2023 Official Selections
In-Person Screenings
Friday, September 8
12:00pm-2:00pm*
Block 1 | Shuffled Shorts
with Filmmaker Q&A
A 90 minute block of genre bending films featuring comedy, drama, romance, thrillers, experimental and more! Enjoy this cinematic ride with an open heart and mind.
*At the Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic
12:00pm-2:00pm*
Block 1 | Shuffled Shorts
with Filmmaker Q&A
A 90 minute block of genre bending films featuring comedy, drama, romance, thrillers, experimental and more! Enjoy this cinematic ride with an open heart and mind.
*At the Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic
Films Include:
"THE FAVOR" [10:00]
directed by Wanjiru Njendu (U.S.)
"Death doesn't become her."
When the Angel of Death comes to collect a woman who is just not ready to go, things take a surprising turn.
"THE GUIDE TO THE LIGHT" [1:40]
directed by Xiang Cao (U.S.)
A near-death old lady sees his beloved father at the last moment due to her strong love towards him.
"SOIL" [11:00]
directed by Sam Lembeck (U.S.)
A young man tries to grow an oak tree by combining soil, an acorn, and the ashes of his dead father.
"C L O N E" [4:30]
directed by Alexander Stephens (U.S.)
A man meets his clone for the first time and passes on some important information regarding his future.
"THE CURE" [11:49]
directed by Kolton Harris (U.S.)
In a not-so-distant time in a not-so-distant world, humanity is being ravaged by a fatal disease. Dr. Charles Drew has been commissioned to find a cure along with his research assistant Jocelyn Elders. Time is running out. They must find the cure before it’s too late.
"NOT THE SAME CLARENCE" [14:24]
directed by Brian Russell & Samuel B Russell (U.S.)
A man must come to terms with his fathers Alzheimer's disease.
"A LOT OF YOU ARE ASKING" [7:30]
directed by Liza Renzulli (U.S.)
Alexis' life is intentional, curated, elevated perfection. And she shares it all with her incredible boyfriend Dan and her cadre of social media followers. Or does she?
"RABBIT HOLE" [25:00]
directed by Aaron Schoonover (U.S.)
Entering cautiously into adulthood, a shy eighteen-year-old attempts to balance “coming out” of his shell with an erratic home life and an unhinged QAnon mother. A timely and poignant short film with a unique twist on the queer coming-of-age story.
6:00pm-7:30pm
Block 2 | Made in Connecticut Block
with Filmmaker Q&A
A film block celebrating the diversity of storytellers from Bridgeport and across the Nutmeg State! Experience a multitude of genres including environmental activism, romance, mental health, coming of age and even Bridgeport culture!
Block 2 | Made in Connecticut Block
with Filmmaker Q&A
A film block celebrating the diversity of storytellers from Bridgeport and across the Nutmeg State! Experience a multitude of genres including environmental activism, romance, mental health, coming of age and even Bridgeport culture!
Films Include:
"PROJECTIONIST" [4:30]
directed by Deniz Akyurek, Noah Matalon (U.S.)
A portrait of Tom Welch, lead projectionist at the Coolidge Corner theater in Brookline, MA.
"CONNECTICUT'S CONNECTION TO THE SEA - THE CT RIVER AND ATLANTIC SALMON" [4:59]
directed by Jude Michael Rodricks (U.S.)
This film is about where I live in Connecticut and what happened to the Atlantic Salmon that used to be plentiful in the Connecticut River. I interviewed Steve Gephard, a fisheries biologist for 42 years with the DEEP. He explained how climate change and people were responsible for the salmon disappearing from the river. He has also been working for his whole career on trying to bring them back. Now he's educating people like me about the former federal project and what can happen in the future for the salmon.
"FORT TRUMBULL" [8:53]
directed by Stephanie Jean Lane (U.S.)
A man retraces his footsteps along a stretch of Long Island Sound each day during the winter of COVID, bumping into familiar faces as he goes. We join him for a meditation on isolation, memory, community, and loss, woven with text from Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales," and dotted with humor.
"THE BEAR'S DEN" [21:44]
directed by Daniel Herzog (U.S.)
In the late 1990's, Charlie and Jen Dion decided it was time to make a lifestyle change. They purchased a piece of land on a mountain top in Vermont and began to build their log cabin - piece by piece. While working on their dream home, Charlie found his new life's passion, chainsaw carving.
"I WISH I DIDN'T CARE" [4:27]
directed by Stephen Emerick (U.S.)
I Wish I Didn’t Care follows an actress on set—completely hung up on an ex—as she terrorizes her fellow cast and crew on her journey to not f*@%ing care anymore.
"PAST PROLOGUE" [13:35]
directed by Brian Russell (U.S.)
