Mehrdad, now an old man, recalls his encounter with an elderly Japanese woman named Chiyo at a graveyard in Tokyo near his elementary school. Through his childhood sketchbook, he reflects on the mystery of her disappearance.
October 9-13, 2025
The Old Young Crow
The Black Experience
Four aspiring black screenwriters find out the writing world may not be as inclusive as they’d hoped when they pitch their dream projects to a movie executive who is only interested in the “authentic black experience.”
Big Sur
Big Sur follows Faye on the eve of her 40th anniversary, as she and her husband return to the beloved place they eloped to many years before.
Food That Saves You
Emerging from the isolation of grief, a man finds joy in a passion he used to share with his loved one.
Distancias
Subway patrons are confronted with their own humanity when a sudden void is created around a curious individual.
Eulogy
Rabbi Gold has a difficult time writing a eulogy for a friend.
Short Film Friday | Program 1 of 2: Emerging
SHORT FILM FRIDAY – This year BOTH Friday evening shorts programs + dinner & dessert + drink for ONE ticket. Join us for a brand new experience this year. A thoughtfully curated journey through the human experience viewed in two distinct programs.
Your ticket to this event includes:
- admission to Program 1: Emerging + filmmaker panel
- a dinner intermission
- admission to Program 2: Navigating + filmmaker panel
- a drink + dessert mingle to end the night
Program 1 | emerging + filmmaker panel
Emerging from the uncertainties of yesterday, we forge ahead. We are determined to see the beauty in tomorrow.
Eulogy
I Am Home
Glimpse
Help Me Understand
Food That Saves You
Distances
Big Sur
Radio Silence
Confronted with her mother’s illness, radio DJ- Tracey Odelle navigates the hauntingly beautiful memories of her past and the painful realities of her present; Ultimately orchestrating a broadcast focused on reconciliation.
Local Spotlight
In celebration of burgeoning local film talent, this showcase includes short films by and about people and communities in the greater DMV region.
Filmmakers in attendance for Q&A.
Includes:
Shorts Program Three: And With Conviction, We Go
Trailblazers, movers and shakers, characters with conviction — these shorts provide a glimpse into the lives of people who are boldly challenging norms and expectations in the hopes of changing the narrative or writing a new story all together.
Includes: