Encore: Block #1 and #2

ABOUT THE FILMS:

Opening Night: PROOF Block #1

Such Good Friends

Director: Bri Klaproth

Producers: Rachel Rambaldi, Jon Walup, Bri Klaproth

Writers: Bri Klaproth, Jon Walkup

USA | 11min

@BriKlaproth @SuchGoodFriendsFilm

After reevaluating a toxic friendship, Emma tries to overcome her people-pleasing ways by cutting ties with a life-long friend. The next day, she learns that her decision has ended more than just a friendship. Emma finds herself falling into old patterns with her ex-best friend’s family, while she struggles to keep a dark secret from them.

Half A Life

Director: Ranju Majumdar, Sanjit Majumdar

Producers: Julius Pryor, Shruti Ganguly, Ranju Majumdar, Sanjit Majumdar, Finn Wittrock, Shlomo Godder, Bryan Edward Hill, Beesham A. Seecharan

Writers: Ranju Majumdar, Sanjit Majumdar

USA | 4min

@resurgenceimaging

Ivo Terzic, a Bosnian American refugee is being interviewed by local film students about his background, his current neighborhood and his personal opinion on illegal immigration.   As the interview continues, Ivo realizes the film students are attempting to expose his illegal activities for industry attention and clout on social media.

Cacique Del Monte

Director: Mateo Martinez

Producers: Pablo Villalon, Karime Rodriguez, Mateo Martinez, RESET Global Media, Emerald Films, Disco Amarillo, Pendulocol

Writers: Juan David Cobos, Mateo Martinez

Colombia | 17min

@mateomartinez90 @click.to.reset

Aníbal and his brother-in-law, Sueco, are caught stealing from a sacred emerald mine controlled by Chivo, a ruthless czar devoted to ancient gods. Aníbal escapes with a gem, leaving Sueco behind. Now haunted by vengeful spirits, he returns home to Mona, his girlfriend, who reveals she’s pregnant. As visions grow darker, Aníbal must face the curse he’s unleashed, and the cost of his betrayal.

Prey For Us

Director: Zoe Kerr

Producers: Sonia Proctor, Amber Rossi, Luv Patel, Tiny Planet Production

Writer: Zoe Kerr

USA | 6min

@iamzoekerr @amberrrrrossi @iamluvpatel @tinyplanetproduction @soniaproctor @preyforustheseries

As Heidi gets ready to attend a house party, her inner monologue explores themes of manhood and femininity and the expectation to be perfect in order to please men. At the party, she overhears gossip about the Bronson Butcher, a serial killer terrorizing their small town. After flirting with another party-goer, she leaves with him. Shortly after arriving at his home (a run-down shed), Heidi realizes she may be in over her head.

Content is King

Director: Tito Guzman

Producers: Anna Dvorak, Hunter Page-Lochard from Djali House Pty Ltd

Writer: Tito Guzman

Australia, USA | 12min

@titoguzman @anna_dvorak @cik_film

Nick, a striving content creator, gets the opportunity of a lifetime to join a viral challenge on the popular vlog Zane’s World, risking his own safety for the chance at online fame.

New Worlds: Block #2

Better Life

Director: Jessica Liu

Producer: Annie Huang

Writer: Jessica Liu

USA | 11min

@jessicajliu @betterlifefilm

When a groundbreaking medical procedure promises to turn slackers into overachievers, an aging father sees it as his last chance to achieve the American Dream-through his unemployed adult daughter.

Creature Mountain

Director: Camille Lecoq, Loring Weisenberger

Producers: Camille Lecoq, Loring Weisenberger

Writers: Camille Lecoq, Loring Weisenberger

USA | 8min

@yes.i.cam2 @awildloringappears @creaturemountain

Creature Mountain tells the story of three animal strangers- a Bird, a Wolf, and a Mouse- who travel to the eponymous mountain to scatter the ashes of their mutual friend Gerry. When Gerry’s ashes awaken an ancient darkness within the mountain, our unlikely trio must overcome their doubt, grief, and fear to save the universe.

Glitch Baby

Director: Celine Sutter

Producers: Yael Bermudez, Heather Francis

Writer: Celine Sutter

USA | 13min

@celine__sutter

Set in the early 90s, “Glitch Baby” takes a quantum genre twist on the usual queer coming-of-age story when an unexpected show of affection on the soccer field leaves a young tomboy humiliated and questioning her place in the universe. In this self-defining moment, she triggers a quantum phenomenon that brings her face to face with a celestial version of herself, and through this encounter, the possibility of self-acceptance.

MY KIND OF PEOPLE

Director: Joe Picozzi

Producers: Joe Picozzi, Lauren Germani, Alex Berard

Writer: Joe Picozzi

USA | 14min

@joepicozzi @mykindofpeoplefilm

After a DNA test uncovers his father’s adoption, a proud paesano from Providence, Rhode Island grapples with the revelation that he’s not actually Italian American, and never has been. With the foundation of his identity destroyed, and his familial bonds broken, he begins to spiral.