January 22-26, 2025
Join us for a unique film experience during our Virtual Event from January 22nd to 26th, 2025.
Each session explores a different theme, showcasing outstanding short films.
From heartfelt stories and thought-provoking narratives to thrilling adventures.
Thanks for being a part of Hollywood ShortsFest, where the magic of short films come to life.
A captivating collection of debut films showcasing emerging voices in cinema. From heartwarming family dynamics and personal battles to daring tales of escape and survival, these first-time filmmakers bring fresh perspectives and unforgettable storytelling to the screen.
Inspired by the life of my grandmother, Chicken Bones is the story of a bitter Italian crone from New Orleans (Rita Katerina) hanging to life by a pure thread of spite as she spends the evening in assisted living, hunting down a forbidden cigarette as a hurricane approaches. Rita navigates the obstacles of her own memory as much as the hurdles surrounding her: fights with other “inmates” (as she calls them) over her offensive poodle, run-ins with angry old men who hold her in debt, and the watchful eyes of caregivers trying to manage the chaos – meanwhile, the storm blows in faces from her past and a chance to escape.
When an environmental activist threatens his life for the planet, help comes from a most unexpected place.
Cynthia and Ruby Daley, an eclectic mother-daughter duo, work in tandem to recruit new members for their self founded cult, The Nine. Their mission is to save the city of New Orleans from evil by worshipping the Kennedy’s and adhering to a specific playbook Cynthia created to honor The America from her past.
A workaholic dad joins his basketball-obsessed daughter at the park. They discover the court is a physical impossibility when every shot – no matter how ridiculous – goes in.
After running around the city all day, Mandy finally realizes something just a little too late.
When a struggling young painter’s tormented relationship with ketamine threatens to consume her, she must confront the ultimate battle within herself.
An early morning phone call propels a mother and daughter on a path toward connection and the mysteries held in the act of letting go.
Yussef, a Lebanese migrant, is forced to work at the petrol station on the night of his daughter’s piano recital. As he tries to listen to her play over the phone a group of aggressive boys pull up and insist he pump their tyres, he does so uneasily. But as her music drowns out the violence of the world he becomes distracted…
Makoto is a high school girl who loves science fiction and has had a rich imagination since she was a child, although her grades are poor. Her dream is to design a robot in the future, but she failed the mock exam. One day, she meets Shinichi, a young man from the future. According to Shinichi, the only way to save the dystopian future is for Makoto to go to college and complete a blueprint for a battle robot. Will Makoto be able to pass the entrance exam? And will they be able to save the future?
2 men are waiting for someone or something important in a desolate landscape. 2 mannen wachten in een desolaat landschap op iets of iemand belangrijk.
A surprise birthday party spirals into paranoid chaos, as the birthday girl questions whether her friends know her secret, or just secretly hate her.
Sibiu, 1960. The two young friends Anna and Eva-Maria want to spend a wonderful summer during the communist period in Romania, when they meet the charismatic Octavian and their friendship shifts.
Trapped in a suffocating marriage, a young woman’s desperate escape is derailed by a co-dependent handyman, plunging her into a dizzying battle for her freedom.
In the claustrophobic world of Ferndale Sixth Form, reputation is EVERYTHING. Katie Harper’s strategic sending of a nude photo backfires when the photo goes viral, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of identity and privacy in the digital age.
As the boys run for the beach, the “3rd-wheeler” KRYLLE tries his best to catch up with the bigger boys. Always the outsider and the first to be punished in their cruel competitions, he looks for an opportunity to turn the tide. In the cold sea, grasping for a moment to demonstrate his commitment and adequacy, he suggests a competition to see who can hold their breath the longest. And he refuses to lose this one.
Two divorced parents reopen the old wounds of their failed marriage and navigate through their son’s increasingly distant behavior.
When a European art collector is given a private viewing of the British Museum’s ‘special collections’, suspicions are raised when he takes a special interest in one particular object. But after hearing a re-telling of the infamous object’s discovery the collector forces the curator into internal conflict when he tries to acquire it for himself.
The main character of the film is the mother, since she is forced to sit everyday by the window to wait for her only son, because of the current situation in the 48 Palestinian community and the raise of violence rate. Despite that the mother is doing nothing but waiting for her son, still, she is worried and fear is taking over her, she is scared that in any moment someone will come to her with bad news about her son. Everything can happen here and now, the mother is again sitting next to the window, and patiently waits for her son, without interfering in anything that is taking place in the ally, and only at dawn when the son is back the mother calms down.
A powerful selection of student films exploring profound personal journeys, from grief and identity struggles to complex family ties and emotional healing. These bold voices offer thought-provoking narratives that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply.
