Independent Shorts Awards

Born To Die

In the not too distant future, The Bournemount corporation, a technologically formidable corporation, creates a powerful but unreliable experiment. And so, they decide to destroy it. However, assistant scientist, Colin Kampf, believes that this is wrong and steals it. Bournemount notices and sends everyone out after him to retrieve what is rightfully theirs.
Directed by Thomas McQuillan (UK)

Whispers

An incredibly handsome and charming individual gets misquoted as a Messiah.
Written by Tom Hackett (Canada)

Gold From the Sky

2067AD, a global group of young​ astronomers discover an impending​ catastrophic event and ​suddenly find themselves at odds with the Global Order as they attempt to save the world.
Directed by Jason De Ford (USA)

Rwanda, an African Metamorphosis

The film showcases the vision of a small African country to focus on developing a knowledge-based economy linking technology with culture to drive a vibrant economy with inclusive prosperity for all. Rwanda’s economic emergence in the aftermath of the genocide has been extraordinary, and it is now recognized as a model for economic development across the continent.
This short film highlights success stories in Rwanda, with a focus on the nation’s rising class of entrepreneurs who are developing new kinds of business models in diverse sectors, including renewable energy, drones, fashion, and transportation.
Directed by Omino Gardezi (USA)

RIFT

Growing up isn’t always easy. What scared this little boy? Woke him up in the middle of the night? Made it hard for him to breath and his heart skip a beat? What made his nightmare never-ending? What made him fall into the deep abyss in his dream? The nightmare scared him, but after waking up he discovered that his parents had disappeared. What happened to them? Is he next?
There are no major scenes in the film and not many characters. There is only a big house and a lonely child. The confined space pushes the poor child to have a split personality. During this dark night without his parents at home, we are left only with its unforgettable scenes and a shadow of loneliness. What caused the rift between parent and child? Was it the child’s alienation from his parents or their lewd behavior?
Directed by Yuanyuan Sun (China)

Inertia

At the height of John ‘Gravitas’ Clearwater’s MotoGP career, an accident ended it all. At the age of 40, John decides that it’s now or never for his MotoGP dream, much to the chagrin of his wife, Jean.
Directed by Patrick Gatling (Australia)

Coventown

When Tina’s car breaks down in Coventry, she encounters a strange community of people celebrating their version of Trick or Treat.
Directed by Mike Reda and Jack Reda (USA)

Adela

Adela is a 7-year-old girl who struggles with social isolation. She’s bullied at school and desperately needs a friend for support. Her mother is feeling quite helpless regarding her daughter’s isolation but when she sees how strong Adela’s need for social interactions is, she realizes the perfect solution.
Directed by Unnur Jónsdóttir (Iceland)

Playing Ourselves

Charlie Young and Daisy Palmer are two of four college actors competing in a theater production in hopes of being awarded a scholarship to NYU. Their director assigns Charlie and Daisy the roles of ex-husband and wife and asks them to replicate their stage relationships outside of the theater before rehearsals.
Directed by Nicolas Alayo (USA)