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Friday, April 23

Sunday, April 25

2021 Schedule:

Friday, April 23

5:30PM - Doors open (30 minutes)

6:00PM - Opening night welcome (with keynote speaker Joe Badon!) 

 

6:30PM - SHORTS PROGRAM: Dramas (1:30:18)

8:15PM - Dramas Q&A 

 

8:45PM - Break (15 minutes)

9:00PM - OPENING NIGHT FEATURE: To Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything! (01:00:34)

10:00PM - Discussion on To Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything! 

 

10:30PM - Wrap-up

 

Saturday, April 24

9:30AM - Doors open 

10:00AM - SHORTS PROGRAM: HaHa (1:05:31)

11:15AM - Comedy Q&A 

 

11:45AM - Break (1 hour 15 minutes)

1:00PM - SHORTS PROGRAM: Midnight at 13:00 (1:02:05)

2:30PM - Midnight at 13:00 Q&A 

 

3:00PM - Break (45 minutes)

3:45PM -  SHORT + FEATURE: Heavy / 50 Over (01:18:55)

5:00PM - Discussion on 50 Over 

 

5:30PM - Break (30 minutes)

6:00PM - SHORTS PROGRAM: Completely Normal And Straightforward Filmmaking (56:44)

7:00PM - Completely Normal And Straightforward Filmmaking Q&A 

 

7:30PM - Break (30 minutes)

8:00PM - SHORT + FEATURE:  Sing No Sad Songs / Down The Bayou (1:00:46) 

9:00PM - Q&A on Sing No Sad Songs or Down the Bayou

9:30PM - Wrap-up

 

9:30AM - Doors open 

10:00AM - SHORTS PROGRAM: Get Doc’d (1:18:15)

11:30AM - Get Doc’d Q&A 

 

12:00PM - Break (30 minutes)

12:30PM - SHORTS PROGRAM: Look! (1:03:10)

1:45PM - Look! Q&A 

 

2:15PM - Break (30 minutes)

2:45PM - SHORTS PROGRAM: The “Year” the Earth Stood Still (1:03:37)

4:00PM - The “Year” the Earth Stood Still Q&A 

 

4:30PM - Break (30 minutes)

5:00PM - CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE: Broken Down (01:34:00)

6:35PM - Discussion on Broken Down 

 

7:00PM - Closing night wrap-up

7:30PM - Wrap-up

 

Download the Schedule

Dramas (Shorts Program)

Intermittent (13:00) - A university professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s struggles to maintain normal circumstances with his family.

The Duelist (6:22) - A traveling duelist, who is considered the world’s greatest, is challenged by a mysterious newcomer who might just have her beat. But the more they duel, the more she realizes his techniques may be mere tricks that are more than meets the eye. 

Away (14:29) - Anne Nichols Brown’s directorial debut “Away” is a breathtaking and suspenseful drama taking us into the story of a troubled teenager who attempts to save his sister from what seems to be an abusive home. 

Last Call (15:06) - Pretending is easy, isn’t it? “Last Call” is the story of a bar manager that is visited by an unknown entity who interrogates him about his dark past. Will he accept his past? 

Head North - “Stranger Sounds” (4:51) - This music video tells the tragic story of an artist struggling with drug abuse and doing what he can to maintain his relationship. All the while the passionate and comforting melodies of Head North’s “Stranger Sounds” play; serving as a delicate balance between what you see and what you hear.

Change Clothes (7:43) - The oppressing atmosphere of director Julian Alexander’s narrative short film “Change Clothes” highlights a dark and powerful story. The intense conversation between the three protagonists and their past actions makes us wonder how their dispute will end. 

Crossing Over the Dark (11:38) - A heartbreaking and beautiful story about the passing of a loved one; as it follows a man the morning of his wife’s death. Tear jerking performances and lovely cinematography make this atmospheric film “Crossing Over the Dark” shine in this personal and genuine film. 

