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2025 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase Virtual Screening

Available: Jun 27, 2025 07:00
Until: Jul 01, 2025 06:59
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2025 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase Virtual Screening
Watch short films and web series from America to Australia and points in between!
#diversityincannes, #cannesfilmfestival
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Be Me Be Me

Be Me

When acceptance within is found.
3 minutes
Before 1619: She Took Justice Before 1619: She Took Justice

Before 1619: She Took Justice

Journey to Angola and discover the feats of an extraordinary African warrior Queen who fought European invaders in the 1660s and her powerful connection today.
30 minutes
Black Barbers Doc Black Barbers Doc

Black Barbers Doc

Each week, African American men around the country descend on their beloved Black barbershops not only to be groomed but also to nourish their souls. This community offers a safe haven for support for struggles that only black men can understand.
8 minutes
Love Is Blind: Short Film Love Is Blind: Short Film

Love Is Blind: Short Film

Love is Blind is a Short Romantic Comedy set in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, where dating is already a challenge. Chris, a cautious germaphobe—reluctantly agrees to a blind date set up by his best friend Bobby’s no-nonsense fiancée. To his surprise, his date is drop-dead gorgeous, and for a moment, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot. But what starts as a promising evening quickly spirals into chaos.
From clumsy mishaps to cringe-worthy misunderstandings, everything that could go wrong does. Chris, desperate to escape, tries to keep his composure, not wanting to disappoint Bobby and land him in hot water with his fiery fiancée. But the more he tries to salvage the night, the worse things get.
With a series of unexpected and hilarious twists, Chris finds himself in the most disastrous—and possibly most unforgettable date of his life.
20 minutes
Love, Law, Legacy Documentary Short Highlights Florida’s Trailblazing Black Legal Pioneers Love, Law, Legacy Documentary Short Highlights Florida’s Trailblazing Black Legal Pioneers

Love, Law, Legacy Documentary Short Highlights Florida’s Trailblazing Black Legal Pioneers

Love, Law, Legacy delivers a timely message about justice, representation, and the critical contributions of Black lawyers, elected officials, and judges. Its concise format makes it ideal for events and provides a powerful tool to inspire dialogue and reflection in ongoing national conversations about equity and diversity.
10 minutes
Nesting Nesting

Nesting

Unlikely best friends Anna and Rosa hunt for a baby daddy to fertilize their drying eggs so they can co-parent in a new version of family.
60 minutes
Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck

A woman struggling with her esteem considers cosmetic surgery but is reluctant to tell her husband.
20 minutes
Yellow Balloon Yellow Balloon

Yellow Balloon

In 1996, a Vietnamese-American kid named Ái Vân from San Jose, California is adopted by their paternal immigrant grandparents in Vancouver, Washington. On their journey, Ái Vân processes their identity, the unspoken rules of complex social dynamics and discovers the reality of letting go.
14 minutes
Cereal Cereal

Cereal

A mother and son share a special bond that carries them through a difficult diagnosis. As the family sets off on a grand adventure together, they realize what the best memories are made of.
14 minutes
CIRILO, A Legacy Untold CIRILO, A Legacy Untold

CIRILO, A Legacy Untold

Born into poverty in Panama, Cirilo McSween's journey is one of defiance, resilience, and triumph over systemic barriers. Against the backdrop of Jim Crow America, McSween confronts entrenched racism while pursuing the elusive American Dream. From his arrival in the United States as an ambitious immigrant to his ascent as a trailblazing entrepreneur and civil rights activist, McSween’s life becomes a testament to the power of determination and community.

Through his tireless advocacy for equality and opportunity, McSween plays pivotal roles in shaping both Panama's identity and Chicago's civil rights landscape. A confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a groundbreaking insurance executive, and a philanthropist dedicated to empowering underserved communities, McSween’s story bridges nations and generations.

This documentary short, Cirilo, A Legacy Untold, weaves together archival footage, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to illuminate a transformative figure who continues to inspire across the Americas.
26 minutes
Forked Tongue Forked Tongue

Forked Tongue

After moving back in with her overbearing mom, a recently unemployed 20-something starts creating juicy audio erotica under a male pseudonym and struggles to keep her identity and her hobby a secret when her fanbase explodes.
10 minutes
The Launch The Launch

The Launch

‘The Launch’ is a short film set in a Britain of the near future, where the world's scientists are preparing for the historic EXO 1 launch, an event that will see them leaving Earth to establish a new life in space. For Sabrina, a Black British former science teacher, this represents a unique opportunity to escape her abusive relationship with Scott, a white British security guard, and provide a safe future for her unborn child.

