2021 Austin Film Festival & Conference has ended

Create Your Own Event

2021 Austin Film Festival & Conference

7:10pm CDT

Shorts Program 1: The Ones Left Behind

Puppet Me

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Julie Cavaliere, Annie Tippe

Reeling from the sudden death of her celebrity ventriloquist father, a woman confronts her grief by performing her dad's puppet.

BEN

(UK, 25 MIN)

Writer/Director: Tom Ruddock

Two years after climbing Ben A'an, a once love struck couple return to repeat the steep hike, this time with a challenge that wasn't on the map.

Metal

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Mischa Webley

A grieving grandfather takes up graffiti to overcome the loss of his grandson, a talented graffiti artist.

Voce

(UK, 15 MIN)

Writers: Emily May Smith, James Fritz
Director: Emily May Smith

An inhibited young woman is tasked to deliver news to her estranged Nonna. Voce is a lyrical coming of age story set in southern Italy.

Unmothered

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Urvashi Pathania

When Priyanka, a rebellious American, goes back to India to immerse her mother's ashes, she discovers her funny family has kept a serious secret.

A Death in the Family

(Ireland, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kate Haley

A death in the family leads to an interesting meal for the mourners.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Thursday October 21, 2021 7:10pm - 9:07pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

10:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 2: Altered Realities

The Atomic Spawn

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Arthur Veenema

In 1952 on a nuclear test site, a timid young worker discovers a small egg within the irradiated zone.

HEARTLAND

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jahmil Eady

A woman attempts to immortalize her dying grandfather using virtual reality technology, but her obsession with documenting drives a wedge between them.

TOB.IA

(Italy, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sana Emanuele

Agata and Giorgio lost their first and only child. After some time, Giorgio contacts a Foundation that offers Tobia, a highly advanced robot that is provided as psychological support during the grieving process. The robot thus enters the couple’s life with its load of hope and illusion.

Jettison

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: JJ Pollack

A restless young woman ships off to fight an interstellar war, only to struggle with the effects of being cut off from her home by both time and space.

Fempire

(USA, 16 MIN)

Writer/Director: Honora Talbott

In a near future when women rule the world, a politician visits a "Grooming School" to snag a trophy husband, but her boring date takes a turn when her Stepford-y match stops pretending to be something he's not.

Prisoner #1616

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Michael Fodera

Rudy Vaspar, a dangerous and violent convict, sits comfortably behind bars in a maximum-security prison. His day is interrupted by a surprise visit from Monica Klee and her assistant, Vince, as Rudy soon discovers he has been selected for a scientific study.

One Small Step

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zachary Purcell

When a team of scientist stumble upon a revolutionary technology, Dr. Collins must decide between his dreams and his family.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Thursday October 21, 2021 10:15pm - Friday October 22, 2021 12:14am CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

1:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 3: Love Hurts

Jilted

(UK, 8 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Dan Hodgson

When Chloe leaves her fiancé at the aisle, she has to figure out what comes after "I don't".

Two Tickets to Mars

(USA, 17 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kavita Parekh

In pre-apocalyptic New York City, Earth is facing inevitable doom. This is a love story.

Dot Dot Dot

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: Chad Werner

After sending a text with no reply, a man begins losing his mind.

The Dump

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Neil Holland

A woman goes to unusual lengths to save her relationship.

Play It Again

(Canada, 9 MIN)

Writer: Myrthin Stagg & Liam Gareau
Director: Dan Abramovici

“It’s still the same old story/A fight for love and glory…” On their final movie night, Kitty is determined to tell her best friend that she’s in love with her – But life hardly ever plays out like in the movies

F*ck You, Seth

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Barry Galperin

The last five minutes before a woman goes out for a cup of coffee with an ex-boyfriend.

Five Minutes

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Christine Khalafian

When a woman has five minutes of freedom, every second counts.

Princess of Jerusalem

(France, 26 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Nicolas Paban, Guillaume Levil

Peter is a simple and endearing bachelor working at the office during the day and taking care of his father at night. For the past few weeks, he has been chatting online with a young woman. One day, she asks for his help.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Friday October 22, 2021 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

4:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 2

Moon-Calf

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Ander Echeverria

A high school thespian must recover a forgotten item for the school play without getting caught, with little time before the show starts.

Dancers

(USA, 12 MIN)

Director: Liz Waters
Writer: Alexandra Andreoni

When Claire sees a dance recital while on a date with her boyfriend, she is instantly in awe of the lead dancer and the graceful way she moves her body. Dancers is a dramedy that explores self-doubt and the insecurities we all have, especially as women.

Millennial Tiny House USA!

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writers: Joshua Koszewski, Joe Battaglia
Director: Joshua Koszewski

At their most vulnerable moment, a couple receives a surprise visit from real estate reality show hosts. Millennial Tiny House USA! Is an extreme parody that explores the influence binge-watching culture has on our society.

Killer Abs

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writer/Director: Amy McPeak

On a first date, a woman begins to suspect that her date is actually a famous serial killer.

Murder Trip

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Andrew Rhyne

When Ed’s best friend, Liam, takes him on a surprise camping trip in a secluded desert, he becomes suspicious about Liam’s true intentions.

Cattledog

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer: Marc Baker
Directors: Marc Baker, Ryan De Franco

A canine COVID Western with a heart of gold.

Ilsa

(USA, 16 MIN)

Writer/Director: Willi Patton

Ilsa blackmails her driver's ed instructor into being her getaway driver when she steals her dog back from her father's new family.

Friday October 22, 2021 4:00pm - 5:46pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church

Film, Shorts Program

4:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 9: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Live at The Downbeat!

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jared Bordeaux

Set in a failing 1944 Harlem jazz club, the fates of a jaded house band, a tyrannical owner, and a brazen female trumpet player are forever altered when a renowned music producer sits in for a live recording.

Moondogs

(USA, 18 MIN)

Writer/Director: Katharine Broyles

Three teenage girls hit the road to self-discovery after the realization that one of them is pregnant.

But Humble Sinners

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Stephanie Halovanic

But Humble Sinners is about two foul-mouthed nuns who scam a cowboy for a coffin.

Digestif

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Eve Van Dyke

Five friends come together for their yearly ritual they call the Digestif.

A Lone Star Love

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writers: Ronan. Colfer, Ben Myers, Deedee Woche
Director: Ben Myers

David, an Irish National, makes his new home in Austin, Texas with the help of a social media android named Viva. When he meets Texas Native, Layla, he must choose between his synthetic companion and a lone star love.

Man Seeking Man

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Michael Lorusso
Director: Travis White

A man seeks another for a discreet favor.

Devil Town

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer: Anthony Tambakis
Director: Brantley Gutierrez

An analog guy in a digital world, JJ McKay and the rest of the musicians that made Austin great are under siege by gentrification and the influx of tech money from California.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Friday October 22, 2021 4:15pm - 6:08pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

7:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 4: Remain Calm

Stick Up

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writers: Garrett Davis, Tori Hartley
Director: Chris Oz McIntosh

A young woman gets more than she bargained for when she stops at a gas station on her way out of town to score some quick change.

click, click, BOOM!

