2023 NYLA


“ CANCER/EVOLUTION Episode 1: The Dustbin of History  ” 
Dir. by  Maggie Jones & Brad Jones

The newest hope for cancer is actually one of the oldest.
Buried for a century, the metabolic theory of cancer is overturning entrenched dogma and reshaping the future of cancer treatment.
Episode 1 of this 5-part docuseries addresses the history of the metabolic theory of cancer through the story of Nobel laureate Otto Warburg, a gay, Jewish scientist under aegis of the Nazis.


“ Cry For Me  ” Dir. by  Ben Cassiani & Daniel Laurent

Centered around domestic violence and sexual abuse, this is a story of just how fast small circumstances can escalate and the harsh realities that some live with and unfortunately succumb to. Inspired by a recent tragedy, this is a tale of survival and hopefully the catalyst for change from the perpetrators and for the survivors.



“ Hey Alexa   ” Dir. by  Rebecca Demeter

Alexa is helpful, she's funny, she's kind, she's a friend, who is she? A day in her life...with us.



“ Let’s Dance  ” Dir. by  Shengyi He

Shi Nan, a sensitive girl with low self-esteem, wants to sing to her favorite person at a friend's party but is afraid to sing out loud. Michelle, an outspoken and confident girl, comes forward to help her out. Although the two have very different personalities, they resonate with each other at once. Under Michelle's influence, Shi Nan gradually relieves her body anxiety and the tension with her father, faces her heart to do what she likes instead of what others think is right. In the end, Shi Nan walks onto stage and sings the song that belongs to her and Michelle, but Michelle chooses to leave…


“ Look Around  ” 
Dir. by  Ulisses Malta Junior & Gustavo Azevedo Santos

When two teenagers in the suburbs of São Paulo break into a house to get food and find stacks of cash, they must now hide their secret in their high-crime neighborhood.


“ Marguerite; They Call Me Maggie  ” Dir. by  Benjamin Burt

Breaking down stereotypes of the un housed.


“ Pioneering Spirits  ” Dir. by  Stephan Blinn

Pioneering Spirits is, on its surface, the story of a most unlikely partnership between a rogue American sake brewer and a hundred-year-old-plus heritage water brand. Like any fine libation, however, what ultimately emerges is even richer and more complex - an intriguing character exploration of three very different individuals whose unique talents and perspectives drive them beyond the comforts of their own successes to embrace the understanding that, like true pioneers, real innovation comes not by just thinking different but by pro-actively crossing boundaries and building relationships in the most unlikely of places.


“ The Handsome Man  ” Dir. by  Misty Shipman & Hope Shipman

When River meets a stranger who calls himself "The Handsome Man," on the borders of her reservation, she invites him home, and all manner of commotion ensues. Can Grandpa restore balance to the family and heal a generations' old curse?


“ This Is What War Is Like  ” Dir. by  Orken Tokmagambetov

Music video for song "This is what War is Like"


“ To The Moon  ” Dir. by  Dalton Mauro &  Julian Martin

This is the first of an animated 3D short series inspired from a mixed media art series focused on highlighting the highs and lows of human relationships…as well as addressing issues of mental health.
These shorts are designed with the intention to uplift and give hope to viewers. Letting them know that they & we are not alone in almost anything that we experience. No matter how difficult.



2022 NYLA

“  Driverless  ” Dir. by Charles Pelletier

The first road movie with no drivers. Written and directed by Charles Pelletier. Produced by Stephen Foster. When all that’s good about middle-class workers meets all that’s bad about corporate millionaires and all that’s wrong with technology, the inevitable result is a hysterical new comedy short that slashes the tires of corporate America.


“  Generational Trauma  ” Dir. by Alan J. Chriest

We may inherit many things from our family such as heirlooms and how we look, and sometimes we may inherit trauma.


“  House of the Unholy  ” Dir. by Daniel Merlot

A blood thirsty Princess hunts down the last of the Indigo Elders tribe. She seeks a magical elixir in his heart that will grant her the powers to reign over the Kingdom for an Eternity.  Shit doesn't go as planned.


