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Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

1001cuts

Film 1001cuts Directed by Sarah M Temkin “1001cuts” explores the careers of female surgeons who benefited from Title IX, a law that opened doors for...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

23 Mile

Film 23 Mile Directed by Mitch McCabe 23 Mile chronicles cataclysmic events in Michigan throughout 2020–including the plot to kidnap governor Witmer. This experimental nonfiction...
Shorts Competition

29 Palms

Film 29 Palms Directed by Brandon Shypkowski A successful Japanese interior designer travels to Joshua Tree with her American boyfriend and must confront her stagnant...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

A Body Called Life

Film A Body Called Life Directed by Spencer MacDonald Jame seeks to understand his own place in the cosmos by delving into the hidden world of microscopic...
Studio Spotlight

A Real Pain

Film A Real Pain Directed by Jesse Eisenberg Mismatched cousins David and Benji reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother and confront…
American Indie Spotlight, Robert French and French-Language Focus, Women in Film Spotlight

A Time Apart

Film A Time Apart Directed by Courtney Hope Therond Alyssa returns to Paris to finalize her divorce, but while spending a final week with her soon-to-be ex-husband,...
Robert French and French-Language Focus, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

After Annecy

Film After Annecy Directed by Rebecca Holstein One month after a chance encounter in the town of Annecy, France, Remi travels to Northern Ireland in...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round

Film Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round Directed by Ilana Trachtman Follow the story of five Howard University students who sat on a carousel in 1960 and those who...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Alok

Film Alok Directed by Alex Hedison Filmmaker Alex Hedison presents a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, an acclaimed non-binary author, poet, comedian,...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

AM I

Film AM I Directed by Ce Liu An 8-year-old Asian girl, Maya, tries to buy a rabbit cake on Mother’s Day for her violent uncaring...
Shorts Competition

American Oxygen

Film American Oxygen Directed by Adam Hazelton, Emily Hazelton Sam — a young woman living on supplemental oxygen — races to catch the last bus to Los...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

An Extraordinary Place

Film An Extraordinary Place Directed by Tom Bell For those who crave a personal connection to music, this is the story of a quirky Maine radio...
Shorts Competition

Anuja

Film Anuja Directed by Adam J. Graves When a precocious nine-year-old who works in a back-alley garment factory is suddenly offered a rare chance to...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Are You My Brother?

Film Are You My Brother? Directed by Daniel A. Nelson This story follows the filmmaker’s connection with Oscar Iglesias, a 47-year-old Puerto Rican tattoo artist in North Carolina,...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Bad Hostage

Film Bad Hostage Directed by Mimi Wilcox After being held hostage, the filmmaker’s grandmother shocked her small town by declaring she felt more threatened by...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Before You

Film Before You Directed by Lauren Merage A first-time mother’s euphoric pregnancy spirals when she receives a heartbreaking medical prognosis about her unborn child –...
Shorts Competition

Belief

Film Belief Directed by Christian Loubek Lennox happily unpacks his new home alongside his wife and daughter. His joy turns to shock when he...
American Indie Spotlight

Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts

Film Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts Directed by Shaun Seneviratne In Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in 4 Parts, Ben travels to Sri Lanka to rekindle his romance...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America

Black Table

Film Black Table Directed by Bill Mack, John Antonio James In 1993, the largest class of black students in Yale’s history arrive on campus, just as the country...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Bob

Film Bob Directed by Tianyu Du A Chinese immigrant family arrives in the USA with limited financial resources. The mother is determined to provide...
Animation Spotlight, Cinema for Students Programs, Shorts Competition

Brim Broome Boulevard

Film Brim Broome Boulevard Directed by PJ Magerko-Liquorice When a child wanders through a set of mysterious doors, they embark on a journey of self-discovery where...
Cinema for Students Programs, Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Broken Flight

Film Broken Flight Directed by Erika Valenciana, Mitchell Wenkus Hundreds of bird species migrate through Chicago each year, but collisions with glass in skyscrapers pose a major...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