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Tomson Tee

A bougie woman learns her head will explode in 3 days.

Away From It All

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Mason Thorne

Held hostage by her insurance company’s automated call tree, Shannon heads to the beach in a futile attempt to get away from it all.

Paco

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zac Cooper

A man copes with his loneliness by befriending a piñata.

Numb

(UK, 11 MIN)

Writer: Ali Hughes
Director: Natasha Jatania

A father and son take the time to spread the ashes of the mother, and after the unemotional execution they begin to talk about spontaneity and the father's missed opportunities.

The Surrealists

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Trevor Williams

The story of Salvador Dalí and the surrealist movement if it happened today on social media.

The Acolyte

(USA,14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sammy James, Jr.

A doomsday cult clashes with an idealistic new recruit.

Samu

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer/Director: Brett Cramer

Jen really needs to make a sale.

Liza Anonymous

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Leah McKendrick
Director: Aubrey Smyth

A lonely millennial addicted to support groups disguises herself in different personas while trying to fit in, leading her on a theatrical journey which proves that pretending to be someone you’re not doesn’t get you any closer to feeling seen.

Friday October 22, 2021 7:30pm - 9:20pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

12:30pm CDT

Family Programming - Austin Film Festival in Six Square

12:30 PM – 1:55 PMJoin us for a shorts block that is for the whole family! We will present seven short films that will be full of laughs, tears, nail-biting moments, and everything in between.

Dear Destiny
(USA, 5)
writer/director: Brian Chase Mack
Dear Destiny follows a young girl named Destiny as she writes a letter to her future self after the recent loss of her father.

Perfect
(USA, 3)
writer/director: Daniel Epega
A stick figure realizes that "perfection" is more than what it seems.

Red Horizon
(USA, 30)
writer/director: T.C. Johnstone
A group of young pilots attempt to carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while struggling to overcome racism and prejudice in today's world.

Sprout
(USA, 6)
writer/director: Nayt Cochran
Sprout follows a botanical child and a kind-hearted gardener who nurtures the child’s individuality when a prize-winning plant causes self-doubt.

The Ocean Duck
(USA, 7)
Directors: Huda Razzak, My Anh Ngo
Writers: Huda Razzak, Toby Osborne
A woman visits her ailing grandmother in a hospital during a flood, bringing back fond memories of the past – spilling over into fantastical visions in the present – as an ancient tale comes to life.

The Weather is Lovely
(China, 14)
writer: Pohan Lee/Chun-Chien Lien
director: Chun-Chien Lien
A cloud maker and a researcher in a weather observatory accidentally cross paths and end up joining forces to stop a water-thirst cloud monster.

Wonderfully Made
(USA, 15)
director: Benita Ozoude
Kash was born without arms, but she does not allow her disability to limit her pursuit of happiness and self-love.

Saturday October 23, 2021 12:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Film, Shorts Program

12:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 7: The Kids Are Alright

A Mistake with the Chairs

(UK, 15 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Dave Kajganich, Alistair Petrie

Six new teachers at a venerated English boarding school in the 1960s are drawn into a moral crisis regarding upsetting charges against their Headmaster’s son.

See Through

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writer: Jacob Marx Rice
Director: Eyal Resh

Jessie and Brian, a young deaf couple, recently discovered they are about to become parents. Their neighborhood coffee shop thrums with everything left unsaid, while they unearth new ways to communicate

Lucia

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Victoria Rivera

In a foster home run by kids with no adult supervision, Lucia, a seven-year-old misfit, awaits a pick-up that never comes, discovering the true meaning of home.

Lemon Shark

(USA, 21 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kate Nowlin

Set among the highly diverse and adaptive student body of a midwestern public elementary school, LEMON SHARK reflects the realities of everyday people trying to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. Kindergarten and music teacher Freddie and her thirteen-year-old daughter Sam, seek refuge in science and music while they discover what it means to love that which is endangered.

The Boy's Gone

(Denmark, 17 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Sarah Polhaus

A husband and wife deal very differently with the fact that their little boy is gone.

The Elephant in the Mall

(Israel, 21 Min)

Writer/Director: Ziv Mamon

Tamara dreams of becoming a singer, but in the meantime she's babysitting. When Tamara picks up a kid from kindergarten, she finds out that one of his friends' dad is a famous singer. She invites them on a playdate at the shopping center's elephant slide, planning on having the famous dad listen to some of her song sketches.

Saturday October 23, 2021 12:30pm - 2:25pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church

Film, Shorts Program

1:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 16: Original Series 1

Alleyway Chefs

(UK, 9 MIN)

Writer/Director: Craig Ainsley

Two chefs smoke at the back of a restaurant. One has given up on his dreams, the other is an aspiring actor.

Witchsters

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Charla Lauriston

A mockumentary that follows sister witches Michelle and Maya as they search for love in LA.

Blackout City

(Canada, 22 MIN)

Writer: Joey Belfiore
Director: Will Bowes, Karen Knox

Blackout City is a pilot following Matt and Lynn, strangers who meet each other as new roommates, not realizing they were each other’s blackout drunken one night stand just a few nights previous.

Last Bodega in Brooklyn

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer: Mosiah Moonsammy
Directors: Mosiah Moonsammy, Jared Glenn

An Afro-latino family in Brooklyn runs a local bodega in their neighborhood. A new organic store owner moves across the street with plans of expanding his empire and taking over the bodega. This Brooklynite Tribe must band together to save their business and community from being gentrified.

Almost Starring

(Netherlands, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Joosje Duk

A comedy web series about and experienced film extra who, after being discovered by a manager, gets the opportunity to take her career to the next level by becoming a featured extra.

Early to Rise

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writers: Alec Cohen, Mike Cabellon, Adrien Pellerin, Katie Sicking
Director: Alec Cohen

Early to Rise opens with three low-ranking astronauts aboard the DreamBlaster space ship, accidentally woken up from hibernation - with 90 years left on their journey.

Saturday October 23, 2021 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 4 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

1:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 5: Safety Not Guaranteed

A Shot in the Fog

(Brazil,6 MIN)

Writer/Director: João Thomaz Londres

An old man and a boy exchange shots in the fog.

Woman in Blue

(New Zealand, 13 MIN)

Writers: Ashleigh Flynn , Jack O'Donnell
Director: Jack O'Donnell

An ex-policewoman relives her memories from a dementia ward.

Rubber Gun Club

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Alex Bendo

After a fellow officer takes his life, a New York City policeman is forced to reckon with his own suicidal ideation.

Coche Bomba

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kantú Lentz

Eleven-year-old Rosa loves aliens and hates everything else, including her annoying little sister Lu. When a car bomb detonates while she’s babysitting, Rosa must bring her sister to safety by convincing her that aliens have arrived to greet them.

Wrong Number Ransom

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writer: Brendan Gallogly, Liam Gallogly
Directors: Brendan Gallogly, Liam Gallogly

A kidnapper dials the wrong number while making a ransom call only to discover that a life of crime isn’t for everyone.

Dijameh

(Iran, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Amirali Mirderikvand

A young man remembers his grandfather through an old photograph.

