirituality, race, family conflict, honor, duty and the struggle of the working-class.

These are themes ever-present in August Wilson’s The Pittsburgh Cycle plays. In particular, the festival will celebrate African American filmmaking pioneers of recent decades, namely, the legendary Oscar Micheaux. The BBFF fosters an examination of how Black filmmakers use art to inspire, challenge, confront, and influence American culture. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center believes that creativity is boundless.

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LEGENDS IN THE MAKING - 11 AM Stories told from the lens of our youngest future filmmakers.

Burnt Feathers, Broken Wings Dir. Cady McClain

A documentary about four young girls in the foster care system who are on a mission to shatter stereotypes and overcome their past.

Student Documentary Short Film | Run time: 13:32

Exemplary Dir. Grant Housley; Writer: Alaiya Kollie, Noel DiBrell, Aliah White, Landren Gipson, Asian Johnson; Producer: Kids In The Spotlight, Grant Housley, Michael Trainotti, Martin Russell Johnson, Jamal Speakes, Amber Harris, Tiffany Thompson

Set in the Civil Rights Era, a group of young Black girls must band together in order to escape an evil villain trying to silence their movement.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:43

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Parallel Dir. David Mahmoudieh; Writer: Ruth Arnold, Baiinga Bangura, Santiago Chavez, Diane Guzman, Nelcit Lopez; Producer: Kids In The Spotlight, Inc., David Mahmoudieh, Annalea Fiachi, George Lako

Parallel explores the dichotomy between two students’ sexual assaults within the school system, and how their contrasting reactions to it affect not just themselves but the safety of those around them.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:33

Guns and Stuff

Dir./Writer: Alexander McDaniel; Producer: Lindsay Hopper, Kelly Tighe Tangzi, an undercover Wakanda detective, is sent to retrieve stolen vibranium from a hardcore gang. As prepared as he was for his mission, he would’ve never guessed a foster teen would be interfering with his plans of success.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:37

GREATER HEIGHTS - 12:10 PM Stories that understand the idea of what it means to see your truth and take the next step to live in it.

I AM A MAN

Dir. Michael A. Pinckney; Writer: Calvin J. Walker, Michael A. Pinckney; Producer: Michael A. Pinckney, Curshion Jones, Tobias Truvillian, Kenneth Gifford Four Black men from different worlds have a heartfelt conversation about manhood, creativity, sex and their place in the world. They discover the harsh reality that not much has changed but are nevertheless grateful for those that came before them.

Music Video | Run time: 3:13

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Hues and Hidden Kings

Dir./Writer: Sydney Morgan Currie; Producer: Sydney Morgan Currie, Chandler Kravitz A poetic dialogue of racial and political injustice in America. The redefining declaration of inheritance made by African American artists.

Performance Piece | Run time: 6:45

The Return: Making Hues and Hidden Kings Dir./Writer/Producer: Sydney Morgan Currie

The behind the scenes making of a short film made by young college students to reclaim their royal inheritance during the beginning of a divided racial and political era of American history. The film is a witness of students bonding together to create unity, creativity, and advocacy.

Documentary Short Film | Run time: 14:00

Nomadic

Dir. Kyle Sykes; Writer: Fresh Linen; Producer: Christian Redd On a journey of self exploration to find himself in Los Angeles, a young man goes around visiting cornerstones of the black community: the barbershop, the farmers market, Leimert Park. Underneath we hear a poem about how this world has shaped his internal identity.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 6:30

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Lift

Dir. Abraham Amkpa; Writer: Abraham Amkpa; Producer: Abraham Amkpa, Patrick Taylor, J. Mallory McCree Two Nigerian weightlifters must compete against each other in order to gain US citizenship.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:43

Birdwatching

Dir. Samantha Soule; Writer: Daniel Talbott; Producer: Lovell Holder, Samantha Soule, Addie Johnson Talbott, Daniel Talbott

By a stream in the woods - a place between worlds - two women find each other ankle-deep in the water, letting go of what’s past and wondering what will come.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:02

Legacy

Dir. Richmond Obeng; Writer: Jasmine D. Jackson; Producer: Christopher D. Moore, Geno Brooks, Myles Grier Legacy profiles gentrification, romance and inheritance as Jada Lane faces the complex decision to give up her New York City lifestyle or lose her father’s business and the continuation of his legacy in the community.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:50

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BLACK AS U R - 1:40 PM Why do we as a people protest against racial injustice, but disregard the injustices experienced by black queer people? It’s time to raise the question.

BLACK AS U R

Dir./Writer: Micheal Rice; Producer: Edward J Radford BLACK AS U R is the first step in confronting the African American community about queerphobia, via the seering stories of queer black people.