Sof Light, Bright Light (6:46) - The film that leaves you craving more. “Soft light, Brilliant light” is the story of a Haitian woman searching for love while she simultaneously raises two kids. Will her first date go as planned? Are her kids okay with her love search? 

The Reply (10:23) - Nothing is what it seems in “The Reply,” a marital pandemic drama about a woman dealing with her husband’s manipulative behavior at home. Secrets are revealed as both spouses engage in a game of intrigue. 

I Owe You (4:48) - The epitome of neighborly love. Albert Newberry’s debut film “I Owe You” follows the story of a small Appalachian town which is facing hard times: everybody is in debt and everybody is living on credit. After a tourist spends the night at the local motel, everything changes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coed Invasion (7:57) - Join four college students on their weekend getaway in the Big Easy, along with their Network’s Production Accountant keeping their spending habits under control. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMOOT’S (4:08) - What starts out as a typical night of drinking ends in violence and a cop trying to get a straight story. But the more a story unfolds, the more things don’t add up. Is everyone lying? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perso Nella Salsa (2:45) - “Perso Nella Salsa” is a film about a man trying to become more. It’s a film about a man trying to live life to the fullest. It’s a film about a man struggling to open a jar of salsa. The comedic themes and unique early 1900’s silent film aesthetic prove to make the film stand out in an incredibly entertaining way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in(APP)licable (11:08) - “in[app]licable” is a quirky comedy by Cam Owen that follows Ted on his journey to find love in the big easy.  After many failed attempts with shallow guys,  he slowly learns to love and value himself above all else.  

 

Be The Change (4:17) - Arden Duffield outdoes himself in this incredibly unique silent film in which only camera movements, sound effects, and music are used to tell the story of a young man and his reflections on his own life while interacting with a man he meets along the road. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distant (4:27) - A hopeful man takes a fantastical approach to contacting a woman he loves over a long distance that may be achieved through paper airplanes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Binge Buddies (4:22) - Inspired by the constraints of making a film in the COVID-19 pandemic and her own experience of an incorrect contactless delivery, director Hollis Rosenkranz strikes with a hilarious yet relatable story. In her short comedy “Binge Buddies,” she pictures Lora, a lonely woman stuck in quarantine, and her surprising encounter with a talking pizza mistakenly delivered to her door. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Isn’t Here Anymore (13:42) - From filmmaker Josh Ceranic comes a comedic take on a haunting story. David, a struggling realtor played by Andy Gion, takes matters into his own hands when it comes to exorcising the spirits out of a haunted house in order to make a sale. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Kat’s Tom Cat (0:36) - Tom, a cat, discovers a large gift beside a Christmas tree. What could it possibly be? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koboldly Forth (3:11) - A mischievous little monster with a fascination for glass bottles helps himself to the trash of the townspeople. Although he is wanted for thievery and the mess he creates along the way, the clever cover of a townsgirl helps him continue the scavenging he indulges in. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do It Like Me (4:10) - Maui’s “Do It Like Me” music video captures the various talents and skills that different people embody and the confidence it takes to embrace individuality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsonist (12:00) - [BLURB] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dunn (12:23) - Watch as Detective Daniel Dunn comes so close to catching the killer, but so far as he avoids the truth that he’s known all along. 

Day of the Dead (3:00) - On Dia de los Muertos, a young woman meets someone from her past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lamb’s Reverence (6:15) - After living a conservative life with her nonconformist mother, young Vivian takes a small step toward temptation after a comment from her peers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIV: Short for Sivan (6:08) - Summer depression. A humid New Orleans afternoon. A blooming neighborhood. “SIV: Short for Sivan” explores the story of a college girl named Siv who skips work to explore her New Orleans neighborhood on a hot summer day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’re Not Safe In Your Own Bed (22:19) - Coping with the trauma from assault by keeping herself busy, Franklin soon realizes that not all pain can be avoided.

Staring at Infinite (5:30) Art block. We’ve all been there, right? “Staring at Infinite” is the story of an artist struggling with her art, how can she create something out of nothing? With its insanely saturated colors, this film will immerse you in a world full of art block madness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, like water, flows to greater bodies (6:00) - A multisensory meditation on time, connectedness, and nature.