“  Journalist at war - voice of the victims  ” Dir. by Morten Offerdal & Vegard Lund Bergheim

In this compelling and highly dramatic documentary, we follow war reporters Afshin Ismaeli and Tor Arne Andreassen as they travel to Syria to document the collapse of ISIS. Shot on the frontlines of the final battles between Kurdish-led coalition forces and the last remnants of the ISIs forces, the film shows the journalists interviewing soldiers, child refugees and prisoners of war. Among the latter are several men and women who tell Ismaeli and Andreassen why they left their safe and comfortable lives in Scandinavia to join the ISIS caliphate.


“  Love's Gate  ” Dir. by Nick Trivundza & Lexie Trivundza

In this dramedy, a rambunctious group assembles in heaven from very diverse backgrounds. At Love's Gate, their ultimate purpose is to connect people on Earth with their elusive soulmate. Once one of the office workers of Love’s Gate engages in a person’s possible relationship, unknowingly to the two people involved, a series of events will unfold to bring them together. Love will spark or love will fizzle. Free will always reigns. Surely Red, a cowboy from the 1800's, and Carol from the 1940's can work past their own shortcomings to create a love match. But will the 1980's swagger of Preston and the lovely, soft-spoken Aiko from 1600's Japan be able to connect the love dots? The ultimate supreme being, known as O.G., is the captain of the ship that keeps them all afloat. That is until the quirky demon, Haden, turns things upside down. Fortunately, The Kid, from the time of Shakespeare, has just arrived to make sense of it all.


“  May The Pawn Reaches The End  ” Dir. by Tien Yuan

On the afternoon of the high school graduation, Xiaomei experienced her own unique growth.


“  Our Beautiful World  ” Dir. by Ian Williams

A nice & well-off couple spend a perfect weekend day together.


“  Reminiscence  ” Dir. by Jia Zhao

A poet travels through landscapes that are like poems and paintings, understanding his dreams and looking for his transcendence.


“  The Movement   ” Dir. by Calvin Peters

A struggling writer befriends a member of a right wing group "the movement" through gaming with intent to write a story on the group. His intentions falter when he forms a friendship with his subject.


“  The Rain Has Passed  ” Dir. by Marina Nikolaevna Edwards

Brad, a famous artist, grieves the loss of his wife after a tragic accident. He blames himself wishing for only one thing: to have 5 more minutes to say how much he loved her. A stranger shows up who gives Brad a chance to look at his life from different angle.


“  This and That  ” Dir. by Katie Garibaldi

In an effort to free herself from writer's block, an aspiring screenwriter with big dreams decides to share her truth despite doubts, all while navigating challenging life changes brought on by divorce.


“  Angst  ”  by Tommy Miller, Aaveen Marandi, Shane O'Shea

In 2006, middle school boys Channing, Raj and Angel befriend Zion who's family has just moved into the neighborhood. The four boys forge a strong bond between them and experience formative years of adolescence together. Juxtaposed with the present day, the changes the friends have undergone over time become more apparent.


“  For Lila  ”  by Kaitron Sentrel Bryant

An Immigration officer, relieved of duty, goes on a vigilante mission to save a migrant girl from her captors


“  Love and Other Bloody Messes  ”  by Brian McGrath

Zombies are on the attack! The fate of humankind is on the line. Can two high school loaners team up to save the planet? Will anyone come to their aid? Yes, and you'll never believe who!


“  Marmalade  ”  by Jeffrey Morin

An elderly theater director now lives in the playhouse where she once produced 40 seasons of children’s theater. A brash New York actor returns to the playhouse to meet with the director that inspired him to pursue a career on stage. The night becomes a twisted dream partially based in a play he had written as a tribute to the director with spirited fantasy in performance after too much vodka. The story is part fiction colored by true memories of an actor who once performed inside Children’s Theater of Madison.


“  The Hitchcock Murders  ”    by Andy Maycock

In 1953 Los Angeles, a reluctant private eye stumbles into a multiple-murder investigation with strange connections to the Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock.


“  Worth The Weight  ” by Peter Panagos

An overweight man in his 30s struggles with love and life. He attempts to change his luck in love without having to completely change himself.

“  Ali’s Realm  ” Dir. by Mario Torres Jr.