Sabrina's hopes are shattered when Scott discovers that she has been chosen for the EXO 1 launch. Seizing the chance to profit, Scott sells Sabrina's precious ticket, a silver cuff, to a stranger, enriching himself in the process. In a moment of desperation and fear, Sabrina takes extreme measures and kills Scott. She’s unaware that a drone captures an incriminating image of her with blood on her hands.

Determined to secure her place on the EXO 1 launch, Sabrina remembers that her neighbour, Toni, also possesses a cuff. As she realizes how close she is to achieving her goal, Sabrina becomes relentless, willing to go to any length, even committing murder once again, to secure her spot on The Launch.
11 minutes
Lemon Pepper Lemon Pepper

Lemon Pepper

A spunky six-year old has one wish that her over-worked mother remembers her birthday. As the day goes by, her mother is called in to work. At the last minute, her mother has to make a decision. Is it more important to go to work or celebrate her daughter's birthday.
4 minutes
Love Music Shelter Love Music Shelter

Love Music Shelter

A homeless teenage girl and her mom are
living on the streets, busking for their survival until a performing arts school rescues the talented singer despite her mother’s fears, alcoholism and past demons.
19 minutes
Marque Dos (Second Chance) Marque Dos (Second Chance)

Marque Dos (Second Chance)

An aspiring tour manager moves up the ranks in the marketing industry where discovering herself and her place in the world faces off with the demands of her dream job
11 minutes
Plastic Tourism Plastic Tourism

Plastic Tourism

"Plastic Tourism" is more than a documentary; it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. It is a call to action and testament of the delicate balance between human leisure and environmental responsibility.

Our film explores the paradox of a paradise spoiled by plastic waste. Through immersive visuals and interviews, it unveils the crisis of Gunung Sewu area (UNESCO Geopark), Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. One of Indonesia's stunning coastal destinations. The consequences of uncontrolled tourism, the plastic waste emerges as a pervasive threat to the ecosystem.

The film portrays resilience and hope; highlights grassroots movements and innovative local solutions, from beach clean-ups to the creative recycling of plastic into eco-bricks and toys. These meaningful initiatives are achievable.

Central of narrative are local traditions and spirituality; the "Larungan" (offering) to the ocean ceremony which symbolizes gratitude and harmony with the ocean, emphasizing reconnection with our mother earth.
Traditional shadow puppet performance in the end, serves as purification and reflection of responsibility for environment; the Pandawa/the good (action based on the heart) win the battle against Kurawa/the bad (action follows the ego), a guide to righteous (dharma) living, attainment of inner peace through wisdom and selfless action.
18 minutes
SCRATCH SCRATCH

SCRATCH

Luke (Glenn Walllis) is drowning is loneliness until he meets the magnetic James (Zachary Drieberg). Desperate for connection, Luke is blind to the red flags that are clear to everyone else, and to the man (and bugs) that threaten to ruin his shot at love.

This is the pilot episode to a five part web-series.
15 minutes
Secrets and Yards Secrets and Yards

Secrets and Yards

The show is set in the small town of Williamsville, TX. Caitlyn Ferguson, who has inherited a multi billion-dollar fortune from her recently deceased tycoon father Ralph Ferguson, decides to buy the Pro football team up for sale in New York and relocate it to Williamsville. Although the majority of the owners of the ‘US Football League’ disagree with the sale, the amount Caitlyn is offering to pay, is just too good to pass up.

Ferguson, whose only experience with professional football is having slept with a lot of ball players around the league, has hired her uncle, Carl Ferguson as Head Coach for the team; an avid football fan and former junior college coach there in town.

As the team prepares to make the transition, star player D’Relle Kennedy quickly realizes that his new owner is the same person he’s been sleeping around with, even though he is ‘committed’ to Desilyn Syers, his longtime girlfriend and now fiancée. As D’Relle begins to put a plan into action to persuade Desilyn not to make the move with him, she announces to him that she is pregnant; only solidifying this move will not be a smooth transition.

In the weeks to come, things quickly begin to unravel. D’Relle secretly sneaks away and makes a surprise visit to Caitlyn. Seeing D’Relle’s concern, Caitlyn does not make the situation any better, but only makes D’Relle more uncomfortable by telling him that his main job is to keep the owner ‘satisfied’.