 

 

 

 

 

XCTRY - 6:18 Nostalgic for the views and vibes that come out of a classic road trip? Follow along as filmmaker Bill Brown takes you on an eclectic journey across the country through the visually stunning lens of a truly creative mind. 

I’d Rather Not Dream (2:22) - If only he could make his dreams come true. Skating is Alex's passion, it never comes out of his mind, until his dreams take a sudden turn. Is this a sign? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fire We Started (5:51) - “The Fire We Started” is an experimental examination of the climate change crisis. News footage audio reporting current environmental woes is juxtaposed with vintage footage of nature, creating a thought-provoking sensory experience presented beyond words. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like This/Like That (3:00) - “Is this serious or satirical?” is probably the question this retro-styled, statically-acted short film will leave you asking. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transmissions (10:00) - “Transmissions” is a wild and colorful ride directed by Laura Iancu, who exhibits ecological interdependence and biocide from manmade chemicals through 3D animation, graphic design and more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symmetry in Reflection (2:42) - The shared human experience. We are all human and are more similar than we think. Director Abby Withey showcases the shared human experience by highlighting the fear and loneliness that stems from feeling like you may be the only person experiencing your troubles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reditus Domum (2:49) - After spending time in another world, an intergalactic entity is called home to be with his family. However, he is very reluctant to leave his newfound world and home.

 

 

 

 

 

Foreclosed Home Movie (8:00) - Set in 1930s Miami, “Foreclosed Home Movie” tells the history of a home before it’s foreclosure in 2013 with abstractions, documents, and distant memories. 

Why, Human (3:59)  Have you ever pondered what it means to be human? Filmmaker Aidan Porier creates a calming and captivating visual to capture how his friends describe what being human truly means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw Honey (20:53) - From the eyes of filmmaker James Berry comes the inspirational story of how a passionate young beekeeper named Rye came to develop his colony and start a business doing what he loves most: beekeeping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Girl From Mississippi (5:11) - “Black Girl From Mississippi” by Chloe Jackson is a short documentary about Cherish Triplett, a poet from Louisville, Mississippi. Cherish expresses how she uses both experiences and influences from the south to write poetry that truly encompasses what it’s like to be a black girl from Mississippi. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clark Harris: American Actor (12:54) - Clark Harris is a Harlem raised American actor who is known for the TV series Smoketown, Atlanta and the feature film Service To Man. On top of his acting skills, Harris is a skilled rapper and a marine veteran. Through this documentary, we get a look of Clark’s new life in Tennessee and the everyday life of a working actor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For The Laughs (10:52) - Five queer women performers delve into their feelings at The IO Theater in Chicago. Through comedy, they feel freedom in being themselves and expressing their personal identities. The stage becomes a special outlet for them to share parts of themselves with the world. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like you, Like me (14:00) - This is the most wholesome documentary that you’ll ever see. The Puerto Rican documentary “Like You, Like Me” displays the extraordinary work that the non-profit organization La Fondita de Jesus is doing for homeless people across the island. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aquí(10:21) - The powerful documentary short is an intimate exploration of political protests in Puerto Rico. The viewer is drawn to the environment of the protesters, depicted as a sensory space for reclamation, empowerment and political-personal demand. 

Becoming (10:45) - In the year 2019, with the U.S. cracking down on border patrol, filmmaker Alex Morelli captures a formerly undocumented activist’s experience in the short time leading up to her naturalization test. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing Up Gen-Z (9:46) - At the peak of the digital age, five voices unite to unpack the influence Internet culture has had on the Zoomer generation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code Red (13:46) - A coming-of-age film following a middle school student dealing with her first period as well as the struggles that come with her mother being locked up in jail. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dream Deferred (2:07) - Told from the point of view of a young man whose life is flashing before his eyes, this film examines what it truly means to end a life. It explores the connections made between people and how a life taken ends more than just one path of dreams. It gives a glimpse into the heart of those lost to police brutality and the impact that will be left on their loved ones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voices From The Sit-In (26:46) - Made by students of Delta State University in Mississippi, “Voices from the Sit-In” details the titular sit-in demonstration at the university on March 10, 1969, as told by its participants more than 50 years later. 