An interracial couple reconnects after 60 years. Robert and Claudette have a chance encounter in a coffee shop, their first meeting since they dated over 60 years ago. As a Black girl and a white boy in 1957, their relationship never had a chance. A re-connection to memory, and discovery of feelings long buried takes them on an emotional journey through their past.
"MADE IN BRIDGEPORT" [9:33]
directed by Agustina Aranda (U.S.)
Constantly working to have a chance in the spotlight, the Bridgeport fashion scene is far from underground. A documentary about the hand-made designs, art, expression, hopes and dreams of an inner city’s fashion community.
The behind the scenes story of a world-within-a-world from designers to models, following their process of creating and their journey to mean something.
"EVERY OTHER KID" [12:14]
directed by Patrick Godino (U.S.)
A musical film about mental health and gun violence, Every Other Kid tells the story of three high school students as they deal with their mental and emotional struggles. Coming from three different backgrounds and going down three different paths, these students’ lives intersect in a crucial, heartbreaking way.
Content Warning: gun violence and suicide
"PROJECTIONIST" [4:30]
directed by Deniz Akyurek, Noah Matalon (U.S.)
A portrait of Tom Welch, lead projectionist at the Coolidge Corner theater in Brookline, MA.
"CONNECTICUT'S CONNECTION TO THE SEA - THE CT RIVER AND ATLANTIC SALMON" [4:59]
directed by Jude Michael Rodricks (U.S.)
This film is about where I live in Connecticut and what happened to the Atlantic Salmon that used to be plentiful in the Connecticut River. I interviewed Steve Gephard, a fisheries biologist for 42 years with the DEEP. He explained how climate change and people were responsible for the salmon disappearing from the river. He has also been working for his whole career on trying to bring them back. Now he's educating people like me about the former federal project and what can happen in the future for the salmon.
"FORT TRUMBULL" [8:53]
directed by Stephanie Jean Lane (U.S.)
A man retraces his footsteps along a stretch of Long Island Sound each day during the winter of COVID, bumping into familiar faces as he goes. We join him for a meditation on isolation, memory, community, and loss, woven with text from Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales," and dotted with humor.
"THE BEAR'S DEN" [21:44]
directed by Daniel Herzog (U.S.)
In the late 1990's, Charlie and Jen Dion decided it was time to make a lifestyle change. They purchased a piece of land on a mountain top in Vermont and began to build their log cabin - piece by piece. While working on their dream home, Charlie found his new life's passion, chainsaw carving.
"I WISH I DIDN'T CARE" [4:27]
directed by Stephen Emerick (U.S.)
I Wish I Didn’t Care follows an actress on set—completely hung up on an ex—as she terrorizes her fellow cast and crew on her journey to not f*@%ing care anymore.
"PAST PROLOGUE" [13:35]
directed by Brian Russell (U.S.)
An interracial couple reconnects after 60 years. Robert and Claudette have a chance encounter in a coffee shop, their first meeting since they dated over 60 years ago. As a Black girl and a white boy in 1957, their relationship never had a chance. A re-connection to memory, and discovery of feelings long buried takes them on an emotional journey through their past.
"MADE IN BRIDGEPORT" [9:33]
directed by Agustina Aranda (U.S.)
Constantly working to have a chance in the spotlight, the Bridgeport fashion scene is far from underground. A documentary about the hand-made designs, art, expression, hopes and dreams of an inner city’s fashion community.
The behind the scenes story of a world-within-a-world from designers to models, following their process of creating and their journey to mean something.
"EVERY OTHER KID" [12:14]
directed by Patrick Godino (U.S.)
A musical film about mental health and gun violence, Every Other Kid tells the story of three high school students as they deal with their mental and emotional struggles. Coming from three different backgrounds and going down three different paths, these students’ lives intersect in a crucial, heartbreaking way.
Content Warning: gun violence and suicide
8:00pm-9:30pm
Block 3 | OUTSpoken: LGBTQIA+ Block
with Filmmaker Q&A
A film block highlighting LGBTQIA+ stories and filmmakers! Dive into a layered journey of the queer experience through these stories of love, buoyancy, friendship, family planning and more!
Block 3 | OUTSpoken: LGBTQIA+ Block
with Filmmaker Q&A
A film block highlighting LGBTQIA+ stories and filmmakers! Dive into a layered journey of the queer experience through these stories of love, buoyancy, friendship, family planning and more!
Films Include:
"YOUR LOVE" [3:59]
directed by Sundeep Morrison (Canada)
When a granddaughter discovers her grandmother's painful secret about her long lost lover, she vows to reunite them in hopes of giving her grandmother a second chance at love.
"THE NIGHT JAGUAR" [10:00]
directed by Robert Zimmer Jr. (U.S.)