Everyone thinks 15 year old Ali has an imaginary friend because she’s been traumatized by the death of her best friend. What that don’t understand is that Ali’s friend is real.


“  Billie & Mark Almost Get Killed – Can You Dig It?
  ” Dir. by Samantha J McDonald

An ordinary couple have to dig their own graves when they get a little close to a serial killer. They must outsmart him while navigating the hardships of any romantic relationship.

“  Chinatown: Our Only Home  ” Dir. by Tony Wang

Our Only Home explores the passing down of Chinese traditions across generations in Manhattan Chinatown by examining the evolution of the Chinatown community told through intimate stories of two multiple decades-old family businesses and the new generation of young people working to rebuild the neighborhood during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“  For I Am Dead  ” Dir. by Patricia Delso Lucas

In late-1800s Europe, Oscar, a wealthy but lonely middle-aged man who has lived a decadent, superficial life in a chateau filled with wine, courtesans and opium, confesses love to his gardener Jude before he dies of his excesses.


“  Habits  ” Dir. by Sergio Camacho

Old habits die hard, but sometimes turning a new leaf can be scary. Ashton finds out the hard way when her friend unexpectedly drops by to see her.


“  Hindsight  ” Dir. by David Abramsky

Ray and Vanessa, influenced by the terrible advice of their best friends, go on their first date after matching on an app...

“  Living and Dying on September 11th - a Family Story  ” 
Dir. by Dr. Jan Philipp Burgard

Living and Dying on September 11th - a Family Story, by Jan Philipp Burgard takes a heart wrenching look at the tragic death of Sebastian Gorki, a German who was killed when the World Trade Center towers were attacked in New York City , he was 27. His wife Paula, miraculously survived, as she made her way to her office in the World Trade Center later than usual due pregnancy related aliments. Their miracle baby now a grown man, a grieving but strong widow, and heartbroken parents share how they are coping with their loss and living their lives 20 years after 9/11.

“  Numb  ” Dir. by Carlos Moreno Jr.

Escape the pain of fully living or "seize the day," courageously feeling all of life? A grieving widow's prescription to get through loss could cost her everything. How far will she go with a lot to lose to alleviate the pain? Will living NUMB get her through? Getting through at any cost can cost everything.


“  On A Tuesday  ” Dir. by Matt Scott Jones

Though they both believe themselves capable of breaking their family's cycle of poverty, pain, and regret, a mother and daughter encounter life changing experiences that perpetuate the cycle.

“  Pra Melhorar  ” Dir. by Mariana Jorge

A family thrive through stormy times, keeping united and positive until the sun comes out and nature start blooming and revealing the beauty of small things, love and friendship. This video talk about Hope in dark times.

“  The Disposal  ” Dir. by Daksh Chadha

The film is about extreme interiors of a village where 4 teenagers go through different emotions while chasing different goals in life. They all find it eventually but through really tragic ways which change them so much that they don't know if they still want to chase those goals anymore.


“  TheSpiritChildren  ” Dir. by Isaiah Crawford

Two young children are drawn to a light. What will it behold?


“  The Crux of The Angst  ” Dir. by John McCloskey

Harold Severidge is dying of cancer. He looks back on his life which turns out to be the lives of many possible others, discrete experiences, dream-like tales.

“  Seahorse  ” Dir. by Khara L Campbell

Dynamic and admirable Caroline and Chris Shaughnessy earned every dream they ever wished for - including each other - and from the outside, they have it all - inside, they've been devastated by miscarriages... until they get the news they've been waiting for: Caroline is having a baby girl! But weeks later, they learn the unfathomable; this marathoning force of a woman also has a rare form of cancer, and Caroline and Chris must decide between the love they have for each other, or their unborn daughter.



“  City Of Roses  ” Dir. by Peter McMurran

A troubled Marine veteran returns home to bury his past, and in so doing, uncovers a city’s dark secrets causing him to choose between loyalty or truth.


“  Bloodlines: The Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993
  ” Dir. by Eddie Clay Thompkins III

A US Marine recalls his mission to track a Somali Warlord, wherein he is confronted with love, loss and peril, in the most dangerous city in the world.