On The Line

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writers: Duane Cooper, Dominick Santa Cattarina
Director: Camden Elizabeth

A death row chef questions mercy and justice as he cooks the meal of his life.

A Beautiful and Violent Place

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Sam T McFarland

In this Neo-American western, Joel returns home to avenge the death of his first love. Searching for retribution in the decaying landscape of his childhood, he soon learns that closure cannot be found through acts of violence.

KUSH: A Bubblegum Western

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writers: Anthony Sneed, Kali Davis
Director: Anthony Sneed

A relationship gets put to the test when a couple is pulled over while smuggling 25 lbs of marijuana cross country in their trunk.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Saturday October 23, 2021 1:15pm - 3:14pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

4:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 8: Against The Tide

Thank You, Come Again

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nirav Bhakta

After the trigger of a hate crime, an undocumented Indian American convenience store clerk comes crashing into his subconscious as he grieves the passing of his father during an attempted border crossing.

When The Sun Sets

(South Africa, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Phumi Morare

A young, black nurse living in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn't return after school.

Soldier Plant

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writers: Justin Locklear, Courtney Ware
Director: Courtney Ware

A WWI Soldier, stuck in the mud from the waist down, pleads with a Gardener to help dig him out of the ground. However, The Gardener believes him to be a Soldier Plant, who needs tending and care.

The Jungle

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Josh Jacobs

2003: while the U.S. bombs Iraq, a young man visits the Vietnam vet owner of a Los Angeles plant nursery, seeking answers.

Last Strike

(USA, 19 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zan Gillies

After being struck by lightning twelve times, a lost man tries to find out what the universe is trying to tell him.

The Chaperone

(USA, 16 MIN)

Director - Victoria DeMartin
Writer - Jon Comulada

An unexpected visitor causes a man to re-examine his life while slowly growing to accept his death.

The Electric Sign

(Italy, 15 MIN)

Writers: Daniele Nicolini, Simone Coacci
Director: Daniele Nicolini

In an effort to help his longtime best friend, a man will have to embark on a journey inside the mysteries of the mind, where reality merges with paranoia and hallucination.

Saturday October 23, 2021 4:00pm - 5:56pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church

Film, Shorts Program

4:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 17: Original Series 2

Cary in Retrograde

(USA, 28 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Priya Domfeh, Philipp Yaw

A tale about ALMOST never giving up, "Cary in Retrograde" follows a failed musician as he traverses a surrealist Los Angeles in hopes of a second chance.

BUDS

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Annie C. Wright

A half-hour workplace comedy about a group of unlikely advocates who spend their days fielding the complaints of senior citizens in long-term care facilities.

Trapped

(Canada, 5 MIN)

Writer: David Bourgeois
Director: Mélanie Pilon

Thirsty for vengeance, Thomas sets a trap in the guise of an escape room for three former friends. Thinking they won a contest, the three friends enter the game and are forced to relive a traumatizing childhood experience.

Love, Guns & Level Ups

(Australia, 11 MIN)

Writers: Andrew Shanks, Nicholas Cleary, Daniel Vink
Directors: Andrew Shanks, Nicholas Cleary

When an international cosplayer and an introverted game developer connect online, they discover the challenges of a real-world relationship.

Flux

(USA, 30 MIN)

Writer: Alex DiBucci
Directors: Jacob Stern, Alex DiBucci

When a global pandemic causes Sara and Sam to move in together after only a few dates, they’re forced to get to know each other better and more intimately than they ever wanted to.

Saturday October 23, 2021 4:15pm - 6:13pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 4 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

10:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 11: Shorts That Go Bump In The Night

Angel

(Taiwan, 17 MIN)

Writer/Director: Dicky Chalmers

When a girl goes back to a guy’s house following a dating app hook-up, she becomes suspicious of his true intentions after discovering his obsession with cooking ramen broth, and a strange AI digital assistant called Angel.

Face Your Fears

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Neil Stevens

A young woman terrified of the dark discovers a supernatural game that will cure her fears if she faces them first.

In The Darkness

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: Meko Winbush

A man's life is disrupted when he begins to suffer from sleep paralysis.

Healing

(Switzerland, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Adrian Perez

Legend has it that a magic spot in the mountains has healing powers. That's where Ben treats fatally ill people and that's where Sarah seeks revenge for her dead sister.

The Cow

(USA, 17 MIN)

Writer: Corey Cook
Director: Colin Babcock

A cursed food tv host offers his life fortune to a struggling Texas pit master to get the chance to eat a cow that is also a vessel for the devil.

YAHRZEIT

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: DW Medoff

Two young men are tormented by a spirit when they disrespect a sacred Jewish memorial candled (Yahrzeit candle).

Flora’s Place

(USA, 18 MIN)

Writer: Madeline Rooks
Original Story: Derrolyn Anderson
Director: Trevor Hooper

One night while closing bar, a young woman is haunted by the possibility that the chilling legend about the establishment’s founder might be true.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Saturday October 23, 2021 10:15pm - Sunday October 24, 2021 12:08am CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

12:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 12: Shorts For All Ages

Perfect.

(USA, 3 MIN)

Writer/Director: Daniel Epega

A stick figure realizes that "perfection" is more than what it seems.

Summer Reign

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writers: Simon Tolman, Audrey Heitmann, Gracie McCallum
Director: Simon Tolman

After another day of losing to his neighbors during their daily summer activities (sudoku, paper airplanes, and British theatre), Eli seeks help from his recluse older brother in the form of a mysterious homemade concoction, upending the dynamics of the friend group.

Dear Destiny

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Brian Chase Mack

Dear Destiny follows a young girl named Destiny as she writes a letter to her future self after the recent loss of her father.

Radley

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writer/Director: Seth Christian

During her last days, a grandmother finds a special bond between her past and her granddaughter.

The Weather is Lovely

(China, 14 MIN)

Writer: Pohan Lee/Chun-Chien Lien
Director: Chun-Chien Lien

A cloud maker and a researcher in a weather observatory accidentally cross paths and end up joining forces to stop a water-thirst cloud monster.

Straw Man

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer: John Laverman
Director: Alexander Casimir

At risk of losing the only family he’s ever known during the dustbowl of the 1930’s, a scarecrow must leave his post and journey into town in search of work.

Sprout

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nayt Cochran

Sprout follows a botanical child and a kind-hearted gardener who nurtures the child’s individuality when a prize-winning plant causes self-doubt.

Foiled

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Hao-Wei Timothy Chang

Foiled is a family comedy about ten-year-old Dylan and his younger brother Cody who accidentally rip their best friend’s baseball card. They must fix it otherwise they'll lose their best friend and never get to play baseball again.

Mishou

(Germany, 8 MIN)

Writers:Milen Vitanov, Vera Trajanova
Director: Milen Vitanov

The lives of four lively Arctic hares take a turn after discovering a strange new creature.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Sunday October 24, 2021 12:15pm - 2:01pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

3:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 14: Doc Shorts 2

Digging for Life

(Cameroon, 14 MIN)

Director: Joao Queiroga

When a young Cameroonian man attempts to pursue the dream of a better life in post-apartheid South Africa, he instead finds himself trapped as a slave in Angola.

