BEYOND BARS embarks on a journey, chronicling Chesa Boudin’s rise from the shadows of his parents’ radical past with the Weather Underground to his transformative role as a reform-driven District Attorney in San Francisco. The narrative explores how his early exposure to the justice system, rooted in personal adversity, catalyzes his drive for systemic change.

New slashers are a dime a dozen anymore, but when there is passion, purpose, and story behind one, it stands out as a game changer! In BLOODY AXE WOUND, Abbie Bladecut (Sari Arambulo) wrestles with the shadows of her family's dark past. She is at a crossroads between embracing her legacy and forging her path forward. Set in the ominously charming town of Clover Falls, this film combines comedy with spine-chilling horror, turning a typical teen rebellion into a battle for the soul.

In a bold twist on the conventional exorcism narrative, THE BEAST INSIDE explores the boundaries of horror with a story that's as much about the supernatural as it is about the trials of one's path. Sadie Katz, a staple in horror and thriller genres, leads the cast with her formidable presence and steps behind the scenes as a co-writer. Under the direction of Jim Towns, the film tackles heavy themes that push the envelope far beyond simple scares.

A GOOD DAY WILL COME doesn’t just explore a narrative—it invites viewers into the world of Iran through the eyes of Arash (Sia Alipour.) This film by writer/director Amir Zargara meshes the fate of a fictional wrestler with the poignant true story of Navid Afkari, setting a stage where personal ambitions clash with the call for justice. Alipour delivers a powerhouse performance as Arash, embodying the essence of a man torn between the pursuit of glory and the need to speak out against injustice.

Marcus Nispel's reimagined Friday the 13th crackles with a dark allure that attempts to blend the old-school chills of the original film with a modern twist. While the movie dazzles with slick cinematography and a creepy atmosphere, it struggles to balance homage and reinvention. It often feels more like a glossy tribute than a groundbreaking revival.

Eric A. Branstrom's TATTLETALE emerges as an example of how minimalistic settings and a shoestring budget can serve as fertile ground for rich, nuanced storytelling in the horror genre. Branstrom sets his tale within the walls of a classroom, an environment that soon becomes the backdrop for exploring the depths of human vulnerability and the eerie, unseen threats that challenge our sense of security.

CRUST offers a unique horror-comedy experience by blending deep, dark comedy with layers of uninhibited depth. Under the creative roles of Sean Whalen, who directs, leads, and co-writes with Jim Wald, the film transcends the expected genre confines, delivering laughs and surprisingly thoughtful moments.

In his first outing as director, Jeff Daniel Phillips presents CURSED IN BAJA, an original film that examines the boundaries between the known and the unknown. This story follows the journey of Pirelli, a former lawman whose current life as a janitor underscores his once-distinguished past. Drawn into a quest to locate a wealthy family’s lost relative, Quinn Kemper, Pirelli's trek across the mysterious terrains of Baja, Mexico, evolves into a profound personal odyssey, confronting his shadows amid the region's ancient legends.

Setting the scene in the picturesque landscapes of Stuart, Florida (just a short half-hour drive from where I used to live,) SLICE OF AMERICA: CHARRED IN THE FLORIDA SUN whisks us away on a journey of passion, tradition, and adaptation. Under the direction of Gorman Bechard (not his first go-round with a pizza doc!) and guided by Colin M. Caplan, this film takes the audience through the enterprising undertaking of Jimmy Fantin. With a dream to transplant the cherished New Haven-style pizza into Florida's food scene, this story reveals a complex layering of challenges and achievements that come with merging distinct worlds.

DARK WINDS: Season 2 takes us back to the vast, sunbaked landscapes of the Navajo Nation, anchoring itself firmly in the crime drama genre with its latest episodes. This season enhances the storyline by meshing the cultural history of the 1970s Navajo community with complex story arcs that dive into justice and morality. It explores deeper waters, offering a more textured look at its complex characters and the forces shaping their lives.

In Laurynas Bareiša's second directorial outing, DROWNING DRY, a serene family getaway to a picturesque lakeside home spirals into a profound story of upheaval following a near-fatal incident. The story revolves around sisters Ernesta (Gelminė Glemžaitė) and Juste (Agnė Kaktaitė), who, amid a celebration, find their bonds tested under unexpected duress.

Venture off of the gridiron as the spotlight turns to the interplay of sports devotion and criminal activities, CHIEFSAHOLIC: A WOLF IN CHIEFS CLOTHING emerges exploring the dichotomy of a “public hero” and private felon. Directed by Dylan Sires, this documentary dives into the life of Xaviar Babudar, whose fervor for his team eclipsed the dodgy escapades of his life outside of the fandom.