“  American Nostalgia  ” Dir. by Isaac Ballesteros Barba

Aaron Safdie, a veteran screenwriter struggles in modern Hollywood and its franchise reboots and remakes. Aaron has a mission... to write the next big franchise, the problem is... he only wants to write his original stuff.
After being denied from original films, Aaron will take matters into his hands while trying to finish the script.

“  Alta California  ” Dir. by Lynn Elliott

The time is the turbulent and violent California mission era. A mixed-blood young man, who witnessed the slaughter of his tribe and mother, now serves as an unbaptized mission scout struggling to find a home, a place he belongs in his ever evolving world.



2021 NYLA
“  Blood & Water  ” Dir. by Jonathan Stanley

Lead character Marco gets revenge for his cousins rape.


“  Ground Swell: Epic Stories of Monster Waves  ” Dir. by Paul Taublieb

An in-depth look at the 2020-2021 big wave season which is considered one of the greatest of all time. Showcasing some of the most famous big wave spots on the planet, including Nazare, Jaws, and Mavericks, while also telling the dramatic human stories behind the surfers who tackle these spots. Directed by Paul Taublieb, starring Makua Rothman, Kai Lenny, Shane Dorian, Matt Bromley, Nathan Florence and Keala Kennely.

“  HEaRD  ” Dir. by Danielle Savre

Samantha was left to carry the guilt and shame from an act that was out of her control. When she couldn’t find the words to speak, she reeled from the results of her choices — or lack thereof. Paralyzed by her trauma, Samantha reels at the thought of how to proceed. How does she move forward with this burden? And how big of a burden will it be? She is in agony as she tries to understand if speaking up would have made a difference, or if her voice was never meant to be HEARD.

“  Iron Farmer  ” Dir. by Wei-Jhih Chen

“Iron Farmer” is a modern fairy tale about how iron farmer, the leading role, live with friends and support each other. Through the interaction between iron farmer, monkey, children, and variety of robots, this animation arouses children’s awareness and understanding about empathy by the interaction between characters with whole different background.


“  Lend  ” Dir. by WeiDuo Feng

A mother suddenly met a stranger to borrow money from her,Should she lend it? How to prevent and respond? The end was unexpected......


“  Not The Only One by Sugi Dakks  ” Dir. by Marina Piche

This stunning music video encapsulates this feeling of being “caught between two worlds”, reflecting on a struggle to navigate between two competing spaces.
Through a cardboard construction world of his own making, Sugi Dakks attempts to blend into this artificial realm, while his Identity and self worth are starkly laid bare in black, white and a million painted shades of grey.

“  Pedacito de la Tierra  ” Dir. by Lina Lyte Plioplyte

The Pedacito de la Tierra (A Little Piece of Home) documentary series weaves together humanitarian, migrant & refugee, food, and sustainability issues from around the world. The series shares stories of hope, growth and community to raise awareness and support for the efforts of global humanitarian organization, Alight, and Burners Without Borders. Set in a temporary shelter in the U.S./Mexico border town of Nogales, Mexico, the film shares a touching, enlightening story of the power of togetherness in the face of strife and hardship. As a community of unsettled migrants seeking asylum in the United States, these individuals show the true essence of perseverance and faith in one another to create a better life in their temporary shelters. This tale of innovation and inspiration is told in an effort to initiate an avalanche of constructive thought, discourse, and action, and to leave a lasting social impact that increases public awareness and incites change in policy.


“  The Final Stand  ” Dir. by Vadim Shmelyov

October 1941. Fascist hordes rush to Moscow. As a result of the breakthrough of the defensive line on one of the direct highways, there were no regular units of the Red Army left and the invaders were able to move in freely. Soviet High command decides to close the gap with cadets from the Podolsk infantry and artillery schools, many of whom were about 18 years old. Their task is to hold out for five days until the reserves arrive.
The cadets held out for twelve… Аt a cost of their lives, they did not allow the enemy to reach Moscow, and thereby changed the course of war.
The film is about heroism, about love, about true friendship.
A large number of real military equipment of the 1940s was involved in the filming.