Inspired by true events in Mexico, and by the Mayan legend of a shapeshifting Night Jaguar, this short film is at once an erotic fever-dream and an anti-patriarchal allegory. Guadalajara and Tulum are the backdrop for a doomed four-way relationship, framed by shared lust for prestige and carnal delight. In this post-modern telling of The Night Jaguar legend, we join two couples, one American, one Mexican, both addicted to fame and power, as fools’ gold seduces them all. Their penchant for Faustian transactions invokes the anger of the gods, where the price of art becomes the soul itself.
"LUX FREER" [21:00]
directed by Cynthia Gibb (U.S.)
A middle-class, non-binary teen feels like an outcast in their new town of rich jocks and beauty queens, until a wishing well and the most popular guy in town offer a view from the top of the social ladder.
"LYING IN BED ALONE, BREATHING" [10:30]
directed by Tris Arthur (U.S.)
A documentation of and meditation on the internal and external worlds of gender dysphoria, as experienced by, shot by, narrated by, and written out by the subject at the film's core. Audio description and open captions are implemented throughout the film to create a conversation between the typically inaudible and ineligible voices of the queer body and mind.
"HEAD" [7:59]
directed by Benjamin Hess (U.S.)
Young professionals Jeremy and Caden have been in a relationship for several months when an incident occurs that destroys trust, ignites resilience and forces introspection.
Content Warning: offscreen sexual assault
"FIRECRACKER" [14:09]
directed by Caroline Guo (U.S.)
On the night of their first anniversary in Beijing, a young Chinese woman is confronted with a life-changing decision: whether she should keep herself and her Asian-American girlfriend hidden from her traditional family with the upcoming Chinese New Year... or live out her dream as her true self.
"OUT" [14:26]
directed by Seth Chitwood (U.S.)
Upon attending his five year high school reunion, Leonard tries to find the courage to finally come out to his parents.
Content Warning: sexual situations
"THE HAUNTED BABY CARRIAGE FROM HELL" [8:35]
directed by JT Seaton (U.S.)
In this LGBTQ+ Comedy Horror Short Film, Spencer and Cameron move into a new house that just so happens to be haunted by an old baby carriage. As the carriage endeavors to scare the couple, the attempts ultimately fail because the couple just doesn't care... like... you know... at all.
"YOUR LOVE" [3:59]
directed by Sundeep Morrison (Canada)
When a granddaughter discovers her grandmother's painful secret about her long lost lover, she vows to reunite them in hopes of giving her grandmother a second chance at love.
"THE NIGHT JAGUAR" [10:00]
directed by Robert Zimmer Jr. (U.S.)
Inspired by true events in Mexico, and by the Mayan legend of a shapeshifting Night Jaguar, this short film is at once an erotic fever-dream and an anti-patriarchal allegory. Guadalajara and Tulum are the backdrop for a doomed four-way relationship, framed by shared lust for prestige and carnal delight. In this post-modern telling of The Night Jaguar legend, we join two couples, one American, one Mexican, both addicted to fame and power, as fools’ gold seduces them all. Their penchant for Faustian transactions invokes the anger of the gods, where the price of art becomes the soul itself.
"LUX FREER" [21:00]
directed by Cynthia Gibb (U.S.)
A middle-class, non-binary teen feels like an outcast in their new town of rich jocks and beauty queens, until a wishing well and the most popular guy in town offer a view from the top of the social ladder.
"LYING IN BED ALONE, BREATHING" [10:30]
directed by Tris Arthur (U.S.)
A documentation of and meditation on the internal and external worlds of gender dysphoria, as experienced by, shot by, narrated by, and written out by the subject at the film's core. Audio description and open captions are implemented throughout the film to create a conversation between the typically inaudible and ineligible voices of the queer body and mind.
"HEAD" [7:59]
directed by Benjamin Hess (U.S.)
Young professionals Jeremy and Caden have been in a relationship for several months when an incident occurs that destroys trust, ignites resilience and forces introspection.
Content Warning: offscreen sexual assault
"FIRECRACKER" [14:09]
directed by Caroline Guo (U.S.)
On the night of their first anniversary in Beijing, a young Chinese woman is confronted with a life-changing decision: whether she should keep herself and her Asian-American girlfriend hidden from her traditional family with the upcoming Chinese New Year... or live out her dream as her true self.
"OUT" [14:26]
directed by Seth Chitwood (U.S.)
Upon attending his five year high school reunion, Leonard tries to find the courage to finally come out to his parents.
Content Warning: sexual situations
"THE HAUNTED BABY CARRIAGE FROM HELL" [8:35]
directed by JT Seaton (U.S.)
