January 2025 Selects and winners

10 minutes is a film about my life in a day as a busy Mom, trying to balance the endless to do lists, relationships with my children and self care.

A Place In This World

Dir. Hannah Levin & Bri Chappelear

After over a decade of criticism and misogyny regarding Taylor Swift’s dating life instead of her talent, fans have now found a way to shed their shame, and champion their favorite artist while reconnecting with their femininity and finding comfort in embracing all that comes with girlhood.

Another Saturday

Dir. J.A. DellaRipa

A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.

Are you There?

Dir. Caitlin Carleton

A woman begins to heal her broken life after listening to the calls on a telephone answering machine left behind by the previous, unknown tenant.

Ascend

Dir. Arielle Alon

In Julia's dystopian society, anyone who can afford it takes "Ascend," a medication that allows them to mentally escape the mess that has become of the real world. Julia decides to stop taking her medication and face reality, but quickly finds that she is in for much more than she bargained for.

Bloodthirsty

Dir. Ellen Asquith

A notorious vampire hunter returns to her home town to find herself confronted with her worst fear: a vampire threatening her home.

Burying Baby

Dir. Benjamin Carlucci

Walking through grief, step by baby step. A couple wades through nibbles of discussion and heavy silences before breaking through the floor of their first, big loss together. "This is just the bad part of a good thing." In this short drama, celebrated filmmaker Benjamin Carlucci directs long-time collaborators and award-winning actors Jess Paul and Curtis Caldwell in a quiet and gauzy display of sorrow and support, grief and growth.

California Hospital School of Nursing - A Tradition of Excellence

Dir. Jim Round

California Hospital School of Nursing produced some to the best nurses the world has ever known. This small but mighty program closed in 1984, but it's graduates where pioneering (mostly) women that effected countless lives and impacted the field of nursing to this day. The first hand stories from some of the last remaining nurses are illuminating, heart warming and truly inspiring.

Crybaby

Dir. Casey Currey-Wilson

June, an aspiring actress, faces an uncomfortable audition that hinges upon her ability to cry on command.

Darcine’s Day

Dir. Aaron Goffman

A short film about an L.A. woman who struggles to find a job, a home, and a meal, only to go unseen for the help she really needs.

Darling

Dir. Finola Hughes

After months of suspicion, Fiona follows her husband to a seedy motel where her worst fears are confirmed. Accepting an invitation from Liza, the sex worker, to enter the motel room, Fiona learns that not everything is as it seems.

Desert Duet Harmony

Dir. Nourah Al Hasawi

Ahmed, a 25-year-old oud player, and Lily, a 24-year-old violinist, are strangers who accidentally grab each other's instruments during talent auditions in Los Angeles. This mix-up sparks an unexpected connection, leading them to form a deep friendship and a unique musical collaboration, ultimately creating a captivating duet that blends their distinct cultural influences.

Different With Me

Dir. Kinnedy "ScribeCash" Storay

Friday 2/14/2025 Block 2

Kali, a young, black, beautiful, and bold woman seems to have everything together but her love life. Ashton, her ex-boyfriend of several years ends the relationship abruptly leaving her ringless and single. Kali decides to take time for herself to focus on her career, friends, and family. Her two crazy best friends Candice and Kia keep her plenty of company. That is, until she meets Jeremy. When Jeremy comes into Kali’s life he sweeps her off of her feet. He doesn’t have the same net worth as Kali, but his drive and ambition are well up to par. Their bond appears to be unbreakable, but Ashton has other plans. Years after the breakup, Ashton decides that now that he’s loaded with cash he’s ready to get his girl back on his arm. Now that the pressure is on, who will end up with Kali’s heart? Does Kali choose money and status (Ashton) or will she choose real love and support (Jeremy).

Disordered, Recovered, Whatever

Dir. McKenzie Moser

After a bulimic binge eats a pie on Thanksgiving, she has one hour to part with her personified Eating Disorder and replace the pie, before her volatile mom gets home.

Dumpster Fire

Dir. Natalie Christine Rodriquez

In this dark comedy, two acquaintances share a special bond on life, hope, and the future.

FLÜGGE

Dir. Leopold Schraudolph & Dani Rose Cortés

In an Austrian mountain village in 1914, the determined Amelie (20) must defy her father's wishes of running the family sewing business to pursue her own dreams of flight and seize her only chance at finding true freedom.

From Embers

Dir. Kate Bohan

Friday 2/14/2025 Block 3

After her husband dies in a lab fire, a widowed mother of an autistic son must try to piece her life together while uncovering what really happened on that fateful night.

Funny Thing About Grief

Dir. Anne Arreguin

As if dealing with a nasty breakup isn’t tough enough, Phoebe Barrett finds out that her ex is dead. Overwhelmed with emotions and mixed feelings, not only over the news but of their history, she has to do the only thing she can do. Deal with the grief. Inspired by true events, Phoebe navigates her way through a journey that we all handle differently.

