Alexander Kühn's "If I Could Fly" Takes Flight at HollyShorts Film Festival
Alexander Kühn’s "If I Could Fly" premieres at HollyShorts, authentically portraying the unseen trauma of war through the eyes of Ukrainian children.
Liora Pennick
"Hasaan Hates Portland" Turns Personal Truths Into Sharp Satire
Premiering at HollyShorts, Mischa Webley’s "Hasaan Hates Portland" uses sharp, dark humor to deliver a personal, boundary-pushing look at racial dynamics in a hyper-progressive city.
Grief Through a Child’s Eyes in "Love, from Ellie"
Screening at HollyShorts, Chantelle James’ “Love, from Ellie” offers a tender, rarely seen look at a 9-year-old’s journey through love and loss after her military father’s death.
How Loss Shaped "Light Bunny," Valerian Zamel’s Latest at HollyShorts
Valerian Zamel’s "Light Bunny" premieres at HollyShorts, a psychological short that transforms personal grief into a quietly powerful exploration of loss, anchored by Karole Foreman’s moving performance.
Isaac Kasende Explores Power and Class in "Belinda"
Premiering at HollyShorts, Isaac Kasende’s "Belinda" blends magic and realism to explore greed, inequality, and class through the eyes of hotel workers who discover a mysterious cash-spewing machine.
Guy Trevellyan's "Plastic Surgery" Premieres at HollyShorts Film Festival
Guy Trevellyan’s debut short "Plastic Surgery" premieres at HollyShorts, using Anna Popplewell’s performance to deliver a visually striking warning about the human impact of plastic pollution.
Jennifer van Gessel's "Ver. Fine Day" at HollyShorts Film Festival
Jennifer van Gessel’s "Ver. Fine Day" brings a gothic, risk-taking twist to Anne Lister’s story, premiering at HollyShorts.
Freddie Fox’s "The Painting & The Statue" Premieres at HollyShorts Film Festival
Freddie Fox’s "The Painting & The Statue" premieres at HollyShorts, blending timeless art, love, and whimsical storytelling in a single unforgettable room.
Jordan Murphy Doidge’s "Clout" Tackles Youth and Social Media at HollyShorts
Jordan Murphy Doidge’s psychological short Clout premieres at HollyShorts, confronting the dark influence of social media on today’s youth.
Todd Wiseman Jr. Examines Violence and Entertainment in "Five Stars" at HollyShorts Film Festival
Todd Wiseman Jr. returns to HollyShorts with a provocative new film exploring society’s obsession with violent entertainment and the fine line between fun and harm.
Freyr Brings David Telles’ Bold Vision to HollyShorts
Xicano filmmaker David Telles brings his daring and heartfelt short Freyr to HollyShorts, embracing his weirdest self to create a story rooted in empathy.
Jack Howard's "The Second Time Around" to Dazzle at HollyShorts Film Festival
Jack Howard’s "The Second Time Around" turns familiar tropes into a heartfelt meditation on love and loss.
Inside the Collaborative Journey of ‘Letter to 2025’
“Letter to 2025” brings together Ashley Douglas, Jacqueline Rosenthal, and Rocky Huang in a powerful short dance film exploring mental health and societal pressures. Their improvisational process and collaborative spirit embody CFA’s mission to uplift underrepresented filmmakers.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap: Audio Description’s Role in Inclusive Filmmaking
Filmmakers Lee Pugsley and Vertice Emil Brown join CFA hosts to explore the power of audio description in making films accessible. From crafting vivid narratives to building inclusive communities, this episode highlights why accessibility matters in storytelling today.
Bridging the Gap Between Actors and Directors on Set
At CFA’s recent workshop, filmmakers explored how trust and collaboration between actors and directors shape on-set success. From navigating emotional pressures to bridging technical gaps, these insights offer emerging filmmakers practical tools to create supportive, creative environments.
Collaboration Behind Clica: A Filmmaking Power Duo Emerges
Director Michael Green and cinematographer Skeeter Jones share how clear communication, mutual respect, and creative adaptability powered their work on Clica. Their collaboration echoes CFA’s mission: uplifting underrepresented voices through community, craft, and inclusive storytelling.