First Down

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Brian Loschiavo
Director: Carrie Stett

A group of teenage girls find a way out though America's favorite sport...for men.

The Passengers

(France, 17 MIN)

Director: Bruno Pieretti

In a small retirement home from the north of France, fourteen Alzheimer patients keep wandering painfully, hours after hours, in search of a forgotten destination. But here, their wish for departure is within reach.

VINCENT PRICE: The Original Thriller

(USA, 20 MIN)

Director: Scott Campbell
Writer: Gary Kyriazi

Vincent Price, the legendary King of Horror, is remembered by his daughter, Victoria.

Street Reporter

(USA, 27 MIN)

Writer/Director: Laura Waters Hinson

An aspiring photojournalist discovers the power of her own voice while struggling to survive homelessness.

Sunday October 24, 2021 3:30pm - 5:22pm CDT
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Shorts Program

3:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 13: Doc Shorts 1

Red Horizon

(USA, 30 MIN)

Writer/Director: T.C. Johnstone

A group of young pilots attempt to carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while struggling to overcome racism and prejudice in today's world.

Off the Rails

(USA, 9 MIN)

Director: John Papola

A loving mother. A simple act to foster childhood independence. A media out for blood. A country going off the rails.

Less Lethal

(USA, 13 MIN)

Director: Jaime Wilken

A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the head with less-lethal ammunition during the BLM protests in Austin. When the city doesn't react, a tech worker turned internet sleuth decides to find out what cop shot the boy.

Wonderfully Made

(USA, 15 MIN)

Director: Benita Ozoude

Kash was born without arms, but she does not allow her disability to limit her pursuit of happiness and self-love.

The Black Stonefly

(USA, 11 MIN)

Directors: Cody Lewis and Marc Rotse

Gian Lawrence is a fly fisherman and outdoorsman with a unique origin story.

Waiting for Waves

(USA, 21 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jacob Zaoutis

A look inside the raw world of New England east-coast surfing through the eyes of three men who have dedicated their lives to the ocean.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Sunday October 24, 2021 3:30pm - 5:25pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

4:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 15: Animated Shorts

Wayback

(Spain, 8 MIN)

Writer/Director: Carlos Salgado

In the edge of the galaxy, a space explorer picks up a plant in a mysterious planet, but his return journey will put his determination to the test.

There You Are

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writers: Rui Huang, Rong Deng
Director: Rui Huang

After her mother's death, Su hopes to reconnect with her father during their traditional camping trip on his birthday, but when he cancels it, she is forced to deal with her unresolved grief.

Stereotype

(Republic of Korea , 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nahyun Beak, Dahyun Beak

A war has been settled down, but a conflict against each other is still escalating...

The Snow Ball

(Canada, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Rick MacDonald

An over-imaginative kid crashes a sophisticated snowman party.

The Ocean Duck

(USA, 7 MIN)

Directors: Huda Razzak, My Anh Ngo
Writers: Huda Razzak, Toby Osborne

A woman visits her ailing grandmother in a hospital during a flood, bringing back fond memories of the past – spilling over into fantastical visions in the present – as an ancient tale comes to life.

Fetch

(New Zealand, 18 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sam Gill

Fetch is a heart-on-its-sleeve animated dramedy about a dog and his human, working together as the only maintenance crew aboard a colossal space station.

Bug Therapy

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writers: Michael Jann, Michele Jourdan
Director: Jason Reisig

It's a story about a mosquito who faints at the sight of blood. Her name is Citronella. And, she's trying to find the courage to enter group therapy for the first time. The therapy group is run by a pill bug therapist, named Dr. Pill.

Red Shoes

(Czech Republic, 14 MIN)

Writers: Anna Paděrová, Matěj Podskalský
Director: Anna Paděrová

The village dance has begun, the skirts are spinning and feet are stamping to the rhythm of the dance. However, Róza hasn’t been invited to dance with anyone just yet. All of a sudden an unknown stranger appears, inviting Róza to dance, giving her a pair of red shoes.

Memento Mori

(Ireland, 9 MIN)

Writers: Paul O'Flanagan, Laura O'Flanagan
Director: Paul O'Flanagan

In Victorian London, a post-mortem photographer receives his latest subject, a recently deceased young woman, late one stormy night.

Namoo

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Erick Oh

Inspired by the passing of Erick’s grandfather, Namoo -- which translates to “tree” in Korean -- follows the meaningful moments of one man’s life from beginning to end.

Sunday October 24, 2021 4:30pm - 6:28pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 5 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

7:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 6: The One You Love

Peaches

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer: Max Curry
Director: Jared Januschka

After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, a homeless environmentalist overcomes their shame to re-apply for a job.

Jeff Can’t Swim

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer: Jon Ebeling
Director: Michaela Myers

Plagued by his desperately funny act-outs when nervous, sweet-hearted Jeff finds himself as a total fool on a much anticipated day.

Forgetting Caroline

(USA, 15 MIN)
Writer/Director: Alexis Duran

Forgetting Caroline explores the beautiful moments of being a step-parent, as well as the personal complications that can come with the territory.

Good News

(Canada, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Osric Chau

Happily married without kids and an intent to focus on his career, Ryan struggles with the news of an unplanned pregnancy and his wife Nicole’s decision to keep it. When the doctor diagnoses his wife with cancer, it leaves Ryan wanting nothing more than to have a child with Nicole.

Over My Dead Body

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Quinlan Orear

Jackée sneaks into a funeral home to pay last respects to her drag mother, who's being buried as a man against her dying wishes.

Faranak

(Iran, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Mehrnoush Alia

A new driver at a ride hailing company in Iran who has hit the rock bottom accepts to give a ride to a dog knowing too well that it is against the Islamic law of his country. What he does not know is that this dog is experiencing a crisis just like him.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Sunday October 24, 2021 7:00pm - 8:37pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

5:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 5: Safety Not Guaranteed

A Shot in the Fog

(Brazil,6 MIN)

Writer/Director: João Thomaz Londres

An old man and a boy exchange shots in the fog.

Woman in Blue

(New Zealand, 13 MIN)

Writers: Ashleigh Flynn , Jack O'Donnell
Director: Jack O'Donnell

An ex-policewoman relives her memories from a dementia ward.

Rubber Gun Club

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Alex Bendo

After a fellow officer takes his life, a New York City policeman is forced to reckon with his own suicidal ideation.

Coche Bomba

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kantú Lentz

Eleven-year-old Rosa loves aliens and hates everything else, including her annoying little sister Lu. When a car bomb detonates while she’s babysitting, Rosa must bring her sister to safety by convincing her that aliens have arrived to greet them.

Wrong Number Ransom

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writer: Brendan Gallogly, Liam Gallogly
Directors: Brendan Gallogly, Liam Gallogly

A kidnapper dials the wrong number while making a ransom call only to discover that a life of crime isn’t for everyone.

Dijameh

(Iran, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Amirali Mirderikvand

A young man remembers his grandfather through an old photograph.

On The Line

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writers: Duane Cooper, Dominick Santa Cattarina
Director: Camden Elizabeth

A death row chef questions mercy and justice as he cooks the meal of his life.