Grace

Dir. Sara Hills

In her journey toward healing, Grace demonstrates courage under pressure as she actively works to processes the trauma of sexual assault that has been bubbling under the surface for far too long with the help of her supportive therapist, Susan utilizing EMDR therapy.

Heart Problems

Dir. Rebecca Demeter

A mother and daughter spend a long night at the emergency room after the mom thinks she is having a heart attack.

I Dare You to Live

Dir. Katerina Leva

Eve finds herself extremely bored at the not so successful house party, when she notices Gregory trying to scoop a spilled drink back into his cup with his hands. She finds him amusing and approaches him to investigate this cute and weird creature. After a brief and very awkward conversation Eve finds out that Gregory is a virgin. Eve decides to embark on a mission to change that by the end of the night. As they navigate through a series of humorous and awkward encounters, Eve does her best to loosen Gregory up while keeping a significant secret of her own—one that could completely alter the course of their night if revealed.

I’m Gonna Miss You Ballerina

Dir. Helena Giersz

Girls dreams of becoming ballerina cannot come true because of the war

I’m Not A Robot

Dir. Victoria Warmerdam

After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?

Into The Void

Dir. Giovannie-Espiritu

A spoken word poem about sexual assault.

Kitteh x Kitteh - y don't u stay

Dir. Dimitra Korri

Kitteh x Kitteh travels to Greece in "y don't u stay". Enjoy the ride with a first person island hop adventure to Mykonos, Santorini and Kythnos.

LEARNING TO BE NAKED- Healing Through Burlesque

Dir. Susan Wolf & Machiel Amorison

Friday 2/14/2025 Block 1

LEARNING TO BE NAKED reveals the healing, transformative power of burlesque. It’s hard to imagine a more vulnerable experience than getting naked on stage–and for some it is precisely this experience that profoundly changes their lives. Dispelling stereotypes about what kinds of bodies deserve to be seen and celebrated, the film follows several extraordinary and unconventional performers as burlesque strips away their shame, gently peels off their insecurities and slowly undresses their pain, including: the amputee/ breast cancer survivor who proudly performs with her prosthesis and does not hide her scars; the stroke survivor who has found her way from wheelchair to the stage and the plus size, black, nonbinary performer who is a fierce advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ artists.

Leaving New York

Dir. Elné Jenkins & Daniel Jenkins

Through powerful lyrics and imagery, the story told in Leaving New York unfolds as a cycle of leaving and returning. This piece is both an anthem of independence and a reflection on the relentless pursuit of purpose and identity in a place that promises everything yet demands self-rescue.

Lucy The Lion

Dir. Kalman Apple

Saturday 1/15/2025 Block 3

Gutsy single mom Lucy has a job interview that can change her life. But after waking up to another one of her daughter Sophie’s bed wetting disasters, she must navigate how to balance work and motherhood, all in a cramped motel room. Lucy rushes to beat the clock, only to discover that Michael can’t daddy-sit – again.

Maybe This Is How Life Should Be (Heather Morris)

Dir. Kate Bohan

'Maybe This Is How Life Should Be '

Theme Song from the Motion Picture Film 'FROM EMBERS '

Performed by -Heather Morris

Written by -Kayla Bohan

Merry Christmas, Matty Cat

Dir. Natalie Christine Rodriguez

Join Matty Cat on a purr-fectly festive journey as they experience their first Christmas adventure, learning the true meaning of love, family, and the holiday spirit.

Not Today, Not Tomorrow

Dir. Neil Miguel Watson

After a daring prison escape, childhood besties Bo (Amanda Holquin) and Olivia (Katrina Steele) find themselves stranded in the desert with no water. With the odds stacked against them, Bo and Olivia need to find a way to settle their differences, survive the desert and elude possible capture, all in order to reach Uncle Roger's safehouse. One thing is certain, if they're going to die it's Not Today, Not Tomorrow.

Open House

Dir. Julie Fergus

A real estate agent, desperate to make a sale and save herself from financial ruin, must confront a force beyond her control.

Pandaal

Dir. Shaily Sanghvi

A female pimp, dispensing her own brand of justice by pimping out abusive men, must confront her darkest secrets when a new case brings her haunting past to light.

Panorama

Dir. Kate Bohan

'PANORAMA'

THEME SONG OF THE MOTION PICTURE FILM "FROM EMBERS"

WRITTEN BY KAYLA BOHAN

MUSIC BY MATTHEW MORRISON & KAYLA BOHAN

PERFORMED BY MATTHEW MORRISON & KAYLA BOHAN

Princess Party P.I.

Dir. Frankie MacLaughlin

Bella and Maggie are hired to dress up as princesses and perform at a kid’s birthday party. Upon arrival, the mom informs them that she believes her husband is cheating, and needs their help to uncover his lie.

