CIRCLE (USA) BY PHILLIP KAMINIAK

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Synopsis: "Circle" is an analogy between the modern human being, living in mass cities, and the phenomenon of the circle of death - observed in nature with ants who are separated from the main foraging party and lose the pheromone track. They begin to follow one another, forming a continuously rotating circle, commonly known as a "death spiral" because the ants might eventually die of exhaustion. Shot in Mexico City by director Phillip Kaminiak, this vibrant and impressive city is a protagonist, symbolizing a life in endless high speed movement and the humans who are dedicating their lives to endless movement, self-exhaustion in a modern capitalistic-based world. Running time: 00:06:10.

Selections/awards: Vimeo Staff Pick, Brussels Independent FF.

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KIDD WITH A CAMERA (USA) BY WARREN MALCOM CHRISTOPHER SHERARD

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Synopsis: “Making this short film was hard for me because it was so personal … it was the reminder I didn’t know I needed! To keep on pushing to keep on striving! To not give up or lose hope! That I’m always going to be a kid with a camera.” Running time: 00:01:54.

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LIMBO (USA) BY ALEX RAMSEY

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Trailer

Synopsis: Edward, now 28, hasn't seen his family since he crossed the US-Mexico border on foot 10 years ago. Trapped in the US by a maddening waiting game for citizenship, he grapples with the idea of leaving the life he built in New York behind forever in exchange for a long overdue homecoming. Will Edward reunite with his family or continue on in his self-imposed purgatory? Running time: 00:07:16.

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AWAKEN HER (USA) BY KERRI LYNN MILLER

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Trailer

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Synopsis: When a businesswoman is promoted to investor relations, she comes face to face with a power-hungry man who dangles the keys to the kingdom in exchange for what he wants. Running time: 00:07:34.

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Selections/awards: Garden State FF.

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THINGS THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN (USA) BY JOSHUA KAUFMAN

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Trailer

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Synopsis: Years after a fateful car accident, a recluse remains uncomfortable in his skin and unable to shake off the feeling that a familiar stranger is watching him from just beyond the trees. Running time: 00:13:00.

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ODE TO MY BODY (USA) BY LUCA MANCUSO

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Synopsis: A young worm embarks on a journey to accept their fleshy form. Running time: 00:03:30.

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SAFE AS HOUSES (IRELAND) BY MIA MULLARKEY

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Synopsis: In a Dublin council estate on a hot summer's day, Aggie finds a distressed little girl crying in her front garden. Aggie, a woman with Down syndrome, has always been kind to the neglected young Lucy, and invites her in for games and sweets. But Aggie’s offer of a safe harbour appears alarming to the neighbours, and the situation spirals out of control. Running time: 00:15:50.

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SCORE (USA) BY CHRIS ZOU

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Trailer

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Synopsis: Samuel is a high schooler who needs to win a large music grant at a competition in order to continue playing after high school. He journeys through conflicts with his parents and friends as he competes. In the end, his parents deliver the news that they can't fulfill his dreams even if he wins. In a fury, he rips his Score in a practice room thinking back to that moment. The story ends with a melancholic yet proud bow in front of the judges after his performance in the competition as we wonder where Sam's fate lies. Running time: 00:07:48.

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DRAGON (USA) BY DANE CREE, LISA POPPE

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Synopsis: A lonely dragon makes his way through a series of emotional obstacles and physical changes as he goes on a search to find his friends. Running time: 00:04:30.

Selections/awards: Supernova Digital Animation Fest (Directors Choice Award), Changing Face IFF, Flip the Script Fest, Do It Zero - A Zero Budget FF, Overmountain Animation Fest, Super Shorts London (Best Animated Film), and more.

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OUSMANE (CANADA) BY JORGE CAMAROTTI

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Trailer

Synopsis: Ousmane, a newly arrived immigrant living in Montreal, faces a challenging situation when he meets an elderly disoriented lady at the end of his workday. Running time: 00:25:09.

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Selections/awards: TIFF, Producer's Night LA (Film of the Year 2022), Amsterdam Independent FF, Boston Short FF, (Best Narrative Short Film), Brussels Independent FF, and more.

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