A Beautiful and Violent Place

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Sam T McFarland

In this Neo-American western, Joel returns home to avenge the death of his first love. Searching for retribution in the decaying landscape of his childhood, he soon learns that closure cannot be found through acts of violence.

KUSH: A Bubblegum Western

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writers: Anthony Sneed, Kali Davis
Director: Anthony Sneed

A relationship gets put to the test when a couple is pulled over while smuggling 25 lbs of marijuana cross country in their trunk.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Monday October 25, 2021 5:00pm - 6:59pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

7:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 16: Original Series 1

Alleyway Chefs

(UK, 9 MIN)

Writer/Director: Craig Ainsley

Two chefs smoke at the back of a restaurant. One has given up on his dreams, the other is an aspiring actor.

Witchsters

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Charla Lauriston

A mockumentary that follows sister witches Michelle and Maya as they search for love in LA.

Blackout City

(Canada, 22 MIN)

Writer: Joey Belfiore
Director: Will Bowes, Karen Knox

Blackout City is a pilot following Matt and Lynn, strangers who meet each other as new roommates, not realizing they were each other’s blackout drunken one night stand just a few nights previous.

Last Bodega in Brooklyn

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer: Mosiah Moonsammy
Directors: Mosiah Moonsammy, Jared Glenn

An Afro-latino family in Brooklyn runs a local bodega in their neighborhood. A new organic store owner moves across the street with plans of expanding his empire and taking over the bodega. This Brooklynite Tribe must band together to save their business and community from being gentrified.

Almost Starring

(Netherlands, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Joosje Duk

A comedy web series about and experienced film extra who, after being discovered by a manager, gets the opportunity to take her career to the next level by becoming a featured extra.

Early to Rise

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writers: Alec Cohen, Mike Cabellon, Adrien Pellerin, Katie Sicking
Director: Alec Cohen

Early to Rise opens with three low-ranking astronauts aboard the DreamBlaster space ship, accidentally woken up from hibernation - with 90 years left on their journey.

Monday October 25, 2021 7:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Shorts Program

8:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 15: Animated Shorts

Wayback

(Spain, 8 MIN)

Writer/Director: Carlos Salgado

In the edge of the galaxy, a space explorer picks up a plant in a mysterious planet, but his return journey will put his determination to the test.

There You Are

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writers: Rui Huang, Rong Deng
Director: Rui Huang

After her mother's death, Su hopes to reconnect with her father during their traditional camping trip on his birthday, but when he cancels it, she is forced to deal with her unresolved grief.

Stereotype

(Republic of Korea , 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nahyun Beak, Dahyun Beak

A war has been settled down, but a conflict against each other is still escalating...

The Snow Ball

(Canada, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Rick MacDonald

An over-imaginative kid crashes a sophisticated snowman party.

The Ocean Duck

(USA, 7 MIN)

Directors: Huda Razzak, My Anh Ngo
Writers: Huda Razzak, Toby Osborne

A woman visits her ailing grandmother in a hospital during a flood, bringing back fond memories of the past – spilling over into fantastical visions in the present – as an ancient tale comes to life.

Fetch

(New Zealand, 18 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sam Gill

Fetch is a heart-on-its-sleeve animated dramedy about a dog and his human, working together as the only maintenance crew aboard a colossal space station.

Bug Therapy

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writers: Michael Jann, Michele Jourdan
Director: Jason Reisig

It's a story about a mosquito who faints at the sight of blood. Her name is Citronella. And, she's trying to find the courage to enter group therapy for the first time. The therapy group is run by a pill bug therapist, named Dr. Pill.

Red Shoes

(Czech Republic, 14 MIN)

Writers: Anna Paděrová, Matěj Podskalský
Director: Anna Paděrová

The village dance has begun, the skirts are spinning and feet are stamping to the rhythm of the dance. However, Róza hasn’t been invited to dance with anyone just yet. All of a sudden an unknown stranger appears, inviting Róza to dance, giving her a pair of red shoes.

Memento Mori

(Ireland, 9 MIN)

Writers: Paul O'Flanagan, Laura O'Flanagan
Director: Paul O'Flanagan

In Victorian London, a post-mortem photographer receives his latest subject, a recently deceased young woman, late one stormy night.

Namoo

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Erick Oh

Inspired by the passing of Erick’s grandfather, Namoo -- which translates to “tree” in Korean -- follows the meaningful moments of one man’s life from beginning to end.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Monday October 25, 2021 8:00pm - 9:58pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

10:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 17: Original Series 2

Cary in Retrograde

(USA, 28 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Priya Domfeh, Philipp Yaw

A tale about ALMOST never giving up, "Cary in Retrograde" follows a failed musician as he traverses a surrealist Los Angeles in hopes of a second chance.

BUDS

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Annie C. Wright

A half-hour workplace comedy about a group of unlikely advocates who spend their days fielding the complaints of senior citizens in long-term care facilities.

Trapped

(Canada, 5 MIN)

Writer: David Bourgeois
Director: Mélanie Pilon

Thirsty for vengeance, Thomas sets a trap in the guise of an escape room for three former friends. Thinking they won a contest, the three friends enter the game and are forced to relive a traumatizing childhood experience.

Love, Guns & Level Ups

(Australia, 11 MIN)

Writers: Andrew Shanks, Nicholas Cleary, Daniel Vink
Directors: Andrew Shanks, Nicholas Cleary

When an international cosplayer and an introverted game developer connect online, they discover the challenges of a real-world relationship.

Flux

(USA, 30 MIN)

Writer: Alex DiBucci
Directors: Jacob Stern, Alex DiBucci

When a global pandemic causes Sara and Sam to move in together after only a few dates, they’re forced to get to know each other better and more intimately than they ever wanted to.

Monday October 25, 2021 10:00pm - 11:58pm CDT
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Shorts Program

11:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 8: Against The Tide

Thank You, Come Again

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nirav Bhakta

After the trigger of a hate crime, an undocumented Indian American convenience store clerk comes crashing into his subconscious as he grieves the passing of his father during an attempted border crossing.

When The Sun Sets

(South Africa, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Phumi Morare

A young, black nurse living in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn't return after school.

Soldier Plant

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writers: Justin Locklear, Courtney Ware
Director: Courtney Ware

A WWI Soldier, stuck in the mud from the waist down, pleads with a Gardener to help dig him out of the ground. However, The Gardener believes him to be a Soldier Plant, who needs tending and care.

The Jungle

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Josh Jacobs

2003: while the U.S. bombs Iraq, a young man visits the Vietnam vet owner of a Los Angeles plant nursery, seeking answers.

Last Strike

(USA, 19 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zan Gillies

After being struck by lightning twelve times, a lost man tries to find out what the universe is trying to tell him.

The Chaperone

(USA, 16 MIN)

Director - Victoria DeMartin
Writer - Jon Comulada

An unexpected visitor causes a man to re-examine his life while slowly growing to accept his death.

