The Sea Train - Directed by Amelia Bianchi, USA, 3:26, World Premiere
The Sea Train is a 2D animated short film about a hopeless character who is lifted out of darkness by a new friend. On an underwater train bound to oblivion the main character is interrupted by a child version of themselves that is determined to change their mind and lift their spirit. After adventures in a magical underwater world, our main character finally gets the confidence to change their train of thought and see the world in a new light.
The Dance - Directed by Keri Sheheen, USA, 2:37, Brooklyn Premiere
A girl encounters something strange in the woods.
Wishmaker - Directed by Christina Litvaitis, USA, 3:55, World Premiere
"Wishmaker" follows Nova, a young star creature on her first mission as a wishmaker to grant the wish a little girl made on a shooting star. Throughout her journey, she must learn to overcome her fears and anxiety to fulfill her dreams and mission.
Don't Be Scared - Directed by Richard O'Connor, USA, 2:21, NYC Premiere
A family of birds looks for safety in a storm.
Cherry On Top - Directed by Mark Cabaroy, USA, 4:02, NYC Premiere
After being gifted a cherry a man loses it and goes through great lengths to get it back.
Kerplunky! - Directed by Robert Kleinschmidt, USA, 5:05, NYC Premiere
Isolation. Tooth Decay. Alcoholism. Kerplunky!
Demi's Panic - Directed by Bill Plympton, USA, 9:43
Animated short film about Demi, a Latina in NYC whose nightmares foreshadow an unprecedented storm, transforming her city & her life. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lipstick of the Brave - Directed by Bill Plympton, USA, 6:06
Lipstick of the Brave represents the animated journey of Madstone Rowan, composer and performer, as they find inspiration in the rock and pop music which inspired them to move beyond the gender binary and embrace their non-binary self. Through Bill Plympton's poignant animation, homage is paid to the songs and artists that lifted Madstone on their journey as the film seeks to connect with the audience in a way that inspires the viewer to see their own sense of personal power as a part of a world that collectively embraces all expressions of gender and sexuality. The animation is set to the music written and sung by Madstone Rowan.
Our America - Directed by Dean M Winkler, Donald S. Butler, USA, 4:10, NYC Premiere
"Our America" is a short-form, non-narrative meditation on American 20th century industrial promises gone awry. The film explores the dreams of World War II America through imagery based on 1943 teacher aid posters called Our America which were distributed to schools throughout the U.S. From the vantage point of nearly a century later, the film examines how the innocent, celebratory intent of American ingenuity has led us on a path of unintended consequences. "Our America" follows "140 Characters" (2017), a short non-narrative film about the unfulfilled promises of internet technology.
TIME - Directed by Steven Lapcevic, USA, 4:09, NYC Premiere
A man is subject to the repercussions of tampering with time.
The Tenement - Directed by Claire Fleming, UK, 1:56, Brooklyn Premiere
A rainy spring evening catching a glimpse inside the red sandstone of a Glasgow Tenement.
Losing It - Directed by Sascha Vernik, Austria, 9:30, NYC Premiere
After losing the tool he relies on most, a fraud information worker decides to go back in time to prevent it.
In the Mountains - Directed by Wally Chung, USA, 5:20
A couple goes on a hike and run into some trouble.
Memento Mori - Directed by Paul O'Flanagan, Ireland, 8:46, Brooklyn Premiere
A storm brews over Victorian Dublin as post-mortem photographer, Mr.Huxley, returns to his hallowed practice within the gloomy townhouse in which he resides. His latest subject is a recently-deceased young woman, whose presence conjures the demons of Huxley's character - compelling him to confront the narcissistic life he has chosen to lead.