2026 Official Selection: Short Film – Drama

When two co-stars unexpectedly meet before an audition for the same role, Eleanor an insecure yet talented performer, must learn to embrace her individuality to secure the part.

Screening date & tickets — to be announced

• Director(s): Wednesday Peck
• Writer(s): Wednesday Peck
• Producer(s): Marillia Yunis
• Key Cast: Annie Jean Buckley, Kaya Hohensee, Ariana Guliak
• Editor(s): Jonathan Lau
• Cinematographer(s): Benjamin Tinsley
• Sound Designer(s): Benjamin Tinsley
• Composer(s): Thomas Yamada

Language: English

Runtime: 12m

Country: United States

Synopsis: Eleanor, an insecure yet accomplished performer, attends a stage play audition and encounters a former co-star auditioning for the same role. As they wait for their turn to perform, ego and self-doubt take over, causing the girls to question one another and themselves. After a moment of weakness, Eleanor must perform and embrace who she truly is.

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Source: SOFF

2026 Official Selection: Short Film – Animation

Winning takes everything you’ve got

Screening date & tickets — to be announced

• Director(s): Mike Stamm
• Writer(s): Mike Stamm
• Producer(s): Mike Stamm, Dimos Vrysellas
• Key Cast: Bob Carter, Cadence Winter, Jack Carter, Ray Scarborough
• Editor(s): Mike Stamm
• Cinematographer(s): Mike Stamm
• Production Designer(s): Matt Evans
• Sound Designer(s): Sweet Justice Sound
• Composer(s): Abraham Darwich, Zach Heyde

Runtime: 12m

Country: United States

Synopsis: The Ottoman, a hotshot mechanic and amateur robot gladiator, is looking forward to proving himself in the arena against the reigning Tournament champion and his massive mechanical Scorpion. But when his obsession with winning endangers the lives of his wife and son, the Ottoman must face some harsh lessons about what victory truly requires.

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Source: SOFF

2026 Official Selection: Short Film – Arthouse/Experimental

As three strangers make eye contact, we are enveloped into their worlds.

Screening date & tickets — to be announced

• Director(s): Eva L Hoffman
• Writer(s): Eva L Hoffman
• Key Cast: Sarah Randisi, Beatrix Donnelly, Dom Olivo, Baily Hopkins, Edward McCloud
• Editor(s): Eva L Hoffman, Nicholas Dorsey
• Cinematographer(s): Nicholas Dorsey
• Sound Designer(s): Harsh Yeole

Language: English

Runtime: 8m

Country: United States

Los Angeles Premiere

Synopsis: ‘Eye Contact’ is an exploration of the visceral moment of recognition and vulnerability when a stranger’s gaze unexpectedly meets your own. It’s about how a brief glance can become a kind of portal, offering a glimpse into someone’s life. It’s about how memories can intrude on the present. It’s about distilling intimacy into its most elemental form.

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Source: SOFF

2026 Official Selection: Short Film – Drama

Screening date & tickets — to be announced

• Director(s): Farzad Kiyafar
• Writer(s): Farzad Kiyafar
• Producer(s): Farzad Kiyafar, Courtney Shumway, Michael Watt
• Key Cast: Nima Rakhshanifar, Jeremy Urann, Kate Krieger, Katie Kelley
• Editor(s): Farzad Kiyafar
• Cinematographer(s): Aakash Raj
• Production Designer(s): Marcel Andre
• Sound Designer(s): William Tabanou
• Composer(s): Steven Matthew Carter

Language: English, Persian

Runtime: 12m

Country: United States

Synopsis: Overwhelmed and isolated on his wedding day, a closeted immigrant speaks to his family on the phone moments before walking down the aisle.

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Source: SOFF