Luna has a dream about her best friend Marysol whom she has been in love with for a long time. Even though Luna got rejected once before when she first confessed her feelings to Marysol, they managed to remain friends. In her therapy session, Luna describes to her therapist her complicated relationship with Marysol and her heartbreaking, even demoralizing view of love.
This is a story with an allegorical nature. Limu is a young man who is unemployed at home after graduation. He has fantasies and expectations about life, but the reality is not as he wishes. In the small apartment room, an unknown odor has been bothering him all the time. He tried to talk with his friend and the cat owner, hoping someone could lend him a hand. But reality was far from being as smooth as he had imagined.
Kemal is a Middle Eastern immigrant with a history of green card rejections. When faced with deportation, he vomits an alien substance.
When two estranged siblings, Ashley and Jordan, discover their famous father’s favorite shirt he took his own life in, they must decide whether to sell the blood stained shirt to the highest bidder on eBay to pay Jordan’s back rent, or honor their father’s memory by burying him in it, forcing them to confront the painful truths about their family’s past.
A dermatologist who chose to volunteer to work in the Covid unit during the Madrid lockdown, isolates herself from her family to keep them safe and leans onto her faith as she witnesses the threat of the pandemic during an exhausting day fighting the virus.
When a 9-year-old Diana needs a mother for Parent’s Day, she turns to Kitty, a stripper she’s never met before.
Faced with a pending divorced and a disillusioned daughter, Rita must brave the cold of a Virginia winter and confront what she fears she has become.
A lyrical portrait of Nikyle Begay, a non-binary shepherd and weaver; working to preserve their way of life through the traditional art of weaving.
Some decisions can’t be.
CONTENT WARNING: This film contains a graphic depiction of suicide. Please do not watch if you feel unsafe doing so in this moment. Your safety is important.
As his dead son’s birthday approaches, an artist in grief decides to take desperate measures.
This short film follows a subject through this revolutionary program or… de-programming. A film in three parts, through three therapy sessions and three core memories. We address each damaging narrative forced upon us as a collective and through radical honesty, we come to a reckoning.
A dynamic showcase of student films from around the globe, exploring identity, societal pressures, and personal discovery. These powerful stories reveal the unique perspectives and creative courage of a new generation of filmmakers pushing boundaries and redefining cinema.
Esmée is a student of journalism, feminism and activism. Her discourse is offensive. She doesn’t hesitate to provoke others to make herself heard. As part of her training, she and her friend Louise produce a report on the notion of consent in the male/female relationship. Despite her misgivings, Esmée is forced to work with Oscar, a new student who has just arrived. Through their heated exchanges and in-depth work, a constructive dialogue is born. What if words, laughter and love were the real allies in this new era?
Finding an apartment in Tel Aviv is never easy, especially on Memorial Day. Nevertheless, Yael has no other choice but to leave her home.
An eerie encounter with a strange human creature in the forest brutally tears a lonely young man from his monotonous everyday life and begins a journey that pushes him beyond the limits of his mental and physical endurance.
While visiting New York from Egypt, Mark, a 32-year-old Christian Orthodox, decides to lose his virginity, confronting all the cultural and religious restrictions that formed his character. After an unsuccessful blind date, Mark is convinced by his friends to look for something other than a soul mate. Their solution? A sex worker. Eventually, Mark decides to go. Knowing that it will be his first time, Mark decides to use a pill to prevent premature ejaculation. En route to the brothel in a taxi, Mark meets a very conservative Egyptian-Muslim Driver. Feeling the judgment of an omniscient power (and the Driver) Mark suffers a heart attack. The taxi driver freaks out, and takes action to help Mark recover from the incident. Mark insists that the driver continue to his destination. Once they arrive, the Driver realizes it’s a brothel and leaves in disgust. Mark, surrounded by women, could care less about the Driver’s leaving. But, at the climactic moment of his first encounter, Mark’s heart stops beating.
Emilia, a young woman eager for independence, is uncertainly completing her university thesis. Her feeling of stagnation leads her to seek an escape, promising herself that she can take responsibility for her future by finally obtaining her driver’s license.
An aspiring young actress returns home after a failure; the unexpected return destabilizes her mother, still shaken by the loss of her husband.
Sally Abed is a social activist in the ‘Standing Together’ movement, that advocates for peace, equality and social justice. Sally identifies herself as a Palestinian and struggles for the legitimacy of the Palestinian identity. Her family wishes Sally would have kept a lower profile, yet, Sally can’t do that. The search for belonging leads her to move from Jaffa to Haifa and continue to fight for the principles she believes in.
Bobby’s tales of hunting game on the plains of Tanzania inspire a sinister side in her mollycoddled co-worker Lucas.
