INDIE FILM FEST 2024 SHOWCASES AND SELECTIONS
1992
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
SCREENING THURSDAY FEB 22
ABRAZO
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
INTERNATIONAL FILM
SCREENING FRIDAY FEB 23
Synopsis: Luz, a young pregnant Central American migrant, accidentally finds shelter in the house of Norma, a North American conservative woman.
Director: Paola Baldion
Paola Baldion is an actress and filmmaker from Colombia. She grew up in Italy and started performing in the streets of Florence at 4 years old for her parents marionette’s theater. Paola has been working as an actress in both tv and film for the past 20 years and through her film company Dos Almas Films she has directed various short films, a docuseries called For Alma and I Am Migration: a documentary were Paola and her partner Jamie Toll travel across the USA providing free DNA tests to the people they encounter.
Her latest work Abrazo is a short film about
a pregnant Central America woman who has just crossed te USA border illegally. Abrazo is currently being submitted to film festivals.
A CITY RISING PHOENIX
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING FRIDAY FEB 16th + WEDNESDAY FEB 21
Director: Joshua Coe
Synopsis: Our beautiful city, Phoenix. There’s so much beneath the surface that many miss when they look at our city, but there’s deep change that’s been happening here. There’s a story that’s been unfolding before our eyes, many have lived it and know it well. And like a Phoenix bird, you can see the people of our city rising up out of the fire and ashes. It feels like sun shines a little different in Phoenix, and I love it. This film was created for the @2liveanddieinla event that happened last night. Thank you to each dear friend who helped make this film possible in such a short time.
ALE LIBRE
SHOWCASE SHORT DOC
SCREENING WEDNESDAY FEB 21
SYNOPSIS: Alejandra is a criminalized organizer and unapologetic immigrant. While she prepares for one of the biggest moments of her life — her deportation case — Alejandra is forced to reckon with a past mistake and a system that could tear her apart from her family and the only home she has ever known.
Director: Maya Cueva
Maya Cueva is a Latina award-winning director and producer. Her work has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered, Latino USA, The Atlantic, Teen Vogue, and National Geographic. Her feature film ON THE DIVIDE premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2021. She was also selected to be part of the Tribeca Film Institute/A&E StoryLab in 2020. Her short documentary, THE PROVIDER, premiered at SXSW and was nominated for a student Emmy. Maya’s other film ONLY THE MOON premiered at Full Frame Documentary Festival in 2019 and awarded her a Sundance Ignite Fellowship via the Sundance Film Institute. Maya was a 2019 North Star Fellow part of the Points North Institute, a 2019 Film Independent Documentary Lab fellow, and a fellow at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Her most recent short documentary ALE LIBRE was selected to screen at several Oscar qualifying festivals, including Big Sky Documentary Festival, Hot Docs, Aspen Film Festival, and SFFILM.
ARRIVALS
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING SATURDAY FEB 24
INTERNATIONAL FILM
SYNOPSIS: An experimental documentary, 'Arrivals' follows the stories of refugees, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples along their journey of displacement.
Director: Ben Hemmings
Ben Hemmings is renowned for his deeply insightful documentary work spotlighting pressing social and environmental issues. Hemmings' dynamic storytelling approach intertwines human experience with hard-hitting realities, eliciting a profound connection between audience and subject. With "Salted Earth," Hemmings once again proves his mastery at capturing the essence of a complex issue, presenting the urgent crisis of sea level rise with an arresting blend of scientific rigor and human
BUTTERFLY
MUSIC VIDEO WORLD PREMIERE SATURDAY FEB 24
SYNOPSIS: Butterfly Is a song about healing for our ancestors and breaking generational cycles of abuse.
Director: Rachel Villa
Rachel Villa is a singer singer writer, guitar player born in Juarez Mexico and raised in the small town of SpringerVille Arizona. She graduated from Holbrook High School eventually moving to Phoenix in her early 20s. She was 16 years old when she started singing professionally. She is known for her electrifying presence in Clan/Destine and as a pivotal member of the extraordinary Las Chollas Peligrosas. She recorded two albums with these groups and is now releasing her first single as a solo artist . Rachel’s music is a sacred prayer for the world. Each note resonates with the echoes of her deepest heartbreaks, the electrifying highs of crazy, beautiful love, and the profound healing of her own life’s journey.
