October 9-13, 2025

October 9-13, 2025
  • About
  • Sponsors
  • FAQ
  • Volunteer
  • Sign Up
  • Submit a Film
  • Schedule + Tickets
  • Films
  • Join the Story
    • Attend
    • Volunteer
    • Intern
    • Sponsor the Festival
    • Donate
    • Spread the Story
    • Become a Member
    • Student Showcase
  • Donate

Room for Change

For students today, schools are no longer sanctuaries. It’s not fair—and they know it. And now, the Parkland generation is demanding change—most visibly at the 2018 March for Our Lives. Thankfully, there are people like Phil and Theresa Sturm to help host the revolution, just like Phil’s mother did half a century ago. Today, the D.C. couple honor this legacy by opening their home and hearts to dozens of out-of-town protestors. In the Trump era, time and again, Phil and Terry inflate mattresses and tell their new friends to “just bring pillows.” Very literally, they make room for change.

Kelly Ramundo (Director & Producer), Dave Cooper (Director of Photography), Phil and Theresa Sturm (Cast) will participate in a Q&A following each screening.

Telephone

A prisoner accidently discovers a forgotten telephone wire just behind his cell bed. He steals an old telephone device and starts making random calls … and finds himself falling in love with a travel agent.

Muhammad Bayazid (Director & Writer) and Samah Safi Bayazid (Director & Writer) will participate in a Q&A following each screening.

Shoebox

On a Pennsylvania farm in the 1980s, if an animal didn’t serve its purpose, it did not survive. Five-year-old Beth, the youngest in a large family, struggles with the parallels to her own position, so she makes it her mission to care for the weak. Based on the autobiographical book Shoebox Funeral by Elisabeth Voltz.

Caroline

When plans fall through, a six-year-old is faced with a big responsibility on a hot Texas day.

Fauve

Set in a surface mine, two boys sink into a seemingly innocent power game with Mother Nature as the sole observer.

The Final Act of Joey Jumbler

Joey Jumbler is a man who lives tragedy and comedy in the same day, balancing an emotional roller coaster and hoping for the best.

Harley Chamandy (Director & Writer) will participate in a Q&A following each screening.

Laboratory Conditions

A physician investigating a missing body disrupts an unlawful experiment.

Avowed

A young nun-to-be struggles to find God inside Robin, a non-responsive adult whose brain stopped developing before he was born.

Chris Gebhardt (Writer) will participate in a Q&A following each screening.

Bei Mir Bist Du Schön

A sweet granny is looking forward to her granddaughter’s visit. But when the little girl arrives, the feeling is not mutual. Before the visit is over, granny must try to create the warm bond with her grandchild she desires so deeply.

Matria

Faced with the challenges presented by her daily routine, Ramona tries to take refuge in the relationship that unites her with her daughter and granddaughter.

Join Our Mailing List

We’re doing big things. Make sure you don’t miss any of it.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Support

  • Donate
  • Sponsors
  • Volunteer

Engage

  • Contact Us
  • Press Kit

Follow

© 2025 Washington West Film Festival. All rights reserved.

Website by Atmosphere