Category: Films in Competition

A man with limited time remaining forces a doctor to get the medication he needs to save his daughter.
Directed by Zane Morrow (USA)

A reflection on the journey between Chicago and DC, connecting voices of hope, empowerment and intersectionality during The Women’s March, the largest protest in the history of the United States, as women and girls organize and rally after the inauguration of the 45th president.

Focusing on intersectionality, mothers and daughters from every strata of the country reflect on the work that is to come for the women’s movement and how we can mobilize for change.
Directed by Laurie Little, Jess Mattison and Theresa Campagna (USA)

The Super Smash Countdown Starring Ronny Diarrhea who hosts an NPR/PBS style show on WTRD 91.1
Directed by Joe DeBolt and Sam Van Horn (USA)

A high school principal is bent on unearthing the identities of a secret hacker group that has infiltrated his school.
Directed by Jason Ancona (USA)

An ex-cop who for years has kept an explosive secret from his wife and the world is suddenly exposed at a critical moment–with life-changing consequences.

Synopsis: Ray Robinson lives with his second wife, Jolene, in a small town where they are raising his 13-year-old daughter, Shannon, whom he brought into the marriage. But when it’s discovered that Shannon has leukemia and Ray is the only DNA match for her, Ray’s life suddenly starts to unravel. Jolene must piece together the truth from a web of deception that Ray has spun for years. But, despite the lies, is Ray really a bad person? After all, as he tells her, “what do you do when the wrong thing is also the right thing?” 
Directed by Richard Ulrich (USA)

What cm are you?
Directed by Lee Dae Han (South Korea)

A dystopian Designer DNA lab, otherwise known as Generation Z, explores a revolutionary gene-editing technology that brings eugenics to the forefront. The lab is on the cusp of being able to design our babies IQ, physical attributes, and even life expectancy. Pushing this research further, scientists test new traits on designer babies they’ve raised themselves – far from the outside world, until two sisters begin to raise questions regarding their existence at Generation Z.
Directed by Andrea Riba (USA)

A woman named Susan hikes in the middle of the Mojave Desert in coming to terms with guilt of the death of her son. Until one night, she is attacked by a rattle snake, and finds herself stranded in the middle of the Mojave. With only a couple hours left to live, she calls for help from a remote located Ranger.
Directed by Jaime Torres (USA)

An ex-gangster member who becomes a PE teacher in a high school is dragged back into a bloody gang war in order to protect a troubled schoolgirl.
Directed by Qiyu Zhou (USA)

Screenwriter Jack Jordan has one thing on his mind: going out with a bang for his last night on Earth.
Directed by J.G. Murphy (USA)