The Electric Sign

(Italy, 15 MIN)

Writers: Daniele Nicolini, Simone Coacci
Director: Daniele Nicolini

In an effort to help his longtime best friend, a man will have to embark on a journey inside the mysteries of the mind, where reality merges with paranoia and hallucination.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Monday October 25, 2021 11:15pm - Tuesday October 26, 2021 1:11am CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

1:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 14: Doc Shorts 2

Digging for Life

(Cameroon, 14 MIN)

Director: Joao Queiroga

When a young Cameroonian man attempts to pursue the dream of a better life in post-apartheid South Africa, he instead finds himself trapped as a slave in Angola.

First Down

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Brian Loschiavo
Director: Carrie Stett

A group of teenage girls find a way out though America's favorite sport...for men.

The Passengers

(France, 17 MIN)

Director: Bruno Pieretti

In a small retirement home from the north of France, fourteen Alzheimer patients keep wandering painfully, hours after hours, in search of a forgotten destination. But here, their wish for departure is within reach.

VINCENT PRICE: The Original Thriller

(USA, 20 MIN)

Director: Scott Campbell
Writer: Gary Kyriazi

Vincent Price, the legendary King of Horror, is remembered by his daughter, Victoria.

Street Reporter

(USA, 27 MIN)

Writer/Director: Laura Waters Hinson

An aspiring photojournalist discovers the power of her own voice while struggling to survive homelessness.

Tuesday October 26, 2021 1:00pm - 2:52pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 4 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

1:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 7: The Kids Are Alright

A Mistake with the Chairs

(UK, 15 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Dave Kajganich, Alistair Petrie

Six new teachers at a venerated English boarding school in the 1960s are drawn into a moral crisis regarding upsetting charges against their Headmaster’s son.

See Through

(USA, 9 MIN)

Writer: Jacob Marx Rice
Director: Eyal Resh

Jessie and Brian, a young deaf couple, recently discovered they are about to become parents. Their neighborhood coffee shop thrums with everything left unsaid, while they unearth new ways to communicate

Lucia

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Victoria Rivera

In a foster home run by kids with no adult supervision, Lucia, a seven-year-old misfit, awaits a pick-up that never comes, discovering the true meaning of home.

Lemon Shark

(USA, 21 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kate Nowlin

Set among the highly diverse and adaptive student body of a midwestern public elementary school, LEMON SHARK reflects the realities of everyday people trying to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. Kindergarten and music teacher Freddie and her thirteen-year-old daughter Sam, seek refuge in science and music while they discover what it means to love that which is endangered.

The Boy's Gone

(Denmark, 17 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Sarah Polhaus

A husband and wife deal very differently with the fact that their little boy is gone.

The Elephant in the Mall

(Israel, 21 Min)

Writer/Director: Ziv Mamon

Tamara dreams of becoming a singer, but in the meantime she's babysitting. When Tamara picks up a kid from kindergarten, she finds out that one of his friends' dad is a famous singer. She invites them on a playdate at the shopping center's elephant slide, planning on having the famous dad listen to some of her song sketches.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Tuesday October 26, 2021 1:00pm - 2:55pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

4:15pm CDT

Shorts Program 9: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Live at The Downbeat!

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jared Bordeaux

Set in a failing 1944 Harlem jazz club, the fates of a jaded house band, a tyrannical owner, and a brazen female trumpet player are forever altered when a renowned music producer sits in for a live recording.

Moondogs

(USA, 18 MIN)

Writer/Director: Katharine Broyles

Three teenage girls hit the road to self-discovery after the realization that one of them is pregnant.

But Humble Sinners

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Stephanie Halovanic

But Humble Sinners is about two foul-mouthed nuns who scam a cowboy for a coffin.

Digestif

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Eve Van Dyke

Five friends come together for their yearly ritual they call the Digestif.

A Lone Star Love

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writers: Ronan. Colfer, Ben Myers, Deedee Woche
Director: Ben Myers

David, an Irish National, makes his new home in Austin, Texas with the help of a social media android named Viva. When he meets Texas Native, Layla, he must choose between his synthetic companion and a lone star love.

Man Seeking Man

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Michael Lorusso
Director: Travis White

A man seeks another for a discreet favor.

Devil Town

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer: Anthony Tambakis
Director: Brantley Gutierrez

An analog guy in a digital world, JJ McKay and the rest of the musicians that made Austin great are under siege by gentrification and the influx of tech money from California.

Tuesday October 26, 2021 4:15pm - 6:08pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 4 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

4:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 6: The One You Love

Peaches

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer: Max Curry
Director: Jared Januschka

After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, a homeless environmentalist overcomes their shame to re-apply for a job.

Jeff Can’t Swim

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer: Jon Ebeling
Director: Michaela Myers

Plagued by his desperately funny act-outs when nervous, sweet-hearted Jeff finds himself as a total fool on a much anticipated day.

Forgetting Caroline

(USA, 15 MIN)
Writer/Director: Alexis Duran

Forgetting Caroline explores the beautiful moments of being a step-parent, as well as the personal complications that can come with the territory.

Good News

(Canada, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Osric Chau

Happily married without kids and an intent to focus on his career, Ryan struggles with the news of an unplanned pregnancy and his wife Nicole’s decision to keep it. When the doctor diagnoses his wife with cancer, it leaves Ryan wanting nothing more than to have a child with Nicole.

Over My Dead Body

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Quinlan Orear

Jackée sneaks into a funeral home to pay last respects to her drag mother, who's being buried as a man against her dying wishes.

Faranak

(Iran, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Mehrnoush Alia

A new driver at a ride hailing company in Iran who has hit the rock bottom accepts to give a ride to a dog knowing too well that it is against the Islamic law of his country. What he does not know is that this dog is experiencing a crisis just like him.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Tuesday October 26, 2021 4:30pm - 6:07pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

5:45pm CDT

Shorts Program 12: Shorts For All Ages

Perfect.

(USA, 3 MIN)

Writer/Director: Daniel Epega

A stick figure realizes that "perfection" is more than what it seems.

Summer Reign

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writers: Simon Tolman, Audrey Heitmann, Gracie McCallum
Director: Simon Tolman

After another day of losing to his neighbors during their daily summer activities (sudoku, paper airplanes, and British theatre), Eli seeks help from his recluse older brother in the form of a mysterious homemade concoction, upending the dynamics of the friend group.

Dear Destiny

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Brian Chase Mack

Dear Destiny follows a young girl named Destiny as she writes a letter to her future self after the recent loss of her father.

Radley

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writer/Director: Seth Christian

During her last days, a grandmother finds a special bond between her past and her granddaughter.

The Weather is Lovely

(China, 14 MIN)

Writer: Pohan Lee/Chun-Chien Lien
Director: Chun-Chien Lien

A cloud maker and a researcher in a weather observatory accidentally cross paths and end up joining forces to stop a water-thirst cloud monster.

Straw Man

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer: John Laverman
Director: Alexander Casimir

At risk of losing the only family he’s ever known during the dustbowl of the 1930’s, a scarecrow must leave his post and journey into town in search of work.

Sprout

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Nayt Cochran

Sprout follows a botanical child and a kind-hearted gardener who nurtures the child’s individuality when a prize-winning plant causes self-doubt.

