Shorts Programs

This collection of shorts brings together female-centric films that illuminate the bonds, struggles, and triumphs of women’s lives through powerful stories both intimate and universal.

Curly Joe, Two Kittens, Four Boxes & Scent of Fire

Directed by Apo W. Bazidi and Anna Benner
USA/Germany, 6 min.
Southeast premiere

Kira loses her home in a devastating fire at the age of seven. As Kira reflects on the fire’s impact, she unpacks the complex emotions tied to loss and survival in this animated, heartfelt exploration of how childhood trauma can shape one’s identity and sense of home.

Producers: Apo W. Bazidi, Amber Allen Peirson, Anna Benner
Writer: Kira Allen
Cinematographer: Cassidy Friedman

Hatchlings

Directed by Jahmil Eady
USA, 15 min.
Georgia premiere

A resentful teenager is forced to babysit her turtle-obsessed half-brother. Meanwhile, he dives into a vivid fantasy world where he is a sea turtle and she is a tortoise.

Producer: Tara Austin
Cast: Demi Singleton, Dominic Stephens, Angela Lewis, Christian Robinson

Miriam

Directed by Josie Andrews
USA, 17 min.
Southeast premiere

In 1985, Miriam is chosen to be the first bat mitzvah in her Orthodox community. Stifled by tradition, she secretly skips her rabbi’s lessons to skateboard. But when her double life is exposed, Miriam must choose between sparking change or chasing her dreams.

Producers: Brenda Goodman, Levi Alexander, Josie Andrews
Writer: Levi Alexander
Cast: Pearl Scarlett, Amy Davidson, Roman Adolfo, Justin Kirk

Koko Suzanne

Directed by Zach Bandler
Democratic Republic of Congo/Ireland/USA, 18 min.
Southeast premiere

In this film based on true events, a young girl's life is turned upside down when her grandmother's strange behavior sparks fears of witchcraft. As her family struggles to reconcile illness with the supernatural, she navigates Kinshasa to protect the grandmother she loves.

Producer: Victor Mazzone
Cast: Alphie Lotawa, Clothilde Masele

Of All The Things

Directed by Steff Lee
UK, 8 min.
North American premiere

Ava remembers her childhood home as a place full of amazing things and adventures. The day she returns home from university, however, everything changes. By dipping into memories and sharing a moment in time, can mother and daughter reach an understanding?

Producer: Bella Tomlinson
Writer: Maria Galliani Dyrvik
Composer: Sarah Playford

KÜĪ

Directed by Kahu Kaiha
New Zealand, 11 min.
Southeast premiere

In this poignant story, 12-year-old Küī navigates the delicate balance of shielding her three younger brothers from the harsh realities of their absent mother and struggling father.

Producer: Carrisse Uta'i
Writer: Carrisse Uta'i
Cast: Genevieve Kiikoro, Athens Koloi, Jovahn Uini, Jeziah Uini, Tekuhei Kaiha

Who Are You, Nanu?

Directed by Anjini Taneja Azhar
Belgium/India/USA, 15 min.
Southeast premiere

After her Nanu’s (“grandfather” in Hindi) ceremonial cremation brings her to the Holy Ganges River in India, nine-year-old oddball Isha befriends the phantom of her Nanu’s own rambunctious seven-year-old self. Together, they discover the journey that lies after death.

Producers: Suchitra Pillai, Sudhir Sherigar, Anjini Taneja Azhar
Writer: Anjini Taneja Azhar

On a Sunday at Eleven

Directed by Alicia K. Harris
Canada, 9 min.

A young Black ballerina performs her Sunday rituals while facing the pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Writer: Alicia K. Harris
Cast: Zoe Peak, Amia Ogieva, Samaya Hodge, Jasmine Best, Malea Yarde, Valérie Carrier