A facility for juvenile offenders in the middle of the Black Forest. Physical labor, uncompromising structure, circuit training and hierarchy. The disciplined inmate Jurek feels his status threatened by the arrival of the novice Sascha and finds himself caught in a delicate tension between fascinating attraction, suppressed aggression and rediscovered tenderness.
As his body starts to grow, Louis, a 13-year-old choir boy, notices a change in his relationship with his mother, Marie.
Eleven-year-old Tony dreams of becoming a pilot, but he is afraid of heights. Tony argues with a friend that he can jump off the parachute tower, but the jump is not meant to take place. The thought “Am I a coward?” does not leave Tony, and he decides to test himself at any cost.
Luis, a child of a lower income family In Panama city during their impedimentary water crisis, wants to believe there Is hope for a brighter future after hearing the Legend of an ancient spirit that could bring nourishment to the people of a struggling community as long as they believe.
“El Alma de La Sed” Is a student narrative short film that sheds light on the struggles that many people In the lower Income communities of Panama are currently facing, regarding a lack of access to drinkable and clean water. The film follows Luis, a young boy from one of these communities as he sets out to go find water for his family after hearing the story of an ancient spirit who once lead early Panamanians to nourishment, as long as they believed. The film unfolds from the perspective of children to symbolize the power of hope, and how progression occurs when we have faith that we as Individuals can create change.
Places We Knew is a poignant family drama that follows a young Japanese American as he returns to his childhood home in Japan, where he reunites with his estranged mother, uncle, and grandmother. Upon arrival, he discovers that his beloved grandmother has recently passed away. As he navigates the challenges of reconnecting with his family and adjusting to the changes in his former home, he faces a difficult decision: cling to cherished memories or confront the painful reality.
The story follows Kang, who adopts the unconventional disguise of cross-dressing to accompany his boyfriend Du on a visit to Du’s grandmother’s home.
Two sisters relive a traumatic event one of them experienced that night. In a joint attempt to process and dismantle the life changing event, they translate the pain through their bodies
In a school where everyone’s metamorphosis is conducted in the same manner, Jeong-been is a model student who is soon to undergo his own metamorphosis. However, one day, he witnesses Seong-ho, a friend of his, undergoing metamorphosis in a different way not prescribed by the school. This leads Jeong-been to start questioning the system he is a part of.
A captivating collection of student animated shorts where imagination meets emotion. These films explore personal struggles, whimsical adventures, and cultural reflections through diverse animation styles, each bringing unique worlds to life with creativity and heart.
After losing their job, an amusement park mascot actor struggles to cope with their current reality.
A sleep deprived artist struggles to stay awake on their mundane subway commute. It’s only a matter of time before they find themselves trapped in a surreal dream where their imagination starts to bleed into reality.
Make Money is a three-minute 2D short animation. The story revolves around a family of three living on a grassland. The playful young boy discovers accidentally that pulling up weeds causes them to transform into various objects. Unaware of his actions, he eventually pulls up all the grass on the entire plain. As a consequence, everything familiar from the past is gone, leaving a changed landscape and circumstances.
The rapid changes in modern society have greatly changed human lives and changed the way people get along with each other, with the change of social atmosphere, the social value of “suppressing emotions” has gradually extended, so that we must hide our true feelings in daily life, and over time we are accustomed to ignoring; avoiding and suppressing these feelings, and these repressed emotions slowly accumulate little by little, and then transform into invisible pressure. This makes our minds sick, makes it easy to deny the value of our own existence, affects the functioning of our own lives, and may also indirectly harm people in close relationships. Therefore, finding a window that can release negative emotions, finding out the root cause of problems that cause emotions, and learning how to face and accept negative self are topics that modern people need to face., because sometimes the last thing we want to admit and hate the most, there is nothing else,but ourselves.
In the bustling noise of Shanghai, Longchang Apartment, a century-old building, seems like a haven from time. A father experiences a peaceful slow life here, where neighbors live in harmony. His son, on the other hand, is caught up in the fast pace of the city day after day. Their lives, are parallel yet starkly different…
The struggle of a creature who is stuck in a room- and every day wakes up to make a new face. They find themselves running out of time, and space to do their work.
One sunny morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, Beth and her younger sister Liz become fierce rivals in their race to the bathroom. Beth regrets unintentionally hurting her little sister during the scuffle, and they both realize how much they care about each other. This short film embraces the charm of 2D animation, paying homage to the classic styles of Saturday morning cartoons. At its core, My Turn! is about the childhood experiences of director Isabelle Tumboimbela growing up with her younger sister. This film hopes to provide Southeast Asian representation to the animation medium. Produced in San Jose, California, USA at San Jose State University in association with the Shrunkenheadman Club
A shy and naive guy enters an old and crusty furniture store, oblivious of the sinister and creepy saleswoman. As all the couches have different flaws, he fails to find the perfect fit. After many tries, the lady points him towards a suspicious back room where he finally finds his perfect match. As he lays down comfortably on the couch he ends up being swallowed by it.
