Iris (Canada) by Gabriela de Andrade

Freed from romantic expectations and capitalist interests, wouldn't friendship be our most authentic model of relationship? Isn't it there, especially between women, that the foundations of patriarchy crumble? In her film Iris, the director Gabriela de Andrade celebrates this perspective through an intimate and poetic documentary born from the voice messages exchanged between her and her friend.  Ever since Iris, a French-Congolese woman, left Montreal, she has nurtured her relationship with Gabriela through voice messages. In this film, her voice gives hints of a return that exists only through Gabriela's eyes. The film is a kind of affective cartography of their interposed exchanges, Iris by voice and Gabriela by image. A reflection on the bond of friendship and sisterhood  despite physical distance.

Running time: 00:17:00

Dearest Ghost (Estonia) by Margaret Mäses

How to deal with the overwhelmingly unbearable absence of someone who was an integral part of your life for a long time? When the physical embodiment of unconditional love has transformed into nothing but memories, a ghost, it might be wise to try and make friends with this new everyday companion. Dearest Ghost is a poetic journey through the inner world of a grieving filmmaker who tries to find solace in talking to her Ghost. Different stages of grief are visually linked to seasonal changes in nature. The filmmaker finds reflections of her mindscape in the surrounding scenery and wildlife.

Running time: 00:14:46

Who Loves the Sun (Canada) by Arshia Shakiba

In war-torn northern Syria, Who Loves the Sun delves into the world of makeshift oil refineries and the stark realities of life within this post-apocalyptic landscape. Mohammad is a prominent figure in these operations, navigating harsh working conditions and complex local dynamics.

Running time: 00:19:30

Shifting Roots (Lebanon) by Angie Mrad

An 81 years old woman had to flee her home as Hezbollah and Israel bomb around her. In the midst of war between Israel and Hezbollah, Nouhad an 81 years old woman had to leave everything behind to seek refuge as they bomb around her. She has a hard time talking about the human tragedies, but the thing she talks about most is her olive orchard, a symbol of resilience in the middle of chaos. But when white phosphorus rains down, Nouhad is forced to confront the brutal reality of loss once more. Haunted by the orchard's history, marked by displacement and invasion, Nouhad stands at a crossroads. Should she flee to safety, abandoning her ancestral home on the border, or defy the odds to protect what remains of her legacy?

Running time: 00:08:30

Caretaker (United States) by Verónica Rose Wood

When Antonio receives improper care from his doctor and loses his sight, his sister puts her life on hold and moves to Texas to take care of him full time. A story of the generational history of caretaking in an immigrant Mexican family - and the weight, love and breaking points of familial sacrifice. This is a documentary film I made of my mother, uncle, and grandparents. 

Running time: 00:08:41

F-cking Sober (United States) by Em Vaughn

F-cking Sober is a documentary short that follows Las Vegas-based gender queer adult film star Brooke Johnson (they/them). Finding levity in the darkest of situations, Johnson chronicles their journey from growing up in a Christian boarding school to becoming a caretaker for their dying estranged grandma as a young adult struggling with addiction. In order to afford their grandma’s care, Johnson works as an escort and eventually finds their niche as an extreme BDSM film star. Though experiencing extreme highs and lows as an adult film performer struggling with addiction, Brooke is still able to find love and recovery against all odds. With bold expression and indomitable spirit, Johnson shares how they have overcome devastating loss and hardship in order to experience love, peace and sobriety. F-cking Sober has yet to premier. 

Running time: 00:24:28