But I’m a Shoe

Film But I’m a Shoe Directed by Chen Drachman This is the story of a woman who wanted to fly comfortably, so she used a new service...
Cinema for Students Programs, Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Capturing the Carbon

Film Capturing the Carbon Directed by Jack Winch, Janice Overbeck ​​Capturing the Carbon: A Journey to Net Zero follows host Rob Riggle, on a journey to learn about...
Animation Spotlight, Cinema for Students Programs, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Chain

Film Chain Directed by LING HAN “Chain” is visually stunning and emotionally rich, expressing nature’s survival instincts and prompting viewers to ponder life’s deeper...
Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Chasing Time

Film Chasing Time Directed by Jeff Orlowski-Yang, Sarah Keo Over the course of the 15-year Extreme Ice Survey project, photographer James Balog and his team brought some...
Shorts Competition

Check Please

Film Check Please Directed by Shane Chung A high-octane martial arts action comedy about two Korean-Americans fighting for their lives… over who’s paying for dinner.
Cinema for Students Programs, Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Chouteau: Scenes from Below

Film Chouteau: Scenes from Below Directed by Nevin Dubinsky “Chouteau: Scenes from Below” delves into the lives of cavers who navigate tight spaces, jump across chasms, and...
Cinema for Students Programs, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Show-Me Cinema, SLIFF/Kids Family Films

Concrete Jungle Gym

Film Concrete Jungle Gym Directed by Mike Gualdoni, Zach White Artist Bob Cassilly spent years saving and repurposing relics and treasures slated for demolition as cities across the...
Shorts Competition

Cornucopia

Film Cornucopia Directed by Andrew Kevelson A man locked inside a room is forced to finish a feast in exchange for his freedom.
Shorts Competition

Curls

Film Curls Directed by Aaron Sheer A rebellious Jewish boy, stifled by his Orthodox community and dysfunctional family, schemes to replace his religious curls...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Daisy is Gone

Film Daisy is Gone Directed by Ziyao Liu An absurdist sci-fi with comedic overtones, “Daisy is Gone” follows an anthrophobic Chinese poet, Meng, as he tries...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

David Again

Film David Again Directed by Adam Elliott David Again tells the story of David Dennis, his road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Di Sarno- The story of Emilio’s Ballato

Film Di Sarno- The story of Emilio’s Ballato Directed by Johannes Kroemer, Lou Carvell Di Sarno–The story of Emilio’s Ballato tells the story of a magical and legendary Manhattan restaurant.
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Women in Film Spotlight

Diane Warren: Relentless

Film Diane Warren: Relentless Directed by Bess Kargman Diane Warren: Relentless is an intimate Documentary exploring the life and career of prolific songwriter Diane Warren, known...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Disordered, Recovered, Whatever

Film Disordered, Recovered, Whatever Directed by McKenzie Moser After a person with bulimia binge-eats a pie on Thanksgiving, she has one hour to part with her...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Don’t be late, Myra

Film Don’t be late, Myra Directed by Afia Serena Nathaniel A ten-year-old Pakistani school girl, Myra, is forced to walk home alone, dodging the men harassing her on...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Doom & Despair

Film Doom & Despair Directed by Jonathan Childs Follow Zach Gass as he attempts to ride one of the hardest bike-packing races in the country, Doom...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Dreamcaster

Film Dreamcaster Directed by William Maher From trying to fit into a sport-centric town to developing a passion for sports, Cameron Black, who is...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Dust to Light

Film Dust to Light Directed by Jenna Dorian When an estranged daughter packs up her late father’s home, an eerie wind lures her to a mysterious...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

Edel Rodriguez: Freedom is a Verb

Film Edel Rodriguez: Freedom is a Verb Directed by Adrienne Hall, Mecky Creus The film chronicles Cuban-American artist Edel Rodriguez’s journey from his early life in Cuba to his rise to...
Free Films, Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spanish-Language Focus

Emergent City

Film Emergent City Directed by Jay Arthur Sterrenberg, Kelly Anderson Emergent City chronicles a decade in a working class neighborhood at the edge of a changing Brooklyn. As...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Shorts Competition

Enfield: What Is Inherited

Film Enfield: What Is Inherited Directed by Angela N. Robinson, Naomi Despres The Documentary follows Mondale Robinson, the mayor of Enfield, North Carolina, who returns to his hometown to demonstrate...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Expiration Date

Film Expiration Date Directed by Giles Perkins The end of an era looms as 4th-generation dairy farmer, Ned, nears a long overdue retirement.
Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Facing the Falls

Film Facing the Falls Directed by Celia Aniskovich Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan, suffering an aggressive, muscle-wasting disease, sets off with a team on a 12-day expedition...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Fallout

Film Fallout Directed by Madison Hill Fallout examines how the United States Military, in collusion with the private manufacturing industry, perpetuates the cycle of...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Far West

Film Far West Directed by Stephen Michael Simon Deep in the untamed landscapes of the “Far West” and devoid of all modern comforts, artist Lala delves...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Fierro

Film Fierro Directed by Edward Tyndall Richard Fierro, the Army veteran credited with stopping the Club Q mass shooter, recounts the life experiences that...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Fishtank

Film Fishtank Directed by Wendi Tang Jules has been sober for a year, but she can’t stop vomiting goldfish. Striving to put her life...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Follow the Sun

Film Follow the Sun Directed by Sybil Wendler Born in postwar Japan, Akemi never knew her American sailor father. At age 65, with the help of...
Cinema for Students Programs, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Show-Me Cinema

Forever Endeavor

Film Forever Endeavor Directed by Jonathan Hugh Mann, Mary Anne Rothberg Through the eyes of notable individuals and prominent figures, this movie takes a lighthearted look at life’s heavy...
Shorts Competition

Fractal

Film Fractal Directed by Anslem Edmund Richardson A Deaf boy calls upon a mysterious creature to find solace from tragedy.
QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition

God Is Good

Film God Is Good Directed by C Prinz Actor and artist Jeremy Pope, raised by a preacher and bodybuilder father, explores masculinity as a queer Black...
Shorts Competition

Gone

Film Gone Directed by Hunter Nickless Luca, a teenage boy navigates life through his new surroundings, life lessons, and clouded memories.
Shorts Competition

Grand Super Buffet

Film Grand Super Buffet Directed by Joe Soonthornsawad Two Asian American college students struggle to reconnect at their favorite hometown Chinese buffet. Over the course of...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Height of the kite

Film Height of the kite Directed by Amin Pakparvar, Mehraneh Salimian In a rural area of Balochistan, on the border of Iran and Pakistan, women can only sing in...
Shorts Competition

His Mother

Film His Mother Directed by Maia Jo Scalia Upon receiving a disturbing email from her son, a mother drives frantically to his school hoping to avert...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Shorts Competition

How to Sue the Klan

Film How to Sue the Klan Directed by John Beder Learn the story of the five Black women and a young civil rights lawyer who took on the...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Humor Me

Film Humor Me Directed by Kaitlyn Calta A filmmaker challenges her unemployed father to try stand-up comedy. Will he flourish or flop?
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

I Have Love In Me

Film I Have Love In Me Directed by Anne DeMelo In the rural Virginia woods, a teenage long-distance runner struggles with a crush on a teammate who torments...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

(I’m Not) Your Negroni

Film (I’m Not) Your Negroni Directed by Antonio Tarrell Award-winning bartender Joseph “Joe” Stinchcomb stirs up the small town of Oxford, Mississippi when he launches a craft...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Is Joe Home?

Film Is Joe Home? Directed by Robert Tate “Is Joe Home?” is a Short film inspired by voicemails and sketches from the filmmaker’s friend, revealing childhood...
Shorts Competition

It Takes A Village

Film It Takes A Village Directed by Joshua Kissi The year is 1965. In the isolated town of Winneba, Georgia, Isaiah Cooke prepares his son, Lawrence, for...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Jedo’s Dead

Film Jedo’s Dead Directed by Sara Nimeh When a young middle-eastern girl finds her grandfather dead, she is forced to grapple with the earthly rituals...
Shorts Competition

