OPENING NIGHT

There’s talent all around you. The Hudson Valley is rich with filmmakers and today we display some of the gems crafted by local talents.

FARM GRRRL FOLK PUNK: MOTHERWORT 

(Short, Documentary) USA, 5:18 MIN 

directed by AUSTIN BUNN 

A student-produced profile of the band Motherwort, made up of three female farmers in upstate New York, about the intersection of punk and rural life.

IG: @austinleebunn

SAFE HAVEN

(Short, Documentary) USA, 2025, 9:03 MIN

directed by ILONA TUOMINEN

A couple in their eighties run the animal sanctuary, Safe Haven, in Upstate, New York.

STARRING THE FLOCK 

(Short, Documentary) USA,18:57 MIN 

directed by KRISTEN KOPPER

featuring STARR SARABIA

Starr Sarabia forges deep bonds with a flock of pigeons in the local park and commits to a lifelong mission of educating the public about the birds.

A sentimental story that explores the wonders of pigeons. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

(Animated Short) USA, 4:44 MIN 

directed by KATIE COBOS

A talkative parrot attempts to befriend a boy with Tourette's syndrome

THE DRIVER

(Short, Documentary) USA, 28:40 MIN

directed by JOSEPH MUSZYNSKI

featuring JOSEPH ROTONDO

A Hudson Valley limousine driver reckons with his own international kidnapping and history of addiction.

WHAT HUMANS DO

(Animated Short) USA, 6:40 MIN 

directed by MIRANDA JAVID 

A macro view of human-actions, as told from within a singular body. Animated frame by frame with biodegradable ink + paper.

IG: @mirandajavid

WEST LANDING 

(Short, Documentary) USA, 15:20 MIN 

directed by DOUG GALLO 

West Landing is a short documentary about a group of open-water swimmers on Long Island who gather every summer morning in Hampton Bays. Born out of the post-pandemic era, their daily swims provide a sense of calm and a newfound community, proving that it’s never too late to find friendship, purpose, and joy in life’s simple pleasures.

IG: @westlandingdoc @dougmeetsworld

NEW YEAR 2024-2025

(Experimental) USA, 3:44 MIN

directed by TONA WILSON 

Happy New Year.

IG: @tona_wilson

FIVE DOT FUN

(Short, Documentary) USA, 5:38 MIN

directed by ERIC BATES

featuring CHAD SILVA

Chad is a climber in the Shawangunk Mountains with a mission of sharing his love of climbing and contributing to a positive and safe climbing community.

IG: @ericbatesimages

(Short Films) Various, 98:00 MIN

There’s a reason many parents steer their kids away from a life in the Arts — it ain’t easy. But given a chance and a calling, there may be no other choice. In this block, you’ll meet architects and the anxious, musicians and the insecure, artists and the criticized, actors and the wannabes. 

COUNTERWEIGHT 

(Short Documentary) USA, 9:18 MIN 

directed by AUSTIN WILSON & CHRISTIAN SORENSON HANSEN

An eye-opening look at the resident "gizmologist" behind one architecture firm's innovative work in kinetic design.

IG: @christiansorensenhansen

THE WRITTEN IMAGE 

(Short Narrative) USA, 1:14 MIN

directed by ERIK WINKOWSKI

Drawing with a typewriter.

IG: @erik.winkowski

KAMIKAZE 

(Short Narrative) USA, 9:52 MIN

directed by RAY SMILING

During a high-end fashion shoot, model Knives finds herself caught between an egotistical social media star and his domineering photographer girlfriend as their relationship crumbles.

IG: @raythedestroyer

THE WILD-TEMPERED CLAVIER 

(Animated Short) Germany, 7:22 MIN

directed by ANNA SAMO

An artist insists on playing despite the world's disasters.

A story told through a filmmaker’s art, inspired by Bach’s timeless music and painted on rolls of toilet paper in an homage to the tradition of drawing directly on 35 mm film.

IG: @samoanimation

THE TREACHERY OF INSTAGRAM 

(Animated Short) USA, 0:45 MIN

directed by AARON BOURGET

Inspired by a Belgian influencer.