BUT I LOVE HIM
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING THURSDAY FEB 22
Director Tess Potter
CLIMATE IN THE MINDS OF ARTISTS
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
INTERNATIONAL FILM
SYNOPSIS: The intriguing perspectives of artists on climate change and what it means to them.
Director: Aika Kirei
Aika is a writer and filmmaker based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is moved to tell the oft-unexplored stories of lived experiences tucked away in everyday moments.
She has written and produced graphic novels, radio dramas, podcasts, and award-winning animated series. A National Geographic Explorer and PADI certified advanced open water diver, Aika is endlessly fascinated by nature, humans, and history.
Climate in the Minds of Artist is the first documentary that she has directed, produced, and edited
COLOR OF EMOTION
SHORT NARRATIVE
SCREENING FEB 16 + 24
Director: Alejandra Vidal
Ale Vidal is a director and storyteller with an intuitive ability to unearth beauty and intimacy. She believes that our deepest connections are made when a moment is not just seen, but felt. Igniting an emotional response in its viewers, her work aims to awaken all of the senses through the delicate use of light, narrative, and sound. Ale’s ethereal and distinctive aesthetic has served projects globally, ranging from internationally recognized brands to freelance artists and designers.
COMPLEXITY
SHOR NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
SYNOPSIS: Quentin years after the unjust murder of his father at the hands of police, now grapples with both his faith and what to do, when the man who murdered his father, becomes a member of his church.
Directors: Brandon Leake, Cleve Brown
Brandon Leake is the season 15 winner of America's Got Talent, 3x Telly Award Winner, 1x SOVAS Award Winner, and 1x Emmy Award Winning Poet and Writer. Hailing from Stockton, Ca Brandon utilizes his unique story telling ability and his life experience as fuel to share nuanced stories that represent both the state of the world as it is, and how he hopes it to be. His faith in Jesus guides his life, his hope for the world guides his art, and Brandon most importantly remains grounded in this principle "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” -John 13:35.
DREGS OF THE CITY: SAN FRANSISCO
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 21
SYNOPSIS: San Francisco: a disgusting, yet beautiful place. It has a poop problem. Dregs of the City: San Francisco peels back every layer of that issue from the sidewalk up. Homeless people, fentanyl addicts, and poopers alike were all interviewed to find out how San Francisco has been gradually developing one of the worst homeless crises in the world. Throughout this journey, audiences will learn about the causes of all aforementioned issues, and will learn more about the San Francisco homeless people themselves through a chaotic, yet intriguing display of lost-mindedness and mental fortitude.
Director: Charles Leith
EL TAMBOR, A DRUMMERS JOURNEY
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + FEB 21
SYNOPSIS: El Tambor is a mini doc about the musical journey of Rafa Calaka, drummer for Las Calakas in Phoenix AZ.
Director: Matt Page
EQUINOX
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
SYNOPSIS: EQUINOX is a short film about a boy who once dreamed of going to space who gets diagnosed with a terminal disease and only has a short period of time left to live. His sister is determined to not let that happen. EQUINOX covers themes of loss, grief, and the unique bond that siblings have.
Director: Allie Thaller
FIVE TO ONE
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
INTERNATIONAL FILM : FRANCE
SYNOPSIS: Mia’s toughest battle was over, when unexpectedly a new challenge awaited her
in the form of Lillian, a young woman who would change everything.
Director: Vincenzo Carrano, David Atrakchi
HARLEM FAGMENTS
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + 24
SYNOPSIS: An Afro-futurist scrapbook storytelling of a Harlem Black family's beautiful destruction during the 2008 recession. A natural disaster so mesmerizing you can't look away from the tragedy. Based on true events.
Director: Cameron Tyler Carr
ameron Carr is born and bred Harlemite, Filmmaker and Creative Producer based out of NYC. As a pragmatic optimist, and ambition to become the Issa Rae/Jordan Peele/Donald Glover ultimate hybrid: After seven years of producing commercials at his Creative agency Alma Maters BBDO New York and Wieden+Kennedy NY - Cameron's constant mission is to continue to push, propel and create Black-led stories through film and creative, while spotlighting systemic inequities that often remain unconscious and unspoken in society. Cameron is coming off of his Writing and Directorial Debut for Harlem Fragments shot in March, backed by a $93K production budget in partnership with FUJIFILM, which latest accolades span from the Ida B. Wells Disrupting the Narrative Grant, and being selected for the 2023 DGA Shoot New Director Spotlight Showcase Cohort.
HUSTLIN
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
Director: H20 WALLY
LITTLE CHIEF
SHORT NARRATIVE SHOWCASE
SCREENING THURSDAY FEB 22
SYNOPSIS: The lives of a Native woman and nine-year-old boy intersect over the course of a school day on a reservation in Oklahoma.
Director: Erica Tremblay
Starring Lily Gladstone, Julian Ballentyne, Jamie Joy
PRAY
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + 23
SYNOPSIS: “Pray” shares the frustrations of being an artist on the come-up in a world full of poverty, chaos, and fakeness. The road to fame can sometimes feel lonely, exhausting, and hopeless, forcing us to question our paths. Every now and again a reminder to keep going and enjoy the journey is vital to the life of an artist looking to "make it".
Director: Kosiba Oshodi-Glover
Kosiba Oshodi-Glover is a writer and filmmaker based in Phoenix, Arizona. Born a twin, and raised by her single Bostonian mother and traditional Nigerian father, Kosi draws a lot of her creativity from her unique and culturally-enriched childhood.
PRAYOR RUN
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + 22
SYNOPSIS: Prayer Run follows Native American high school students from Phoenix connecting with their culture through action and prayer after joining a protest against the construction of a copper mine on land held sacred by the San Carlos Apache. As a legal battle over religious freedom and environmental conservation rages in federal courts, a new generation joins the fight to Save Oak Flat.
Directors: John Leos, Nellija Locmele, Megan Swing, Tyler Bender
QUICK
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + 21
SYNOPSIS: A little leaf goes on a big journey of change, experiencing loss, grief, nostalgia, resistance and acceptance along the way.
Director: Belle Ruth Butler
Belle Butler is a multidisciplinary artist, primarily a writer, musician and photographer. Her fiction has been published in numerous literary journals and her novel manuscript 'River' has received a number of awards. Most recently she was awarded a WestWords Emerging Writers Fellowship for 'River'. Belle is also a writer for the Planetary Health Initiative.
RESET & RESTART
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + FEB 24
SYNOPSIS: Reset & Restart is the oral marker for the new era of Sameya. It incorporates Afropop into a refrain that reminds us that we can always begin again regardless of who and what surround us. This single showcases the versatility and strength of a multi-hyphenate, afro-american artist with longevity.
Director: SAMEYA
Sameya is an electrifying force in the entertainment world, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and versatility. The multi-hyphenate artist has proven time and time again to be a magnetic presence on both stage and television. Shocking audiences with provocative work including her single, “Sara Lee” accompanied with a visual of a Black news anchor dissociating into a fantasy of violence towards her white co-host. Deliberate and unafraid, Sameya has a devoted and ever growing fanbase with a reputation for delivering exceptional performances. This artist will continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry, and her journey is one that promises to inspire and enthrall audiences for years to come. Currently based in Mexico City
SACREFICIO DE AMOR
MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE
SCREENING FEB 21
Director: Tatiana Crespo
SHELA YU: SHELLSHAKER
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 21
SYNOPSIS: Follow Shela Yu's transformative process, as she paints the city, adding beauty to city landscapes that shapes a unique identity that remedies the homogenization of place.
Director: Nita Blum
Nita Blum has been working in the film industry for several years, where she served as editor. She has since begun the journey of reconnecting to telling the stories she is passionate about through the medium of documentary filmmaking. She is currently studying for her master's degree in documentary studies at NAU and teaches film at ASU.
SUPER STAR
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
Directors: Talha Hussani and Jacob Heimlich
Talha Hussaini has been directing films since 2014. His last film “Plus 1” was completed in 2021, and was selected to play at the Montreal Independent Film Festival and 10th ARFF Paris International Awards. Plus 1 won Best Actress at the Indie Film Fest. Since the debut of Plus 1, Talha has been working on completing his newest short film, Superstar, with Jacob Heimlich. Talha is currently working in the commercial industry in Phoenix, Arizona and San Luis Obispo, and plans to continue his collaboration with Jacob Heimlich on future films and projects. With his unique vision and skill as a director and writer, Talha is making his mark in the film industry.