In this LGBTQ+ Comedy Horror Short Film, Spencer and Cameron move into a new house that just so happens to be haunted by an old baby carriage. As the carriage endeavors to scare the couple, the attempts ultimately fail because the couple just doesn't care... like... you know... at all.
Saturday, September 9
3:00pm-4:45pm
Block 4: Latinx in the Light
with Filmmaker Q&A
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage month celebrating diverse Latinx Stories! This block Features a variety of genres including thrillers, comedy, drama, sci-fi and more!
3:00pm-4:45pm
Block 4: Latinx in the Light
with Filmmaker Q&A
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage month celebrating diverse Latinx Stories! This block Features a variety of genres including thrillers, comedy, drama, sci-fi and more!
Films Include:
"SIX DAY FIANCÈE” [11:36]
directed by Roland William Boyden, Katrina Guzmán, Malena Gordo (U.S.)
What if you had just six days to pull off your own wedding, from the first minutes of planning to the final "I Do"s? Oh, and if you fail.... you'll be separated forever.
"WHEN THE SAINTS COME MARCHING BACK” [15:00]
directed by Gerardo Tassan (Argentina)
It's Norma's first birthday without her mother. Uncertainty and stubbornness will lead her to make an ambitious wish that she will regret in a matter of minutes.
Content Warning: discussion of suicide
"THE BLUE DRUM” [15:00]
directed by Angelita Mendoza (U.S.)
A woman mourning her father's passing is tormented by memories of a mother she never knew. A presence reveals secrets
hidden within her family home. Part of NALIP's Women of Color Incubator sponsored by Netflix.
Content Warning: frightening imagery
"MAMA RETREAT” [14:54]
directed by Eileen Álvarez (U.S.)
A weary mother-to-be attends an all-inclusive glamping retreat in the mountains, only to have her greatest fears about
motherhood realized.
"MARÍA” [11:46]
directed by Michelle Marie Falcón Fontánez (U.S.)
María is the story of a young Latina protagonist whose path to becoming a civil rights lawyer is complicated by
an unplanned pregnancy.
"RO & THE STARDUST” [15:39]
directed by Eunice Levis (U.S.)
A free-spirited teen fulfills her terminally ill grandmother’s dying wish of building a rocket ship to launch her into outer space.
5:15pm-6:30pm
Block 5: For the Culture: Black Stories
with Filmmaker Q&A
We proudly share the resilience of Black people across the United States in this film block by creators who are Black in front of and behind the camera!
Block 5: For the Culture: Black Stories
with Filmmaker Q&A
We proudly share the resilience of Black people across the United States in this film block by creators who are Black in front of and behind the camera!
Films Include:
"CHOICES” [12:50]
directed by Kameishia D. Wooten (U.S.)
Three very different friends find renewed connection as they await pregnancy results at their Los Angeles High School.
"INMATE” [13:50]
directed by Enrique Lebron (U.S.)
Within the confines of his prison cell, a father falsely accused delves into the haunting psychological scars left by a rigged system and fractured relationships, forming a connection with a fellow inmate that challenges his perception of reality.
"KIJANA MFALME [BOY KING]” [5:01]
directed by Cutty, LaTrice Amanda Strong (U.S.)
The state of humanity is viewed through the lens of a Black boy.
Content Warning: gun use
“SEQUIN” [3:51]
directed by Averi Israel (U.S.)
While waiting for the bus, a spirited young girl-- to the disapproval of her grandma-- befriends a familiar-seeming stranger after bonding over a small gift.
"IT WAS ALL A DREAM” [23:19]
directed by Aidan Un (U.S.)
Follow West Philly based theatre company Theatre in the X on their journey to present the hit musical Dreamgirls in a whole new way.
7:00pm-8:00pm
Bronx Film Initiative Screening +Talk Back:
"AJ'S STORY”
directed by Leon, Christina Richardson
A bi-racial teenager living in the Bronx in search of his biological father, faces tragedy that could split up his foster home family.
Bronx Film Initiative Screening +Talk Back:
"AJ'S STORY”
directed by Leon, Christina Richardson
A bi-racial teenager living in the Bronx in search of his biological father, faces tragedy that could split up his foster home family.
8:15pm-9:45pm
Block 6| Lights Out: Sweet Nightmares
with Filmmaker Q&A
When you add in some thrills, chills and dash of sci-fi you get a block that will probably keep you up at night! Viewer discretion is advised for the sweet nightmares you may encounter post screening.
Block 6| Lights Out: Sweet Nightmares
with Filmmaker Q&A
When you add in some thrills, chills and dash of sci-fi you get a block that will probably keep you up at night! Viewer discretion is advised for the sweet nightmares you may encounter post screening.
Films Include:
"GONE, FISHING” [6:34]
directed by Justin Moriarty (U.S.)
