Independent Shorts Awards

The is an animated documentary I made for my friend, who has suffered blindness since she was born. Light is the only thing she can perceive through her eyes. In this animated documentary, fragments of our conversations have been edited. All I want for this documentary is to let more people know about the hard life of my friend.
Directed by Hong Jia Bao (China)

The film focuses on the misogynistic behavior within the entertainment industry. Highlighted in high profile allegations against media mogul Harvey Weinstein. This film production supports The Me Too Movement. Used as a hashtag on social media, Me Too spread virally in October 2017 in an attempt to demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assaults and harassment, especially in the workplace. It followed soon after the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
Starring Eleanor Burke (Jo) who appeared in the Oscar-nominated film ‘Kon Tiki’ and Lauren Cornelius (Karen) a regular with BBC Radio 4 drama, the story follows Jo’s dreams of fame. Failing to heed Karen’s warnings about slimeball music promoter Billy Tomkins (played by Peter McManus), Jo chances the dance with danger, to pursue her Rolls Royce road to stardom.
Directed by Jeff Stewart and Brian Johnston (UK)

A music video about salmon fishing in Roebuck Bay, Broome, Western Australia.
Directed by Russell Roberts (Australia)

A struggling showgirl, Marigold, must find her way to success when her mother becomes severely ill. However, the journey to fame is full of eccentric surprises.
Directed by Soorim Lee and Olivia Stone (USA)

Two refugees tell their stories why they left Syria and Egypt and their journey to the West.
Directed by Daniel W Smith (USA)

Saul Turteltaub has been writing comedy and producing shows for television for 50 years. He worked with Shari Lewis, wrote for That Was the Week That Was ( a show which pioneered news satire), as well as for Candid Camera, He produced (and wrote for) the television shows That Girl, The Carol Burnett Show, and Sanford and Son. In this documentary, Saul talks about his inspirations, how he broke into the world of television comedy, and offers his opinions on comedy writing.
Directed by Daniel W Smith (USA)

The story begins in a 50s style single room, a woman wakes up by a series of strange sound, following her steps a mystery gradually unfolding in an unexpected way.
The interpretation of this piece is various, everyone should have their own fantasy towards Christina, what’s your version?
Directed by Xiaoyu Yang (USA)

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City; Jayden’s an underdog of all proportions. With 7 years of his life wasted in prison for partaking in some illegal underground MMA fighting. After doing his time, he now realizes that he needs to make some changes in his life. One of his goals is to rekindle his love with his Ex-girlfriend “Tiffany”; who has moved on to better herself, while going to college, working full time and supporting her son that she had with Jayden. Jayden must now get a job, complete some mandatory community service and get a place to live so he can fulfill the terms of early release from prison. While out of prison, Jayden realizes the more things change, the more they stay the same; as his past comes to haunt him.
Directed by Gerald J. Godbout III (USA)

“My Husband’s Jump” is an adaptation of Newfoundland writer Jessica Grant’s stellar, Journey-prize-winning short story. In it, the wife of an Olympic ski jumper (Bonnie Piesse, Star Wars Episodes 2 & 3) watches her husband jump, but, most peculiarly, this time he does not come down. What unfolds is a storm of people turning to her for answers, seeking to understand how such an impossible thing could happen.
Directed by R. W. Gray (Canada)

Although part of an established order of assassins, Kaylee, an assassin-in-training, is one to do things her own way. She decides that the route she is meant to take is not the easy one and that lands her in very intriguing if hilarious situations. Her mentor Pete is chided by his handler Miranda for not guiding his apprentice in the proper way, but deep inside Pete is proud of Kaylee. A story about the path less taken.
Directed by Russ Emanuel (USA)

“The Chorizo King” is a documentary about the rise of a Mexican-American entrepreneur in the food industry whose success met with a heartbreaking loss as he tried to navigate the unfamiliar territory of outside investors. The story centers around a single moment when the life of the business was in a delicate balance- when an Olympic boxer from East Los Angeles met with the LA business owner to discuss helping out a fellow Latino with a product that was beating down the competition.
Directed by Joe Garcia III (USA)

A veteran still reeling over the loss of his wife discovers a way to see a loved one just one last time.
Directed by Matt Church (USA)

Drew has dinner with her fiancé, Ethan, at the Chinese restaurant they first met. They have been dating for a year and are about to get married. However, Drew seems to be absent-minded through the dinner. Ethan thinks that Drew is pressured because of meeting his parents soon. At that night, they coincidentally have the same waitress, Ling, as last year. Drew acts like she doesn’t remember. But after Ethan leaves for work, Drew comes to Ling and opens up a random conversation.
Directed by Moon Chandra (USA)

A girl’s father passes away leaving her depressed. Her cousin comes into town and spends the night before the funeral.
Directed by Brittney Rae (USA)