Independent Shorts Awards

A boy dreams of becoming a professional pianist and is passionate about composing and performing his music. He has an accident which burns one side of his face. He recovers and works hard at composing but when he goes out to play in public he is discouraged by the looks he receives because of his appearance so he gives up on his dream. He receives a card which he puts aside and forgets about until he accidentally comes across it a few years later. The card was from a mentor he held dear, with an encouraging message describing what a rainbow symbolizes, which is hope and following your dreams. He eventually builds up the courage to go out again and follow his dreams.
Directed by Jayden McGinlay (Australia)

A short film about a relationship between a girl and her grandmother.
Directed by Alexis Cruz (USA)

A Catholic widower’s faith is tested when he is forced to help an old friend.
Directed by Barret Mulholland (USA)

Based on the poem written by George Turnbull, this short animated film depicts the true story of his own adoption. George and his twin sister were adopted from an orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and brought to Canada by a single Caucasian woman.
Directed by George Turnbull (Canada)

Prudish Katie is invited by her niece, Hailey, to attend a country music concert. To Katie’s surprise, Hailey has arranged to pick up a variety of men on the new “TRVL M8S” dating app. Swipe right for adventure.
Directed by Jason McGhinnis (USA)

Is this job killing their souls or are they already dead?
Directed by Anthony Schraeder (USA)

“Meer bei Nacht” (Sea at Night) tells the story about a man, whose disease took away his self-determination, reputation and social support. His tendency to get lost in memories of his past, leads him to a momentous decision.
Directed by Kim Fabienne Hertinger (Germany)

A Government official is in a visit to a preparatory school in a remote village, to inform its national education teacher, that under the law and the National Identity Conservation Program he was proudly selected to be frozen for the next 100 years.
Directed by Assaf Al Rousan (Jordan)

A Southern belle hosts a twisted tea party for the very classmates who tortured her in high school.
Directed by Kevin Isaacson (USA)