Program Description

This shorts block explores the love and dynamics between families from across the globe as they confront societal challenges and strengthen their bonds. Across generations these films reflect on the sturdiness of families and forgiveness. Young children, middle-aged immigrant mothers, and even the ghost of a doting grandmother, all lend their perspectives. The shorts feed off one other, leading viewers through a web of complex emotions and ultimately toward acceptance as each character forges their own path through life, redefining what family means. —Kristal Sotomayor

Films are in alphabetical order rather than order of play. Total runtime 91 min. All of the films below are in competition.

Filmmakers from Bloomed in the Water, Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites, Hermanos, Saint Andrews, and Sola are expected to attend for a post-screening Q&A.

Bloomed in the Water
Bay Area Premiere
Joanne Mony Park (USA 2024, 14 min)
A Korean immigrant mother wrestles with her young son’s school photo outfit choice as she navigates other mothers' snide comments.

Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites
Bay Area Premiere
Chheangkea (Cambodia, France, USA 2025, 19 min)
When a family visits Cambodia during the Qingming Festival, Grandma Nai’s ghost follows her favorite grandson, guiding him as he makes a difficult decision in his coming-out journey.

Hermanos
International Premiere
Miguel Pérez Castelazo (Mexico 2024, 13 min)
Teenage siblings Pedro and Fernanda are always at each other's throats but when a boy breaks Fernanda’s heart, Pedro sets their differences aside to support her.

The Mud Under My Window
North American Premiere
Violette Delvoye (France, Belgium 2025, 12 min)
Emma has two moms. On a rainy Sunday morning, she longs to be with the absent one she idealizes but must come to terms with the frictions she experiences with her other mother at home.

My Brother, My Brother
North American Premiere
Saad Dnewar, Abdelrahman Dnewar (Egypt, France, Germany 2025, 15 min)
This mesmerizing synthesis of live action and animation tells the story of twin brothers Omar and Wesam, beginning with their time in the womb.

Saint Andrews
World Premiere
Erin Ramirez (USA, Jamaica 2025, 15 min)
A Chinese Jamaican teenager falls in love with a young Jamaican boy but the relationship is tested when her Chinese immigrant parents disapprove of the relationship.

Sola
California Premiere
Lana Barić (Croatia 2023, 15 min)
Karla returns home for her estranged father’s funeral, experiencing awkward and uncomfortable interactions with her mom and ex-girlfriend as she confronts her past.

Short Film Print Sources

Accessibility Information

Closed Captions are not currently confirmed for this program
Audio Descriptions are not currently confirmed for this program
American Sign Language Interpretation is not currently scheduled for this program