• Man Up

    99 minutes |

Crises of masculinity abound in this selection of films, in which gender roles are questioned, relationships tested and sexuality cast into sharp relief.

Short Films

Feathers

Elizier, an emotionally dejected new enrollee at The Edward R. Mill School for Boys, must overcome memories of a tragic past and the present hazing by his peers in order to tackle the larger issues dominating his young life.

Incel

When his countless real-life efforts at love fail, Sam turns to this anonymous community of the “involuntarily celibate” for help, but instead finds himself increasingly pushed towards extremism.

The Iron Wall

Dave works for his father’s construction company but dreams of being a photographer. When his dad sees his friend and co-worker Sean kiss him one night after a drunken party thinking Dave is also gay, the toxicity of New England homophobia threatens to destroy everything.

The Night the Wind Blew

Nine-year-old Sami wants nothing more than to be taken seriously by his older brother Ali and his friends. When Ali is forced to take Sami out with him, Sami is presented the chance to prove himself and take his seat at the table.

One of the Boys

At korfball practice, a timid young teenager finds himself forced to show his true colors after witnessing his fellow male players’ locker room banter take a cruel turn at the expense of the most popular girl on their team.

Something Real

Alejandro, a lonely middle-aged optometrist, writes a poetic letter to his hypothetical future child, attempting to portray his true self.

film details

Running Time: 99 minutes

2019 ShortFest Archive