FAR WEST

(Short Documentary) USA, 17:45 MIN

directed by STEPHEN MICHAEL SIMON

Drained by the fast-paced urban lifestyle, New York City artist Lala makes a bold decision to uproot herself and seek solace in the untamed landscapes somewhere far west. Stripped of the familiar comforts of running water, electricity, and constant connectivity, she faces the daunting challenge of building a life from scratch.

IG: @farwestxdoc

THE TORNADO OUTSIDE 

(Animated Short) UK, 8:15 MIN

directed by MARIA TOMAZOU

Anna lives in a perfect house, but living on the edge of a tornado can be difficult. When she ventures outside, she is forced to face the chaos that she usually hides away from.

iG:@maria_tomazou

DUAL/VISIONS 

(Short Narrative) USA, 6:50 MIN

directed by MAIA HELVY

An experimental documentary that delves into the creative worlds of two NYC artists, exploring how their passion not only reflects their community but also shapes the future they envision.

IG: @m.a.i.a

DEATH OF AN ACTOR 

(Short Narrative) FRANCE, 21:50 MIN

directed by AMBROISE RATEAU

When a man learns that fake news regarding his own death is spreading like wildfire on social media, he'll be forced to deal with the unintended consequences of this rumor.

IG: @ambroiserateau

WHO’S WHO 

(Short Documentary) USA, 1:31 MIN

directed by AARON BOURGET

Who's Who is a game of name that fame.

FOR KID’S SAKE

(Short Films) Various, 80:00 MIN

This block of animated shorts is billed for kids, but any reasonable adult will succumb to these stories’ charms as well. There are movies from around the world that explore unchartered corners of wild kingdoms along with the untethered crannies of humankind. You’ll see dogs and cows and bunnies and bears, batteries, musical notes and noteworthy student drivers.

STUDENT ACCOMPLICE 

(Animated Short) USA, 5:04 MIN

directed by SPENCER BAIRD

A student driver's test takes a wild turn when a bank robber hijacks the car and forces her into a police chase.

IG: @spencerbairdart

MAN’S BEST FRIEND 

(Animated Short) USA, 4:05 MIN

directed by JAIMI QIU

A variety of animals are interviewed about their experiences with humans!

IG: @owldreig

MY NAME IS EDGAR AND I HAVE A COW 

(Animated Short) CZECH REPUBLIC, 7:47 MIN

directed by FILIP DIVIAK

Edgar’s ordinary life is disrupted by a newborn calf he sees on a tourist trip to a slaughterhouse. He takes it home after finding out that the calf would become a schnitzel. His life is turned upside down when the calf turns into a cow and breaks things, he holds dear. Edgar realizes that his decision wasn’t the best and decides to make a radical solution.

IG: @fi_viak

THE COW 

(Animated Short) DENMARK, 7:00 MIN 

directed by MARIA MAC DALLAND

A cow is lazily chewing its cud on a field. Tiny Toot pets its muzzle, which is soft and warm. The cow's drinking trough is empty, so Pixie finds a garden hose and fills up the trough so the cow can drink. A cow pat falls on Gato's head, so Tiny Toot and Pixie have to hose Gato clean before they can go home.

STEPS TO FLY 

(Animated Short) ARGENTINA, 9:11 MIN

directed by NICOLAS CONTE & ROSARIO CARLINO

Locked in a room with a fan, A Bird teaches a Little Bird how to fly, even though he has no wings. The appearance of a mysterious briefcase will ruin Bird's plans, and will reveal to Little Bird an unexpected possibility of escape.

IG: @pasosparavolar @mariarosariocarlino @nicolas_conte_ @osaestudio 

THREE HARES 

(Animated Short) UNITED KINGDOM, 4:50 MIN

directed by PALOMA BAEZA

Three sisters embark on a quest to restore harmony between humans and nature in order to protect their future.

IG: @paloma.baeza

PATH OF SOUNDS, THE 

(Animated Short) FRANCE, 8:08 MIN

directed by DAVID NGUYEN & TOM RAIJASSE

In a peaceful valley lulled by music, Oudi and Melody live in harmony, making plants in their path. But one day, as Oudi is carried away by the music he creates, an accident occurs and threatens the established harmony.

