2018 Program
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Films that look at addressing racial and social injustice, reducing economic inequality, and looking at ways to promote restoration and rehabilitation in the justice system
America; I Too
Anika Tourse • 20 min • USA
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), presents its second short film; "America; I Too", starring Academy Award nominee Barkhad Abdi and featuring the music from Grammy winners Quetzal. Writer and first-time Director Anike Tourse shares the interconnected stories of three arrested and detained immigrants who navigate the system as they attempt to prevent their deportation. The film is based on real testimonies and experiences.
Blue Crossing
Nick Dalmacy • 33 min • USA
A veteran Police Officer is fed up with the corruption that goes on within his precinct. Blue Crossing shows the struggle between upholding the values of a public servant and coming face to face with the dark side of the system.
SHORTS PROGRAM:
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Films that tackle issues related to climate change and the environment, homelessness, and making positive social contributions
FIFO
Sacha Ferbus • 12 min • Belgium
First in first out (FIFO) is a shelving technique used in supermarkets. Stephan must place the freshest products behind the oldest ones. Products nearing their sell-by date must be destroyed. When going to the bins in the basement, Stephan will have to face those who could still benefit from them, but who are excluded by the system.
La 13
German Palacio Palencia • 17 min 44 sec • Colombia
La 13 is a documentary that shows the situation of a group of women leaders of Comuna 13 of Medellín, Colombia who seek to take their families and their community forward in times of post-conflict.
The Pangti Story
PSBT India • 26 min • India
Amur Falcons, the longest traveling raptors in the world, fly from Siberia every fall to roost in Pangti, a small village in Nagaland. In 2012, Nagaland made global news when thousands of these raptors were mercilessly hunted. This film explores the transition of an entire village from one that slaughtered hundreds and thousands of the winged visitors to their most fervent preservationist.
SOCIAL WELLNESS
Films that dive into concerns about mental, social, and physical wellness, such as social isolation, violence, and healthy development
Die Freundin (The Homegirl)
Iván Sáinz-Pardo • 3 min 40 sec • Germany
A near-futuristic satire, Die Freundin explores the state of connection and relationship as society becomes more isolated from each other.
Among Sorrows and Songs
Andy Motz • 10 min 44 sec • USA
Among Sorrows and Songs is a short film exploring the realities and intersecting struggles of living with HIV in present-day urban life.
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The Weight of Honor
Stephanie Seldin Howard • 50 min • USA
In most depictions of wounded warriors, the women stand stoically in the background. No longer silent, The Weight of Honor gives them a voice, following them as they struggle, triumph, and wonder about the challenges that lie ahead.
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GALLERY FILMS
THESE FILMS WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE LOBBY OF THE THEATER
Remember everything, to not forget anyone
Enrico Chiarugi • 2 min 45 sec • Italy
On October 3rd, 2013, more than 500 emigrants died while attempting to reach Europe. Marco Pietrantuono is one of the very few established Italian hyperthymesiacs, people with an extraordinary autobiographical memory. In this film, he walks around Lampedusa, an Italian island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, reciting the names of those that died trying to reach a new life.
The Things We Leave Behind
Susana Sanróman • 2 min 45 sec • United Arab Emirates
This project aims to highlight the impact of waste, resulting from the continuous production of goods in our societies. It also looks at the effects of phasing out certain activities and industries that are no longer sustainable, as a result of the economic constraints on the system.
The images portray real scenarios, where the accumulation of waste has occurred naturally; due to a need for disposal, recycling, or as a result of various industries' gradual abandonment of activities that are no longer viable.
Jaleesa & Sharyll
Pamela Chipman • 1 min 45 sec • USA
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Sharyll and Jaleesa ask the question: who gets to define me? Two black, female artists with vastly different experiences and perspectives united to create a poetic dialogue regarding the boundaries and prejudices that weigh heavily on their art and life.
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Piotr
Zuza Kopacka • 4 min 28 sec • United Kingdom
Fighting vulnerability, depression and stereotypes, Piotr's monologue expresses how MMA and Art harmonize to promote equilibrium in his life.