• Power to the People

From the pandemic to racial justice and beyond, this program of documentaries shines a spotlight on the individuals and communities bearing witness to a changing world and fighting for a better future.

Short Films

All Riders

The battle for accessibility in the New York City subway told by those fighting it.

In competition for Local Jury Award and Best Student Documentary Short.

Citizen

A collection of personal anecdotes from those who have navigated through a tumultuous year in America.

In competition for Best U.S. Short.

Make Him Known

Over the course of more than a decade, four-time WNBA champion and Olympic Gold medalist Maya Moore and her family fought for the release of a wrongfully convicted man named Jonathan Irons. Moore embarks on a road trip to bring home the man who, after 23 years behind bars, has not only become a part of her family, but has also strengthened her faith and inspired her pursuit of criminal justice reform.

In competition for Local Jury Award.

Since you arrived, my heart stopped belonging to me

Central American mothers journey by bus through Mexico, searching for their children who migrated north towards the U.S. but disappeared en route.

In competition for Best Documentary Short.

Who Do You Protect?

On April 22, 2020, Daniel Hernandez was killed by LAPD officer Toni McBride, who has not faced any charges. The film examines the Los Angeles police union and LAPD's systemic abuses of power, as well as the work of activists who demand elected officials divest from the police.

In competition for Best U.S. Short.

2021 ShortFest Archive