Best of Fest 2024
Sunday, January 12th, 2024
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
7 PM to 7:30 PM – Cocktail Reception
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM – Film Screening
PURCHASE TICKETS
FEATURED SHORTS
Best Narrative Foreign
Dir. Yoro MBAYE Diegane Niang – Narrative – 21:00 Min – Senegal
In his village, where bread is a luxury, Ousseynou, a former fisherman, has only the sale of stale baguettes to support his family. However, the opening of his sister-in-law Nafi’s traditional bakery is an affront to him and gradually threatens his business.
Best Documentary
Dir. Isabella Breton – Documentary – 09:59 Min – USA
Through a conversation with photographer Winston Vargas, we explore the evolution of the Dominican community that migrated from one island to another. We witness through his gaze the peculiar experience of the diaspora in Washington Heights, but most importantly the effect of the community on its new environment. Apart from addressing Dominican identity, Winston confronts the difficulties of adapting, their resilience, and the value of documenting and visually expressing their presence over the years.
Best Animation
Dir. Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani – Narrative – 19:33 Min – Iran
A former captain suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, lives with his daughter in a humble house located by the sea. Together, they live an isolated life and have to confront the challenges of a harsh life. One morning, their lives change forever when an unforeseen event occurs. Whether this event proves to be a newfound source of hope or an additional burden remains to be seen.
Best Narrative USA/CAN
Dir. Parker Croft – Narrative – 21:43 Min – USA
The story of a grieving mother who battles her addiction to a black-market drug that gives her life-like dreams about the son she lost.
Best Local
Dir. XF Serrano – Narrative/Local – 08:50 Min – USA
Erma arrives to Little Haiti with a painting. She needs to find the man in this painting. Unable to speak English, she enlists the help of Wilky. The two venture into the neighborhood on his electric scooter, showing the painting to locals, with hopes of finding the man.
Director’s Choice
Dir. aida tebianian – Narrative – 15:00 Min – Iran
Sharman, a young girl whose father has murdered her mother, strives to find several witnesses to testify in court according to Islamic laws, in order to save her father from execution. While she´s trying to save her father’s life, she wanders in the difficult dilemma of choosing between fear and conscience.