An outdoorsman is spending a relaxing day at an isolated fishing hole. After losing a promising bite on his line and taking a moment to enjoy his lunch, the fisherman is pulled into a horrifying fight for his life with an unseen predator in the water.
Content Warning: bloody imagery
"SHALLOW WATER” [8:53]
directed by Emily Breeze (U.S.)
Hannah and her girlfriend Gabi return to Hannah's hometown for a beach weekend, theoretically to relax. But the beach has more waiting for Hannah than just small waves. Shallow Water is a horror film about the memories that lurk in the deep.
Content Warning: horror elements
"REBIRTH” [2:00]
directed by Deniz Akyurek (U.S.)
A demon girl is reborn on Earth.
Content Warning: horror elements
"LƎFT” [24:00]
directed by Edwin Escobar (U.S.)
A man starts to question his reality as his father vanishes without a trace.
Content Warning: horror elements
"CLOAKED” [6:00]
directed by Blake Hollaway, Robert La Mantia (U.S.)
The classic story we all know takes on a chilling twist when a jogger is lured off the forest path by a mysterious song.
Content Warning: blood
"BEACH DAY” [13:53]
directed by Robin Johnson (U.S.)
A newlywed unwinds with a solo day at the beach full of peculiar activities.
Content Warning: domestic and verbal abuse
"TOOTH” [4:00]
directed by Jillian Corsie (U.S.)
Fed up with decades of suffering through the forced perfection of modern beauty standards, a tooth takes matters into its own hands.
Content Warning: blood, violent imagery
"LEAVING YELLOWSTONE” [22:51]
directed by Kayla Arend (U.S.)
What starts as a romantic trip in the wilderness, turns ugly as Tessa fights for her life in the winter of Yellowstone National Park.
Content Warning: blood, nudity, sexual assault, violence
Sunday, September 10
10:00am-12:00pm **
Family Friendly Screening
Disney's "Encanto”
directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
**Free screening! Must register here!
Family Friendly Screening
Disney's "Encanto”
directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
**Free screening! Must register here!
2:15pm-3:45pm
Block 7 | She's Got A Story: Female Filmmakers
with Filmmaker Q&A
The future is female and what better way to celebrate female identifying filmmakers by having an entire block dedicated to their incredibly diverse stories.
Block 7 | She's Got A Story: Female Filmmakers
with Filmmaker Q&A
The future is female and what better way to celebrate female identifying filmmakers by having an entire block dedicated to their incredibly diverse stories.
Films Include:
“LOST BEYOND THE STARS” [8:50]
directed by Kayla Arend (U.S.)
While on an interplanetary exploration, Captain Lorena is betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust.
"SLAM DUNK, SEHAJ!” [9:22]
directed by Asis Sethi (Canada)
Set in her ways as a stay at home mom, Sehaj revisits her dream of playing basketball, despite her traditional husband being completely against it, but when she is pushed too hard, she pushes back to rediscover herself.
"COOL FOR YOU” [3:00]
directed by Sherene Strausberg (U.S.)
Cool For You, an animated film based on the book of the same title, explains global warming to children in a friendly way. Incorporating different characters and families, animals and plants, children are introduced to CO2, and positive, easy ways to improve our impact on the earth.
"GIRL AT A BAR” [10:23]
directed by Angela Cohen (U.S.)
A young woman journeys to bars alone once a week for a year to reclaim her identity after half a decade debilitated with Lyme disease.
"OVERDUE” [14:59]
directed by Melissa Skirboll (U.S.)
Maureen and Jason are each having a very bad night. Their chance encounter gives both a glimmer of hope as they discover a shared past and a connection that brings light to the darkness in their lives.
Content Warning: sexual harassment
"TORN TOGETHER” [6:02]
directed by Melissa Kunnap (U.S.)
Three individuals explore real-life experiences of being torn between two parts of their identities.
Content Warning: blood, racial and transphobic slurs
"IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH” [10:23]
directed by Sarah Smick (U.S.)
A married couple struggles to accommodate one another in the lead-up to a high-stakes business lunch.
Content Warning: violence and blood
"VULTURE CITY, WYOMING” [14:58]
directed by Anna Shea Keating (U.S.)
Lost and on the run, a young widow must decide who she can trust among the suspicious single mother who shelters her for the night, the precocious ten-year-old girl who loves to shoot, and the marshal on the hunt for a murderous fugitive
Content Warning: blood, gun violence
“LOST BEYOND THE STARS” [8:50]
directed by Kayla Arend (U.S.)
While on an interplanetary exploration, Captain Lorena is betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust.
