INDIE SHORT FEST

Katie, like most of the kids, has been receiving the idea of a couple suppose to be composed by a male and a female from her parents, Bill and Carol. However, as Katie grows up, she finds out that she is a lesbian. In order to fits into the “society”, Katie hires a boy, James, to pretend to be her boyfriend and to satisfy her parents.
Directed by Yung-Han (Ariel) Kuo (USA)

Pete, an Asian teenage boy, has been controlled by his mom, Lin, since he was a kid. Like some Asian parents, Lin thinks doctor is the best job for his son, instead of allowing Pete following his own passionate of being a photographer. After finding out that Pete buys a camera, Lin rages and puts monitor at Pete’s room. In order to escape from Lin’s control and to pursue his dream, Pete ultimately makes the worst decision which is poisoning Lin.
Directed by Yung-Han (Ariel) Kuo (USA)

An armed robber sets up his heartbroken buddy on a meet cute – during a heist.
Directed by Darrin Rose (Canada)

Once a daughter of a commune member feels neglected, she decides to take surprising actions to obtain more love and attention. 
Directed by Leon de Levita (Netherlands)

A short story about an emerging politician who attempts to clean corruption from his country in Africa, as he faces an unexpected challenge.
Directed by Diego Fraga (Brazil)

An elderly man visits his wife’s grave for the first time after her death and is interrupted by a bewildering young girl.
Directed by Jason Shumway (USA)

Conventional wisdom tells us hate has no value. Hate is dangerous. Hate is harmful. And if we are to achieve social justice, we must put a stop to hate speech. Silence it by any means necessary.

But, what if the fight to stop hate speech is more harmful than the speech itself?

Through interviews with First Amendment experts, activists, and journalists, Lou Perez of We the Internet TV lays out “5 Reasons Why We Need Hate Speech” in this mini documentary.
Directed by Molly Dedham (USA)

Jane Ruhm is a retired costume designer and UCLA professor who lives in Los Angeles with her cat Zazou. She hosts many get-together on holidays. On Memorial day 2019 she talks about a memory of her family who is not-so-close anymore. This is a story about finding her own family who is not tied by blood but with respect and love.
Directed by Kumie Asai (USA)

A teenage girl must overcome her anxiety and the grief of her late boyfriend to rediscover her passion for singing.
Directed by Eamonn Hawke (Australia)

The three sisters Hanna, Jolene and Shania have a session with mediator Henry, who desperately tries to sort out their conflict about a rather huge amount of money. Turns out that non-violent communication is not the best way to solve the problem.
Directed by Sarah Goldschmidt (Austria)