Hannah Sperling - 21, Sadie Kopacz - 20, Karen Han - 21, Avani More - 20 | USA

“I’ve never seen a film capture the alluring, sinister, and anxiety-ridden nature of growing up quite like Hannah Sperling’s short film MEEK. Tatum Hopkins is captivating as Hailey, a teenage girl navigating her newfound independence and agency, providing the audience with an unflinching look at the pervasiveness and pitfalls of peer pressure.”

Experience Points (XP)

Jasper Fletcher - 20, Lukas Fletcher - 21 | USA

“Like lightning in a bottle, the Fletcher brothers have captured something undeniably special with this poignant portrait of their family in transition. I was engrossed in this film from the first frame, and find myself revisiting it often — the clever composition choices, pace of the edit, and transitory nature of what the audience is being shown provides something new to discover with each watch.”

Opening Night presented by MoPOP

Jestke Lieber - 24 | Netherlands

“A deeply empathetic film, I was immediately endeared to Willem on his journey of heartbreak and healing. Director Jestke Lieber crafts a nuanced character so easy to connect with, effectively integrating the audience into Willem’s world as he acclimates to a new normal. The month-long journey flies by in this understated, emotionally resonant short that’s stuck with me since my first watch.”

Friday Night Shorts presented by MUBI

Parker Fenady - 23 | USA

“Parker Fenady’s expertly directed, delightfully dialogue-driven film was an instant favorite for me. Perfectly balancing acerbic wit and earnest vulnerability, Alexis G Zall and Katelyn Nacon make an electrifying dynamic duo, their verbal volley exhilarating to watch. Fenady’s distinct artistic voice really shines in this short — I can’t wait to see what she makes next!”

Centerpiece presented by Adobe Premiere Pro

Justin Nguyen - 21, Ethan Frank - 22, Devon Again - 23, Zayd Ezzeldine - 21 | USA

“Devon Again is back again! We’re kicking off Closing Night with this absolute showstopper of a short; the filmmaking prowess of Frank, Nguyen, and Ezzeldine collide with the unique stylings and talent of Devon Again to produce an immersive experience for a dynamic performance. It’s going to be such a treat to experience this one on the big screen!”

Closing Night presented by Adobe Premiere Pro