Things quickly get out of hand and began to unravel…will D’Relle be able to keep everything a ‘secret’, all while trying to get the ‘yards’ to become the team’s all-time leading receiver; only time will tell.
31 minutes
The Self-Love Act The Self-Love Act

The Self-Love Act

In this series hosted by Kareema Bee, a Black woman and artist explores her journey through self-love in dialogue with others, supported by The Big We Foundation.

In the pilot episode, Kareema finds out her African ancestry in an unexpected way, which catapults her into an exploration of her roots and how it extends to her community, only to find what she's been searching for may have been there all along.

21 minutes
Spaceborn Spaceborn

Spaceborn

In the year 2043, humanity witnesses a moment that changes everything—the first human is born in outer space. Spaceborn is a visually stunning, AI-generated short film that explores the profound spiritual and philosophical implications of this milestone. As the birth unfolds, Earth undergoes its own transformation, mirroring the awakening of human consciousness. With breathtaking imagery, cosmic wonder, and a deep emotional core, Spaceborn invites audiences to reflect on the future of life beyond our planet and the rebirth of humanity itself.
7 minutes
Her Lover Her Lover

Her Lover

Her Lover is an evocative, memory-based, short film pitting new lovers against their shared past in ways that reveal the deception of memory, the shame of secrets, and the desire to outlive trauma.
18 minutes
Sole Sista Sole Sista

Sole Sista

Chelsea navigates the feeling of being different as the only black girl in school and sits in limbo between feeling included but not embraced, after experiencing micro-aggression after micro-aggression. Chelsea decides life would be easier if she looked just like them.
6 minutes
Oasis Oasis

Oasis

Times are changing in America, and Robyn, a devoted high school English teacher, never imagined she’d be fired for teaching banned Black literature. Reeling from the injustice and with her young daughter by her side, she creates a plan to resist the school’s administration. Seeking guidance, she turns to Mrs. Jean, a community elder and keeper of a cherished community bookstore. Through the bond of intergenerational friendship, the stories held within the bookstore’s archives, and a shared vision for a better future, Robyn discovers new truths about her purpose, and the courage to reimagine it.
9 minutes
Ownership Ownership

Ownership

When an innocent invitation to an antiques reality show unearths shameful skeletons between two families --one black, one white -- three multi-generational women are forced to take painful ownership of their present reality.

Tied by family obligation, Stella, an up-and-coming Black real estate agent, has been a caregiver to Betty Jean, a white, southern, 80-year-old shut-in. When Stella gifts Betty Jean with a pair of tickets to their favorite show, Antiques Trunk & Travel, Betty Jean is inspired to gift Stella with a family secret. Her gesture of misplaced kindness forces Stella to make a painful decision. Meanwhile, Betty Jean’s down-and-out daughter, Cherry, tries to regain what she considers to be her rightful place in the family and uproots more than she anticipates.
30 minutes
Ekun Omi Tears of desert water Ekun Omi Tears of desert water

Ekun Omi Tears of desert water

Ekun Omi follows the recollections of Agboogun as he goes through a series of epiphanies and past times, riddled with sorrow and heartbreak. Two apparitions come to his aid but can he escape his existential neurosis? An existential crisis evoked by the decisions of migration and its effects on ones identity, congruently we are led into the lives of Lagbaja and Omotola as they question what is worth sacrificing.
24 minutes
Sequoia Sequoia

Sequoia

Sequoia, a diligent AI maid, works for the captivating yet mysterious Mrs. Terrance. Although not designed to harbor any emotions, Sequoia starts developing sentience, when a certain sound triggers a feeling inside her that feels oddly familiar - and human. Forced to conceal her newfound emotions to evade shutdown, she embarks on a dangerous quest for truth, tearing at the seams of her own identity and re-evaluating the intricate power dynamics that govern her place within the household.
As Sequoia's hidden desire to uncover the truth collides with her need to survive, this sci-fi thriller short starring Elsha Kim (Trigger Happy) and Amber Koval (Same Time, Same Place) explores the relationship between technology and human nature and the dangers of technological advancement.
15 minutes
PUNCHING BAG PUNCHING BAG

PUNCHING BAG

An amateur boxer battles his demons as well as his opponent in what could prove to be the fight of his life.
12 minutes
One of Our Own One of Our Own

One of Our Own

Nome, Alaska has the highest Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women per capita in the nation. This short narrative is based on true events on what has happened to one of our own.
12 minutes
SATURDAY SATURDAY

SATURDAY

An introverted teenager, navigating his repressed anger about his parent’s divorce, spends the day with his father until an impromptu visit to his estranged grandfather gives him life-changing insight.
15 minutes
DOW DOW

DOW

In 1915, A Syrian immigrant grapples with race-based naturalization, despite a lack of support, and fights to the Supreme Court to attain citizenship. Meanwhile, a modern day family is observed. Based on a true story.