Just For Now

Film Just For Now Directed by Elliot Wilks, Victor Kuchmaner While celebrating what may be the biggest scientific discovery of all time at her friend’s diner, Jessica meets...
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Women in Film Spotlight

Lady Parts

Film Lady Parts Directed by Nancy Boyd Lady Parts” follows Paige, an aspiring screenwriter in Los Angeles who, just days before landing her dream job,...
American Indie Spotlight

Laws of Man

Film Laws of Man Directed by Phil Blattenberger U.S. marshals, Frank and Tommy, have their hands full as they travel to the remote town of Gilead,...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Le Charade

Film Le Charade Directed by Erika Totoro A psychological comedy set in a run-down 1950s diner, “Le Charade” follows the final performance of a lonely...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Le Parrot

Film Le Parrot Directed by Rachael Sonnenberg Three siblings return home for their mother’s funeral. Chaos ensues when they discover she has left behind a...
Animation Spotlight, Robert French and French-Language Focus, Shorts Competition

Les Vouèsins

Film Les Vouèsins Directed by Brian Hawkins In this Missouri French folktale, Petit Jean is a farmer who also happens to be the devil’s neighbor....
Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

Little Haiti, Miami, USA

Film Little Haiti, Miami, USA Directed by XF Serrano After her son passes away, Erma (50s, Cuban) enlists the help of Wilky (14, Haitian-American) to find the...
Animation Spotlight, Cinema for Students Programs, Shorts Competition

LUKi and the Lights

Film LUKi and the Lights Directed by Toby Cochran LUKi, a lively and cheerful robot, faces a life-changing ALS diagnosis with remarkable resilience.
Shorts Competition

Lyrical

Film Lyrical Directed by Carter M. Stewart A privileged, Black law student, trying to escape pressure from his dad, finds himself in a potential police...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Masterpieces

Film Masterpieces Directed by Daniel Roman Hidalgo Artist Armando Flores presents a stunning museum-quality replica, showcasing the culmination of a lifetime of skill and craftsmanship.
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Min

Film Min Directed by Soo Jin Jeong Set during the 1990s Korean IMF economic crisis, Min, a 6-year-old girl seeks to be loved through her...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

More Than Brothers

Film More Than Brothers Directed by Andrea von Siebenthal Following the retreat of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban is now hunting down and killing...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Shorts Competition

Mr. Troy

Film Mr. Troy Directed by Ken Gregory Mr. Troy is a Documentary chronicling Troy D. Brown’s extraordinary career as a world-renowned ballet dancer who overcame...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

My Father’s Name

Film My Father’s Name Directed by Susanna Styron When Lee Ed Frazier’s daughter, Jan, makes a shocking discovery about her father years after his death, she...
Fine Arts Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

My Missing Screw

Film My Missing Screw Directed by Nitsan Bar Tal In 1996, after a suicide attempt and recovery Raffael begins creating a symbolic 10-foot screw. As he recovers,...
Shorts Competition

Neither Donkey Nor Horse

Film Neither Donkey Nor Horse Directed by Robin Wang Amidst the outbreak of the 1910 Manchurian Plague, a young Chinese doctor must defy prejudices of both the...
Shorts Competition

Night Moves

Film Night Moves Directed by Michael Blair On an a winter night in Queens, two strangers meet outside a pupusa restaurant. Slowly, the sounds and...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

Obsesión: My Song

Film Obsesión: My Song Directed by Catherine Murphy The Short Documentary explores Hip Hop Duo Obsesión, pioneers of Havana’s 1990s Hip Hop scene who used their...
American Indie Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

On My Way to Where

Film On My Way to Where Directed by Dianna Dilworth, Julia Greenberg On My Way to Where: A Documentary about Dory Previn, an influential 1970s cult singer-songwriter who famously goes...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Onward Ye Costumed Souls

Film Onward Ye Costumed Souls Directed by Patrick Smith Thy back shall be broken, thy soul shall be enslaved, and thou shall assume, nay inherit, the role...
American Indie Spotlight, New Filmmakers Forum

Paper Marriage

Film Paper Marriage Directed by Jeff Man Produced by the Duplass Brothers, Fanny, a Chinese immigrant, pays Jeff to be her fake husband in a...
Shorts Competition

