Independent Shorts Awards

Part documentary, part experimental short, “Inherit the Earth” is a poetic encounter with five young people living in Southwest Baltimore. Conceived as a micro-documentary exploring the experience of food insecurity among children in Baltimore’s inner city, this nine-minute film transcends both its original intent and genre to create a quiet meditation on loss and hope within the struggle of urban poverty.
Directed by Christian Schultz (USA)

“Hide and Seek” follows the adventures of a lone soldier trapped in the woods. Accompanied by his own version of a Jiminy Cricket, the soldier has to find a way to fight his fears and escape his inner turmoil.
Directed by David Sigura and Salvatore Frederick (USA)

Directed by Simone Centinèo (Italy)

“White Rope” is a rescue story of Keme – a slaughterhouse goat, by an innocent boy who is yet to understand the concept of religion, god and sacrifices in a country like India, where communities are closely bound to their cultural roots, not knowing much of the deteriorating impact it has on nature.
Directed by Mriidu Khosla (India)

After a night out with her friends, a young woman attempts to make her way home safely. 
Directed by Elizabeth Burch-Hudson (Czech Republic)

Two janitors found a body of a dead woman. But in this digital age, priority is not as simple anymore.
Directed by Jerry Hadiprojo (Indonesia)

A desperate young woman bursts into a therapist’s office begging to be rescued from a terrifying problem: Spontaneously speaking fluent German – when she only knows English!
Directed by Mike Ostroski (USA)

The captain of a high school debate team prepares to invite his crush to the winter formal.
Directed by Mike Ostroski (USA)

Three teens find themselves in the girls’ bathroom during a lock down in school. Each respond emotionally differently. All are affected.
Directed by Barbara Holstein (USA)

A short film about the benefits that nature and trees have on the environment and our lives. 
Directed by Harlow Schuman (USA)

A young woman struggling with heartbreak following a recent breakup finds the courage to go on her first date in months, only to learn that her newfound love interest has been holding on to a date-shattering secret.
Directed by Ayanda Chisholm (USA)

Sienna, a 22 year old college student, is thrown out her comfort zone when her best friend Maia steps away for a few days. Will she collapse being without her or thrive?
Directed by Kelly-Ann Rivera (USA)

“Itchy” is about a woman, Yuki, who attends a reunion tour concert with her husband, Richard, as a marriage counseling exercise. He is not convinced it will work and is eager to get out, exacerbated by the fact that she breaks out into random rashes. At the previously postponed concert due to the asthmatic lead singer, Yuki has the time of her life with a carefree concertgoer. She realizes she now knows what her cure is.
Directed by Yimo Zhou (USA) 

Original Sketch Comedy talent show that was written, directed, and stars Jesse Ray Sheps (USA) playing multiple characters.