Andrew Gerstenblatt - 23, Arthur Goldbart - 23, Amy Roach - 23 | CA, USA

“Who said romance is dead? With ‘The Extraordinaries,’ I was quickly won over by its lead actors, who play lifelong friends dealing with new and unexpected pressures. It strikes the perfect balance between high-energy comedy and genuinely earnest storytelling, making this a feel-good watch that’s both deeply relevant and delightfully fun.”

Happy Hour Shorts

Cameron J. Schulz - 22, Aidan Marx - 22, Corey Sabhlok - 23 | CA, USA

“Meeting your partner’s parents for the first time is enough to make anyone sweat. But director Cameron J. Schulz takes the phrase ‘bottling up your feelings’ to a literal, hilarious extreme that I’ve been quoting for months. A masterclass in high-production absurdity, this short will stick with you long after the credits roll (mostly because you’ll be repeating the title to everyone you meet for the rest of the weekend).”

Happy Hour Shorts

Aranza Berges - 24, Emilio Terrazas - 23 | Canada

“The characters at the center of ‘Shapes of Us’ embark on what may seem like a quiet, seemingly small journey, but I couldn’t help but be wowed by how it explores the connections that shape our lives -- how they can feel fleeting and permanent all at once. I was particularly impressed by the “living sketch” feel of this film, with its colored pencil backgrounds creating a world that feels both intimate and expansive.”

Outside the Lines

Jaxin Dolap - 24, Tobias Harrison | Canada

“Jaxin Dolap’s visually striking music video for this track by Long Island-based band Arcy Drive is full of infectious energy and just the right amount of nostalgia. I could tell right away that this was made with a whole lot of heart, plus it’s just a solid indie rock jam (my favorite kind).”

Seismic Soundtracks

Carley Lovito - 23, Chloe Lipman - 24, Ishq Pradhan - 22, Evan Miller - 23 | NY, USA

“I’m a theater kid at heart (sorry!), but I think everyone can relate to the struggle of being 12 years old and the longing for acceptance, desire to express yourself, and everything else that comes with that age. With ‘Can’t You See I’m Trying,’ you can’t help but root for the film’s protagonist, a young girl who faces an uphill battle as she looks to find her chance to shine and, hopefully, get the lead role in her school play.”

IYKYK