Sofi Abou-Assali is a second generation American Syrian writer/director/producer. She earned a 2021 University of Toronto Student Engagement Award for exploring racial inequalities and mental health issues through the lens of screenwriters, and is currently serving as the Senior Editor and Vice President of the U of T film journal, Screenwriter’s Perspectives. She is a graduate of IHS International School for the Arts where she earned three diplomas including the International Baccalaureate ® and Extended Studies Diploma. Dow (2024) is her debut student-led short film.
10 minutes
Finding JaMia's Spirit Finding JaMia's Spirit

Finding JaMia's Spirit

SHORT SYNOPSIS
In "Finding JaMia's Spirit," we follow the journey of JaMia, a curious and optimistic 5-year-old girl. After the loss of her father, JaMia grapples with the concept of him being in a "better place" and feeling abandoned right before her first day of kindergarten. With the guidance of her wise grandmother, Gam Gam, JaMia embarks on a search for her father's ancestor spirit. Through a series of heartwarming moments with her mother, Denise, and flashbacks of her father, JaMia discovers that her father's spirit is always with her, providing comfort and strength.

FULL SYNOPSIS (includes spoilers)
It’s early morning, and JAMIA, an optimistic and inquisitive 5-year-old, plays and colors in the hallway outside a closed door. Soon GAM GAM, her southern roots grandma, visits and questions what JaMia’s doing and JaMia tells her that her mom won’t come out of her room. Gam Gam tells her to give her mom some space, and she takes her into the kitchen to fix breakfast and comb her hair. As Gam Gam finishes JaMia’s hair, she asks her if she is ready for her first day of kindergarten, which is in the afternoon. JaMia shakes her head “No” and then proclaims that she wants “to go to the better place” to be with her dad, who she says “left her” behind. Gam Gam, saddened but compassionate, explains that her dad is an ancestor now and that he’s all around her, and that when she most needs him, she will feel him. This lights up JaMia’s imagination as she heads to the backyard to play.

Soon after, Gam Gam visits JaMia’s mom and her daughter, DENISE, in her dimly lit bedroom and finds her sitting in darkness, folding her belated husband's clothes. Denise tells her mom that she doesn’t know how to move on, and so Gam Gam encourages her to remember her husband's spirit and help JaMia remember her dad as well. Gam Gam then leaves her, and Denise grabs a family photo from the nightstand then walks to the window where she sees JaMia in the backyard. This triggers a flashback to when JaMia’s dad/Denise's husband JAMES, takes a family photo, and he clumsily leaves a footprint in a nearby flower bin. Back to the present, JaMia stares at his now dry footprint. JaMia proceeds to race around her backyard trying to find her dad’s ancestor spirit. She whispers to rocks, leaves, and random flowers with no luck before sitting defeated in the grass, calling out for her dad’s spirit until her Gam Gam calls her in to get ready for school. Now dressed, Gam Gam leads JaMia out of the house, but luckily, Denise was able to drag herself out her bedroom and tells Gam Gam that she can take JaMia to school.

They arrive at school, and as joyful kids run around, JaMia freezes at the sound of the bell, proclaiming that she can’t go to school because she didn’t find her dad. Denise tries to remind JaMia that her dad went to the “better place” until JaMia tells her what Gam Gam told her about his ancestor spirit. Denise then sits JaMia down and tells her that she knows how to find her dad’s spirit. JaMia closes her eyes as Denise asks her to think about the last time she remembers her dad helping her get ready for school. Through a flashback, James and JaMia are getting ready for her first day of school, which ends with a big hug. Back to the present, JaMia shoots her eyes open yelling to her mom, “I can feel him!” JaMia asks her mom if she can feel him too, as she hugs her tight, causing Denise to have a flashback of her joining in on the hug as well. With JaMia’s dad’s ancestor spirit now inside of her, she has exactly what she needs to confidently walk into the school.
15 minutes
Ketepa Ketepa