IG: @the_path_of_sounds.movie @tom_raijasse @ledavidcestmoi @avecousansvous

THREE TREES 

(Animated Short) CANADA, 4:30 MIN

directed by MATHIAS RICHARD HORHAGER & AARON HONG

As the seasons change, three young trees learn about themselves, friendship and their place in world.

IG: @e.d.films @mrhorhager

BATTERY MOMMY

(Animated Short) REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 8:40 MIN 

directed by SEUNGBAE JEON

Battery Mommy works at a nursery. One day, she finds out the Christmas tree in the nursery is on fire. She urgently runs to the fire alarm to safely rescue the sleeping children.

TIN TUNE

(Animated Short) USA, 10:30 MIN

directed by CAROLYN GAIR

When you’re three inches tall, a cluttered attic can offer a world of mystery and wonder! Zip and his friend Wheel explore the shadowy corners of a long forgotten nursery, playing with the wooden blocks, wind-up toys, tin soldiers and jack-in-the-box. But a family of mice view their noisy presence as an invasion and launch a counter attack. Zip and Wheel retreat to a dusty music room, where more creatures and an unexpected symphony emerge from the woodwork!

IG: @bowling4rhinos 

SNOW BEAR 

(Animated Short) USA, 11:29 MIN

directed by AARON BLAISE

When a lonely polar bear can’t find a friend… he makes one.

IG: @snowbearfilm @aaronblaiseart 

ANIMATION WORKSHOP

with LISA LABRACIO

(Workshop/Conversation/ Q & A) 90:00 MIN

In this hands-on animation workshop, participants will use a variety of materials to make their very own stop motion movies. Plus, we'll show you tips and tricks so you can keep animating at home!

Lisa LaBracio is an animation artist specializing in handmade, mixed-media motion techniques. As an animation director, she has created over 40 educational videos for TED-Ed, directed the animated series MetKids Microscope for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and contributed stop-motion sequences to several feature films. In 2019, she co-directed The Opposites Game, a short film made from hand-drawn charcoal animation inside stop-motion books, which screened at over 50 international festivals, winning multiple awards and earning a long-list spot for the Oscars. As an educator, Lisa has led 100+ animation workshops worldwide. She is also an event director with The Ink Well Foundation, an adjunct instructor at the School of Visual Arts, and co-founder of the NYC-based screening series Animation Speak/Easy. Lisa holds a BFA in Animation from the School of Visual Arts and is based in Brooklyn, NY.

(Short Films) Various, 84:00 MIN

When we allow organs other than our brains to do our thinking, it comes as little surprise we don’t always make the best choices. Here, (mostly) men learn the difference between libidos and libi-don’ts the hard way, whether matching online or meeting off-air, whether going out or going home. Even rock hard statues fall victim to their own lusts for the non-living. 

RADIOHEAD 

(Animated Short) USA, 3:12 MIN

directed by VICTORIA BASADRE

Shoutout to NPR!

IG: @vicbarts

THE BRIDE’S CURSE 

(Short Narrative) USA, 20:07 MIN

directed by ALEX KAVUTSKIY & JERZY ROSE

featuring ALEX KARPOVSKY, TIPPER NEWTON, ANNA SEREGINA, BUDD DIAZ, O-LAN JONES

A little Russian fable about lies and marriage.

IG: @kavutskiy & @jerzymrose

BLUE BALLS 

(Animated Short) USA, 3:12 MIN

directed by HOMOGOODS

Jeremy is jerked awake right before the end of a sex dream. Now, he's stuck in a sexual haze as he wanders through his day. Can he make it home before everyone finds out how horny he really is?

BRAD 

(Short Narrative) USA, 8:40 MIN

directed by EUGENE KOLB

featuring ALEX KRAMER, ELLEN BOSCOV, FELIPE DI POI TAMARGO, NEIL FISCHER

Reeling from a sudden break-up, Greg returns home to crash with his parents.