An evil pug wizard has a difficult time opening his treasure from his plunders. Will he ever get to see what’s inside of the chest?
It’s a story about a drunk father remembering the first time he killed a wild boar. This is a coming-of-age story and a mixed media animation to show people the disappeared hunter culture in Northeast China. The animation achieves a fantasy visual effect of reproducing memories by constantly switching between real shooting and hand-drawn pictures. The story climazes through three shots, which hint at killing the boar, confronting the death of his father and saying goodbye to his childhood self.This is a multi-media fusion attempt.
Troubled by the death of her brother, a young girl and her best friend run away from their convent school for an afternoon. After burying a dead bird, the young girl realizes she must look inward for the will and the courage to carry on.
Pinpin, a small tinkerer made of found objects, and Matilda, an origami yellow-billed magpie, reside in a backyard full of abandoned items. One day, an alluring bottle cap flips over the fence and into their yard. The tenacious tinkerer and the mischievous magpie both decide they must have it for themselves, initiating a rivalry where they test their limits for the treasure they have desperately searched for.
A vibrant showcase of animated storytelling that delves into heartfelt connections, surreal experiences, and cultural discoveries. From magical friendships to personal reflections, these films use animation’s limitless potential to explore life’s complexities with creativity and emotion.
Only one person leaves me voicemails… Voicemails From My Dad is an animated compilation of phone messages I’ve collected over the years from — you guessed it — my dad.
Cuisine Dream is a one and half minute short 3D animated film that follows a potato who is about to get cooked. During the potato’s journey it starts to experience a psychedelic trip whenever the chef adds different seasonings into the beef soup. Join the potato’s fantastical trip!
For the past three months, Candice has been exploding every day. Sometimes even 2 or 3 times a day. Her record is seven times. She currently has 192 explosions.
The EKSPATS is an animated clash of cultures comedy TV series of an all-American family that relocates to Nigeria. Bill Diamond, an earnest, unappreciated, down in the dumps business consultant is given a career-saving opportunity that forces him and his sheltered, all-American family to relocate to Nigeria. We join them on their journey as their minds and hearts open to the people, the culture, and the privileged family of the tycoon, Solomon Babatunde, who hired Bill’s firm. Later, he elevates Bill’s assignment to recommend a successor for the Babatunde family business empire.
Holly, a 10-year-old girl, wakes up one Christmas morning and, feeling disappointed after receiving a pet rock as a present, decides to build a dog out of snow. To her surprise, the snow dog comes to life, and Holly names him Snowbert. She spends the morning playing joyfully with her magical companion. However, as Snowbert grows larger, Holly realizes the responsibility of caring for a dog, especially as he begins causing chaos in the neighborhood. Eventually, she learns her lesson and manages to destroy Snowbert before anyone notices all the damage that he caused to the neighborhood.
Chemical sludge is spilling into the lake. For the city councillor responsible, it’s just a big nuisance. For the wildlife, it’s a catastrophe. One turtle, in her desperate hour, summons up the courage to leave her home and speak truth to power. Turns out there’s more at stake than just the lake.
A powerful collection of narrative films exploring the depths of human experience—love, loss, identity, and personal struggles. Each story reveals emotional truths through complex characters and compelling storytelling, inviting viewers into worlds both intimate and profound.
What We Got Wrong is the story of two estranged childhood friends who receive news that their other childhood friend has died. They are forced to spend 24 hours together to travel to the funeral. Old wounds are re-opened and they do their best to navigate their way through grief.
At 16, Molly, born and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) cult, makes a chilling discovery through her ability to astral project, leading to a life-altering event.
When a touring musician receives news that her rapist committed suicide, her bandmate’s reaction fractures the evening and her future.
Fred and Linda go through a seismic transition as they settle their final wills.
A legendary acting teacher’s relentless pursuit of perfection pushes an overly eager student into the dark depths of his own psyche. As the student becomes engulfed in a masochistic and obsessive acting ‘method’, the lines between reality and performance blur. Soon, the series of events takes a criminal turn, leaving the audience questioning… Where does the act end and reality begin?
The film follows a young woman, named Ruby, who struggles with anxiety while living and working out of a motel. She desperately wants to make a human connection, but people around her check in to check out. Ruby uses a guide she wrote that helps her get through anxious moments.