Ketepa

Ketepa takes you on a powerful journey of a young Ghanaian couple on the cusp of parenthood, where tradition clashes with personal liberation. In this film, the wife grapples with the suffocating weight of cultural norms, silently enduring marital turmoil to preserve honour and respect. As the tension mounts, she confronts the harsh reality of her choices, torn between tradition and the yearning for freedom. Through her poignant struggle, the film delves deep into the complexities of modern marriage, cultural identity, and the profound impact on mental well-being. Ketepa is an unforgettable exploration of love, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for self-discovery in a world torn between tradition and transformation.
18 minutes
Paradise Paradise

Paradise

Aside from being Jamaican, uptight law student Sunny and transgender artist Robyn appear to have little in common. But when the two get stuck in a villa together for the weekend an unexpected intimacy starts to bloom as they talk about the paradise they live in and who it really belongs to.

(Scoring, Mixing, Color not yet completed)
14 minutes
Peripeteia Peripeteia

Peripeteia

Aria is grieving the recent loss of her best friend Jess. Recounting moments from the past hint to the circumstances that led to her death.
8 minutes
A September to Remember A September to Remember

A September to Remember

"A September to Remember" is a social justice drama inspired by actual events, pulling the curtain back on one of the darkest days in American history. It tells the untold story of the racism and violence that Middle Eastern Americans faced in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

10 minutes
Shape of Money Shape of Money

Shape of Money

A determined Korean-American associate at a powerhouse law firm is assigned to a high-stakes deal that could dismantle a major venture bank—setting off an economic collapse and a personal crisis. But as she fights to sound the alarm, she faces resistance from the firm's elite white male partnership, forcing her into a battle not just for justice, but for her own survival.
11 minutes
What Happens Now? What Happens Now?

What Happens Now?

Through a journey of solace, guilt and loss, Francis and Edna must confront their pasts and find hope in the face of heartbreak.
19 minutes
Where The Children Go To Play Where The Children Go To Play

Where The Children Go To Play

In a dystopian future, humanity undergoes a stringent selection process to ensure survival. Sevyn and Solana await their enigmatic interviews in a stark lobby.

They are called into separate rooms where synthetic proctors begin their assessments with basic questions that quickly escalate into profound ethical and philosophical inquiries. The android proctors probe their memories, beliefs, and moral values, using
immersive environments to elicit emotional responses.

As the questioning intensifies, Sevyn and Solana face scenarios challenging their views on religion, human nature, and the sanctity of life. They struggle to maintain composure under relentless scrutiny. The proctors delve into deeper questions, revealing the candidates’ inner conflicts and resilience. The final section is designed to induce maximum stress, pushing Sevyn and Solana to their psychological breaking points with questions about violence, self-harm, and their worthiness to continue the
human race.

Despite the brutal process, both pass the test. Solana’s gametes are declared viable for reproduction, and Sevyn is honored as a steward of the new human race, a privilege granted to only fifteen percent of candidates. They are marked with tattoos symbolizing their new status. Sevyn and Solana meet in a marked lobby and realize they have been matched as reproductive partners.
15 minutes
The Black & Brown Poet Series The Black & Brown Poet Series

The Black & Brown Poet Series

Green Eyed Media, in association with The Hidden Gem Creative Studios presents..."The Black & Brown Poet Series: Vol 1"

Beginning as a cinematic homage to local state poets, and growing to a nation wide endeavor, this series is meant to honor innovative Black & Brown poets whose work inspires cultural equity, change, and revolution. This first season visits poets in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fresno and New Jersey. Poets featured in the first volume include: U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Paul Flores, Rigoberto Gonzalez and Roberto Tinoco Duran.
108 minutes
Blackout Blackout

Blackout

After a tough breakup with her possessive boyfriend, Zoe along with Leona and Lana goes to the birthday party where she meets the DJ who caughts her attention. They end up in the forest where they can have some privacy but Zoe's ex boyfriend appears out of nowhere and kills the DJ with u gun while putting Zoe to sleep and setting her up as the killer by putting the gun in her hand and dissapearing. Later, inspector Popovac arrives at Leona's flat to question Zoe about the murder.
17 minutes
Mx. Mx.

Mx.