Jacob Heimlich is a filmmaker with a passion for creating stories that challenge and inspire. After years of studying Theatre and directing stage plays, Jacob finally fulfilled his goal of becoming a filmmaker with the release of his short film 'Superstar' which he co-wrote and co-directed with Talha Hussaini. Jacob’s love for genre filmmaking shines through in his work, and he is eager to create more projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. Jacob is a dedicated filmmaker who is always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as a director. His passion for filmmaking, love for cinema and commitment to his craft make him an exciting filmmaker to watch in the years to come.
THE KEY
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 23
SYNOPSIS: After clashing with bullies, a Dublin schoolgirl goes on a spiritual quest through a local long forgotten Druid's portal. She can't return until she finds the key - which is forgiveness.
Director: Dani
Born and raised in Ireland. This is my first narrative short film.
THE NOMADS DREAM
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 16 + 24
SYNOPSIS: The Nomad's Dream (or የዘላን ህልም in Amharic), explores themes of identity, including what it means to be a first-generation American and the strength of ties to ancestral lands. The film, an integral part of an album releasing later this year, blends music and culture in a way that is deeply connected to the experiences of Ethiopian (and East African) diaspora communities.
Director: Julia Baylis, Sam Guest
Julia Baylis and Sam Guest are a writing/directing duo who collaborate under their production company Anarene films. They have had projects premiere at Sundance Film festival '22 and '21, SXSW, Palm Springs Shortsfest and SFFilm. Their short film WIGGLE ROOM premiered at Sundance 2021, where it won a special Jury Award and was acquired by Fox Searchlight.
TONY'S AUTO REPAIR
SHORT NARRATIVE COMPETITION
SCREENING FEB 24
SYNOPSIS: New York City 1981: After a grave mistake, Robert seeks refuge in an auto repair shop and awaits his mother, Belle; the Boss of the crime family. When Belle confronts Robert, she learns that her son was having an affair with a member of the Jewish mob family. Caving to Belle's pressure, Robert tells her the body is in the car trunk. Belle opens the trunk to learn that the deceased body is that of a man. A brief moment of acceptance, then everything goes wrong.
Directors: Jordan T. Parrott, Johan T. Anderson
Johan is an American filmmaker and commercial director. He has written and directed pieces for some of the most iconic brands in the world including Samsung, Starbucks, Converse and Google. He is a former Art Director and Director in the NYC advertising agency world. He is known for his keen eye for detail, with strong aesthetic choices, deep understanding of character and fresh production design. His films have screened all over the world including the Cannes Film Festival.
Jordan was inspired to pursue filmmaking after watching Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West. He has since become a prolific narrative and commercial Director of Photography, whose work has played at film festivals worldwide, including "See You Then" which had its World Premiere at SXSW 2021. Jordan is now utilizing his cinematography experience by developing his visual language as a Director.
UBUNTU
SHORT DOC COMPETITION
INTERNATIONAL FILM
SCREENING FEB 21
SYNOPSIS: "Ubuntu" inspires viewers to contemplate the profound connections between humanity and the natural world, urging them to embark on their own journeys of responsible and transformative travel. As the story unfolds, it challenges each of us to become stewards of the land, protectors of wildlife, and advocates for communities around the world, ensuring that the splendor of these wild places endures for generations yet to come.
Director: Shelby Dziwulski
Shelby Dziwulski produced this film through her responsible travel company, Authenteco Travel. A search and rescue pilot for the US Navy turned “travelpreneur." Shelby launched and successfully grew a travel company during a worldwide pandemic while remaining Active Duty in the US Navy.
While serving as a US Navy Search & Rescue Pilot, Shelby traveled the world and witnessed a disturbing amount of dark tourism, greenwashing, wildlife trafficking, and more. One day, she and her crew discovered a floating object beneath their helicopter. As they hovered closer, they realized it was a Kenmore floating refrigerator—3,000 miles from any landmass.
That was the moment that catapulted Shelby's environmental journey. She channeled that disappointment into making a difference, and she decided to start an eco-luxury travel company that prioritizes sustainability and ethics. Through Authenteco, Shelby hopes to highlight the stories that would never be told about the endangered ecosystems, local and marginalized communities, and of course the wildlife in destinations all over the world.
UNA VEZ MAS
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
SCREENING FRIDAY FEB 16 + 23
Director KAI