Local rocker Velma Major gets some unexpected news that forces her to reconsider the future of her career, her closest relationships, and her only creative output.
Policy is a dystopian drama set in a future where crime has spiraled out of control. The story follows Erica, who, despite her aversion to guns, faces a difficult decision after her husband’s tragic death due to gun violence. Mr. Keller, the owner of “Keller Guns,” pays a visit to Erica, attempting to persuade her to purchase a firearm. Things become more complex when Erica hears a troubling rumor about her neighbor, Mr. Jackson. She must grapple with her inner conflict and decide whether to embrace this grim reality
After falling for his client, a seemingly straightforward in-home massage takes an unsettling turn.
A contemporary homage to Charlie Chaplin’s ‘City Lights’. Shot in the very streets of Lambeth where Chaplin grew up. Starring BAFTA-listed Harry Macqueen (‘Supernova’, ‘Me and Orson Welles’), Bill Fellows (‘Lady Macbeth’, ‘Ted Lasso’) and Imogen Morris. Music by Ivor Novello Awards-nominee Lorenzo Piggici and by Keaton Henson. Edit by Andy Phillips at the Chop House, Sound Design by Guy Chase at Vice, Grade by Thomas Mangham at The Mill. Photographed by Isaac Eastgate. Produced by Davo McConville at Park Village. Written and directed by Luca Bertoluzzi.
In “Eight,” our protagonist, Thomas discovers the painful truth about a deep betrayal by his once-trusted friend. Tortured by anger and fueled by a desire for retribution, Thomas is presented with a life-altering choice: to either spare his once friend’s life or succumb to the darkness within him and take matters into his own hands.
Romance is sparked when a woman encounters a handsome man in her hotel lobby in this hypnotic ghost story about longing and desire….
Desperate for money, a struggling actress is accepted into a lucrative beta program, fostering the AI-replicant of a seven-year old girl.
A lonely radio enthusiast in a midwest suburb becomes suspicious that a hispanic teenager is a response to his interstellar transmissions. Misperceptions turn to confrontation, when they are interrupted by a close encounter with an unexpected guest.
After receiving a dragon jade necklace from his Buddhist mother, young Andy spends the day with a devout Christian family, where he meets a fiery Christian pastor who convinces him that his jade is a devil’s totem. Conflicted and terrified, Andy returns home to his wary mother, who goes ballistic upon learning the news and returns to the pastor the following day to demand an apology—forcing Andy to navigate the complex terrain of stubborn adults and religious debate to figure out his own truth.
A diverse collection of international films exploring personal struggles, relationships, and societal challenges. These narratives transcend cultural boundaries, offering a unique lens on universal themes such as identity, love, loss, and the human condition. Each story invites viewers to step into the lives of characters navigating complex emotional landscapes across different corners of the world.
The year is 2030 and the UN:s climate deadline approaches. An imminent verdict looms large over the world. Meanwhile, Ivar and Mathilda are settling into their new, peaceful life in the countryside. Leaving the big city behind, they seek to learn more about becoming self-sustainable. Gertrud and her husband, Adam, arrive to celebrate the newcomers. But when discussing the life that lies ahead, the mood shifts. Gertrud and Adam reveal how they’ve had to make a difficult decision. Ivar and Mathilda are left to grapple with new, challenging questions about their future. The next morning they wake up to a new reality. Have they truly been so naive? How will they move forward?
When the lively SOPHIE (11) – a healthy girl living in a hospital bed – meets the playful BUCK (9), she discovers the truth about her body and the suffocating lie her mother MARIA (43) forces her to live.
In a neat classroom, a distinguished principal dazzles the local TV crew with achievements that make her school the best in the entire district. Meanwhile, outside the camera’s frame, her students are executing their own take on “proper socialization”. In a society permeated by a cult of strength and neglect towards the weak, such school hall lessons are absorbed much faster than those printed in textbooks. Shaping adults that continue to propagate this philosophy to the world around them.
In a dystopian realm where consciousness is encased within neural implants, Logan, a solitary Decksdark, finds himself intertwined with an ethereal entity.
Daniel is an actor in a Mafia movie. He’s preparing to shoot the crucial scene of the film, the death of his father. His emotional preparation will immerse him in the memories of his childhood with his own father, and will have an impact on his life…
A middle-aged man on the verge of a burnout seeks new energy through a very special form of self help therapy.
The film tells the story of the little Jinling, who lives in the countryside in Guangdong China, with her grandmother and younger brother after her mother leaves for work in Hong Kong. Although Jinling’s mother appears only briefly in the film, her seems to “fill” Jinling’s world. Through the eyes of a child, the film explores themes of longing, loneliness, and growth with a delicate and realistic touch.
In his attempt to come out of the closet, Thiago falls into a superficially sweet heterosexual love story with Samia, sacrificing his true self. Samia, hidden behind conformity, also descends into grief, mourning Thiago’s unrequited love and the weight of her choices.
ADRIFT is a short film delving into the complexities of sexuality and societal expectations. Eva, a 44-year-old writer in a traditional family, experiences a profound shift when her daughter’s teacher, Solvej, sparks unexpected and rapidly shifting feelings within her. Fascinated and somewhat apprehensive about the intensity of her newfound attraction, Eva grapples with the whirlwind of emotions as she navigates this uncharted territory. Through intimate character exploration and poignant storytelling, ADRIFT invites viewers to reflect on identity, and the unpredictability of human connection.
Aleks has spent his life grappling with persistent mental health challenges and often opts for the path of least resistance when faced with adversity. The film opens with Aleks returning to his apartment after a robbery gone wrong, resulting in the shooting and death of two individuals. Witness Aleks’s struggle as he confronts the reality of the dire situation he has created for himself.
In a Malaysian seaside town, quiet and soft-spoken Penny reckons with grief after the death of her father pushes her mother into a silent space. Her yearning for affection leads her to a pair of brothers at school who are not what they seem. Penny is drawn into their chokehold, which no one can pull her out of, and she is left to choose between the boys or herself. This coming-of-age story explores grief and how far we are willing to go to escape it.
Filther is a love story centered around a man with a head shaped like a gas mask. With the world on the brink of nuclear war, he represents a new phase in evolution. In his solitude, he is searching for someone to share his life with before the world ends. A woman from a newly arrived circus might be his salvation. As one world ends, another begins.
A father picks up his son from prison in an attempt to reconnect with him. During the drive from the prison gate until the central bus station, the son discovers that his father has more faces than he could have ever imagined. Sonur er sóttur af föður sínum í fangelsi. Bíltúrinn aftur í bæinn varpar ljósi á samband þeirra og þegar þeir reyna að tengjast á ný er ekki allt sem sýnist.
An American man embarks on a journey to meet his mother, a legendary flamenco dancer whose fatal sleep disorder is deteriorating her mind and body to death.
Finding love in the Eternal City is tough, but for Clarissa it’s deadly.
Integrative community therapy was created in 1987 by Adalberto de Paula Barreto, a psychiatrist from the state of Ceará, Brazil. Since then it has spread, having a center in Piraquara, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba. It is a genuinely Brazilian practice: the community suffers and, through the diversity of its members, they find solutions to their problems.
A compelling lineup of dramatic films that delve into the depths of the human experience. From the chaos of groundbreaking inventions to the personal struggles of self-worth, these narratives capture the emotional turmoil and complex decisions faced by individuals. With themes ranging from trauma and identity to addiction and self-discovery, each story paints a raw, unflinching portrait of the human condition in a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming.
In the 1960s, a Korean boy (16), kidnapped and assaulted at a juvenile center on a remote island, must escape with his rival to survive.
A short film about an L.A. woman who struggles to find a job, a home, and a meal, only to go unseen for the help she really needs.
Three college students create a promising memory-altering device for their final project. But when they clash over the use of their ground-breaking invention, things quickly spiral out of control, resulting in tragic consequences.
A young man, shadowed by the ghost of his ex-girlfriend, spirals into the loss of the relationship.
Living in Fear is a poignant exploration of the human spirit amidst the shadows of prejudice and trauma, set against the backdrop of post-9/11 America.
Struggling to find his footing after coming off an international book tour, celebrated self-help guru Daniel Wolf returns home to an empty house. With his family snowed in hundreds of miles away and without his support systems in place, he does everything he can to keep himself from calling the one person who could relieve his anxieties, but also lead him down a rabbit hole. When estranged friend Freddie arrives on the scene, Daniel succumbs to the desperate need for reassurance, liberation and intimacy. As the two friends spiral into a drug-induced contemplation of the human condition, Daniel attempts to reconcile his body of work, the demand of his followers, and his unrelenting quest for enlightenment. Set within the world of the human potential movement, Daniel’s descent reveals the intricate web of mental health, addiction and celebrity culture. In this journey of self-discovery, Daniel must decide if he’s willing to lose everything and finally step into his most authentic self.
This documentary collection highlights individuals and communities breaking barriers. From the forest defenders of the Amazon to the refugee skaters in Ukraine, these films showcase resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice. Through powerful stories of empowerment, compassion, and collective action, this block reminds us of the strength found in shared purpose and the determination to make a difference in the world.