Foiled

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Hao-Wei Timothy Chang

Foiled is a family comedy about ten-year-old Dylan and his younger brother Cody who accidentally rip their best friend’s baseball card. They must fix it otherwise they'll lose their best friend and never get to play baseball again.

Mishou

(Germany, 8 MIN)

Writers:Milen Vitanov, Vera Trajanova
Director: Milen Vitanov

The lives of four lively Arctic hares take a turn after discovering a strange new creature.

Tuesday October 26, 2021 5:45pm - 7:31pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

7:30pm CDT

Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 2

Moon-Calf

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Ander Echeverria

A high school thespian must recover a forgotten item for the school play without getting caught, with little time before the show starts.

Dancers

(USA, 12 MIN)

Director: Liz Waters
Writer: Alexandra Andreoni

When Claire sees a dance recital while on a date with her boyfriend, she is instantly in awe of the lead dancer and the graceful way she moves her body. Dancers is a dramedy that explores self-doubt and the insecurities we all have, especially as women.

Millennial Tiny House USA!

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writers: Joshua Koszewski, Joe Battaglia
Director: Joshua Koszewski

At their most vulnerable moment, a couple receives a surprise visit from real estate reality show hosts. Millennial Tiny House USA! Is an extreme parody that explores the influence binge-watching culture has on our society.

Killer Abs

(USA, 13 MIN)

Writer/Director: Amy McPeak

On a first date, a woman begins to suspect that her date is actually a famous serial killer.

Murder Trip

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer/Director: Andrew Rhyne

When Ed’s best friend, Liam, takes him on a surprise camping trip in a secluded desert, he becomes suspicious about Liam’s true intentions.

Cattledog

(USA, 10 MIN)

Writer: Marc Baker
Directors: Marc Baker, Ryan De Franco

A canine COVID Western with a heart of gold.

Ilsa

(USA, 16 MIN)

Writer/Director: Willi Patton

Ilsa blackmails her driver's ed instructor into being her getaway driver when she steals her dog back from her father's new family.

Tuesday October 26, 2021 7:30pm - 9:16pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 4 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

7:45pm CDT

Shorts Program 1: The Ones Left Behind

Puppet Me

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Julie Cavaliere, Annie Tippe

Reeling from the sudden death of her celebrity ventriloquist father, a woman confronts her grief by performing her dad's puppet.

BEN

(UK, 25 MIN)

Writer/Director: Tom Ruddock

Two years after climbing Ben A'an, a once love struck couple return to repeat the steep hike, this time with a challenge that wasn't on the map.

Metal

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Mischa Webley

A grieving grandfather takes up graffiti to overcome the loss of his grandson, a talented graffiti artist.

Voce

(UK, 15 MIN)

Writers: Emily May Smith, James Fritz
Director: Emily May Smith

An inhibited young woman is tasked to deliver news to her estranged Nonna. Voce is a lyrical coming of age story set in southern Italy.

Unmothered

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Urvashi Pathania

When Priyanka, a rebellious American, goes back to India to immerse her mother's ashes, she discovers her funny family has kept a serious secret.

A Death in the Family

(Ireland, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kate Haley

A death in the family leads to an interesting meal for the mourners.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Tuesday October 26, 2021 7:45pm - 9:42pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

8:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 13: Doc Shorts 1

Red Horizon

(USA, 30 MIN)

Writer/Director: T.C. Johnstone

A group of young pilots attempt to carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while struggling to overcome racism and prejudice in today's world.

Off the Rails

(USA, 9 MIN)

Director: John Papola

A loving mother. A simple act to foster childhood independence. A media out for blood. A country going off the rails.

Less Lethal

(USA, 13 MIN)

Director: Jaime Wilken

A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the head with less-lethal ammunition during the BLM protests in Austin. When the city doesn't react, a tech worker turned internet sleuth decides to find out what cop shot the boy.

Wonderfully Made

(USA, 15 MIN)

Director: Benita Ozoude

Kash was born without arms, but she does not allow her disability to limit her pursuit of happiness and self-love.

The Black Stonefly

(USA, 11 MIN)

Directors: Cody Lewis and Marc Rotse

Gian Lawrence is a fly fisherman and outdoorsman with a unique origin story.

Waiting for Waves

(USA, 21 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jacob Zaoutis

A look inside the raw world of New England east-coast surfing through the eyes of three men who have dedicated their lives to the ocean.

Tuesday October 26, 2021 8:00pm - 9:55pm CDT
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Shorts Program

11:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 11: Shorts That Go Bump In The Night

Angel

(Taiwan, 17 MIN)

Writer/Director: Dicky Chalmers

When a girl goes back to a guy’s house following a dating app hook-up, she becomes suspicious of his true intentions after discovering his obsession with cooking ramen broth, and a strange AI digital assistant called Angel.

Face Your Fears

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Neil Stevens

A young woman terrified of the dark discovers a supernatural game that will cure her fears if she faces them first.

In The Darkness

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: Meko Winbush

A man's life is disrupted when he begins to suffer from sleep paralysis.

Healing

(Switzerland, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Adrian Perez

Legend has it that a magic spot in the mountains has healing powers. That's where Ben treats fatally ill people and that's where Sarah seeks revenge for her dead sister.

The Cow

(USA, 17 MIN)

Writer: Corey Cook
Director: Colin Babcock

A cursed food tv host offers his life fortune to a struggling Texas pit master to get the chance to eat a cow that is also a vessel for the devil.

YAHRZEIT

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: DW Medoff

Two young men are tormented by a spirit when they disrespect a sacred Jewish memorial candled (Yahrzeit candle).

Flora’s Place

(USA, 18 MIN)

Writer: Madeline Rooks
Original Story: Derrolyn Anderson
Director: Trevor Hooper

One night while closing bar, a young woman is haunted by the possibility that the chilling legend about the establishment’s founder might be true.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Tuesday October 26, 2021 11:00pm - Wednesday October 27, 2021 12:53am CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

5:45pm CDT

Shorts Program 4: Remain Calm

Stick Up

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writers: Garrett Davis, Tori Hartley
Director: Chris Oz McIntosh

A young woman gets more than she bargained for when she stops at a gas station on her way out of town to score some quick change.

click, click, BOOM!

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Tomson Tee

A bougie woman learns her head will explode in 3 days.

Away From It All

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Mason Thorne

Held hostage by her insurance company’s automated call tree, Shannon heads to the beach in a futile attempt to get away from it all.

Paco

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zac Cooper

A man copes with his loneliness by befriending a piñata.

Numb

(UK, 11 MIN)

Writer: Ali Hughes
Director: Natasha Jatania

A father and son take the time to spread the ashes of the mother, and after the unemotional execution they begin to talk about spontaneity and the father's missed opportunities.

The Surrealists

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Trevor Williams

The story of Salvador Dalí and the surrealist movement if it happened today on social media.

The Acolyte

(USA,14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sammy James, Jr.

A doomsday cult clashes with an idealistic new recruit.

Samu

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer/Director: Brett Cramer

Jen really needs to make a sale.