Documentary Feature Film | Run time: 1:15:00

THE STORY WITHIN - 3:35 PM Digging deep to find the true story of the matter.

Temple Beauty

Dir./Writer: Tiffany Frances; Producer: Matthew Keene Smith The story of Amber Osbourne from Compton who used the money she won from Snoop Dogg on a game show to open a neighborhood beauty supply store right before quarantine.

Documentary Short Film | Run time: 9:32

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Reasons

Dir./Writer: Yvette Pabon; Producer: Yvette Pabon, Lenny Thomas, Narci Regina, Julie Stackhouse Reasons follows the life of a young and single mother, Mercy during the late 1950s in rural Georgia.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 22:48

Nkemefuna

Dir./Writer: Kaelo Iyizoba; Producer: Ivan Rome

Nkem and her brother struggle through the anniversary of their father’s death, when an encounter forces them to confront their identity in America.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 15:18

Under the Sun After the Wind

Dir./Writer: Patrice D. Bowman; Producer: Craig T. Williams, Brenda Cooks An isolated Black woman struggles with the chaos she sees online. An adaptation of the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 5:00

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Song of the Same Night

Dir. Kary H Sarrey, Jason J Sarrey, Jay Rho, Ryan Foregger, Yong Duk Jhun, Lai Tsz Yeung Alson; Writer: Jason J Sarrey, Elle Sunyoung Lee How do five strangers scattered across the world find solace in each other during a global pandemic? A new social media platform and the international language of song.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 11:30

GBOY

Dir./Writer/Producer: Geoff Browne

A slice of life from the Niger Delta. When two teen activists are caught on the grounds of an oil refinery, a boisterous teen must convince a trigger-happy guard to set them free.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 5:10

Hallelujah

Dir./Writer: Victor Gabriel; Producer: Duran Jones After being stuck with the guardianship of their annoying, bookworm nephew, two brothers in Compton CA have to decide if they are willing to take on the responsibility of being caretakers.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:56

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EYE OF THE BEHOLDER - 6:15 PM Stories that are bold, impactful, and strong in their voice and vision.

Jason Markk

Dir./Writer/Producer: Jose A Renteria A commercial under a minute. Why Jason Markk is the best shoe cleaner.

Commercial Spot | Run time: 0:49

Airway Dir./Writer: Jessica Redish; Producer: Kira Leinonen, Jessica Redish A woman’s worst nightmare comes to life when the man next to her won’t turn his phone to Airplane mode.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 3:44

Fetish Dir. Rhian Williams; Writer: Jennifer Zhang; Producer: Jennifer Zhang, Jo Podmore An Asian American woman’s one night stand takes an unsexy turn when breakfast the morning after comes with a side of fetishism. Caught in a moment of truth, she’s forced to ponder her options for how to respond to casual racism.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:29

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The Forgotten Place

Dir. Oscar Rene Lozoya; Writer: Jeff Locker; Producer: Brian Flaccus, Alex Raines, Ben Dunn, Celia Cowles, Oscar Rene Lozoya All Eric ever wanted was a friend. He just never knew how to find one.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 11:38

Don’t Frighten the Horses

Dir. Yannis Zafeiriou; Writer: Josh Allen Goldman; Producer: Josh Allen Goldman, Yannis Zafeiriou

Jesse desperately wants to hold Derek’s hand, but he soon remembers that a bus stop is not a safe space for public displays of queer affection. A suggestive glance between them becomes more than they bargained for.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 8:00

Lesbian Miserables

Dir. Tess Paras; Writer: Sibel Damar, Lauren Walker, Calvin Seabrooks; Producer: Eddie Mujica Across all of the United States, there are only 21 gay bars for the women, non-binary, and trans masc community... this is the story of Lesbian Miserables.

Music Video | Run time: 2:40

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Caroline

Dir./Writer: Juli Del Prete; Producer: Diana Pérez Riveros A young actress’s audition for a major movie takes an unexpected turn.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:10

Nilalang (of Beings and Deceit)

Dir. Juan Carlo Tarobal; Writer: Juan Carlo Tarobal, Mai Fanglayan; Producer: Juan Carlo Tarobal

A young lady screams in silence as she seeks salvation from the evil that surrounds her.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:18

If These Locs Could Talk Dir. Jahbrielle Henning

This film explores the importance and connections African Americans have with dreadlocks. Everyone has a story to tell but the commonality we have is the journey of learning more about ourselves through our hair.

Documentary Short Film | Run time: 8:19

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Selahy (My Weapon)

Dir./Writer: Alaa Zabara; Producer: Pierre Bagley A short narrative film that takes place in war-torn Yemen and follows a young deaf girl, Saleemah who has one major love in this world; her camera which her brother Aqeel introduced her to.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:00

CHILLS & THRILLS - 8:05 PM Stories of creeps, contact and the uncontrollable.

