An Excess Baggage - Sophie hides her unhappiness in the close-knit relationship she shares with her daughter, Lila. When Lila leaves for summer camp, Sophie's reality crumbles, and her anxieties resurface. She then tries to escape her loneliness by any means possible. Directed by Myriam Garcia Marienstras (00:16:20) East Coast Premiere
Buddha Bottle - Buddha Bottle makes a solitary trip to the beach in Asbury Park. After getting hopelessly lost, is then rescued by a local musician. Only to become a local legend in Asbury Park's vibrant music scene. Directed by Steve Peckman, Peter Harris (00:02:59) Asbury Park Premiere
Cooped Up - This is a piece of art that speaks to the heart of human existence, where even the smallest, seemingly insignificant creatures have the capacity to show us the power of healing. I am incredibly proud of this project, and I hope it will resonate with those who have experienced the complex and often lonely journey of grief. Directed by Daniel Alphonse Boulos (00:09:29) World Premiere
Father's Day - A group of young adults navigate their conservative religious lives in modern day America while grappling with the ever changing outside world around them. Directed by Rolando Hernandez (00:15:04) World Premiere
Last Hope - After being fired as a volunteer from Last Hope Cat Shelter, Douglas, a well-meaning rulebreaker returns to drop off his keys. He is surprised by the arrival of Diane, the shelter manager and rule-enforcer. They have a heartfelt conversation about loss, redemption and whether or not cats like blue light. When an opportunity for redemption arises, we are left hoping that Douglas will get a second chance. Directed by Lena Kaminsky (00:09:57) New Jersey Premiere
Saverio - In this “coming of aging” dramedy, Mae, an ambitious, Korean American influencer, finds an elderly, Mexican man abandoned in her car, and must choose between her own ambition and an unsupportive healthcare system, and unwittingly journeys toward a new destination. Directed by Ellen Ancui (00:13:50) New Jersey Premiere
Tub - Laleh, going through the motions of her life as the sole caretaker of her abusive mother, suddenly finds herself desperate to fix a newly-leaky tub. But maybe the tub will fix her? Directed by Kathreen Khavari (00:14:33) World Premiere
