“Dagon”: Paolo Gaudio’s Stop-Motion Ode to Lovecraftian Horror
At Nòt Film Fest, Paolo Gaudio’s claymation short "Dagon" reimagines H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos with German expressionism, monster-movie nostalgia, and pure passion for genre cinema.
Alden Veyra
"Bunker Baby" Confronts Parenthood and Ireland’s Housing Crisis
At Nòt Film Fest, Conor McCormick’s "Bunker Baby" transforms the anxieties of moving back home into a surreal, darkly comedic portrait of young parenthood under Ireland’s housing crisis.
"Jeff" Confronts Empathy, Trauma, and Ambiguity
Julia Hebner’s provocative short "Jeff", inspired by her real-life experience as a phone sex operator, explores unsettling moral boundaries with raw intimacy.
Lead the Future of The Reel Champions: Opportunities Now Open
The Reel Champions is seeking passionate leaders to join our team. Applications are now open for two Co-President roles and a Head of Mentorship to guide our growing community and diversity mentorship program.
"Harvest of Light" Shines a Lens on Turkey’s Hidden Farm Labor
At Italy’s Nòt Film Fest, Esin Özalp Öztürk’s "Harvest of Light" offers an intimate portrait of seasonal onion harvest workers in rural Turkey.
"Earth Defender" Brings Indigenous Voices to the Forefront at HollyShorts
At this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival, "Earth Defender"—co-created with the Iban Sungai Utik community—uses cinematic storytelling to honor Indigenous guardians, portraying grief, legacy, and the urgent fight for land rights.
"Fire At Will": Morgan Gruer’s Intimate Family Drama Shines at HollyShorts
At this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival, Emmy® Award-winner Morgan Gruer’s "Fire At Will" turns a real-life family will dispute into a sharply crafted blend of chaos, rivalry, and humor, shot in her childhood home with universal emotional impact.
"Holy Smokes" Brings Latina Buddy Comedy to HollyShorts
At this year’s HollyShorts, Isabella Ares and Gabby Fiszman’s "Holy Smokes" serves up a raunchy, heartfelt stoner comedy rooted in Catholic school nostalgia and Latina humor, blending absurdity, sharp commentary, and improvised charm.
Jacob Samuels’ "I Want My Mommy" Debuts at HollyShorts Film Festival
Director Jacob Samuels’ "I Want My Mommy" premieres at HollyShorts, delivering a fearless blend of dark humor, heartfelt sincerity, and unexpected turns.
Sivan Levy Zakin's "Loss" Confronts Violence, Girlhood, and Grief at HollyShorts 2025
At this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival, Sivan Levy Zakin presents "Loss", a deeply intimate portrait of grief, girlhood, and resilience. The film confronts the quiet ways violence shapes identity, refusing to offer easy comfort or resolution.
“BUSTED!” by Sarah Adelman Joins HollyShorts Lineup
Sarah Adelman’s "BUSTED!", inspired by her firing from a sperm bank for doing stand-up, debuts at HollyShorts, blending heartfelt ambition with sharp comedy.
Jahmil Eady's "HAINT" to Screen at HollyShorts Film Festival
Filmmaker Jahmil Eady’s "HAINT" uses horror to explore Gullah Geechee cultural erasure and land loss, premiering at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival.
Joey Garfield’s "It's On Like A Pot Of Neckbones" Heads to HollyShorts Film Festival
At HollyShorts, Joey Garfield’s "It’s On Like a Pot of Neckbones" captures the untraditional artistry and electrifying presence of Charlotte Hornets announcer Eric Collins.
Arsalan Motavali's "Cameraman" Debuts at HollyShorts Film Festival
Arsalan Motavali’s debut short "Cameraman" premieres at HollyShorts, blending family home videos with fiction to explore dreams, reality, and the power of honest, collaborative storytelling.
Tess & Noah's "Hat Trick" to Dazzle at HollyShorts Film Festival
Filmmakers Tess Lafia and Noah Deats explore the strange chaos of grief with dark humor in their HollyShorts debut, "Hat Trick". The self-funded short is shaped by spontaneity, personal loss, and a fiercely collaborative vision.
Violence and Grace in America: "The Things We Carry" Premieres at HollyShorts
Premiering at HollyShorts, "The Things We Carry" is Thibaud Goarin’s poignant exploration of violence and empathy, featuring one of Michael Madsen’s final performances.