INDIE SHORT FEST

The Best Man

The Bonds of Brotherhood are tested after James younger brother comes out to him, causing him to reevaluate his relationship with his brother.
Directed by Joseph Lamb (USA)

Cliffs of Infatuation

A single mother tries to find a husband for her daughter with the help of a local priest. The mother falls in love with one of the candidates, and things will never be the same again.
Directed by Tomasz Kurlej (Poland)

Three Years. 1 Night

The short film “Three Years. 1 night” is a juxtaposition of two dimensions of the same story – the first takes place during one night and talks about Krzysztof’s journey to the seaside. Ewa, his deceased love partner, accompanies him in his imagination. Upon reaching the destination, Krzysztof’s duty according to Ewa’s will is to scatter her ashes, which is synonymous with saying goodbye one last time, a final accepting of her passing and bringing a chapter in life to a close. The second dimension is three years of memories – from a timidly awakening feeling, through a mature love relationship, up to Ewa’s diagnosis, cancer. The young man has to deal with anxiety, anger, depression, sadness and regrets. To his aid come memories of a beautiful love and his own life wisdom.
Directed by Bartosz Jakub Jasinski (Poland)

Dreamland

When 19-year-old Boy takes up a job at a local amusement park, he falls in love with a much older Girl who works as his replacement as a bear mascot. There is just one problem, the Girl is in a long-lasting toxic relationship with the Boss of the theme park.
Directed by Natasza Parzymies (Poland)

Vacant Rooms

11- years old girl called Zosia – the girl from the rich family, who came to visit her aunt in a small village. Everything seems normal except the fact that her aunt’s mansion is known to be haunted. At the beginning Zosia doesn’t really like neither the place nor her aunt. But when she meets a boy at her age and it turns out that they get along really well she seems to enjoy her vacations a little bit more. But one day they decide to take a risk and solve the mystery of that mansion by doing everything that her aunt told her not to do. 
Directed by Bartłomiej Jakubiak (Poland)

Bet the Demon Wins

A teenager struggles to fight off the demons that have come to haunt her following rejection by her gambling-addicted father and betrayal by her sister.
Directed by Denise Hurley (Australia)

Home

“Home” is the story of a young runaway named Emily who seeks sanctuary from her troubled life in the arms of her grandmother.
Directed by Logan Coleman (USA)

Her Turf: The Untold Story about Three Female Football Refs

This short documentary follows three female football referees as they claim access to a powerful role in a male-dominated industry. Annice Canady was the first female football referee to officiate a NCAA game in 2001. She is revered as a trailblazer, opening the door for other women to call the shots. The three-time cancer survivor doesn’t shy away from reporting harsh realities on what it was like being the first female on the field. Tangela Mitchell has the “it” factor in officiating with intangible qualities to succeed. She’s ambitious and has the talent to officiate in the NFL someday. Tangela carries Annice’s baton with grace as she continues to advance in the pipeline. Mary Podesta officiates for the love of the game and being part of the football community. Her sound bites are self-deprecating, entertaining, and funny. 
This timely and engaging film reveals the struggles and triumphs of three referees who didn’t set out to be trailblazers but are, by their very presence, opening doors for women who will arrive after them. Viewers will get to know each ref as they pursue professional excellence and chase their love of the game. 
Directed by Shantel Hansen (USA)

The Uncanny Valley

In a near future world, a cynical Investigator questions an abnormal A.I. in an attempt to find a rogue scientist. The mystery deepens as the A.I. reveals her true abilities, and the Investigator’s true fear.
Written by Julia E. Beney and Jacqueline Godbout (Canada)