IG: @emilybackerman @whatevrdude @strokeystrong

SAFEWORD

(Music Video) USA, 2:30 MIN 

directed by LANA JAY LACKEY

featuring HALSEY

“A fierce, punk-infused exploration of power, freedom, and self-expression, wrapped in bold, kinky energy.”

IG: @lanajaylackey @iamhalsey

SUMMER’S END 

(Short Narrative) USA, 20:00 MIN

directed by ADAM & GRANT CONVERSANO

featuring MARIA DIZZIA, MICHAEL ABOTT JR., GRAHAM LUTES

Elliott discovers his father on a hookup app while on a family vacation. His confrontation with his alcoholic father's infidelity becomes a reckoning with himself and his own demons.

IG: @grantconversano @Adam.conversano @applehousepictures

YEARN 

(Animated Short) USA, 4:25 MIN

directed by BEN SMITH

During an earthquake, two statues in an art museum finally hook up - defying the laws of religion, society, and physics. A story about love, lust, and the beauty that can be found in letting go.

ICU BBY 

(Music Video) USA, 3:22 MIN

directed by JAY WALKER

“A bedazzled protagonist performs a bizarre mating ritual at a barn dance in a peculiar promo for the synth band’s new track.”

IG: @jaywalker_____  @_florence.co

SWIPE 

(Animated Short) USA, 5:01 MIN

directed by PATRICK SMITH

A girl attempts to swipe her way to happiness, after an exhaustive search, and astronomical body count, she resorts to assembling her dream boy from left over parts. Swipe right, left, up, down, in, out.. no matter. You will always end up with what you want, for better or worse.  Welcome to the epic tyranny of the Meet Market!

IG: @patrick_smith_animator

BOYSLUT 

(Short Narrative) MEXICO/USA, 14:58 MIN

directed by GABRIEL GUTTIEREZ MORALES

featuring ELIJAH CARNAZZO & JAMES C STEWART

A boyslut confronts the complexities of his identity through an intimate encounter with an older man.

IG: @todalapapita

with WARREN ETHEREDGE 

(Workshop/Conversation/ Q & A) 90:00 MIN

I am always flattered by the (unsolicited!) feedback I receive from the folks I interview. I am thrilled they appreciate the spirit with which I approach interviews. (Owen Schmitt of The Seattle Seahawks refers to my style as "chill"... and who am I to argue with the 6'2", 247 pound fullback?)

Now you can learn how I prepare for interviews and how I respond to the different challenges presented by questioning folks on tape, on camera or before an audience. And, I'll share insights and a little bit of gossip from the 3,000+ interviews I've conducted with the likes of Jodie Foster, Gary Oldman, Amy Sedaris, Calvin Trillin, Naomi Watts, Robert Duvall, Mariel Hemingway, Salman Rushdie, Nora Ephron, Michael Pollan, Charlie Kaufman, Augusten Burrough, Andy Samberg, Vincent Bugliosi, Nicolas Cage and others.

You'll learn why documentarian Peter Esmonde says: "I was more relaxed being interviewed by you than anyone before or since.  It's so clear that, aside from being attentive and intelligent, you know [your stuff] -- and that makes the interview more of a conversation with a compadre."

"...I found [our] conversations about 4 times more fun and thought-provoking than any other moderated talks in which I've participated."

— David Benioff (screenwriter, THE 25TH HOUR; THE KITE RUNNER; WOLVERINE) 

FOR MOM’S SAKE

(Short Films) Various, 110:00 MIN

Without mothers, none of us would be here, nevertheless, these tired yet tireless women rarely get the credit they deserve. This block tries to rectify that imbalance while also acknowledging the challenges inherit in the world’s toughest and worst-paying gig. 

HOOYO MACAAN 

(Short Narrative) USA, 11:16 MIN 

directed by MAWAHIB ISMAIL

featuring SAMIA MAHDI, FARDOWSA MAHDI, WASIMA FARAH, MAWAHIB ISMAIL

Samira is a recent college graduate and a current disappointment to her mother. Samira comes head to head with it all when they attend a Somali tribal party. Despite her poetic way with words, she can't seem to find the right ones to stand up for herself against her mother's constant dismissal. This results in a dance-off, the massive consumption of goat meat, and a kid figuring out how to want herself.

