2024 Film Festival Program

Directed by Dave Quay

Based on Padraic Lillis’ award-winning one man show, Get to Eleven blends live performance elements with narrative cinematic storytelling in an intimate conversation about suicide, addiction and the importance of sharing stories in our darkest moments.

On stage in performance, among friends in conversation, and in the streets and subways of New York City, Padraic offers his own story, and empowers his audiences to deepen their own relationship with life, mental health, and mortality.

This is Jane. See Jane…, directed by Keena Gonzalez

In a world where women are second class citizens and sex education is no longer taught in school, Jane finds herself having to make the biggest decision of her life. There are only two choices – each having a consequence young Jane is unprepared to face.

Alternate Side Parking, directed by Timothy Koch

On Isham Street, at Broadway, in the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, Alternate Side Parking rules are in effect on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm. This is a story about those parked cars, and the people who move them.

Condos, directed by Dileepan Ganesan

Having received a sizable sum in a settlement from a construction accident, Gary decides to invest in a surefire money making scheme – real estate! But his endeavors get sidetracked by a steadfast obstacle – the long standing resident Melinda. Who will win in battle for the most prized New York City possession – the rent controlled apartment!

Nana, directed by Hillary Carrigan

A standing Sunday lunch is born after Nana invites herself to her granddaughter’s fifth floor walk-up.

Puerto Rican Jew, directed by Louis Carrasco

A man finds out he is half Jewish after taking a DNA test.

Resurrection, directed by Anna Tan

Filmed in J. Hood Wright Park located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, this film portrays the jarring reality of integrating back into society in a search to find “normalcy” after isolating and quarantining during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was once mundane and routine may suddenly feel uncomfortable and unsettling, especially in navigating boundaries in both the public and private spheres. Nevertheless, this piece also seeks to provide a sense of hopefulness and optimism in that our communities will continue to be resilient and thrive.

Opening Ceremony, directed by Manon Manavit

An experimental dance film that invites viewers to interpret it as if it were a dream. It revolves around a chance encounter between a dancer and a businessman in New York City, a portal that opens them to new experiences, and the bizarre characters they encounter along the way, inspired by the free-wheeling and spontaneous style of French New Wave cinema. Starring Rishi Mukherjee and Sloka Iyengar, with an original musical score by Matt Burkett. Dance director: Julia Bengtsson. Get ready for a wild ride!

The Gorgon Cycles, directed by Miles Inada, Devyn McConachie, Tessa Brinckman

The Gorgon Cycles is an animated fever dream – an intricately layered invocation for the return of the long-banished visionary, Medusa. Built around a mesmerizing original score for alto flute and electronica, with a supporting cast of fish, snakes, dinosaurs, a cat, a monkey, and a magician, The Gorgon Cycles is a statement of violent optimism –- a contemplation of life on the brink of global catastrophe.

Stay With Me, directed by Ben Stamper

Inspired by Internal Family Systems therapy, this film follows one urbanite encountering their disassociation, anxiety, workaholism, and depression personified. This individual draws near to each hurting part through the award-winning lens of film-maker Ben Stamper.

Check Please, directed by Victor Mignatti, Scott T. Hinson

Check Please, with its playful nod to silent comedies, is a very short short that recounts an IRL flirtation gone the way of the dating app.

Self Love, directed by Montgomery Sutton

Based on Shakespeare’s Sonnet 62, a celebrity explores the extremes of her own self-love on a journey to discover what truly matters to her.

The Pillow Case, directed by Elias R Connolly

Two roommates struggle to sleep in the middle of the night, oblivious to the nefarious presence that is among them.

Hairpiece, directed by Jamie Ruddy

Two kids knock off their father’s toupee in a pillow fight and believe they murdered him. Based on a true story about a dysfunctional family in 1983.

Bald, directed by Andrew Sanford

Is there a connection between hair and identity? Bald is a short film about one woman’s journey of self-acceptance.

The Late Set, directed by Bren Patrick Burke

In the wake of the pandemic, a jazz musician struggles to win back the affections of a former bandmate who’s life and career have moved on.

Josh and Lyla go to Dinner, directed by Dylan Tuccillo

Their first date begins like any other, but ends in a free-for-all of embarrassing truths.

This is Inwood, directed by Carlos V Lample

A born and bred New Yorker takes you on a personal and historical tour of the Inwood/Washington Heights neighborhoods of NYC.

Solitude, directed by Yuyun Xiaoping MacAllister, Iryna Ignatenko

A study on paranoia goes awry, leading to a sinister delve into the thoughts and anxieties of the subject.

The Duplicate, directed by Hamilton Beck

While taking a stroll in the rain, a woman is followed by a familiar face.

City of Dreamz, directed by Imani Celeste

City of Dreamz follows four Black art students telling stories of community, divine intervention, and the artistry that led them to this very moment…smoking weed in a cramped NYC apartment trying not to get caught.

Fundamental Shapes, directed by Colin Alistair Campbell

Jacob, an unemployed actor, stumbles into an unusual gig: nude figure model for a fine arts class. When his next-door neighbor turns up, he must find a way to keep his identity hidden, and their budding romance intact. A gentle romantic comedy about vulnerability, surprising coincidences, and the unexpected ways we find love.

Un Bizcocho Para Mi (A Cake for Me), directed by Yuby Hernandez

This is an essay film about two women’s journeys into their art. A mother and her cake business, and a daughter as she becomes a filmmaker.

Suspicious Minds, directed by Imelda O’Reilly

A romance at a trippy Halloween rave goes wrong… Lola’s public breakup is disrupted when an Elvis impersonator comes to the rescue. Sharing confidences and ghosts from their past, they reminisce about their homeland and discover meaning in their newly shared bond.

Dummy, directed by Lukas Hassel

Dummy is a thrilling short about inanimate objects. Bill is a recent divorcee whose life goes from mundane to surreal when a respiratory dummy named Anne seemingly “follows” him home from work. What starts as a magical intervention turns into a slow burn nightmare. Winner of the 2021 HollyShorts Screenwriting Competition.

Honest Work (Student Film), directed by Kermis Batista

A chance encounter between a vulnerable hipster and a charismatic hustler goes awry when a vial of white powder gets involved. Set against the pulsating background of an underground music show, Honest Work is a darkly comic look into the pits of hedonistic pursuit.

On Point (Student Film), directed by Christian Schifano

On a summer night in Harlem, Amy and Natalie wait for an Uber to go to a party downtown. While they wait, Amy enters a bodega to buy a vape where she is suddenly interrupted by a man who feels he has a point to prove.

Mangu Aqui 2, directed by Luke Bond

We follow Roberto during his teen years in New York City where he faces different obstacles.

Directed by Leslie Kincaid Burby

In this retelling of the ancient legend, you’ll meet Robin, Marian, Will Scarlett, Friar Tuck, and the merry band as you’ve never seen them before. Can this clever band of thieves with hearts of gold foil the Sheriff of Nottingham and his men in their evil plans, and bring peace and prosperity to Sherwood?