UNSEEN, UNFORGETTEN presents two compelling longer short-form documentaries that illuminate contrasting yet interconnected facets of society often overlooked. NO PLACE TO GROW OLD delves into a silent crisis sweeping across America—the rising number of seniors experiencing homelessness. THE POWER OF SMALL, directed by Washington West alum T.C. Johnstone, offers a hopeful counterpoint by chronicling the transformative journeys of six individuals from a larger group of fifty, each empowered with significant financial resources to foster generosity and kindness. Through their acts of giving, these individuals embark on unexpected paths of self-discovery and creative impact. Together, these films remind us of the profound importance of recognizing both the hardships faced by the unseen in our communities and the incredible ripple effect that even small acts of kindness can create.

Best of Film at George Mason is a showcase of recent notable and award-winning student films from George Mason University’s Film and Video Studies. This year’s program captures student work ranging from introductory production, documentary filmmaking, advanced fiction filmmaking, and senior thesis films. A live Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.

Kaju Katli – Sujay Khona
Ghosted – Chole Salaman
Anonymous Voices – Marco Duran
When the Rain Stopped – Meghan Colovos
Grit – Chrys Salman
Scarecrow – Jax Azad
The Lovely Inconvenience of Having Too Many Pants Pockets – Kai Morales
A Mourning In Chinatown – Ali Ali
Dust Bunny – Natalia Melnikova
The Lick – James Bah
Breakfast for Dinner – Dominique Dargan
Pas de Deux – Madison Koren

I BELONG is a powerful shorts block that explores themes of human rights, compassion, and the resilience of survivors of sexual trauma, assault, and grief. At its core is a simple but urgent truth: we all belong. There is no excuse for injustice—and we must make space for healing.

This deeply moving collection includes stories of courage and connection: an Indigenous women’s motorcycle group riding to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women; an intimate look at a weekend gathering of widows creating community through shared loss; a young woman finding the strength to share her past with her mother; and the inspiring journey of a boy who rises above abandonment and homelessness through boxing.

While these stories tackle difficult and emotional topics, they are also rich with nuance—tender, human, and at times, unexpectedly funny.

The block will be moderated by Dr. Shekila S. Melchior, Professor of Counseling at George Mason University. Dr. Melchior will also be available to provide support for any audience members who may be affected after viewing these films.

Short Film Friday is back! Join us for an evening of captivating shorts in two carefully curated programs, plus a cocktail and dessert intermission.

Your ticket includes a drink during our “Mix & Mingle” intermission and admission to both programs.

This year’s Short Film Friday program begins with our “With A Little Help (From My Friends)” block and resumes after a cocktail and dessert break with our “More Than Meets The Eye” block.

SHORT FILM FRIDAY BLOCK ONE: With A Little Help (From My Friends)

The Beatles sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends,” reminding us that we cannot truly thrive alone. Community—whether it’s the support of loved ones, mentors, neighbors, or even strangers—can be the spark that helps us dream bigger, stand taller, and keep going.

Humans are wired for connection—and these shorts, fresh from festivals like Tribeca, SXSW, and Aspen Shortsfest, are a testament to just how powerful we can be when we lift each other up.

• Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles, Discount Doug, In the Jungle, Shanti Rides Shotgun, Daron, Al Fresco, Undrown, Polar Bear Country, and Saving Superman will all screen in the “With A Little Help (From My Friends)” Block.

SHORT FILM FRIDAY BLOCK TWO: More Than Meets The Eye

Things aren’t always what they seem—and relying on first impressions or preconceived expectations will often lead you astray! The “More Than Meets the Eye” block explores this idea through mind-bending genres like sci-fi and fantasy, as well as through characters who forge their own paths, challenge societal expectations, and defy easy categorization. These stories remind us that life has a way of surprising us—and often, the people and places we least expect turn out to mean the most.

• In the Fold, Analog, Death Pays Flora a Visit, Ovary-Acting, Party People, and Doc Albany will all screen in the “More Than Meets The Eye” Block.

These captivating selections from our Executive Board will take you on a journey through the intricate tapestry of the human experience, weaving together themes of grief, identity, magic, and beauty.

As one of the only Black drivers and having no connections in the sport, Rajah Caruth is a relative outsider in NASCAR. Nevertheless, he has forged an unlikely path from virtual racing to the sport’s penultimate series, building stardom on the way.

One filmmaker’s exploration of natural light in California and its influence on the lives of those touched by this light.

On a school day, a 7 year-old hustles strangers for money on the streets of New York City.

After the outbreak of a full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, the Ruslan Shostak Foundation carried out the largest evacuation of orphans since the Second World War. Rescued 1700 orphans from Ukraine, transporting them to Turkey. What do children dream of without parents? Where will they return after the war?

Mona is a 10 year old Tongan-Australian girl who begins to realise she’s different to her single, white mum and family. Both mother and daughter navigate identity and belonging in Australian suburbia during the 90’s.