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What does it mean to cling on when everyone has made up their mind and decided you’re done? THE OLD MAN AND THE PARROT starts with a premise that leads to a punchline, yet quickly develops into something much more delicate. A man breaks into the house of a stranger, armed and carrying a stuffed bird, and he then demands the spirit of his lover to be freed. It could have been the premise of a sketch comedy, yet the film hints from the beginning that it’s not aiming for that. Under its odd workings, there’s a message about grief with no place to go.

How do you measure what survival means when simply existing is treated like an accomplishment? STILL STANDING is one of those short documentaries that wastes absolutely no time pretending it needs more than it does. At ten minutes, it understands its responsibility, its limitations, and its strengths, and it never overreaches. Instead, it tightens its focus until the concept becomes unbearable in the best possible way. This isn’t a film about the exhibition of wildfire, not about flames swallowing neighborhoods, not about cinematic devastation. It is about what comes after, when the fires are gone, some of the houses are technically intact, and the danger is invisible.

What happens when concealed ideology refuses to stay buried? MURPHY’S RANCH wastes no time establishing its tone. What begins as a routine job unfolds with a steady unease, the kind that creeps in rather than presenting itself in an obvious way. The film understands that the most effective horror often comes from recognition, the idea that something deeply wrong has been hiding in plain sight all along.

How much of a family’s identity is inherited, and how much is silently imposed? THE LEMIEURS is the kind of documentary that disarms you by refusing to posture. There’s no thesis announced up front, no framing designed to guide you, no reassuring sense that this film knows exactly where it is headed. Instead, filmmaker Sammy LeMieur begins with proximity. He points the camera at his own family and lets time do the shaping. Over four years, what starts as documentation gradually becomes confrontation, not through conflict itself, but through inevitability.

DEUCE captures a moment in time that so many can relate to, but few films have tackled it with such authenticity. It’s a coming-of-age tale that doesn’t rely on exaggerated conflicts or melodrama but focuses on the quiet, personal battles that define growing up. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Massachusetts, the film offers a deeply personal and nuanced look at the subtle yet seismic shifts that occur when childhood innocence meets the world's expectations around them.

Few comedies blend satire with humor as effectively as VICTORIAN LADIES. It’s a series that thrives on contradiction—prim and proper women operating under strict rules while delivering sharp, witty, and sometimes absurd dialogue. With its paper doll aesthetic and improvisational energy, the show feels like a theatrical experiment brought to life, balancing authenticity with comedic sensibilities. The result is refreshingly offbeat, with characters who are exaggerated in every way yet strangely relatable.

Some films demand your attention by playing it safe, while others throw caution to the wind, dragging you into a world that is equal parts mesmerizing and bizarre. This one firmly belongs in the latter category. With its eerie black-and-white cinematography and an unpredictable fusion of horror, dark comedy, and romance, it delivers an experience that is as fascinating as it is unsettling. It embraces the grotesque without hesitation, revels in absurdity, and leaves no room for passive viewing. Whether you find yourself drawn to its audacity or baffled by its sheer weirdness, one thing is certain—it doesn’t fade from memory quickly.

THE BIG JOHNSON doesn’t just tell a story—it grabs you by the collar and pulls you headfirst into the electric chaos of 1980s New York City. At the center of it all is Dean Johnson, a towering, bald icon who refused to conform, bending punk rock, drag, and activism into an unbreakable force. This documentary isn’t just about his life; it’s about the spaces he created, the barriers he shattered, and the contradictions that made him both larger-than-life and tragically vulnerable. His legacy is undeniable, yet his final days remain a haunting mystery, leaving behind a tale as compelling as the music and culture he helped define.

MY OWN NORMAL doesn’t ask for sympathy but exists as an unapologetic and deeply personal account of life, love, and self-definition. It doesn’t try to change minds—it simply presents a reality that few get to see, which challenges outdated notions about disability without making it the sole focus.

Some films don’t just tell a story—they hold up a mirror, forcing us to examine our lives, relationships, and the ever-widening ideological divides in our society. MY OMAHA does just that, blending a deeply personal journey with a larger, urgent social commentary. Director Nick Beaulieu crafts a documentary that isn’t just about activism and political conflict but also about what it means to navigate those tensions within our closest relationships. It’s a film that doesn’t flinch when emotions run high, embracing both the personal and political with an unfiltered lens.

MAKAYLA’S VOICE: A LETTER TO THE WORLD, a documentary that captures the journey of Makayla as she and her family navigate the complexities of a unique nonverbal form of autism. This film, a blend of warmth and insight, beautifully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit. Anchored by her parents' unwavering belief in her potential, the film is a testament to love, determination, and the power of communication. It also proves there's so much about the mind that we don’t know.

Let me start by saying, please don’t walk into any form of media with preconceived ideas of what you think will or won’t be an experience for you. A little backstory: I’ve seen hundreds of short animated films; every year, I attempt to watch every Oscar-nominated film before the Oscars. This includes animated shorts as well, and every year, and there are at least a few shorts that just aren’t for me; they just don’t seem to connect with me (that doesn’t mean they’re bad!) When I started this film, I immediately felt like it would be an “artsy” short without meaning (that name, after all!)

When was the last time you questioned the ground you live on? That question is precisely what we experience in DEMON MINERAL, a documentary directed by Hadley Austin; it feels like entering a living, breathing chronicle where ancient traditions clash with modern environmental challenges. This documentary is more than just a sequence of scenes or a history lesson; it's a vibrant, pulsating narrative that paints a picture of resilience against the harsh backdrop of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation.