"SLAM DUNK, SEHAJ!” [9:22]
directed by Asis Sethi (Canada)
Set in her ways as a stay at home mom, Sehaj revisits her dream of playing basketball, despite her traditional husband being completely against it, but when she is pushed too hard, she pushes back to rediscover herself.
"COOL FOR YOU” [3:00]
directed by Sherene Strausberg (U.S.)
Cool For You, an animated film based on the book of the same title, explains global warming to children in a friendly way. Incorporating different characters and families, animals and plants, children are introduced to CO2, and positive, easy ways to improve our impact on the earth.
"GIRL AT A BAR” [10:23]
directed by Angela Cohen (U.S.)
A young woman journeys to bars alone once a week for a year to reclaim her identity after half a decade debilitated with Lyme disease.
"OVERDUE” [14:59]
directed by Melissa Skirboll (U.S.)
Maureen and Jason are each having a very bad night. Their chance encounter gives both a glimmer of hope as they discover a shared past and a connection that brings light to the darkness in their lives.
Content Warning: sexual harassment
"TORN TOGETHER” [6:02]
directed by Melissa Kunnap (U.S.)
Three individuals explore real-life experiences of being torn between two parts of their identities.
Content Warning: blood, racial and transphobic slurs
"IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH” [10:23]
directed by Sarah Smick (U.S.)
A married couple struggles to accommodate one another in the lead-up to a high-stakes business lunch.
Content Warning: violence and blood
"VULTURE CITY, WYOMING” [14:58]
directed by Anna Shea Keating (U.S.)
Lost and on the run, a young widow must decide who she can trust among the suspicious single mother who shelters her for the night, the precocious ten-year-old girl who loves to shoot, and the marshal on the hunt for a murderous fugitive
Content Warning: blood, gun violence
4:15pm -5:45pm
Block 8 | Stronger Minds
with Filmmaker Q&A
This block highlights people who struggle and/or overcome issues with mental health!
Block 8 | Stronger Minds
with Filmmaker Q&A
This block highlights people who struggle and/or overcome issues with mental health!
Films Include:
"MISOPHONIA” [9:00]
directed by Linda Wingerter (U.S.)
A quiet bus ride home from the city library turns into an aural nightmare for a book-reading commuter.
"BREAKING THE STIGMA” [10:38]
directed by Jack Muscatello (U.S.)
Breaking the Stigma, a student-made short documentary, presents the thoughts and opinions of several students and parents about the youth mental health crisis in the United States – and what it means for future generations that will enter an increasingly technologically-dependent society.
"DRESS TO IMPRESS” [5:22]
directed by Alex Curtis (U.S.)
Dress to Impress is a comedy about a man who must overcome the critics he sees in the mirror before he can go on a date. A contemporary riff on classic cartoons and the great silent film era comedians, Dress to Impress is a parable about self-acceptance.
"HOLDING BACK” [12:00]
directed by Emily McKney (U.S.)
Jenna, a woman struggling with anxiety, seeks the reminiscing comfort of her mother as they chat about childhood.
Content Warning: suicide
"BREATHE” [5:25]
directed by Loi Huynh, Jordan Waterworth (U.S.)
When a loud and energetic boy spends a day at a quiet Buddhist temple, he crosses paths with a fiery friend that leads him on a spiritual adventure.
"REPLAY” [3:32]
directed by Ozzie N. Evans, Jordan DeMary (U.S.)
An emotional man recalls his last conversation with a close friend.
"DANSE MACABRE” [10:00]
directed by Randal Lee Kamradt, Maria Luna Kamradt (U.S.)
Dancers Lino and Dante are struck by tragedy and the supernatural.
"LAVENDER” [25:26]
directed by Chloe Cobb (U.S.)
Lavender is a documentary short film recounting actress and model Kaitlyn Figueroa's experience with the auto-immune condition Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Content Warning: blood, discussion of suicide
"MISOPHONIA” [9:00]
directed by Linda Wingerter (U.S.)
A quiet bus ride home from the city library turns into an aural nightmare for a book-reading commuter.
"BREAKING THE STIGMA” [10:38]
directed by Jack Muscatello (U.S.)
Breaking the Stigma, a student-made short documentary, presents the thoughts and opinions of several students and parents about the youth mental health crisis in the United States – and what it means for future generations that will enter an increasingly technologically-dependent society.
"DRESS TO IMPRESS” [5:22]
directed by Alex Curtis (U.S.)
Dress to Impress is a comedy about a man who must overcome the critics he sees in the mirror before he can go on a date. A contemporary riff on classic cartoons and the great silent film era comedians, Dress to Impress is a parable about self-acceptance.
"HOLDING BACK” [12:00]
directed by Emily McKney (U.S.)
Jenna, a woman struggling with anxiety, seeks the reminiscing comfort of her mother as they chat about childhood.
