Independent Shorts Awards

When most people have inexplicably disappeared from the Earth, two families must find their way to The After in order to survive. But when they stumble across another survivor, they realize that finding their way there might be more challenging than they first thought.
Directed by Shaun Peter Cunningham (USA)

Ludere is a short film about the deep social divide between those who have been lost, and the ones who are left behind to feel the dreaded effects of it all. What do we say to them if they are found once again?

The story is centered on the revelation of two sisters, Sharon and Imani, who recognize the dark truth behind their distanced relationship.
Directed by Ryan Henry Knight (USA)

Two strangers meet at a party. They embark on their own little adventure in the city, only to realize they know each other more than they know themselves as individuals.
Directed by Chaz Evans (USA)

A portrait of modern day relationships fractured by technology, miscommunication, and overwrought emotion.
Directed by Lindsay Roche (USA)

Directed by Josh Mruz (USA)

“Riding with the Rabbi” is the story of two most uncommon people, Sam a good old southern Jewish “boy” and Rabbi Stan, a misplaced mohel. Brought together by a chance encounter at a bus stop, the two develop an incongruous friendship.
Directed by Yvette M. Hochberg (USA)

A young asian woman brings her girlfriend home for the first time to introduce to her family. Their trepidation of what could happen puts them both on edge.
Directed by Isabella Tan (USA)

The teenage daughter of an affluent Chinese family in America struggles for control when her past abuser returns, threatening her carefully crafted future.
Directed by Isabella Tan (USA)

Comedian David Studebaker travels the country bringing humor and insight as he highlights awesome organizations and people working to protect animals in the environment.
Directed by David Studebaker (USA)

Kendra, a college undergrad, investigates whether or not someone tried to roofie her. Meanwhile, Peter, a fellow classmate, faces an onslaught of crass masculine rhetoric.
Directed by Mattan Cohen (USA)

Journey through space and the process of creation with animated discordant, combine with abstract imagery with symbolism storytelling.
Directed by Kun Xia (USA)

This fly-on-the-wall documentary follows Ana, a professional escort in London, as she receives clients in her apartment, No. 34. The film gives an intimate and revealing insight into her daily life and struggles, and the internal conflicts and dilemmas she is faced with by commodifying her sexuality.
Directed by Eduardo Fuica (UK)

Episode Two: The private struggles of Brett’s friends and coworkers become more apparent as he continues to evaluate his complicated connection with Michael. 
Directed by Brett Carmical (USA)

This film follows the story of 4 different people from around the world who talk about their experiences in worshiping God. It follows a filmmaker, an athlete, a lawyer, and a surgeon who have each experienced worship in a unique and powerful way that has led them to the same conclusion.
Directed by Joshua Olson (USA)