Independent Shorts Awards

Node

This is the story of those who live on an island in the middle of a lake. In the movie which tells that the life — even during childhood, youth and old age — does not change for this island and its residents, the time is depicted as a static phenomenon. The island never changes; no one leaves/can leave there even though years show them the reality called “death”. They dream about the things beyond the lake; these dreams are like meaningful journeys to them. They think of being somewhere else, in other places, maybe in different lives; however, they are knotted onto that island from cradle to grave just as their boats they knot on the dock at the end of every workday.
Directed by Engin Poyraz (Turkey)

Pillars of Creation

A short documentary about the beauty of the heavens as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. This film has been accepted by the European Space Agency (ESA) to be part of their official archives.
Directed by Marcelle Abela (Malta)

Labeled

“Labeled” is a female-driven workplace comedy about the low-level employees at a fictional record label, East Pacific Records.
Directed by Jon Sosis (USA)

Staff Pick

In 90’s Brooklyn, Cora, a lonely girl in search of connection, discovers a movie rental store that delivers films based on how she feels. The movies lift her up and make her feel less alone but soon she wants more than the films, she wants to know the person behind the locked door of this strange store.
Directed by Di Xin (USA)

Not Rich Yet

In this hybrid documentary, Cyprien Kodjo returns to Côte d’Ivoire to visit his father’s grave. His cautious siblings warn him about the villagers’ hostility.
Directed by Cyprien Kodjo (USA)

Sofa

Two dysfunctional roommates lose the key to their apartment thermostat case and suffer through a weekend of drastic temperature changes.
Directed by Ben Feldman (USA)