TOMORROW stands out as an evocative story set in the vibrant yet daunting landscape of 1970s Shiraz, Iran. In it, a young boy's struggle for survival mixes with the warmth of his newfound companionship with a stray dog. This animated short eschews traditional dialogue, opting to tell its heartfelt story through the universal language of visuals and music, making it accessible and emotionally engaging for a global audience.

CURRY SCENT tells the tale of Geetha (Indigo Sabharwal,) our 19-year-old protagonist whose family's journey from their homeland in India to Florida encapsulates the trials and tribulations of chasing the American Dream. This narrative mixes the lighter sides of life with weighty topics such as identity and the sacrifices necessary for a shot at stability, all through the lens of an immigrant family. The film's heart shines as it presents these heartfelt themes in a relatable and poignant storyline.

Set against the sun-drenched backdrops of New Mexico, IN THE SUMMERS explodes onto your screen as an exploration of the challenges and changes within a single family, framed through four segments. As we journey through the years with sisters Eva and Violeta, their annual reunions with their father, Vicente, who contends with his own personal demons, are laid out before us. Each summer unfolds more aspects of their complex relationships, showcasing their transformation against a narrative of reconciliation and personal growth.

Amid the icy clutches of 19th-century Iceland, we witness a gripping portrayal in THE DAMNED, the directorial debut of Thordur Palsson. This tale delves into the resilience of the human spirit through its protagonist, Eva, portrayed by Odessa Young. Eva is thrust into leadership within her isolated village following her husband's tragic death. The sudden appearance of a shipwreck off the coast presents a dire choice: rescue the stranded or preserve their limited resources. This dilemma casts Eva and her villagers into an ordeal with supernatural nuances and ethical intricacies.

Step back into the era of the 1960s, FOR LOVE OR MONEY serves up a delightful cocktail of comedy and romance. The film, directed by Michael Gordon, debuted in 1963, sporting a stellar cast including Kirk Douglas, Mitzi Gaynor, Thelma Ritter, Julie Newmar, Gig Young, Leslie Parrish, and more, who navigate through a series of romantic mishaps with a distinct flair.

FROM GROUND ZERO is a powerful exploration of life amid the horrors happening in Gaza, brought to life through a collaboration of various filmmakers. This anthology stitches together 22 short films, each providing a unique window into the resilience and adversity its subjects face. Blending animation, documentary, and experimental cinema, the anthology offers a collective insight into the human spirit under siege.

From the passion and drive of an athlete on the edge of Olympic glory to the daring scenes of an adult film set, Natálie Císařovská's debut feature, HER BODY, charts the complex journey of Andrea Absolonová (Natalia Germáni.) This film is about a narrative rich with themes of autonomy and identity, painted across a canvas that challenges perceived norms.

Aldo Iuliano crafts an arresting short film that captures the essence of youthful optimism shadowed by the grim realities of conflict. In the movie, a tranquil day on a secluded beach beautifully encapsulates the fleeting moments of happiness between two young lovers, Roman and Julia. The ominous clouds of war disrupt their day. The juxtaposition of their innocent joy against the backdrop of looming violence paints a vivid tableau of the delicate balance between peace and turmoil.

In the film SHUT UP & FISH, directors Raul Sanchez and Pasqual Gutiérrez usher us into the heart of Latino youth culture, unveiling a story woven with vibrant threads of identity and belonging. In the spotlight is Aiden, a young man wrestling with his allegiances within a tightly knit circle, an ordeal that relentlessly shapes and tests his identity. This narrative's resonance has captivated audiences and caught the of critics, catapulting it into contention for the prestigious Academy Awards.

NIGIQTUQ ᓂᒋᖅᑐᖅ (THE SOUTH WIND) traverses the challenging landscape of cultural identity and assimilation through the stirring story of a mother and daughter in 1930s Canada, set against a backdrop of societal change and covert discrimination. This narrative uniquely illustrates the silent yet profound battle against racism hidden beneath the guise of progress, which threatens the essence of Indigenous cultures.

In a portrayal set against the unsettling backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS charts a profound journey through the lens of Caroline and her father as they navigate the volatile Iranian landscape. Directed by Julia Elihu and written by Ava Lalezarzadeh, the film brilliantly encapsulates the essence of personal strife and the relentless pursuit of liberty, engaging viewers with its authentic depiction and rich narrative depth. This is a film where the cinematography pulls you in; it’s part of the experience.