“Mx.” is a title used as a gender-neutral alternative to Mr. or Ms., reflecting inclusivity in gender identity. This film delves into the tension between gender identity and societal expectations, highlighting the quest for selfhood amidst oppression. Through the lens of diverse, non-binary lesbians, it showcases their struggles with physical acceptance, cultural pressures, and homophobia. The narrative emphasizes the symbolic power of costumes and dance as tools for inner awakening and liberation, illustrating the beauty and strength found in diverse identities. By following the journeys of these individuals, "Mx." challenges societal norms and questions how the fashion industry can lead the way in accepting varied gender expressions, ultimately portraying the ongoing fight for identity acceptance and understanding.
6 minutes
Ghost Story Ghost Story

Ghost Story

A bereaved husband attempts to connect with his partner on the other side, when something sinister begins to listen
10 minutes
Woman Dies Alone Woman Dies Alone

Woman Dies Alone

In this dark and spooky comedy, a young woman contemplates the life choices that led to her isolated and untimely demise. A handsome angel helps guide her along the way.
13 minutes
We Got Ours We Got Ours

We Got Ours

While backstage at a comedy show, three comics make a pact not to perform if the janky promoter doesn't pay all three of them what’s owed before the show begins. Well, two of them get paid, while the other is outside taking a phone call. Will the show go on? You already know!
13 minutes
Write This… Write This…

Write This…

In a hilarious twist of fate, a washed-up talent manager turned wannabe writer faces the ultimate plot twist: he must charm and cajole his brilliant but skeptical client into letting him manage her career by crafting side-splitting stories, turning his own life into a comedy of errors in the process.

In the uproarious comedy "WriteThis," the spotlight shines on Jay Thompson, a former high-flying agent who now finds himself grounded in the murky waters of a midlife crisis. Jay's dreams of becoming a successful writer were dashed long ago, buried beneath heaps of rejection letters and dashed hopes. He now spends his days wallowing in self-pity while watching reruns of classic movies, hoping for a plot twist of his own.

Enter Rita St. Clair, a brilliant and fiercely independent and extremely successful actress client who is on the brink of becoming the next Viola Davis. Her razor-sharp wit and unique acting have earned her legions of fans and a potential A-list status that could catapult her into stardom. However, there's a catch – Rita's new publicist insists she work with a reputable agent to navigate the treacherous waters of the Hollywood. This is Jay's obstacle, which is to redeem himself and carve a new path for both Rita and himself.

With his last glimmer of hope reignited, Jay concocts a daring plan: he will convince Rita to let him manage her career by using his own life experiences as material for her stories. He believes that his string of unfortunate events could become the fodder for a compelling narrative that will demonstrate his commitment to her success. But there's a hitch – Jay's life is more like a series of cringe-worthy sitcom episodes than a thrilling adventure. From accidentally dyeing his white shirt pink in the laundry to getting stuck in an elevator with a mariachi band, his mishaps are legendary, though not in the way he'd hoped.
9 minutes
The River The River

The River

THE RIVER is a poignant exploration of family, addiction, and cultural legacy, set against the backdrop of the Gila River Indian Reservation. The story follows three generations of basket makers from the O’otham tribe: Rocky, struggling with problem gambling, her auntie, Nan, and Rocky’s teenage daughter, Maya, who is being raised by Auntie Nan.

The film opens with Auntie Nan and Maya gathering materials from the river for basketmaking, symbolizing the continuity of tradition. Meanwhile, Rocky attempts to sell a basket to a buyer in an empty parking lot, revealing her struggles with her past. As the story unfolds, Rocky wins a significant sum of money at a casino but faces rejection from her family due to her gambling relapse. Maya is awakened from a nightmare seeing her mother drowned in the river. Rocky’s return home to reconnect with Maya and Nan highlights the fragile bonds strained by addiction as she cannot overcome her problem with gambling.

The story culminates with Maya embracing her cultural heritage as she performs a traditional basket dance, symbolizing the enduring strength of their family and traditions. THE RIVER is a story about redemption, resilience, and the ties that bind us to our heritage and each other.
14 minutes
Daughters Daughters

Daughters

After yet another tense interaction with her stern mother, Cissy is ready to throw in the towel on their relationship. Thank goodness the interactions with her own teen daughter Bennie are so different. On a regular night in, Cissy and Bennie stumble upon an old family photo album. The aged, crumbling photos they discovered inside not only expose the secrets of their family’s survival, but they also help them travel through time to understand the struggles of the women in their family - and maybe learn how to heal their lineage.
13 minutes
Huey Huey

Huey

Dr. Huey P. Newton was the co-founder of the radical group The Black Panther Party. From the party’s inception, Dr. Newton was the target of Federal, State and Local Governments for his efforts in liberating the African American community in Oakland and beyond from the blatant discrimination thrust upon the race as a whole.