IG: @mawahibismail

MUM DOES THE WASHING 

(Music Video) UK, 4:41 MIN 

directed by IMAN OMAR

featuring JOSHUA IDEHEN

Mums explain the world one article of clothing at a time.

IG: @joshuaidehen

HEMA 

(Short Narrative) USA, 16:22 MIN

directed by RITVIK DHAVALE

featuring RAJSHRI DESHPANDE, SAMRAT CHAKRABARTI, KAPIL TALWALKAR

After immigrating to Los Angeles from India with her husband and son, Hema finds herself navigating the daunting task of settling into American life while grappling with a deep yearning for her homeland. The complexities of cultural adjustment weigh heavily on her, and she seeks comfort and familiarity in maintaining connections to her roots. 

IG: @hemashortfilm & @blondebrownboy

YOURS AND MINE

(Short Narrative) USA, 4:55 MIN

directed by QUINN YURASEK

featuring TRINITY NORFLEET, JACQULINE BROWN, VARTAN YILDIZ

A girl studying in New York City confronts an unexpected pregnancy as she figures out how to tell her mom.

IG: @quinn.is.on.fire & @trinfinity101

WEIGHT OF A DOG, THE 

(Short Narrative) USA, 15:37 MIN

directed by LUCY SANDLER

featuring BROOKE SMITH, CHELSEA FREI, MIYA FOLICK

When Dawn chaperones her daughter's abortion, their experiences of womanhood clash, leading Dawn to reconsider her own life's next phase.

IG:  @lucysandler  @therealbrookesmith @chelseafrei

MAMA 

(Short Narrative) USA, 12:01 MIN

directed by ERICKA KREUTZ

featuring KRISTIN SLAYSMAN

“Mama rips the veil off of the “losing it!” motherhood memes and probes into the pressure and all-encompassing relentlessness of being a mother.”

IG: @erickakreutz @slaysman

WEEKEND VISITS 

(Short Documentary) USA, 11:18 MIN

directed by PETE QUANDT

“This tender portrait captures a weekend with a mother and child in a prison’s visiting center.”

IG: @hbwhise @garson.gif

MAKE YOU DANCE 

(Music Video) USA, 2:11 MIN

directed by KATE GRAVES

featuring JOCONIC

This video is dedicated to all of the AMAZING DJs who are doing the Lord’s work by making us SHAKE ASS. 

IG: @createbykate @joconicsince1994

THE SPEED OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US 

(Short Documentary) ISRAEL/ USA, 19:17 MIN

directed by YUVAL SHAPIRA

An unflinching look into the lives of parents who lost a child (or two) as they journey through parenthood after loss.

IG: @embracing_the_embarrassing

BELIEF 

(Short Narrative) USA, 13:58 MIN

directed by CHRISTIAN LOUBEK 

featuring ERIKA HAMILTON, BARRETT HAMILTON LOUBEK, BLAKE MCLENNAN

In a moving box on the floor of their new home, Lennox discovers a letter from an elementary school he once attended. What little he recalls of the letter is the message his mother read that seeded his success - it's not as he remembers.

IG: @christianloubek @iam.erikahamilton

CLOSING NIGHT

(Short Films) Various, 117:00 MIN

She works hard for the money. And so does he. We all do. Minus the 1%, that is. In this block, you’ll see stories of the working class and the classlessness of those whom they serve and are supposed to serve them. You’ll meet broadcast jokers and outcast jesters, charming doulas and disarming mechanics, plus a whole some salespeople seriously questioning the rightness of customers. 

TEDDY

(Short Narrative) USA, 15:59 MIN

directed by LAUREN SANTUCCI

A verité portrait of a male birth doula working to improve birth outcomes for Black women in Houston, Texas.

IG: @santucci_lauren

TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA

(Short Narrative) USA, 35:59 MIN

directed by ALEXANDRE SIGNH & NATALIE MUSTEATA

In a repressive society where kissing means death and currency is measured in slaps, an unhappy woman's growing bond with a salesgirl sparks desire, jealousy, and dangerous consequences.