Plantasy

Film Plantasy Directed by Peyton Tenison An agoraphobic half-plant half-woman is thrust into a nightmarish reality when her water supply is suddenly shut off....
American Indie Spotlight, Fine Arts Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Porcelain War

Film Porcelain War Directed by Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev Under roaring fighter jets and missile strikes, Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey stay behind to fight, grappling...
Cinema for Students Programs, Shorts Competition

Practice Space

Film Practice Space Directed by Dan Perlman Close friends Edwin and Steven advise each other on dating and drama — based on zero experience —...
American Indie Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Quarter

Film Quarter Directed by Arnon Manor, Kelsey Bascom Quarter follows Kelly, a young woman living with Type 1 diabetes, who’s about to turn 25, as she...
American Indie Spotlight, Women in Film Spotlight

Queen of the Ring

Film Queen of the Ring Directed by Ash Avildsen Queen of the Ring tells the true story of the first female athlete to earn a million dollars,...
Shorts Competition

Re-Entry

Film Re-Entry Directed by Ariel Mahler When a trans-scientist rediscovers a lost satellite from her former life as a NASA engineer, she’s forced to...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Remember Us

Film Remember Us Directed by Pablo Leon A journalist documents the experiences of those who lived through the 12-year Salvadoran Civil War, exploring childhood loss,...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Remento

Film Remento Directed by David Shane, Thaddeus McCants A passive activist with selective memory stumbles through a week of social justice, repeatedly concluding that Black Lives...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Ripple

Film Ripple Directed by Michael McCourt Rae Ripple, a welder from the outskirts of West Texas, transforms neglected metal into works of art and...
Cinema for Students Programs, Free Films, Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Rising Hope

Film Rising Hope Directed by Theo Avgerinos In this cinematic portrait of the forgotten Mississippi Delta, inspired citizens share vibrant testimonies of hope in the...
Shorts Competition

River of Grass

Film River of Grass Directed by Derek Magyar A young soldier returns home from Vietnam seeking a fresh start with his family. His efforts to prove...
American Indie Spotlight

Saturn

Film Saturn Directed by Eric Esau When a strange planet appears in the sky over a picturesque seaside town, James, one of the town’s...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Schrödinger’s Brother

Film Schrödinger’s Brother Directed by Elizabeth Perla “Schrödinger’s Brother” is a dark comedy about a young woman who must call 911 for help because she...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Shari & Lamb Chop

Film Shari & Lamb Chop Directed by Lisa D'Apolito Shari & Lamb Chop tells the inspiring story of Shari Lewis, a multi-talented woman who, despite being underestimated...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

She Marches in Chinatown

Film She Marches in Chinatown Directed by Della Chen She Marches in Chinatown is an inspiring story of the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, founded in...
American Indie Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Single Car Crashes

Film Single Car Crashes Directed by Brittani Ward Due to a devastating car crash that took his best friend life, Sean, a one-time promising baseball recruit,...
Human Rights Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Sixteen

Film Sixteen Directed by Naomi Iwamoto When a Japanese American teenage girl is faced with the reality of being sent to conversion therapy, she...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

So, That Happened

Film So, That Happened Directed by Neha Aziz Sheila and Imran haven’t seen each other since college, but when Imran moves back to Austin, an opportunity...
Fine Arts Spotlight, Free Films, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Songs from the Hole

Film Songs from the Hole Directed by Contessa Gayles This Documentary tells the story of a 15 year old musician who took a life and then lost...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Space Coast

Film Space Coast Directed by Justin Barber People from around the world gather on the Space Coast to witness the launch of Artemis-1, the ‘World’s...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Stalled In Eight Etudes

Film Stalled In Eight Etudes Directed by Kersti Bryan Eight lives intersect in a municipal courthouse bathroom and find a surprising humanity.
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Stone Dead

Film Stone Dead Directed by Freddie Gluck Stone Dead explores the life of Rex, a reclusive marble sculptor in a small Colorado town, who lives...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Show-Me Cinema