Algo en el Jardin (Something in the Garden) Dir./Writer: Marcos Sánchez

It’s nighttime in the suburbs and the stillness is interrupted by a strange presence, a creeping being that lurks in the dark.

Animated Short Film | Run time: 6:00

Morse Code

Dir. McKenzi Vanderberg; Writer: Maurizio Ledezma; Producer: Da Eun Kim, Elizabeth Lian After a loved one’s tragic death, Stefani uses Morse Code to speak with The Beyond. In her search for answers, she inadvertently discovers questions far more dangerous.

Student Short Film | Run time: 13:04

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Alex, Stop

Dir./Writer: Erin Ryan ALEX STOP is based on a true story about intimately mixed messages.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 6:56

Vlada Goes to London

Dir./Writer/Producer: Arti Savchenko

Vlada is a pizza delivery girl who lives in Haifa and dreams of becoming a famous DJ. Within a five-hour shift, we get a glimpse into her world full of pressure where she’s willing to do whatever it takes to find the money for a flight to perform at a festival in London.

Student Short Film | Run time: 21:54

American Hero

Dir./Writer: Manny McCord; Producer: Matt Marshall, Freddy Giorlando, Pia Vicioso- Vila, Manny McCord American Hero is a film about a female veteran contending with PTSD, an emotional trauma we typically associate with warfare. But as our story unfolds, we learn her trauma stems from sexual assault by a superior officer.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:57

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SOUND

Dir./Writer: Tawan Bazemore; Producer: Crystal Porter Bazemore, Tawan Bazemore Photographer Isabelle Pisano becomes hearing-impaired after a violent car accident. As she struggles to cope in the muffled and scary new normal something beautifully-terrifying happens…

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 14:48

OVERCOMING - 10:05 PM Stories of overcoming tragedies, incapacities and a past that won’t let go.

Chevy: Be First Dir./Writer: Corry Wiens; Producer: Gavin Buckland A self-funded spec ad for Chevrolet highlighting the career of Bill Lester, the first black NASCAR driver to win any Grand Am division race.

Commercial Spot | Run time: 0:30

Dollar 2 The Rich

Dir. Lewis T Powell; Producer: Xavier Thompson, Lewis T Powell, Julio Mata Jr. “DOLLAR 2 THE RICH” is an ode to mental health. The narrative music video is primarily a “one-take” music video that starts with a young LaRussell seeing his adult family and friends engaging in activities that plague our community.

Music Video | Run time: 3:21

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Alalia

Dir./Writer/Producer: Savannah Abrishamchian A woman grapples with her sudden inability to speak which is triggered when reflecting on the former glory and fading light of her relationship.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 5:48

An Island Drifts

Dir./Writer: Vivian Ip; Producer: Jasmine Tay, Kim Mariel Set in Singapore, a young teacher presses for the truth from a maladjusted student, the act leads to devastating results and they suffer the ignominy of losing everything that matters to them.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 18:32

Slow Pulse

Dir./Writer: Marshall Tyler; Producer: Moira Griffin, Efuru Flowers, Jeremy Hartman In this moving story of love and dedication, Bernard Brash heals and finds hope by learning how to dance.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 8:46

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Keep/Delete

Dir./Writer: Kryzz Gautier; Producer: Kryzz Gautier, Maya Butler, Corsica Wilson In a future world where memories are handled like computer files, two lovers decide to undergo a procedure and have their entire relationship wiped from their brains.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:00

Ghost Girl

Dir. Paavo Hanninen; Writer: Paavo Hanninen, Lauren Cargo; Producer: Lauren Cargo, Betsy Holt

On the night before she is set to leave New Orleans to audition for a high-budget television pilot in Los Angeles, Ashley must overcome her best friend and closest collaborator’s attempts to thwart her ambitions as this sudden opportunity reveals the long-festering differences between the two of them.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 12:00

Six Feet Apart

Dir. Monty Cole; Writer: Isaac Gómez; Producer: Diana Perez Riveros, Josh Sobel, Juli Del Prete In El Paso, Son stands in the shower, his cinnamon skin glistening, as he prepares for his father’s funeral. Memories flood into his head of the contentious relationship between a gay Latinx man and his religious Dad, as he journeys to a funeral in the times of COVID.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 13:24

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Thank You, Come Again

Dir./Writer: Nirav Bhakta; Producer: Kelsey Fordham, Keertana Sastry, Alexcina Figueroa After the trigger of a hate crime, an undocumented Indian American convenience store clerk comes crashing into his subconscious as he grieves the passing of his father during an attempted border crossing.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 11:11

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LOST & FOUND - 11 AM Stories of loss, finding & seeking, and things found.

