Section

Documentary Shorts

These nonfiction shorts capture real stories with clarity, curiosity, and care—offering sharp perspectives on the world around us. Curated into programs, films in this section are part of our Official Competition and eligible for jury and audience recognition.

Documentary Shorts

Against A Sharp White Background

Film Against A Sharp White Background Directed by Asahni Williams An exploration of the effects of integration in education through the eyes of Zora Neale Hurston. Looking at…

Documentary Shorts

Arepas En Bici

Film Arepas En Bici Directed by Brennan McGee, Jonah Moshammer A sumptuous culinary presentation and pulse-pounding ride with Victor Aguilera, a Venezuelan chef who cycles through San Francisco…

Documentary Shorts

Bouncy Brothers

Film Bouncy Brothers Directed by Nicholas J. Santore BOUNCY BROTHERS follows the ups and downs of two brothers after one decides to take a second crack…

Documentary Shorts

Breaking Language

Film Breaking Language Directed by Sofia Castro Merging Argentinian Sign Language, dance, and documentary, Breaking Language presents the perspectives of four Deaf artists as they…

Documentary Shorts

Gardener Of The Galaxy

Film Gardener Of The Galaxy Directed by Nicholas Natalicchio World renowned astrophysicist and planetary scientist Dr. Edward Guinan reflects on his life, work, and involvement in the…

Documentary Shorts

Guadalupe Maravilla’s Mariposa Relámpago

Film Guadalupe Maravilla’s Mariposa Relámpago Directed by César Martínez Barba Glowing softly in the West Texas desert night, artist Guadalupe Maravilla’s “Mariposa Relámpago” was once an ordinary school…

Documentary Shorts

Hail, A Taxi Home

Film Hail, A Taxi Home Directed by Jay Liu Against the erosion of local culture in Hong Kong, a Hong Konger filmmaker questions why a 1.5-generation Hong…

Documentary Shorts

Harmony On Pointe

Film Harmony On Pointe Directed by Adam Benavides In an unprecedented collaboration, the School of Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra unite to bring…

Documentary Shorts

I Am Louise

Film I Am Louise Directed by Isaac Knopf In her golden years, a storied caterer and car saleswoman finds herself on the silver screen.

Documentary Shorts

It’s Time

Film It’s Time Directed by Jason Lindsey, Scott Krahn IT'S TIME is a poetic 4-minute film born from a personal journey of discovery.  Set in early spring,…

Documentary Shorts

Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles

Film Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles Directed by Emily Sheskin A lifelong hobby becomes a lifeline for an unexpected Twitch streamer.

Documentary Shorts

LOOKING FORWARD

Film LOOKING FORWARD Directed by Devon Gulati LOOKING FORWARD is a documentary chronicling Owen Cravens' remarkable journey. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at 11, Owen defies…

Documentary Shorts

Portrait of a Seaweed Farmer: Ana Borrero, PhD

Film Portrait of a Seaweed Farmer: Ana Borrero, PhD Directed by Jeff Siebert PORTRAIT OF A SEAWEED FARMER: ANA BORRERO, PHD, follows a Spanish marine scientist who leaves behind a high-stress…

Documentary Shorts

Shanti Rides Shotgun

Film Shanti Rides Shotgun Directed by Charles Frank On Manhattan's jam-packed streets, NYC's most iconic driving instructor prepares students for the road ahead.

Documentary Shorts

The Art Of Connection – NoDa Cloud Wall’s Story

Film The Art Of Connection – NoDa Cloud Wall’s Story Directed by Chuck Kleven THE ART OF CONNECTION - NODA CLOUD WALL'S STORY, made possible by Grubb Properties, goes behind-the-scenes to chronicle…

Documentary Shorts

The Cat Man Eshete

Film The Cat Man Eshete Directed by Laura Checkoway The extraordinary story of Eshete, who escaped Ethiopia’s civil war on foot as a young man and is…

Documentary Shorts

The Endless Wave

Film The Endless Wave Directed by Anil Dhokai Professional wake surfer Evan Feierabend takes us through different aspects of the sport, exploring the craft and what…

Documentary Shorts

The Halfway Between All This

Film The Halfway Between All This Directed by Alison Cornyn, Heather Greer THE HALFWAY BETWEEN ALL THIS is a conversation and a meditation on the role of images and trauma…

Documentary Shorts

TRIP-tych!

Film TRIP-tych! Directed by Brian Lonano, Kevin Daniel Lonano A home movie-experimental souvenir shot on super8 and 16mm film over the course of 7 years.

Documentary Shorts

Warp Weft Water Weeds

Film Warp Weft Water Weeds Directed by John Rash Elizabeth Bradford draws inspiration for her paintings from a profound connection to nature through direct observations while hiking…