2020 ShortFest Archive
BIPOC Filmmakers
Films by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers.

Kangaroo Court
Two high-school boys perform a real-life transcript between an unstable murder suspect and a foul-mouthed judge during a national speech and debate tournament to disturbing and shocking results.
In competition for Best Student U.S. Short and Best Comedy Short
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Running Time: 12

Kapaemahu
Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii. Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. The stones still stand on Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden –... Read More
Running Time: 8

Korea, My Love
On a night in Paris, as scenes of jubilation greet news of the reunification of Korea, the realities of separation and conflict continue to dampen the spirits of some.
In competition for the Bridging the Borders Award
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Running Time: 19


Lanterns
In the streets of Salamanca, fear and uncertainty abound. The recent wave of violence in the region generates an atmosphere of distrust, but there are some spaces in which trust and peace still abide.
In competition for Best Documentary Short and Best Student Documentary Short
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Running Time: 10

The Last Ferry from Grass Island
A Hong Kong hitman retires as a fisherman on the peaceful Grass Island. One day, his Chinese apprentice arrives, tasked to kill him before the last ferry departs.
In competition for Best Student U.S. Short
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Running Time: 14


Little Chief
Against the landscape of a rural reservation in Oklahoma, the lives of a Native woman and nine-year-old boy intersect over the course of a school day.
In competition for the Local Jury Award
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Running Time: 12

Little Con Lili
Perpetually scheming 10-year-old Lili would much rather eat junk food and jam out to Air Supply than do her homework. But when her mom comes home early from work, Lili must think fast to pull off her biggest con yet.
In competition for Best Comedy Short
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Running Time: 10

The Manchador
Mina and Saeed live a stressful life in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Being a woman in Iran is not particularly easy and Mina sees a future for the family elsewhere. She wants to move abroad, but Saeed then invents a device that places the responsibility for the hijab where it belongs – with the men whose gaze women need... Read More
Running Time: 20

The Midsummer's Voice
During a summer vacation, Lei, a young Chinese opera student, beings to experience changes in his voice.
SPECIAL MENTION: Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under
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Running Time: 15



Mthunzi
The film follows Mthunzi walking home from the shops as he sees a lady go into seizures in her driveway - he is then asked to help carry her in by her niece and so becomes caught up in a world he does not belong.
In competition for Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under and the Young Cineastes Award
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Running Time: 9

The name of the son
Lucho, a 13-year-old trans boy, doesn't usually share much time with his father. When he goes on vacation with him and his younger sister, the new closeness puts their relationship to the test.
In competition for the Best of the Festival Award and the Young Cineastes Award
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Running Time: 13