Shorts 4: Documentary – In Motion
Synopsis
These short documentaries offer singular looks into lives that have been transformed by pivotal events. Featuring works by Mila Zhluktenko, Daniel Asadi Faezi, Sean Wang, Jon Siskel, Kevin Jerome Everson, Claudrena N. Harold, Arun Bhattarai, Francesca Scalisi, and Mark Olexa.
Displaced by war, Ukrainian children make a former military barrack their playground in waking up in silence (Germany, Ukraine). Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (U.S.) is a moving portrait of an elderly pair, their quirky rituals, and their strong sentiments for life. The community of Highland Park, Illinois, commemorates those who lost their lives in the Independence Day shooting of 2022 in Memorial (U.S.). In Accidental Athlete (U.S.), Paulette Jones Morant recounts her athletic journey at the University of Virginia in the 1970s. Mountain Man (Bhutan) chronicles Phuntsho Tshering and his annual sacred journey to the Himalayas to track the movement of the glaciers. The poetry of the passage of time is seen on the faces of the elderly and in the voices of a youth choir in A reflection (Switzerland).
Screenings & Events
Virtual Screening
This program will be available to stream from October 16 at 12:00pm CT to October 22 at 11:59pm CDT.
Sold Out/Rush Only? Learn when new tickets get released by signing up for our ticket availability email list!
Sponsors
Documentary Program Sponsors
Cynthia Stone Raskin
Shorts 5: Drama – Breaking Points
Synopsis
These powerful shorts reflect on life’s twists and turns, exploring what we do in moments of profound impact. Featuring works by Valeria Hofmann, Kasım Ördek, Anya Chirkova, Meran Ismailsoy, Jorge Cadena, and Morad Mostafa.
A gamer reveals the sexist harassment and threats she receives from online trolls and finds they infiltrate more than just her computer in the tense thriller AliEN0089 (Chile, Argentina). A young couple is brought to a breaking point when their lifestyle of stealing cars goes too far in Together, Alone (Turkey, France). An Iranian immigrant enlists his son’s help to negotiate with his landlord with both disastrous and humorous results in Baba (Canada). In Flores del otro Patio (Colombia, Switzerland), a group of queer activists in the north of Colombia uses fearless performance art and direct action to protest the region’s largest coal mine. In the aftermath of a violent incident, a 17-year-old must do all he can to protect his family before it’s too late in the stunning and impactful I Promise You Paradise (Egypt, France, Qatar).
Screenings & Events
Virtual Screening
This program will be available to stream from October 16 at 12:00pm CT to October 22 at 11:59pm CDT.
Sold Out/Rush Only? Learn when new tickets get released by signing up for our ticket availability email list!
Sponsors
Film Supporters
Shorts 3: After Dark – Twisted Tales & Shadows of Innocence
Synopsis
These tense and terrifying shorts reflect how everyday life can turn into horror. Featuring works by Joséphine Darcy Hopkins, Olivia Loccisano, Stephanie Izsak, Kristine Gerolaga, Daphne Gardner, and Michael Gabriele.
Sweet Tooth (France) follows a game among children that grows increasingly out of control. After having her first period, a young girl goes through an unexpected transformation in First Blood (Canada). A teen girl discovers a new way to keep up with toxic beauty standards, but things don’t go as planned in Consumer (Canada). In Mosquito Lady (U.S.), a pregnant teen girl tries to get an abortion despite the objections of her conservative parents, forcing her into an unconventional and horrific experience. In the Flesh (U.S.) finds Tracey pleasuring herself in the shower when the pipes explode and she starts to leak black goo. In Get Away (U.S.), a group of friends rents a remote house in the desert. There, they find an old TV, a VHS player, and a tape containing terrifying coincidences.
Screenings & Events
Virtual Screening
This program will be available to stream from October 16 at 12:00pm CT to October 22 at 11:59pm CDT.
Sold Out/Rush Only? Learn when new tickets get released by signing up for our ticket availability email list!
Sponsors
Film Supporters
Beyond the Frame: 376 Days (Nick Cave: Keep it Movin’) + Chronicle of a Summer Day
Synopsis
This suite of films explores the fusion of the natural world and cultural narratives, as well as the limitless possibilities of creative expression and transcending convention. Featuring works by Bronzeville Collective and Claude-Aline T Nazaire-Miller.
The community-made collage Chronicle of a Summer Day (U.S.) offers a poetic glimpse into John Caleb Pendleton’s Juneteenth floral installation of remembrance and celebration. Artist Nick Cave prepares for a career-spanning exhibition and a groundbreaking fashion performance celebrating gender identity in 376 Days (Nick Cave: Keep it Movin’) (U.S.).
Screenings & Events
Sold Out/Rush Only? Learn when new tickets get released by signing up for our ticket availability email list!
Sponsors
Black Perspectives Program Sponsor
Man>Code [short film]
Synopsis
When Lucas’ roommate unexpectedly returns home, his casual hook-up plans take an unexpected turn. Trapped in his room, he’s forced to confront his choices and reevaluate his approach to love and intimacy. Lucas’s date becomes a catalyst for him to embrace his true self. What follows is a heartwarming journey that opens the door to a world of new possibilities.
This film screens as part of the Shorts 7: Black Perspectives – Resonance program.