Saturday Oct 5th Screening Schedule
"Finding An Edge" - Directed by James Malone
In the stunning Chamonix region, a group of injured Royal Marines embarks on a life-changing challenge - learning to ski. Each Marine has their own story of sacrifice and heroism. With unwavering camaraderie, they support each other through falls and failures, finding strength in their shared experiences. As they improve, their confidence grows, and they conquer the advanced slopes, proving that their injuries do not define them. "Finding an Edge" - A short film celebrating the indomitable spirit of our veterans.
"Locals Only: The Big Little Pub" - Directed by Gareth Kelly
The Press Room - a British Cocktail pub in the heart of Santa Barbara may only be 850 sqft but it has the soul of a big pub. The home for local football (soccer) fans the pub is more than just a watering hole. Over the past 25 years, it has become a home away from home for people from all walks of life thanks to its owner, James Rafferty, and his family. Abruptly faced with demolition to make way for luxury housing the community rallies to its side to save it.
"Closing The Gap" - Directed by Maura & Kate Smith
Teachers, staff, parents, and children of Norwood, Massachusetts dealt with the school shutdown due to COVID-19. The film focuses the sudden challenges posed by remote learning, social distancing, food insecurity, as well as the emotional toll of the separation from friends, colleagues, teachers, and students.
"I Was Born In The Portal " - Directed by Justin La Turno
Coming-of-Age Documentary that peeks into the D.I.Y. world of Pomona music artist, Jojank (they/them), as they recall their musical education, artistic ambitions, and online upbringing as a Black non-binary musician in white suburbia. Through Jojank, this film explores the intersections of the D.I.Y. music community, self-acceptance, and creative endurance in a post-pandemic world.
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"The Vessel" - Directed by Brendan Garvey
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An exploration of what makes the most generous man in America tick.
"Being Frank" - Directed by Jason Joel Lethcoe
An outsider immigrates to America and writes about his difficulties fitting in.
"Double Trouble" - Directed by Muhan Yao
Double Trouble is a 2D animated film based on a personal story about two sisters who went through rivalry, understanding, and reconciliation. Though tension built between them and erupted into big fights, they came to realize they could look out for each other and that their relationship is important.
"Watercolors & Animation" - Directed by Cathy Karol-Crowther
Hand drawn animation and watercolors tell the story of a group of headless robots who follow a robot with a head to an urbanized world across the red sea. When a tsunami wipes out the urbanized world, the robots escape back home, returning to their simple happy lifestyle.
"Overthinking Tea " - Directed by Scarlett Ssu-Chia Chen
A girl has a problem with overthinking. Sights and sounds constantly fill her mind. Until one day, the elves in her brain use all of her overwrought thoughts to make a cup of milk tea.
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"Fawn In The Minefield " - Directed by Jee Suk Kim, Habini Bae, Martinius Solum & Sean Condie
A fawn and a mother deer are living in an abandoned mine field. One day, the fawn steps on a landmine. The Mother and the Fawn not only have to deal with the mine, but also what's lurking in the shadows.
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"Barefoot" - Directed by Julia Knox & Kasey Orthmann
What should have been a routine appointment at the OBGYN for Molly Manzel, it spirals out of control when the doctor is distracted by her ugly feet.
"I Am Cain" - Directed by Colby Sinclair Herbst
​A Man goes to a cabin to drink himself to death after finding out he's going to be a father.
"Cross" - Directed by Hyunjin Lee
​A Korean immigrant mom in the US goes through a journey against her religious faith to embrace her only son who is discovering his sexual orientation.
"The Painter" - Directed by Jahanshah Vafaeisefat
​A former championship boxer has become a cynic and a recluse after the death of his wife. His estranged granddaughter Jesse attempts to make a documentary about him. Conflict erupts as the two are unable to see eye to eye.
"La Lista" - Directed by Fernanda Fraga
Tony is a 41-year-old man with a monotonous and boring life. Fed up with the routine, he decides to take his own life, but before doing so, he writes a list of things he must do before he dies, among which is taking his favorite milkshake for the last time, which will change the course of his destiny.
"Cats and Husbands" - Directed by Grace Samson & Barry Samson
Two close friends, Fern and Marcie get together at a local coffee shop to celebrate a birthday. We learn that Fern has been having a hard time trying to have a baby with her husband. What results is a comical yet poignant story about how we cope with difficult times in life.
"Hold Me" - Directed by Andrew L Tingle & Terezia Benova
Hold Me is an unorthodox story of self discovery for the modern age, from chasing false connections to a desperate attempt at redemption. When a spiritual influencer is exposed for being less than holy, in her final attempt at salvation; she ventures to the mountains for a retreat where she is forced to confront herself and her family dynamics in an unconventional way.
"Go Easy" - Directed by Logan Schmideler
​On the day of her mother's funeral, estranged daughter Wanda makes a surprise appearance, much to her sister Simone's dismay. But after her speaker drops out from giving the closing eulogy, Simone turns to Wanda to save the day. Grappling with the stress of the service, a weepy dad and her own grief, Wanda must find a way to reconnect with her family before she loses them all for good.
"Under" - Directed by Aloura Melissa Charles
When Minh, a trafficking victim escapes her captors and hides under a residential house, she is secretly drawn into the life of Amy mother struggling with postpartum depression. Both women feel trapped and alone. As Minh listens to the joys and tears of both Amy and her baby, she is reminded the child she tragically lost. Ultimately, Min comes to Amy’s aid and the women connect, finding friendship and hope.
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"Bracing Shadows" - Directed by Bemnet Yemesgen
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​A young man follows a mysterious woman to her home, where an unexpected event shatters his perception of reality.
"Wabi - Sabi" - Directed by Josephine Green Zhang
When an insecure, half Japanese woman's invited on a date to a traditional tea ceremony, her best friend's advice on how to avoid white-guys-with-Asian-fetishes threatens to ruin her love life and sanity.
"The Veteran"
Directed by Jeremy Waltman
A struggling magician and his successful sister reconcile their father's military legacy.
"American Pot Story: Oakserdam "
Directed by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir
American Pot Story: Oaksterdam is a documentary about how change transpires in America. The account of "a small group of concerned committed citizens" (to quote Margaret Mead) who took a huge risk in order to bring about a massive shift in public perception. It all happened at Oaksterdam University in Oakland , California - a magical place where cannabis history was made, falling right in place with Oakland’s rich history of civil resistance. Today when we see celebrities and corporations get into the cannabis business it’s easy to forget how many millions of people unjustly suffered and still suffer because of the American drug policy. Our documentary is not just an important historical chronicle of a campaign that brought into the mainstream a taboo topic, it’s also an inspiring reminder of how democracy can work when people come together in an effort to fulfill our pledge to liberty and justice for all.