THE ACCIDENT, directed by Giuseppe Garau, offers a deep dive into the life of Marcella (Giulia Mazzarino,) a mother facing the rough seas of post-divorce life and joblessness. This narrative pulls you into a world where human resilience battles against an often uncaring world. As viewers, we're not just observers; we're invited into the heart of Marcella's life, a blend of harsh reality and reflective moments that tug at your soul.

BLOCKBUSTER is a powerful short film that transports viewers into a universe where the zeal for creation clashes with stark reality. In just ten minutes, Brazilian director Rafael Toledo crafts a narrative that simultaneously salutes the practical effects of Hollywood’s yesteryear and delves into the psyche of an obsessed artist. The film centers on Abel, embodied by Luiz Gomide Walther, a director whose passion for realism in special effects teeters on the edge of sanity, culminating in a plan to blow up an actual building. This film explores the razor-thin line between creative brilliance and madness.

AFFENTANZ - HUNTER, directed by Cyprian Hercka, plunges us into a forest teeming with suspense, dark humor, and surreal twists. This unique film flirts with the conventions of music videos and horror shorts, creating an engaging narrative that upends the usual hunter-and-hunted dynamic. The journey oscillates between the “civilized world” and the depths of untamed nature, creating a beautifully haunting experience.

ROLL BUS ROLL: A JEFFREY LEWIS DOCUMENTARY, under the skilled direction of Ilya Popenko, offers a refreshing and engaging narrative that captures the life and artistry of Jeffrey Lewis, a standout figure in the anti-folk scene. This vibrant and insightful documentary delves into the essence of Lewis, who, as a native of New York City, skillfully fused melodic garage-punk with raw acoustic rhythms, carving a unique niche in the indie-folk world. I won’t lie; I think this is a film for Lewis’ fanbase; while I still enjoyed it, I felt out of my element and almost overwhelmed at times due to my lack of familiarity with him.

Step into the world of PUNISHMENT, a film that takes us behind the daunting walls of Norway’s Halden Maximum Security Prison. Director Øystein Mamen, in his first feature film, brings us a story that's less about the prison bars and more about the mental barriers of its inmates. The film navigates through the complex psychological terrains of four prisoners engaged in a three-week Jesuit silent retreat. It's a refreshing take on the prison genre, focusing on introspection and transformation rather than the usual crime drama tropes.

From the get-go, ALL I’VE GOT & THEN SOME is an original and powerful concept: a stand-up comedian's life in Los Angeles, living out of his car while chasing his big break. This blend of drama and humor offers a genuine peek into artists' obstacles to recognition. Each scene provides a peak into this world and artists' struggles while softening the edges to make it more digestible.

In the landscape of modern cinema, where reinvention is the game's name, THE COMPLEX FORMS stands out as a daring confluence of horror, sci-fi, and thriller. Writer/Director Fabio D'Orta orchestrates this symphony in a stunning and high-contrast black and white, crafting a narrative that delves into the depths of human desperation and eerie supernatural encounters. The film is set against the haunting backdrop of a 19th-century villa, where the storyline unfurls its mysterious layers, offering a fresh perspective on traditional themes.

When you sit down to watch LOOK AT ME, you're signing up for more than just your standard dramedy. You're transported into a profoundly personal journey alongside Taylor, an actor who's battling with deep personal issues, including an intense eating disorder. This film is not just a narrative; it’s an invitation into the depths of a troubled soul seeking love and self-acceptance in a tumultuous world. It is a fictional autobiography that makes you question the battles those around you face daily.

Under Ivar Aase's direction, COMPLICATIONS is more than the sum of its parts. It's an immersive experience that drags you into the depths of digital-age “relationships.” The movie blends the professional with the personal, blurring the lines between the online and offline worlds. In this film, emotions aren't just depicted; they are painted across the screen, making each moment an integral part of a larger narrative about contemporary love and connectivity. It wasn’t until I wrote my review that I learned this was the second film in a proposed trilogy (with the third film already being worked on.) I haven’t checked out the first film, titled TRANSACTIONS, but I can’t wait to after the festival.

DUMPSTER ARCHEOLOGY, directed by Dustie Carter, is a documentary that “literally” dives into the back alleys of our consumer-driven society. Led by the unconventional Lew Blink, self-named "Dumpster Archeologist," this film is more than just a foray into discarded items; it's an eye-opening commentary on the hidden stories and values those items hold; the film reveals the untold stories lurking in the most overlooked places.

Pete Ohs' directorial vision, LOVE AND WORK, takes us on a trip into a world where the mere act of working is an act of defiance (dreams do come true). This bold narrative setup allows exploring deep themes like love, ambition, and the search for meaning. The film is anchored by solid performances that bring life to this dystopian and romantic storytelling blend. Loverboy had it all figured out! (IYKYK)

What did I just watch? I’m still not entirely sure, but please don’t take that as a negative, as this film will leave you changed! In independent cinema, it's a delight to stumble upon a film like THE BITCOIN CAR, which breaks the mold with its innovative storytelling and picturesque visuals. Directed by the talented Trygve Luktvasslimo, this film is a testament to his growth from a short film creator to a feature-length director. THE BITCOIN CAR is set apart in its eclectic fusion of a musical backdrop with a narrative steeped in the juxtaposition of rural charm and digital innovation.