2020 ShortFest Archive
BIPOC Filmmakers
Films by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers.
Girl Callin’
Edibles, vape pens, diner food…all failed attempts to remedy an epic hangover for OG best buds Pari and Ronald during their time at the Last Chance Café.
In competition for Best U.S. Short
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Running Time: 15
Give Up the Ghost
Salam’s dream of becoming a mother shatters when she finds out that she is unable to have children with her husband. As she searches for the silver lining, she finds herself in a battle to save her marriage. A lifetime of convictions and beliefs are put to the test as Salam realizes she must make a choice. WINNER: Vimeo Stafff... Read More
Running Time: 15
Gold Plated
Inès, 16 years old, is determined to find a job when she meets Martin, a boy from the nice neighborhoods of Brussels. Feeling something between shame and fascination, she becomes brutally aware of social injustice.
SPECIAL MENTION: Young Cineastes Award
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Running Time: 25
GRAB MY HAND: A Letter to My Dad
In this retelling of his dad's relationship with his best friend, Grab My Hand is Camrus Johnson’s gift to his grieving father and a message to all to cherish every second you have with the ones you love while you still can.
In competition for Best U.S. Short
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Running Time: 5
Gujiga
Based on a shamanic song “ Gujiga ”, myths, symbols and glimpses into the natural phenomena of turtles are interwoven throughout this film, revealing violent human interventions into the life of this reptile. This film is an ode to the turtle and a reminder of the connection between animals and humans. In competition for Best... Read More
Running Time: 19
Happy Birthday, Great Grandma
For their great-grandmother's 100th birthday, two sisters visit their distant extended family's gathering.
In competition for the Young Cineastes Award
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Running Time: 16
Heading South
8-year-old Chasuna travels from her home in the grassland to visit her father who lives in the big city. However, during her father’s birthday party, she finds out he has remarried to a Chinese woman. Chasuna has to learn how to accept her as part of the family.
WINNER: Best Student U.S. Short
FILMMAKER FAVORITE
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Running Time: 13
The Heart Still Hums
A documentary short following five women as they fight for their children through the cycle of homelessness, drug addictions and neglect from their own parents. Unique, yet undoubtedly familiar to many; a story about fear, sacrifice and the unconditional love between a mother and her children.
WINNER: Best Documentary Short
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Running Time: 29
Henet Ward
Halima, a Sudanese henna painter, and her seven-year-old daughter Ward get caught up in the craziness at a Giza home as they prepare a bride for her wedding.
SPECIAL MENTION: Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes
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Running Time: 23
Home
Femi is a Nigerian immigrant who works as a manager at a grocery store in Brooklyn. One night, he is informed by a fellow manager that his older brother, Adeola, has stolen a large sum of cash during his shift as a cashier.
In competition for the Bridging the Borders Award and Best Student U.S. Short
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Running Time: 13
Infinite While It Lasts
After falling in love at a party, Danny and Seiji just want to be together. However, their differences might prove stronger than their feelings...
In competition for Best LGBT+ Short
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Running Time: 19
Instructions to Let Go
Daphne and Mafer meet at a hotel, they quickly become friends and chemistry begins to emerge between them.
In competition for Best LGBT+ Short
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Running Time: 8
Jay
Jay, a 13-year-old Taiwanese boy, is fascinated by his toned and athletic older brother. In order to get close to him, Jay feigns an interest in basketball so that his brother will practice with him. Steadily, Jay’s fascination develops into an attraction—one with which Jay is forced to reconcile after his brother brings home a... Read More
Running Time: 14
Jesa
The Korean tradition known as Jesa is amusingly explored and dissected from two very different points of view — the filmmaker’s mom and dad — in this stunning and inventive ode to food, culture, and one delightfully eccentric family.
In competition for Best Student Animated Short and Best Student Documentary Short
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Running Time: 6