Category: Films in Competition

Vivian, a high school senior, stresses over her college applications as she struggles with an evolving friendship, a tense family dynamic, and the seemingly crushing responsibility of taking charge of her own future.
Directed by Carolyn Knapp (USA)

A posse of three sorority girls get ready for a party. One catty comment leads to a passive aggressive rivalry between two of the girls (Lexi and Jess), and a petty secret is revealed. Jess and Lexi comedically compete for the position of ‘alpha female’ through manipulation and slight emotional jabs.
Directed by Stephen Vanderpool (USA)

A couple, wanted for murder, is on the run from the law. As his girlfriend’s life is deteriorating, Aaron has to do whatever it takes to keep her alive and their dark secret under water.
Directed by Neo Nguyen (USA)

James, a young 18 year old girl has been living on her father’s Tennessee ranch her entire life. She wants to leave and her old life behind to discover the world, and find herself in college. Her father Austin on the other hand only sees her as his little girl and wants her to stay. He wants to play the song that they used to play together when she was a little girl in hopes that she will remember him when she leaves.
Directed by Rachel Ussery (Canada)

Taylor Michaels, a 14-year-old girl, is entering her boy-crazed stage, signs up for a new and hip teen-dating site. After texting for a few weeks with Josh, he now wants to meet in person. Unsure if her parents would allow this, Taylor and her friends devise a plan to make it happen. She ditches dance class to meet him at the park. Taylor’s workaholic mother comes to pick her up from dance class as usual and discovers she’s missing. A search is underway for Taylor; having no luck, the police are called. Three days later a body is discovered near her dance studio. Did Taylor make a fatal mistake?
Directed by LaVern Whitt (USA)

One summer, in a little fishing village in China, teenage boy Leaf’s quiet life is interrupted by the return of childhood friend Qing Chen. Youth, friendship, and love blossom in the summer breeze.
Directed by Meicen Meng (China)

A girl is nervous about having her first kiss while filming a Shakespeare scene for a high school project. But, nothing is exactly what it seems.
Directed by Haley Pine (USA)

Suicide is not the only solution to problems.
Directed by Shivv (India)

A mother dealing with a regretful family past involving domestic abuse on the fathers side. It’s about learning to stand up for yourself to protect the ones you love, and dealing with the consequences when you fail to do so.
Directed by Chris Vermeulen (Canada)

A struggling young musician while facing his own inner demons faces an even more difficult decision, when he discovers his partner is having a baby.
Directed by James Daniel (Australia)