IG: @nmusteata

THE ONLY MORNING SHOW

(Short, Narrative) USA, 3:00 MIN

directed by JOE MILES

Broadcasting live on all AM frequencies, it’s Curtis and The Broom in the Morning

SUBHUMAN SERVICES

(Short, Documentary) USA, 15:45 MIN

directed by DAN SCHNEIDKRAUT 

A reflection on personal and systemic failures woven into an analysis of The Department of Human Services hold music utilizing archival footage of Jimmy Buffet, Duran Duran, Steely Dan, Paula Cole, late night cable erotica, and more.

THE COURT JESTER

(Short, Narrative) USA, 5:26 MIN

directed by CHRIS SMITH & JACK DE SENA

The king who has never cried. A juggling court jester who lives to bring joy. It's a royal conundrum the likes of which this medieval fantasy realm may never see again. Is there any way for the man who has everything to finally experience sadness?

IG: @jackdesena & @chrissmithwho

RAT ROD

(Short, Documentary) USA, 10:36 MIN

directed by CARLY & JARED JAKINS

A rural mechanic muses on life, death, and his immigrant experience while resurrecting cars near a mysterious cemetery.

IG: @jared_jakins

THE MUSIC STORE

(Short, Narrative) USA, 32:07 MIN

directed by JOE GILLETTE

Two estranged, grieving brothers must work to keep their beloved music store in business.

IG: @joegillette

Congratulations to all of our Nominees and Winners! Awards provided courtesy of Cronin Gallery in Water Street Market.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE:

BEST NARRATIVE

BELIEF  dir. Christian Loubek

DEATH OF AN ACTOR  dir. Ambroise Rateau

THE MUSIC STORE  dir. Joe Gilette

TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA  dir. Alexandre Singh & Natalie Musteata

THE WEIGHT OF A DOG  dir. Lucy Sandler

BEST DOCUMENTARY

COUNTERWEIGHT  dir. Austin Wilson & Christian Sorenson Hansen

FAR WEST  dir. Stephen Michael Simon

THE SPEED OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US  dir. Yuval Shapira

TEDDY  dir. Lauren Santucci

WEEKEND VISITS  dir. Pete Quandt

BEST ANIMATION

MY NAME IS EDGAR AND I HAVE A COW  dir. Filip Diviak

SNOW BEAR  dir. Aaron Blaise

THE TORNADO OUTSIDE  dir. Maria Tomazou

THE WILD-TEMPERED CLAVIER dir. Anna Samo

YEARN  dir. Ben Smith 

BEST DIRECTION

COUNTERWEIGHT  dir. Austin Wilson & Christian Sorenson Hansen

THE MUSIC STORE  dir. Joe Gilette

SUMMER’S END  dir. Adam & Grant Conversano

TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA  dir. Alexandre Singh & Natalie Musteata

THE WEIGHT OF A DOG  dir. Lucy Sandler

BEST SCREENPLAY

Alex Kavutskiy & Jerzy Rose for THE BRIDE’S CURSE

Ambroise Rateau for DEATH OF AN ACTOR

Ray Smiling for KAMIKAZE

Joe Gilette for THE MUSIC STORE

Natalie Musteata & Alexandre Singh for TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA

BEST PERFORMANCE

Joe Gilette as Jacob in THE MUSIC STORE

Erika Hamilton as Mom  in BELIEF

Philippe Rebbot in DEATH OF AN ACTOR

Kristin Slaysman as Kristin in MAMA

Brooke Smith as Dawn in THE WEIGHT OF A DOG

BEST LOCAL SHORT

FARM GRRRL FOLK PUNK: MOTHERWORT dir. Austin Bunn

SAFE HAVEN (9:03) dir.Ilona Tuominen

STARRING THE FLOCK (18:57) dir. Kristen Kopper

BIRDS OF A FEATHER (4:44) dir. Katie Cobos

THE DRIVER (28:40) dir. Joseph Muszynski

WHAT HUMANS DO (6:40) dir. Miranda Javid

WEST LANDING (15:20) dir. Doug Gallo

NEW YEAR 2024-2025 (3:44) dir. Tona Wilson

FIVE DOT FUN (5:38) dir. Eric Bates