Encore: Block #1 and #2

ABOUT THE FILMS:

Opening Night: PROOF Block #1

“LOVELAND,” 2024, Dir. Sofia Bonami, 11 Min, USA

When a woman mysteriously disappears from the production of America’s favorite dating show LOVELAND, one contestant becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened to her — jeopardizing the one thing she came for: happily ever after.

“Seeking Sasquatch,” 2023, Dir. Thomas Thomas, 4 Min, USA

This half-hour sitcom follows the long-suffering members of the Bigfoot Investigation Bureau as they finally secure a network deal for their ultra-low-budget documentary show ‘Seeking Sasquatch.’ However, their hilarious trials are just beginning as they discover the deal comes with the non-negotiable inclusion of a cynical scientist and a sociopathic producer.

“Cousins,” 2023, Dir. Karina Dandashi, 13 Min, USA

Two cousins born in separate countries reunite in Brooklyn when a run-in with an ex makes the night even more chaotic. COUSINS explores cultural disconnect between family members and identity within oneself.

“Classmates,” 2023, Dir. Major Dorfman, 19 Min, USA

Codie is dropped off to work on a school project with classmate Shane. The boys begin their assignment, but it’s not long before Codie coerces Shane into taking his mom’s car out for a joyride.

“Computer Love,” 2022, Dir. Joe Picozzi, 15 Min, USA

Computer Love is a star-crossed romance told in a darkly comedic tone, set in a stylized sci-fi future. It’s about love, loneliness, and finding human connection in our technological age. When a sheltered girl in the future begins cheating on her algorithm-arranged boyfriend with her family’s robot houseboy, she risks retaliation from her controlling parents and oppressive community.

Unlikely Friendship: PROOF Block #2

“Seoul Switch,” 2024, Dir. Liann Kaye, 13 Min, USA

When an insecure, Korean American boy meets an International K-Pop Star who looks just like him, they decide to switch identities.

“BROKEN TOILETS,” 2023, Dir. Jesse Toledano, 23 Min, USA

When a Hassidic property manager discovers one of his tenants is an aspiring Hip Hop producer, he ventures to make music with her, exploring a passion that he must keep alive or else fall back into a rut that threatens his marriage, happiness, and way of life.

“Henry Gets a Shot,” 2024, Dir. Brendan Kirk, 9 Min, USA

Danny is fed up with his teenage roommate Henry lazing about the apartment. Sure, it’s his friend’s kid, but the place is a mess, he’s at odds with Princess Sparky, and even worse, he’s drinking all the beer. If Henry’s Father was still alive he’d be pissed. Enough is enough!  It’s finally time Henry goes to see Karlo about that job at the pizzeria.

“Bathroom Attendant,” 2024, Dir. Gabriella Mykal, 5 Min, USA

“Bathroom Attendant” is about two Black women sharing a moment of connection in a club bathroom. The film deals with intergenerational differences, racial dynamics in social-sexual spaces, and intentionally looking at those who usually go ignored. It draws from a myriad of personal experiences to construct a love letter to the women’s club bathroom and the magic of a meaningful interaction between two strangers.