Category: Films in Competition

“A Rent in the Veil” is a meditation on the elasticity of time, the mystery of an unfolding cosmos, and the endurance of wonder. From the mesmerizing drift of millennia found in Herzog’s caves, to the slow-motion transformations witnessed in Viola’s video art, A Rent in the Veil embraces an aesthetic that is more about contemplative introspection than any particular formal orthodoxy. The absence of tracking shots or close-ups are reminiscent of Benning’s 13 Lakes, even as the animated text and soundtrack that weave through black and white imagery evoke passages that conjure the fledgling years of cinema.
Directed by Andrew Beckham (USA)

A young woman discovers she has a deep connection with her grandmother after her grandmother has passed.
Directed by Jerry J White III (USA)

A therapist’s bad habits start to affect his relationships with his clients.
Directed by Roberto Raad (USA)

A creative writing instructor (Jennifer Morrison, “Once Upon a Time”) at a juvenile detention center finds common ground with a troubled student (Madison Wolfe, “I Kill Giants”) yet quickly finds herself in great danger when she decides to help her.
Directed by Sheldon Wong Schwartz (USA)

The story depicts a girl, Tabatha, who attends at a dance school and wants to play a leading role in a world tour show. In a coincidence, the director gives her an offer, which she initially refuses. However, to attain success and satisfy her mother’s expectation, Tabatha decides to do anything according to the director’s requests. Through revealing the transform of the protagonist’ attitude, this film describes how the cruel reality and tremendous pressure have distorted a person’s initial heart. 
Directed by Lin Niu (USA)

Buttons, a troubled and unsuccessful clown, must decide whether or not to say goodbye to his unaccepting, spiteful mother when he gets word that she is dying.
Directed by Noah Marger (USA) 

A young girl suddenly finds herself in a beautiful imaginary world. As she explores this enchanting place, the long ribbon of her dress gets caught, holding her back. As she pulls on the ribbon to break free, a completely unexpected journey begins.
by Jonathan Galland (USA)

When Charlie can’t get a date to the dance he decides his best option is to build one and train it to be the perfect date.
Directed by Cole London (Canada)

Daron goes on a blind date with a girl he met on the internet. His car is stolen during his dinner date, and he must learn to trust a crazy girl he just met in an attempt to get his car back.
Directed by Phillip Lindsey (USA)

A mother finds herself caught in a terrible trap and must confront her captor before it’s too late for her own children.
Directed by Hannah Stephens (USA)