Last Patrol on Okinawa

Dir. Nick Brokaw; Writer: Aurauz Azima; Producer: Nick Brokaw, Jerry Wolf Set on the fateful date; August 6th, 1945. Okinawa. Six weeks post-battle, a squad of U.S. Marines is assigned the unenviable and tedious job of clearing caves where fanatical Japanese soldiers hold out and forlorn Okinawan civilians seek refuge.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 30:00

Tundra

Dir.José Luis Aparicio; Writer: Carlos Melián; Producer: Leila Montero, Daniela Muñoz, José Luis Aparicio, Gabriel Alemán

Walfrido Larduet, a lonely electrical inspector, dreams of the Red Woman, whose image persists and becomes an obsession.

Something tells him she is near.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 30:00

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GUNS DON’T KILL PEOPLE, THEY MAKE IT EASIER - 12:15 Stories of gun violence and how it affects more than just the life that is lost.

Shreveport Son

Dir./Writer/Producer: Mark D. Bonner A young man reunites with a childhood friend during the last 37 hours of his life

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 15:08

#BTSD

Dir./Writer: Terry Gingles Jr.; Producer: Ozy Reigns, Julius Ritter, Omar Dorsey

#BTSD (Black Traumatic Stress Disorder) examines the psychological effects that violent acts against Black Americans, as continuously displayed in the news media, have on the average person of color.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 10:20

Jalisa

Dir./Writer: Benjamin Abiola; Producer: Bobby Coston, Matthew Sutton After the passing of their father, Jalisa moves to Texas to live with her older brother. Summer break has just begun and love is in the air, the honeymoon phase is soon cut short when an altercation between her brother and new man takes place.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 32:49

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Home Soon

Dir./Writer: Maisha Azadi; Producer: Raquel Scott, Darnell Rhea, April Barnes, Maisha Azadi Set at the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, a weary mother’s fears and desires for her mentally distressed son’s future hang in the balance while awaiting his arrival home.

Narrative Short Film | Run time: 19:42

DOUBLE PLAY - 2:00 pm

Double Play

Dir. Ernest Dickerson; Writer: Evan Jones, Alaric Smeets; Producer: Lisa Cortes, Gregory Elias, Rose Geddes, Yaron Schwartzman

Poverty and wealth are two sides of the same coin in a high stakes game of dominoes, where the players confront their lust, desperation, rage, and remorse with deadly consequences.

Feature Film | Run time: 2:17:00

Ernest Dickerson Career Spotlight - 4:20pm A one-on-one, career-spotlight conversation with esteemed director and cinematographer, Ernest Dickerson. Highlighting his legacy, decades-long career, and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the cult classic, Juice.

Moderated by: Brenda Gilbert, BRON Studios (Co-Founder | President)

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RUN NIXON - 5:15 PM

Run Nixon

Dir./Writer: Sky Directs; Producer: C. Love, Dreux Frederic, Steven Lu, Brian Cooper

When 10 year old Nixon is diagnosed with the life-threatening medical condition chronic heart failure, two young parents Dre & Stacy must figure out how to cover costs and save his life. Limited with time, Stacy takes matters into her own hands and decides to rob a well known drug dealer.

This puts Nixon in yet another dangerous situation and causes him to be kidnapped. Thrust back into his old ways, Dre must turn to the streets to save his son, before it’s too late.

Narrative Feature Film | Run time: 1:53:03

Sony Pictures Entertainment presents The Woman King: clips + conversation - 8:00pm Join trailblazing filmmakers – Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball) and Nicole Brown (President, TriStar Pictures) for an intimate conversation around the highly anticipated Sony Pictures release, The Woman King starring Viola Davis. This conversation will dive into how this film went from script to screen, the importance and significance of this never been told story, power of inclusion in front and behind the camera while also providing a sneak peek of what audiences can expect in the upcoming release via exclusive content!

MOON GARDEN - 9:30 PM

MOON GARDEN

Dir./Writer: Ryan Stevens Harris; Producer: John Michael Elfers Following a terrible family accident, a young girl slips into a coma, finding herself thrust into a dark and surreal industrial wonderland. Haunted by a chattering nightmare that feeds off her negative emotions, the little girl must follow her mother’s voice on a transistor radio to find her way back to consciousness.

Narrative Feature Film | Run time: 1:33:00

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Industry Screenings + Panels + Special Events All digital programs are available on our virtual platform, Sparqfest.

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Join us at our several networking opportunities throughout the week.

Kicking off with a Filmmaker, Alumni and VIP mixer.

Totally FREE Opening Night Creative Mixer

Join us immediately after the awards show at our official closing night after party

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Nominees

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