“  The Letter Not Sent  ” Dir. by Mandi Huang

Jiang Ying, a rebellious girl who is about to take her college entrance exam and has a indifferent relationship with her mother, accidentally finds a letter from her father who has been working far away from home with inconsistent handwriting and decides to go on a journey to find her father before the exam.

“  The Only Fan  ” Dir. by Marteverick Shears

The Only Fan is a Thriller that follows Alanna Pensack; a feminist Only Fan model who must survive the night once she's confronted at her home by a violent stalker.

“  The Call Us Sediciosos  ” Dir. by Iz Gutierrez

Starring Blanca Araceli from "Coco" (Disney / Pixar), Rafael Cobos Delgado ("Sin Frontera"), and Carolina Vargas ("Corazon Rebelde").
An ignored narrative of Mexican-Americans in U.S. history:
In 1915, Jovita Idár, a reporter, writer, and activist for women and Mexican-American civil rights, interviews a mother whose son has gone missing while at the hands of racist Rangers and vigilantes who have been targeting the Texas-Mexican community in the Lower Rio Grande Valley during a time known as “La Matanza” (The Massacre).
2020 NYLA
“  Daycare  ” Dir. by Lydia Kubiniec

Three moms day drink, clean each other's houses and get real about mental health while the little ones are in daycare.


“  DECEMBER FADES "CRASH and BURN"
  ” Dir. by Theresa June-Tao &  Thuo Sam

Crash and Burn demonstrates the evolution of Lust and/or love. The irresistible curiosity into unexpected elevated emotion- all the highs and lows that lead to finding the inner strength to admitting the truth and/or walking away from the fantasy once believed.


“  Desperate Waters  ” Dir. by Jeffry Druce

Murder mystery on a sailboat with two men and one woman onboard. Sailing from LA to Hawaii.



“  Farewell, farewell, farewell  ” Dir. by Ricardo Castro

The autobiographical journey of Ricardo Castro and his family of 17, who built their home in a secret forest. Here, they lived a utopian dream until a tragedy shattered their perfect microcosm.


“  Gilead's Protocol  ” Dir. by Dvorit Shargal

Gilead Kahn was 15 and a half years old when he died of cancer on March 1, 2018. Gilead was a very promising soccer player and fought for his life for two years. Gilead experienced not only agony and pain but also many joyful moments during his illness. He also found his first love. The film "Gilead’s Protocol" is an enterprise of his parents, not intended as a memorial film, but as a film to help parents, children, relatives, and friends cope with such a difficult situation. It examines the treatment options, how to behave, what to do, the value of medical cannabis, and the contribution of complementary medicine. This is a sad but optimistic story.


“  Half-Cocked  ” Dir. by Aaron Barrocas

Two brilliant yet shortsighted scientists find themselves ill-prepared when the experiment of their lives goes horribly right.


“  Latteship  ” Dir. by Hsing-Fang Tsai &  Daishi Takishima

Latteship is a 3D animated short created by Flora Hsing-Fang Tsai and Daishi Takishima. The animation story follows Sigri and Kona, two otters who have opposite personalities. They must learn to accept each other to cooperate in order to run a small but popular coffee truck - Sigri Coffee. The story’s theme comes from an African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”



“  Progeny  ” Dir. by Justin Daering

This is a world exactly like ours, except that the wealthy elites are aliens, living and working among us, but with one key difference: they reproduce by implanting their offspring in a human host who raises the alien child as his own. When a blue-collar man is forcibly implanted with his alien boss's parasitic offspring, he asks his wife to help him remove the parasite -- a dangerous and forbidden act that puts their marriage -- and their lives -- at risk.



“  TALK  ” Dir. by Boulanger Romuald

In a Los Angeles radio station. The host of an emblematic night talk show (William Baldwin) gives advice to live callers.
One call will destroy his career, his family, his life ...



“  The Terms of Us  ” Dir. by Roberto Sanchez

Jose Garcia, a successful actor, has a chance encounter with a homeless woman who forces him to face his past.



“  What Didn’t Kill Me ”  Dir. by Jason Coulter

You're walking home and you see something you shouldn't have...what if that something sees you?

NYLA International Film Festival

Past Films