Prior to his death on August 22, 1989, efforts by the State government heightened even though The Black Panther Party had been disbanded in 1982. The state prosecutor sought to convict Dr. Newton of embezzlement, however, just like the murder and attempted murder charges brought against him in 1967, the state lost its case against him for that. However the damage to Dr. Newton’s reputation was irreparable. With all of his efforts to improve the lives of his community, the government achieved its objective in marring his successes and making him out to be a self serving criminal versus a cultural martyr. By the end of his life, Huey was a disgraced figure in the movement he had started and nearly died for.

Huey, the short film looks at the final days of Dr. Huey P. Newton’s life to try and look at the plausible possibility, “Was Huey P. Newton randomly murdered or was it an orchestrated assassination by the United States government?” By taking public information from government agencies and private sources such as news agencies and media outlets and publications who have interviewed key players as well as Dr. Newton’s loved ones and personal friends, this film revisits the days and month leading up to the fateful day he was murdered and the circumstances surrounding his death/execution.
30 minutes
SOMETHING BLUE SOMETHING BLUE

SOMETHING BLUE

A bride, struggling with cold feet, finds herself at a crossroads moments before the ceremony.
10 minutes
FLOW FLOW

FLOW

Renewal
Wild and pure,
A cycle of creation,
Through pain and strength.
4 minutes
Oreo Oreo

Oreo

Oreo is 4 vingettes - Black Card, Girls, Mira and The Other. They feature women of color at various ages and stages of their lives as they experience the moments of being on the "outside." Though a universal message, I hope that Oreo shows that these themes are often compounded by things like class, race, religion, and colorism. Here we focus on those moments where they choose how to conform or not to conform by standing in their otherness using humor and surrealism.
18 minutes
IntelliGent IntelliGent

IntelliGent

"IntelliGent" is a captivating series centered around Regent, an eight-year-old autistic fourth grader with a remarkable intellect and an unquenchable passion for science. The adventure begins on the first day of school in a classroom brimming with anticipation. Regent, along with his brilliant classmates Bailey and Chloe, is placed in this advanced class due to their stellar test scores and exceptional reading comprehension.

Regent, who proudly embraces his identity as a nerd and science enthusiast, is charming with his glasses, ear defenders, and sweet spirit. His journey kicks off with a comical episode where he arrives late, delivering a highly technical explanation about his sister's driving mishap, highlighting his intelligence, eloquence, and endearing awkwardness.

At home, Regent navigates life with his affectionate family: older siblings Ocean and River, and parents Vanessa and Kai. The family dynamics add richness to Regent's character, showcasing the varied personalities and relationships within the household.

As the plot thickens, Regent faces a critical turning point when Ketric Thomas, a popular kid and notorious bully, extends an invitation to join the "popular society." Although the allure of a higher social status is tempting, Regent's best friend Bailey remains wary of Ketric's true intentions.

Can Regent outsmart the bully's scheme before it's too late, or is he destined to endure a year of relentless humiliation and chaos?

28 minutes
The Luxury Rental The Luxury Rental

The Luxury Rental

The Luxury Rental is a new short-form comedy series based in a luxury apartment building in Los Angeles. In each episode, savvy real estate agent Jade has one job; Lease a unit to prospective tenants. However, she also has one problem; Overcome the hilarious obstacles that come with the job. We find that luxury is not always what it seems, and you don't always "get what you pay for."
11 minutes
Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully

Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully

Griffin, a medieval adolescent is transported to the 26th century, where he meets Cattails, an 8-year-old African American boy genius, Alexandra, a fiery Korean gamer and serious clever hyena Jackson. One Saturday morning, Griffin's father, Edmond (Keith David) gives them some significant advice.
2 minutes
Dear Exquisite Black Queen Dear Exquisite Black Queen

Dear Exquisite Black Queen

Growing up in a world that is full of hate, judge by the colour of your skin, facing challenges but overcoming fear
4 minutes
The Ohio, Texas Remix The Ohio, Texas Remix

The Ohio, Texas Remix

A woman travels from Ohio to Texas to kidnap her son from her estranged ex-husband. Based on a true story.
15 minutes

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Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase
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