Content Warning: suicide
"BREATHE” [5:25]
directed by Loi Huynh, Jordan Waterworth (U.S.)
When a loud and energetic boy spends a day at a quiet Buddhist temple, he crosses paths with a fiery friend that leads him on a spiritual adventure.
"REPLAY” [3:32]
directed by Ozzie N. Evans, Jordan DeMary (U.S.)
An emotional man recalls his last conversation with a close friend.
"DANSE MACABRE” [10:00]
directed by Randal Lee Kamradt, Maria Luna Kamradt (U.S.)
Dancers Lino and Dante are struck by tragedy and the supernatural.
"LAVENDER” [25:26]
directed by Chloe Cobb (U.S.)
Lavender is a documentary short film recounting actress and model Kaitlyn Figueroa's experience with the auto-immune condition Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Content Warning: blood, discussion of suicide
Virtual Views
Block 9 | Marvelous Miscellaneous
The theme of this block is actually “themeless”; you just never know what you are going to get but we guarantee it will be quality entertainment!
The theme of this block is actually “themeless”; you just never know what you are going to get but we guarantee it will be quality entertainment!
Films Include:
“HEAT WAVE” [3:50]
directed by Ynon Lan (U.S.)
An animated music video for the song “Heat Wave” by Motel Radio with colorful frame-by-frame animations which are based on live-action footage of the band. “Heat Wave” is about finding that one person who can bring you light and warmth and take you out of the darkness and "turn you around".
"INTO THE WATER” [10:34]
directed by Kymba Helouise Nijuck (U.S.)
Haunted by the ghost of a miscarried child, a woman struggles against her own trauma to lay the past to rest.
"LIGHT LEAK” [8:20]
directed by Nate Dorr (U.S.)
Light is information, a signal more lasting than recollection. If there’s anyone out there to receive the message.
Content Warning: flashing lights
"BEYOND SKIN DEEP” [13:23]
directed by Stacey Larkins (U.S.)
A visit to Gina's intolerant mother in law triggers an argument between her and her husband Todd regarding her involvement with their biracial child.
“THE COOKBOOK” [19:33]
directed by Pedro Chaves (U.S.)
The Cookbook tells the story of Sarikh Kalil, a third-generation Lebanese immigrant who reunites with his estranged parents in Central New York after his father suffers a debilitating stroke.
"STAR CROSSED” [15:12]
directed by Pat Bradley (U.S.)
While mourning the loss of her family, a woman battling her inner demons wins the Mega Millions.
Content Warning: suicide
"THE DINNER” [9:30]
directed by Anthony C. Ferreira (U.S.)
A mother attempts to rectify a broken relationship with her two sons. Years of anger and hurt come to a roaring boil over a Christmas dinner.
Content Warning: references to abuse and use of homophobic slur (both prefaced in the film itself)
"WAKE” [5:00]
directed by Sean Rivera (U.S.)
Jason just lost a loved one. After coming back from the funeral, he starts to drink his sorrows away. As he grieves and tries to move on, his girlfriend shows up to remind him of the good times. She tries to help and guide him in the right direction, helping him move on forever.
"TAKE IT EASY” [9:08]
directed by Isaiah John(U.S.)
A college graduate breaks ties with his friends after a party. He deals with the consequences of his actions. A realistic take on drama as a young adult.
“THE UNRELIABLES” [17:50]
directed by Adam Linkenhelt (U.S.)
A troubled young babysitter and an absent father must decide how to deal with his wife's death, his children, and their own responsibilities.
Content Warning: drug use
Block 10 | A Funny Feeling
Let's shine a light on the films that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts!
Let's shine a light on the films that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts!
Films Include:
"ANACONDA” [14:24]
directed by Chelsea Gonzalez (Sweden)
Single and new to LA, Annie agrees to tag along with a group of new friends to Burning Man. When they all have to share ONE hotel room in Reno unexpectedly, she finds herself in an embarrassing situation that could ruin her newfound love interest. After a comedy of errors, Annie is forced to make a decision that could define her forever.
“GOOD VIBRATIONS” [10:25]
directed by Michael Jasper (U.S.)
A young woman searches for the perfect sex toy after her most trusted device leaves her hanging out to dry.
"TABITHA TV” [6:21]
directed by Danielle Argyros (U.S.)
A quirky and eccentric woman desperately in love with her coworker goes to great lengths to catch his attention. The more things go wrong, the more she learns to be her truest, fabulous self.
"GOOMS” [10:12]
directed by Ana Chavez (U.S.)
Three 20 something girls take mushrooms for the first time in the backseat of a pick up truck.
"GREG” [12:34]
directed by Luke Pilgrim, Brad Kennedy (U.S.)