 

 

Among the Streets (11:14) - After a natural disaster that left dozens of people without a home in a pandemic in Puerto Rico, 23-year-old Eric makes a new friend in a similar situation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Una última vez (One last time) (13:38) - In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, roommates Anastasia, Benicio, and Coco spend one last time together as college seniors before going their separate ways, reflecting on their dreams, fears, and the future in general. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entropic (18:06) - Structured as a documentary, “Entropic” centers on a college graduate as he struggles to come to terms with himself during the pandemic. He particularly details his difficulties in getting a job and his ex-girlfriend back. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donavon’s Way (5:59) - Donavon Way lives alone, separated in complete isolation from his family due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the days go on, Donavon becomes restless and desperate to find a way to see his family again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smell the Trees (14:40) - Sister Jakayla stays in touch with her ill older sister Taniya as she comes up with a list to stay in good spirits.

 

 

 

 

To Decadence With Love, Thanks For Everything! (01:00:34)

During the annual Southern Decadence weekend, two drag queens use their artistry to express themselves in New Orleans. This documentary delves into how their art is an important part of the city’s way of life. New Orleans is explored through drag and the representation of the different people that contribute to what is considered “New Orleans culture.” It also shows both how this art form flows in the personal lives of these drag queens and the hard work that goes into the performances. They are inspired by the city to create, and in turn, inspire others to do the same.

SHORT + FEATURE: Heavy + 50 Over (01:18:55)

Cha$e - "Heavy" - Director Luke Harris and artist Cha$e collaborate to embody Cha$e’s life and the struggles he went through to make it where he is today in their music video for “Heavy.” 

 

50 Over - Four friends set out on a road trip around America to play 50 rounds of golf in all 50 states, just in 50 days. Over the years, the sport of golf has been thought of to only be meant for a certain audience, creating a divide between the community of people who appreciate it. Director Teddy Leinbach, along with Jack Leinbach and friends Hayden Swanson and Colin Wilkins, takes us on the road to experience how the beloved sport of golf has impacted lives from all across the country and how the sport is way more than the elitist stigma surrounding it.

SHORT + FEATURE:  Sing No Sad Songs / Down the Bayou (1:00:46)

Sing No Sad Songs - “Sing No Sad Songs” explores the sudden passing of a farmer’s wife over night, leaving him with a profound wound. Through an amazing piece of cinematography, director Daniel Johnson moves us and makes us feel this touching story.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Down the Bayou - Down the Bayou tells the story of the crazy journey of Andy and his longtime friend Juban. This thrilling feature set in South Louisiana follows Andy and his friend in what was supposed to be a normal Saturday night. But the unthinkable happens and the two friends wake up tied up in an unknown location. The epic pursuit of Andy’s girlfriend after her boyfriend highlights the marvelous work of writer/director Jason Harang.

Broken Down (01:34:00) - “Broken Down” is an intense drama about a homeless man who refuses to leave his car after suffering a mental breakdown from the grief of his mother passing away. After being given a 14 day notice to vacate the area, his childhood friends and neighbor try to help convince him to leave the car before it is towed.  Unable to comply, he is arrested and forced to be taken away to a mental health hospital.  A surprising friendship with a young boy in the neighborhood who is dealing with an abusive step dad spurs him into action. Broken Down is a powerful drama that explores how the journey to conquering the demons within begins by letting the heart reach out to others in need.

HaHa (Shorts Program)

Midnight At 13 (Shorts Program)

Completely Normal and Straighforward Filmmaking (Shorts Program)

Get Doc'd (Shorts Program)

Look! (Shorts Program)

The "Year" The Earth Stood Still (Shorts Program)

Feature Films

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