Stone Feather

Film Stone Feather Directed by Justin Henley, Ose Enaholo An underground music collective, known for their electric performances in St. Louis, MO, has to find the courage...
American Indie Spotlight, Show-Me Cinema

Sugarhouse

Film Sugarhouse Directed by Frederick C. Jones, Shirlee A. Wilson Abandoned at the sugarhouse by her outlaw father, Maisie, a sweet-natured teenager, tries to hold the family together,...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Superman Doesn’t Steal

Film Superman Doesn’t Steal Directed by Tamika Lamison Based on true events and set during the 1970’s Atlanta child murders, “Superman Doesn’t Steal” introduces Harriet and...
Shorts Competition

Taha

Film Taha Directed by Mahyar Mandegar In a rundown Iranian circus in LA, 70-year-old groundskeeper decides to participate in the show in order to...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Tahnaanooku’

Film Tahnaanooku’ Directed by Justin Deegan An artistic and emotional celebration of the environmental activism of Darlin Deegan and her efforts to protect the...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Ten Times Better

Film Ten Times Better Directed by Jennifer Rita Lin Driven by his refugee mother to excel in white America, George Lee, an 88-year-old blackjack dealer in Vegas,...
Animation Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Tennis, Oranges

Film Tennis, Oranges Directed by Sean Pecknold A robotic vacuum suffering from burnout quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

The Action Man

Film The Action Man Directed by Eros Zhao A window into the life and work of piano technician Franco Skilan as he completes the restoration of...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition

The Callers

Film The Callers Directed by Lindsey Dryden “The Callers” blends anonymous Documentary testimony with creative scenes to capture the experiences of those who have reached...
American Indie Spotlight, Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The Calling

Film The Calling Directed by Asako Gladsjo “The Calling” tracks a diverse group of medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

The Candy Lady

Film The Candy Lady Directed by Monique Morton Derouselle A neighborhood candy lady’s normal day goes awry when she awakens an antique magical typewriter that brings her...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

The Cinema Within

Film The Cinema Within Directed by Chad Freidrichs Have years of cinematic viewing led us to internalize the unnatural jumps between viewpoints crafted by film editors,...
Cinema for Students Programs, Free Films, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Women in Film Spotlight

The Debutantes

Film The Debutantes Directed by Contessa Gayles How does one come out into society in a way that honors and fosters a development of one’s...
Shorts Competition

The First Time

Film The First Time Directed by Michael Chi Peer A modern couple comes to an uncomfortable crossroad in their relationship, and it doesn’t smell good.
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

The Lift

Film The Lift Directed by Laura Maccabee Following the loss of his husband, a grief-stricken retiree finds renewed connection with a mysterious young woman who’s...
American Indie Spotlight, Women in Film Spotlight

The Loved & Lost

Film The Loved & Lost Directed by Anna Thalman Becca and Cal, two parents lost in the struggles of their dried-up careers, search for meaning while managing...
American Indie Spotlight, Free Films, Human Ties

The Midway Point

Film The Midway Point Directed by Lucca Vieira Jake, a high schooler on the autism spectrum feels disillusioned with the world until he meets Alice who...
Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

The Mourning Of

Film The Mourning Of Directed by Merced Elizondo Maribel has been mourning the tragic loss of her mother in the most peculiar way imaginable— by secretly...
Free Films, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

The People’s Way

Film The People’s Way Directed by Ashley Tyner, William Taft Tyner Grappling with the impact of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, three community organizers, Jeanelle Austin, Toshira Garraway, and...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, QFest LGBTQ Spotlight, Shorts Competition

The Queen Vs. Texas

Film The Queen Vs. Texas Directed by Emil Lozada, Raemonn James In the fight for social justice and freedom of artistic expression, a drag queen makes sure Texas clearly...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

The Solace Of Sisterhood

Film The Solace Of Sisterhood Directed by Anna Andersen, Geneva Peschka The Solace of Sisterhood follows the Caramel Curves, an all-Black female biker crew in New Orleans as they...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

The Soldier & The Butterfly

Film The Soldier & The Butterfly Directed by Stefano Da Frè The Soldier & The Butterfly is a poignant tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of Japanese...
Shorts Competition

The Sound of Walking

Film The Sound of Walking Directed by Sche-Hao Wang A gay son is unexpectedly visited by his blind father while in the company of his boyfriend, a...
Shorts Competition

The Stardust Motel

Film The Stardust Motel Directed by Ori Ben-Shahar The Stardust Motel follows Delle Barker, a junior reporter determined to prove herself in the cutthroat industry of...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

The Strike

Film The Strike Directed by JoeBill Muñoz, Lucas Guilkey The Strike is a Feature Documentary that tells the story of a generation of California men who endured...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

The Test

Film The Test Directed by Claudia Myers, Laura Waters Hinson With dreams of becoming an American citizen to provide a better life for his family he hasn’t seen...
American Indie Spotlight

To Die Alone

Film To Die Alone Directed by Austin Smagalski After suffering a terrible injury while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must find a way to escape...
Shorts Competition

To End All Spells

Film To End All Spells Directed by Nana Kwabena, Zak Cedarholm Amidst her village’s near extinction, a desert warrior fights to protect the sacred Palve fruit, which connects the...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition, Spanish-Language Focus

Toros Bravos: Julián Cartas

Film Toros Bravos: Julián Cartas Directed by Jack LaCalle Set in central Mexico, “Toros Bravos: Julián Cartas” tells the story of a retired matador and showcases the...
Shorts Competition, Women in Film Spotlight

Two Breaths

Film Two Breaths Directed by Kateryna Kurganska After a man-made disaster decimates an evergreen island, a stranded 11-year-old girl must first survive and then find...
Environmental Focus, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, SLIFF/Kids Family Films, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Unearth

Film Unearth Directed by John Hunter Nolan After decades of battling to protect their homeland from North America’s largest open-pit copper mine, Yu’pik Alaskan sisters...
Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema

Us + One

Film Us + One Directed by Andy Compton Things get weird for a lonely single when he unknowingly swipes right on a married couple’s attempt to...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Voices

Film Voices Directed by Randy Field Sparked by the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade, residents of Rossmoor, a senior living...
Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

We Ride For Her

Film We Ride For Her Directed by Katrina Lillian Sorrentino, Prairie Rose Seminole A group of Indigenous women motorcyclists rides to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous...
Fine Arts Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight

Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea

Film Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea Directed by Leslie Buchbinder The Movie Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea is a documentary about...
American Indie Spotlight, New Filmmakers Forum, Women in Film Spotlight

Where in the Hell

Film Where in the Hell Directed by Laramie Dennis When her girlfriend vanishes mid-road trip, sardonic prop master Kasey ends up stranded in a California backwater. She...
Cinema for Students Programs, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Where Is My Water Bottle

Film Where Is My Water Bottle Directed by Anxin Chen Hengheng can not find his water bottle and refuses to drink.
Human Rights Spotlight, Shorts Competition

Where the Bullets Go

Film Where the Bullets Go Directed by Cody Duncum When a young boy shoots at a bird and misses, he embarks on a search to find where...
Human Rights Spotlight, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, Race in America

White With Fear

Film White With Fear Directed by Andrew Goldberg An explosive deep dive into the cynical, decades-long strategy of Republican politicians and conservative media to exploit America’s...
Shorts Competition

With Love, Charlie.

Film With Love, Charlie. Directed by Jaren Hayman Two families from across the globe find their lives forever changed due to a fateful encounter on the...
Cinema for Students Programs, Free Films, Human Rights Spotlight, Human Ties, Leon & Mary Strauss Documentary Spotlight, SLIFF/Kids Family Films, Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Competition

Without Arrows

Film Without Arrows Directed by Elizabeth Day, Jonathan Olshefski Filmed over the course of thirteen years (2011-2023) Without Arros tells the story of Delwin Fiddler Jr.’s return...
Shorts Competition, Show-Me Cinema

Your Last Wishes

Film Your Last Wishes Directed by Mason Beck Following the death of his best friend, Sammy must take their last words to heart and complete the...