Allen is your no-nonsense father who always disapproves of the “dummies” his daughter Laura dates. This Christmas, when Laura brings home an actual cotton-stuffed dummy as her new boyfriend, Allen must grapple with the fact that he might be getting in the way of her happiness.
“THE EVENT” [11:25]
directed by Frank Mosley, Hugo De Sousa (U.S.)
It's 2 AM, and Vince just wants to know why.
Block 11| DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING
True stories of people and places through a global lens.
True stories of people and places through a global lens.
Films Include:
“NOS VEMOS PRONTO” [25:00]
directed by Andrew Kirschenbaum (U.S. / Colombia)
Risking their lives along a network of dangerous Colombian highways to confront the wounds of leaving home through poetry, Nos Vemos Pronto documents first-hand the diverse experiences of the current Venezuelan refugee crisis.
"RICE CONNECTIONS” [14:54]
directed by Ee T. Lim (Malaysia)
This documentary is about an artistic journey of Aida Redza, a Muslim female contemporary dancer from Malaysia, and how she created a dance performance site by growing the paddy plot from scratch during the COVID-19 pandemic in late October of 2020.
“OYSTER HEAVEN” [26:41]
directed by Stephen Hamm (U.S.)
This film tells the story of oystering along the southern New England coast: from the native Americans and early European settlers to the boom times of the late 19th century and the collapse of the early 20th century, to today's rebound--and the people who are making it happen.
"TOXIC FAUCETS: FIVE DECADES IN DURHAM, CT” [12:51]
directed by Hannah Gearan (U.S.)
After toxic chemicals are discovered in the drinking water of Durham, Connecticut, local, state, and federal government representatives unite in a five-decade-long fight for clean water, while Durham residents confront alarming disruptions to daily life and face serious illness.
Block 12 | International Views
A variety of stories from the greater global community. Tune in for a rollercoaster ride of comedy, drama, experimental, mysteries and more!
A variety of stories from the greater global community. Tune in for a rollercoaster ride of comedy, drama, experimental, mysteries and more!
Films Include:
“THE SPRAYER” [8:45]
directed by Farnoosh Abedi (Iran)
In the land occupied with the sprayers army, no one has the right to grow any kind of plants either in public or private.
"+70” [3:00]
directed by Meysam Jafarine Jadsedehi (Iran)
Women are beautiful and give beauty. Even at the last moment of their lives.
"FATIH THE CONQUEROR” [15:00]
directed by Onur Yagiz (Turkey)
This Saturday is a Turkish wedding day at Espace Venise (France). Huddled in a car in the parking lot, Fatih, 21, wants to get married. He has set his sights on Ipek, Recep’s sister. But neither Murat, his best friend, nor Recep, nor even Ipek are aware of this yet.
“RESTLESS” [14”36]
directed by Dhun Sharma (Canada)
A sex worker is coerced into a situation that gradually becomes more violent.
Content Warning: blood, violence, offscreen abuse/rape/violence
"METUBE: AUGUST SINGS ‘UNA FURTIVA LAGRIMA’” [8:00]
directed by Daniel Moshel (Austria)
The third part of the internationally award-winning MeTube short film series. This time the intergalactic music nerds August and Elfi conquer the opera stage and orchestrate their final adventure in an opulent manner.
“I AM LIGHT” [3:34]
Directed by Julia Schönstädt (U.K.)
I Am Light is a cinematic short film that aims to create an emotional connection with viewers and shed light on the experiences of Black people in the UK
“LIKE A DOG” [19:52]
directed by Hamid Naseri Moghadam (Iran)
A young lonely boy lives in a city on the outskirts of Tehran and is interested in helping stray and injured dogs. He meets a young woman who has fled to this city. She has a secret in her life that takes the relationship between them to a different direction.
Content Warning: implied violence & cruelty
“MIDNIGHT RIDE” [12:46]
directed by Alessandro Farrattini Pojani (U.K.)
A drug-dealing, Italian delivery rider resorts to robbing a South London burrito joint after his bike and drugs are stolen, little knowing he might be the one taken for a ride all along.
Content Warning: drug use
A note regarding the 2023 Bridgeport Film Fest & the COVID-19 Pandemic:
We understand the nationwide and global impact of COVID-19 has put a hindrance on our fellow filmmakers and content creators. The Bridgeport Film Fest aims to hold a safe space and we are planning a hybrid festival with in person events happening September 8-10, 2023.
If you are feeling sick, please get tested and stay home. :)
We understand the nationwide and global impact of COVID-19 has put a hindrance on our fellow filmmakers and content creators. The Bridgeport Film Fest aims to hold a safe space and we are planning a hybrid festival with in person events happening September 8-10, 2023.
If you are feeling sick, please get tested and stay home. :)