Our Grandparents Hunted Here is a short documentary film that follows the heroic stories of Indigenous forest defenders from the Brazilian Amazon. They have traded their bows and arrows for cameras and drones on their journey to expose forest crimes and protect the Amazon rainforest from transitioning into an open savannah.
The film focuses on the empowerment of female monastics and the innovation of gender roles in Vajrayana Buddhism. The film has two frameworks: an outer framework that focuses on rising status of Tibetan nuns in previously male dominated religious structures, and an inner framework that focuses on the inner state of the dancer. The film delves into how ancient rituals adapt in shifting political and cultural landscapes and how the roles of women evolve and develop in this framework.
Four journalists reveal the stories that propel them to amplify the voiceless, challenge the powerful, and answer the call to bear witness.
On a beach in southern Senegal, a group of fishermen lives together in a hut by the shore. Not owning their own pirogue, they are usually hired by the day. During a long period of bad weather, they can’t find work at sea. So, they have to get by doing small jobs on the shore, and above all find ways to kill time.
It’s story of one of the most extraordinary partnerships in sporting history, between the invincible miler and 1500m Rome Olympic champion Herb Elliott and his unorthodox but visionary coach Percy Cerutty, But it’s about much more than athletics. It’s about how to achieve a goal and what it takes to succeed in life.
Family Dinner tells the inspiring story of a group of friends in Portland, Oregon, who unite to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis. Motivated by the struggles they witness daily, they embark on a journey to create a beneficiary show, with all proceeds supporting Rosehaven, a day shelter that serves as a crucial lifeline for those in need. The documentary captures their efforts from the spark of an idea to the challenges of organizing the event, emphasizing how their passion catalyzes a larger community movement. As more people join in, the film highlights the essential role the community plays in turning this vision into reality, showing that collective action can lead to meaningful change. “Family Dinner” is more than a story of compassion and resilience—it’s a celebration of the power of community. The film demonstrates how, when people come together with a shared purpose, they can inspire a city to rebuild, renew, and restore hope for its most vulnerable members.
This documentary follows a group of young refugee skaters from Ukraine who have overcome adversity by finding brotherhood and creating a community.
The documentary explores the story of Atelier Giuditta Brozzetti, the last workshop in Umbria to preserve the tradition of Perugian tablecloths. To celebrate its hundredth year, it undertakes an ambitious project: to recreate the tablecloth depicted by Leonardo da Vinci in The Last Supper. This journey, which spans over two years, celebrates the spirit of the women who perpetuate this ancient art.
Since the precipitous retreat of the U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the subsequent power takeover by the Taliban, the Afghans who helped the Allies are being hunted down and killed. “More Than Brothers” portrays the personal sacrifices and political engagement of two Green Berets in a race against time to save the Afghans who kept them safe during their deployments as well as two of their Afghan allies whose lives have been completely uprooted since the chaotic withdrawal. This short documentary is a deeply mournful film that highlights the human cost of political decisions.
In the stirring documentary Chained Silence Speaks, we delve into the harrowing world of human trafficking, with a piercing focus on the heartrending tale of a child sold into this shadowy industry by his own parents. This film masterfully interweaves the potent dramatization of a stolen childhood with the raw, authentic narratives of individuals who have endured and survived the trafficking nightmare. Each frame of Chained Silence Speaks is meticulously crafted to not only educate but also to evoke a profound emotional response, compelling viewers to look beyond the surface of what they believe they know. The survivor interviews are a testament to the indomitable human spirit, serving as both a somber reminder and an inspiring beacon of hope.
A former figure skater joins the competitive world of adult figure skating and discovers that you are never too old to pursue your passions. The film documents Detroit adult figure skater Danielle Bakaric and her journey as she trains and works toward qualifying for the US Adult Figure Skating Championships at the US Midwest Figure Skating Sectionals competition in 2023.
“The Pop-Up Life: Los Angeles” follows local chefs as they navigate the ups and downs of operating a food pop-up. From Chicano soul BBQ to grilled lobsters over mesquite, take a peek into what it’s like to be a chef without a brick-and-mortar restaurant in LA.
A young woman, an 2024 Olympian, joins a night run in New York City with other Ukrainian girls before flying to Paris for the Olympic game. They focus on the run, talk about their new lives in the USA, and how they find hope and strength in new beginnings… it’s a DOC film about bravery and a brighter future.
A collection of films that explore the absurdity of life’s challenges through humor. From a freelancer desperate to impress a trendy agency to a funeral director unraveling an unexpected mystery, these comedies showcase a blend of quirky characters, surreal situations, and laugh-out-loud moments. The perfect reminder that even in the most bizarre of circumstances, laughter is often the best way to cope.