Punjabi Protector

Dir. Daniel Locicero

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Keeran (or Agent 1), a resourceful and determined British Indian secret agent, embarks on a mission of revenge. After her ex-partner is killed by a ruthless crime lord, Agent 1 goes undercover to infiltrate his empire. Balancing her deep sense of justice with personal vendetta, she navigates a web of danger and intrigue. "Punjabi Protector" is a gripping story of resilience and redemption, where cultural heritage meets the high stakes of espionage.

Reflections Of Beauty

Dir. Steve L White

Homeless Lady sees reflection of herself in a window as a younger vision of her former self.

Roomies

Dir. Nevada Grey

A stay-at-home mom, whose life is falling apart, finds it difficult to let go of her son when he goes off to college.

Scattered Flowers

Dir. Raquel Gardner

The bond between sisters is tested in this short film that explores the definition of family and the sacrifices we make—as well as the secrets we keep—to protect the ones we love.

See You At Sunrise

Dir. Andie Naar

Eight-year-old Charlie used to go on adventure trips with his now terminally ill mom Hannah. On this special night, she surprises him with a road trip to Joshua Tree to make all his wildest dreams come true.

She is Us: The Story of Judge Songhai Armstead

Dir. Samara Hutman & C. Lily Ericsson

SHE IS US: THE STORY OF JUDGE SONGHAI ARMSTEAD is an animated film that chronicles the extraordinary story of social justice warrior Songhai Armstead who was system impacted, faced systemic obstacles, and found purpose in empowering others.

Shepherd Moon

Dir. Michaela Wadzinski

The power struggle between an alien and her human test subject gets complicated when they both see their relationship differently.

Silent Suffering - How Endometriosis Affects Teens

Dir. Hannah Hope O'Briant

"Silent Suffering" is a powerful and evocative documentary that delves into the often-overlooked struggles of teenagers living with endometriosis. This debilitating condition, recognized as one of the most painful diseases, affects 1 in 10 women yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, especially in teens.

Still

Dir. Rakefet Abergel

Aliya struggles with a difficult reality and finds herself in a nightmarish, endless loop of pain.

The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence of Menopause

Dir. Jacoba Atlas

A silent epidemic affects millions of American women, resulting in billions in lost wages, upended careers, family disruptions, and emotional chaos. The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause confronts the neglected menopause crisis, challenging societal and medical shortcomings, and advocating for a revolutionary approach to women's health in America where she’s prepared for midlife.

The Absence

Dir. Orlando Torres & Ashley Valenzuela

‘La Ausencia’ delves into the profound sadness of coping with a breakup, highlighting the deep sense of absence left by a lost love. The protagonist relives cherished memories, evoking vivid imagery of everyday moments—passing familiar places and recalling laughter that once filled their days. Each encounter serves as a reminder of what was lost, fueling a bittersweet longing. Amidst the heartache, there’s a quiet hope that their ex might return, weaving a thread of desire throughout the narrative.

The Caregiving Connection

Dir. Reshma Dordi

Focusing on the cultural obligations and traditions of caregiving in the South Asian community, this short documentary explores the perspectives of three separate South Asian families who have become caregivers for one or more of their elders.

The Copier

Dir. Cole Quirk

Ruby the receptionist struggles to fix the office copier while balancing an overactive imagination. The Copier boasts an Academy nominated sound editor, Academy Gold Rising alum DP, and a broadway star among other talent.

The End

Dir. Weiqi Meng

In a quaint antique store, a woman's life revolves around her peculiar merchandise - two lifelike mannequins programmed to converse. Her days are marked by the monotony of encounters with a janitor and a man who buys lottery tickets daily, while her shop remains eerily devoid of customers. When she finally encounters a rare customer, her excitement quickly turns to disappointment, as he doesn't appreciate her mannequins. The unending routine slowly chips away at her sanity, leading her to have increasingly vivid illusions in this repetitive lifestyle. When she wakes up from another nightmare, an unexpected robber enters her world, showing the first genuine interest in the enigmatic mannequins. Overflowing with excitement, she introduces the creations, only to have her hopes shattered as the robber cruelly dismisses them as trash. This sudden rejection triggers a devastating emotional explosion within her, culminating in a deadly confrontation with the intruder.

The Last Will & Testament of Candace Martin

Dir. Linda J. Cowgill

On her birthday, a suicidal boomer’s plans are stopped when a good friend interferes... until she’s reminded of her soured relationship with her daughter.

They Call Me The Tattoo Witch

Dir. Lindsay Nyman

In Hanoi, Vietnam, tattoo artist Tran Ngoc specializes in the rare and challenging art of tattooing over scars. Despite the social stigma surrounding tattoos in Vietnam, Ngoc empowers her clients, including breast cancer survivors and women with self-harm scars, to reclaim their bodies, demonstrating that her work is a profound act of compassion and resilience.

Where Are You

Dir. Sungbin Moon

Between the material world and memory, Mrs. Yoon sublimates the pain of loss into poetry. Through a meditation on loss and grief, Where Are You documents the complexities of love and longing across time.

Why Dogs Howl

Dir. Sandi Johnson