Nominated Short Film Showcase

In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks to connect with his victim’s son.

Conversation with director Smriti Mundhra. Moderated by Dr. Shamell Bell.

In “Instruments of a Beating Heart,” first graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: to form an orchestra and perform “Ode to Joy” at a school ceremony. Ayame, a student who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part: the big drum. The film examines the Japanese educational system’s tenuous balance between collective cooperation and individual growth as it teaches the next generation to become part of society.

Conversation with director Ema Ryan Yamazaki. Moderated by Dr. Shamell Bell.

When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, they are ambushed by poachers. In the ensuing battle to save the rhinos, Litha discovers a terrible secret.

Conversation with DirectorCindy Lee; writer, producer Darwin Shaw; writer producer Will Hawkes; writer, executive producer and featured actor David S. Lee. Moderated by Dr. Shamell Bell.

This short documentary celebrates trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien, the first woman to become a full-time member of the New York Philharmonic.

Conversation with director Molly O’Brien. Moderated by Mitch Glickman, Director of Music Programs at LACMA.

When a gifted nine-year-old girl, who works in a garment factory, gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend school, she must make a heart-wrenching decision that will determine her and her sister’s fate.

Conversation with Director Adam J. Graves, producer Suchitra Mattai.  Moderated by executive producer Mindy Kaling.

After a police killing, cops and cameras tell different stories. Through a montage of surveillance and police body-camera footage, a reconstruction of a deadly shooting by a Chicago police officer becomes an investigation into how a narrative begins to take shape in the aftermath.

Conversation with producer Jamie Kalven and director Bill Morrison. Moderated by Dr. Shamell Bell.

After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?

Conversation with director Victoria Warmerdam and producer Trent. Moderated by filmmaker Alex Rivera.