With spiralling debts and a partner at the end of her tether, Alex, a mid 40s freelancer, desperately needs some work. A golden opportunity at an absurdly trendy agency offers a way out. But he’s going to have to play their game if he wants to land the role.
After a funeral goes awry, funeral director Quinn Reid takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of a mystery no one asked him to solve.
When the boss at a small midtown Manhattan bank gives Arnold Johnson the wrong account number, Johnson’s life is upended by a seventy four million dollar mistake. It’s up to him to set things right, rekindle old flames, and navigate the surreal landscape in this major errand of a film. Newcomer Nicholas Hutchison writes and directs a comedic ensemble of New York’s finest. Starring: Ephraim Birney, Brad Oscar, Olivia Nikkanen, Ethan Dubin, Lin Tucci, and Constance Shulman Produced by: Ethan Labouisse, John Hardy, Grace Shi, and Cristobal de Losada
Black comedy following college girl Belle, who upon becoming pregnant in a pro-life state, must work with her roommates to have a self-induced miscarriage.
A rookie delivery driver encounters a nightmare customer during a bizarre delivery on their 2nd day of work.
A businessman’s battle with Artificial Intelligence.
This session weaves together horror, experimental cinema, and music video, where fear, self-reflection, and the power of sound intersect. From chilling encounters with the supernatural to the internal struggles of personal and environmental crises, these films explore the dark sides of the human experience. The music video “The Words” adds a layer of existential reflection, where communication is drowned out by modern noise. Prepare to journey through a collection of films that will leave you questioning the invisible forces that shape our world.
Jessica is the only Asian girl in her American suburb. While navigating cultural expectations and casual racism, she is stalked by a menacing shadow with a tragic past.
Sam’s period arrives just moments before an important visitor knocks at her door. Her frantic attempt to get ready derails into a blood soaked nightmare.
A knock at the door in the middle of the night and a warning from a faceless stranger set the stage for a young man’s fear-driven dilemma between shrugging off the dangers lurking outside or ignoring those from within.
Shortly after moving into a new apartment, an unnamed man referred to as The Resident, begins to hear frightening noises coming from the unit above his and decides to investigate, leading to frietening discoveries as to the nature of his identity and his own personal demons.
Weird things keep happening while Elise is alone, so when her husband, Derek, returns unexpectedly from a business trip to surprise her, it has the opposite effect. In fact, it only raises more questions to her mounting suspicions. Frustrations spill into a huge fight over Derek’s impending move to NYC, and they teeter on the cusp of major damage to their relationship. With their strong desire and trust in each other, they manage to calm the waters and realize that no matter the city, their ‘home’ is with each other. They’ll figure it out. Of course, it doesn’t mean that Elise was imagining things.
In 1850 The Fox sisters hold a seance for a wealthy couple who want to call on their deceased son’s spirit to give them closure. When the girls’ parlor tricks backfire, the audience begins to catch on.
A dancer struggles with her confinement.
The experimental short film FROM HERE follows the inner journey of the main character as he reflects on his impact on the climate crisis and his options for action. He feels the desire to get actively involved but doesn’t know where to start. The many suggestions and recommendations for engaging in climate issues overwhelms him. Additionally, his high expectations of himself hinder him from taking action. He finds relief when he realizes that many people share similar thoughts and concerns. This insight, that no one needs to be perfect in climate protection to make a difference, gives him new courage. The film highlights the importance of acting as a collective, using one’s voice, and starting the discourse to drive change forward.
The music video of Nieme Kino band was shot entirely underwater without any special effects, and is an artistic expression of reflection on the value of contemporary communication, in which empty chatter increasingly replaces the true meaning of spoken words. The underwater setting of the music video perfectly illustrates the theme of the song, in which words, although present, lose their original meaning, floating without purpose or meaning. It shows through unusual images how modern life, full of noise and incessant talking, gradually separates words from their true meaning, turning them into empty, mute sounds. The message of the song and the video is clear: it is better to be silent than to “blabla” without meaning.
SESSION 1 – THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES
SESSION 2 – AS GOOD AS IT GETS
SESSION 3 – BRAVEHEART
SESSION 4 – AMERICAN BEAUTY
SESSION 5 – SCREAM
SESSION 6 – TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
SESSION 7 – GOOD WILL HUNTING
SESSION 8 – STAND BY ME
BLOCK 1 – LOVE
BLOCK 2 – FREEDOM
BLOCK 3 – BEAUTY
BLOCK 4 – TRUTH
BLOCK 5 – FEAR
BLOCK 6 – TRUST
BLOCK 7 – ADRENALINE
BLOCK 1 – LOUDER & LOUDER
BLOCK 2 – RITES OF PASSAGE
BLOCK 3 – LAUGH, LAUGH, LAUGH
