Independent Shorts Awards

 “1619” is about a Dad educating his 11 year old son regarding the African Diaspora and 2019 Welcome Home Celebrations happening in Africa, since 400 years ago Africans were stolen from their motherland.
Directed by Alexander McDaniel (USA)

At death’s door and ready for his final voyage, old Ben is visited by Paco, the imaginary friend he grew out of long ago. Ben cannot see nor hear him anymore, but the boy won’t give up and will follow his old buddy till the end of the road – to mysterious islands or fantastic worlds? – where it leads matters not.
Directed by Thomas Bernos (USA)

When the word, “cancer” hits the household, Jennifer and others must find out how to deal with such a difficult situation. 
Directed by Gregg DaCosta (USA)

As Kate paints her dream home, room by room— page by page in art class, her reality begins to shift. Kate’s therapist praises her art and encourages her aspirations of becoming a famous artist and someday teaching art herself. One day, Kate returns to her humble cottage to find the key fitting into a new front door — her dream home!
Written by Mila Johansen (USA)

After being erased from the face of the Earth when the villain Thanos snapped his fingers a man returns five years later with a new purpose.
Directed by David M. Wallace (USA)

A University student struggles to enter the competitive world of literary publishing. She results to darker means to get ahead, and succeed.
Directed by Valeria Marcon and Lukas Olson (USA)

An arrogant actor sick of rejection decides to stage miracles in order to fool the world and make them believe he is, in fact, Jesus Christ.
Directed by Guillermo “Memo” Noriega (USA)

Petey just left his girlfriend and Will probably has a drug problem. They head into the city for a night out and question if they are, in fact, good guys.
Directed by Randy Rubin (USA)

Question of the modern society dictated by technology and social media.

We follow a 21. century alpha male situated in his comfort zone, being controlled by mass media, corporations and money, while there are other more important happenings in the outter world. By having an opportunity to change things, the main character only takes care for himself, which leads him to the final conclusion. World is full of human junk, but there will always be a hope to change it and make it relevant.
Directed by Mark Pirc (Slovenia)

An estranged daughter returns home and is overwhelmed by the welcoming from her family. She struggles to feel like she deserves to be a part of the household again, while the rest of the family struggles to love, support and forgive her. Their difficult past, both connects and divides them as a family.
Directed by Shaughn Tillman (USA)

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)