Independent Shorts Awards

“Wanting” is an exploration in intimacy and space – not having all that is needed or expected; to lack or be short of something essential.
Directed by Robin Gee (USA)

The approximately 28-minute art film was conceived on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Dada art movement. Its focus is the North German performer and poet Emmy Hennings and the author, poet and artist Hugo Ball, who would later become her husband. The film is a fictional portrayal of the early stages of their relationship.
Directed by Errkaa (Germany)

A challenge ping-pong match between two brothers turns deadly.
Directed by Cameron Fife (USA)

The Little Owls see a birdie inside a crocodile’s big mouth and decide to save it. Bubu and Biel begin to argue whether the animal is an alligator or a crocodile. Soon enough, they get helped by the little monkey and his primates crew, who also suggests calling the giraffe. The blue macaws and the tortoise also join the group. Bonie comes up with a rescue plan, which consists in nudging the crocodile’s nose with a feather to make him sneeze.
Directed by Bruna Biasotto, Thomaz Martins and Rafael Sosnowski (Brazil)

Uninspired and in her forties, celebrated photographer, Lana Freeman, searches for the elusive visual “perfect moment.” When a young waitress saves her life, Lana experiences an awakening; colors are more saturated and crisp, traffic noise becomes music, taste has more depth, and her work is suddenly transformed. As Lana becomes more and more obsessed with the young woman as her “muse,” she pulls away from her husband, her work, and the people who love her, not realizing that the muse could destroy her life.
Directed by Liz Lachman (USA)

In my documentary, I have addressed the Syrian refugees’ concerns over exercising their basic human rights and freedom of expression and how the United States immigration policy regarding the Syrian refugees’ humanitarian crisis is being shaped by the concerns over the impact of refugees on the USA’s national security. A documentary that brings awareness to this humanitarian crisis and highlights the important role of communication in promoting human rights protection while addressing concerns of our national security.
Directed by Arwa Sawan (USA)

Plants are growing in paradise; one of them nicer, more beautiful and taller than all the other and provoke a disciplinary action. Against all odds has consequences even in paradise.
Directed by Bellopropello (Switzerland)

Elena coming back to tell an injustice story of her murder and she’s finding a boy of her age Nevan who’s moving to the same house that this tragedy had happened.
Directed by Reshan Fernando (France)

Margot and her estranged sister Louise spend a week at their recently deceased mother’s house on an Italian Island. There are mysterious circumstances surrounding Louise being sent away at a very young age, which make it difficult for Margot to remember… Separated by the passing of time and different upbringings the two women unexpectedly find their lives linked back together by the forces and remembrance and forgiveness.
Directed by Nora Jaenicke (Italy)

A young woman awakens in the woods, alone and covered in blood, with no memory of how she got there.
Directed by Timothy Collins (USA)

A victim of domestic violence could not find the courage to speak out against the abuse. But when the same fate looms in front of her daughter, will she turn a blind eye or will she find the courage she could not find for herself?
Directed by Saurabh Thakur (India)

What happens when everything needs a savior?
Written by Stacy Owens (USA)

The story of Nizar, a young closeted-gay, conflicted but devout Muslim refugee from Syria and his night out with a quixotic Irishman, Eric. Along the way, they will confront issues of trust, abandonment, tragedy, and privilege. Eric seeks to seduce and draw Nizar out of his shell while Nizar confronts Eric for being nothing more than an emotional tourist in his life. The consequences of their adventure will haunt Nizar for long after the night is over.
Directed by Adetokumboh M’Cormack (Sierra Leone)

A young woman will do whatever, and whoever, it takes to find the man of her dreams.
Directed by Abiola Ogunbiyi (UK)