Part of SFFILM Festival
Shorts 1
Description
These shorts directed by an international group of emerging filmmakers present moving examples of individual acts of grace, courage, and compassion. From determined teenagers challenging conformity, to a woman coping with loss through physical endurance, to a young child meeting her grandmother for the first time, this memorable collection of narrative and documentary short films are sure to engage and inspire. This program features work from Vietnam, the Philippines, the UK, and the US.
Total running time 88 min
Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play. All films are in competition.
Abuelos
The separation of families on the US/Mexico border is profoundly depicted as a young girl dreams of being reunited with her grandmother.
(Rodrigo Reyes, USA 2020, 9 min)
This is a Cinema by the Bay film.
Basurero
Bong, a fisherman during the day and a Duterte henchman at night, faces a crisis of conscience when a neighbor is killed.
(Eileen Cabiling, Philippines 2019, 17 min)
Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business
At 93, the incomparable artist Betye Saar, known for her politically inspired art created from found objects, is profiled in this insightful and inspiring documentary.
(Christine Turner, USA 2019, 8 min)
The Devil’s Harmony
Bullied teen Kiera enlists an a cappella group to exact revenge against her unsuspecting classmates in this highly stylized short.
(Dylan Holmes Williams, UK 2019, 14 min)
Island Queen
Young Dylan, with hockey gear in tow, is recruited by his father to work on a popular ferryboat, even though it jeopardizes an important audition.
(Zackary Grady, Jenn Harris, USA 2019, 10 min)
Loch Ness Swim
In this moving and beautifully photographed film, ultra-marathon swimmer Patti Baurnfeind finds inspiration for her swims from various social causes.
(Sean Gillane, USA/UK 2020, 16 min)
This is a Cinema by the Bay film.
Stay Awake, Be Ready
In this striking, single-shot short set on a busy street corner in Vietnam, a motorbike crash impacts a night out with three young men.
(Pham Thien An, Vietnam 2019, 14 min)