Liza Anonymous

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Leah McKendrick
Director: Aubrey Smyth

A lonely millennial addicted to support groups disguises herself in different personas while trying to fit in, leading her on a theatrical journey which proves that pretending to be someone you’re not doesn’t get you any closer to feeling seen.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Wednesday October 27, 2021 5:45pm - 7:35pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

9:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 3: Love Hurts

Jilted

(UK, 8 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Dan Hodgson

When Chloe leaves her fiancé at the aisle, she has to figure out what comes after "I don't".

Two Tickets to Mars

(USA, 17 MIN)

Writer/Director: Kavita Parekh

In pre-apocalyptic New York City, Earth is facing inevitable doom. This is a love story.

Dot Dot Dot

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: Chad Werner

After sending a text with no reply, a man begins losing his mind.

The Dump

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Neil Holland

A woman goes to unusual lengths to save her relationship.

Play It Again

(Canada, 9 MIN)

Writer: Myrthin Stagg & Liam Gareau
Director: Dan Abramovici

“It’s still the same old story/A fight for love and glory…” On their final movie night, Kitty is determined to tell her best friend that she’s in love with her – But life hardly ever plays out like in the movies

F*ck You, Seth

(USA, 6 MIN)

Writer/Director: Barry Galperin

The last five minutes before a woman goes out for a cup of coffee with an ex-boyfriend.

Five Minutes

(USA, 5 MIN)

Writer/Director: Christine Khalafian

When a woman has five minutes of freedom, every second counts.

Princess of Jerusalem

(France, 26 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Nicolas Paban, Guillaume Levil

Peter is a simple and endearing bachelor working at the office during the day and taking care of his father at night. For the past few weeks, he has been chatting online with a young woman. One day, she asks for his help.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Wednesday October 27, 2021 9:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

4:00pm CDT

Shorts Program 2: Altered Realities

The Atomic Spawn

(USA, 14 MIN)

Writer/Director: Arthur Veenema

In 1952 on a nuclear test site, a timid young worker discovers a small egg within the irradiated zone.

HEARTLAND

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jahmil Eady

A woman attempts to immortalize her dying grandfather using virtual reality technology, but her obsession with documenting drives a wedge between them.

TOB.IA

(Italy, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sana Emanuele

Agata and Giorgio lost their first and only child. After some time, Giorgio contacts a Foundation that offers Tobia, a highly advanced robot that is provided as psychological support during the grieving process. The robot thus enters the couple’s life with its load of hope and illusion.

Jettison

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: JJ Pollack

A restless young woman ships off to fight an interstellar war, only to struggle with the effects of being cut off from her home by both time and space.

Fempire

(USA, 16 MIN)

Writer/Director: Honora Talbott

In a near future when women rule the world, a politician visits a "Grooming School" to snag a trophy husband, but her boring date takes a turn when her Stepford-y match stops pretending to be something he's not.

Prisoner #1616

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer/Director: Michael Fodera

Rudy Vaspar, a dangerous and violent convict, sits comfortably behind bars in a maximum-security prison. His day is interrupted by a surprise visit from Monica Klee and her assistant, Vince, as Rudy soon discovers he has been selected for a scientific study.

One Small Step

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Zachary Purcell

When a team of scientist stumble upon a revolutionary technology, Dr. Collins must decide between his dreams and his family.

Sponsors

Whataburger

Thursday October 28, 2021 4:00pm - 5:55pm CDT
Rollins Theatre presented by Whataburger 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

7:00pm CDT

Jury Award Winning Shorts

Digital Series Jury Winner
Cary in Retrograde

(USA, 28 MIN)

Writers/Directors: Priya Domfeh, Philipp Yaw

A tale about ALMOST never giving up, "Cary in Retrograde" follows a failed musician as he traverses a surrealist Los Angeles in hopes of a second chance.

Animated Short presented by Nickelodean Jury Winner
Red Shoes

(Czech Republic, 14 MIN)

Writers: Anna Paděrová, Matěj Podskalský
Director: Anna Paděrová

The village dance has begun, the skirts are spinning and feet are stamping to the rhythm of the dance. However, Róza hasn’t been invited to dance with anyone just yet. All of a sudden an unknown stranger appears, inviting Róza to dance, giving her a pair of red shoes.

Documentary Shorts presented by Flo Sports Jury Winner
Wonderfully Made

(USA, 15 MIN)

Director: Benita Ozoude

Kash was born without arms, but she does not allow her disability to limit her pursuit of happiness and self-love.

Enderby Entertainment Filmmaking Fellowship Winner
Faranak

(Iran, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Mehrnoush Alia

A new driver at a ride hailing company in Iran who has hit the rock bottom accepts to give a ride to a dog knowing too well that it is against the Islamic law of his country. What he does not know is that this dog is experiencing a crisis just like him.

Student Shorts Jury Winner
Unmothered

(USA, 15 MIN)

Writer/Director: Urvashi Pathania

When Priyanka, a rebellious American, goes back to India to immerse her mother's ashes, she discovers her funny family has kept a serious secret.

Narrative Short Jury Winner
Play It Again

(Canada, 9 MIN)

Writer: Myrthin Stagg & Liam Gareau
Director: Dan Abramovici

“It’s still the same old story/A fight for love and glory…” On their final movie night, Kitty is determined to tell her best friend that she’s in love with her – But life hardly ever plays out like in the movies

We have a Clear Bag Policy to minimize contact that a bag search would require.
Clear bags should not exceed 14″ x 12″ x 6″ in size.
Small, non-clear clutch bags will be allowed, and should not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” in size.

Thursday October 28, 2021 7:00pm - 8:36pm CDT
State Theatre

Film, Shorts Program

10:15pm CDT

Buzz Screening #3 - Shorts Program 9: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Live at The Downbeat!

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jared Bordeaux

Set in a failing 1944 Harlem jazz club, the fates of a jaded house band, a tyrannical owner, and a brazen female trumpet player are forever altered when a renowned music producer sits in for a live recording.

Moondogs

(USA, 18 MIN)

Writer/Director: Katharine Broyles

Three teenage girls hit the road to self-discovery after the realization that one of them is pregnant.

But Humble Sinners

(USA, 11 MIN)

Writer/Director: Stephanie Halovanic

But Humble Sinners is about two foul-mouthed nuns who scam a cowboy for a coffin.

Digestif

(USA, 8 MIN)

Writer/ Director: Eve Van Dyke

Five friends come together for their yearly ritual they call the Digestif.

A Lone Star Love

(USA, 24 MIN)

Writers: Ronan. Colfer, Ben Myers, Deedee Woche
Director: Ben Myers

David, an Irish National, makes his new home in Austin, Texas with the help of a social media android named Viva. When he meets Texas Native, Layla, he must choose between his synthetic companion and a lone star love.

Man Seeking Man

(USA, 12 MIN)

Writer: Michael Lorusso
Director: Travis White

A man seeks another for a discreet favor.

Devil Town

(USA, 20 MIN)

Writer: Anthony Tambakis
Director: Brantley Gutierrez

An analog guy in a digital world, JJ McKay and the rest of the musicians that made Austin great are under siege by gentrification and the influx of tech money from California.

Thursday October 28, 2021 10:15pm - 11:55pm CDT
Galaxy Highland - Screen 5 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

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The Omni Hotel, Ste. 700 (7th floor)
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