Encore: Block #5 and #6

ABOUT THE FILMS:

In Search of Independence: PROOF Block #5

“Peas,” 2024, Dir. Maky Rupert, 12 Min, USA

Susan lives a lonely life in suburban New York with her Italian mother, grandmother and younger sister – all of whom are grieving the death of her father in their own silent ways. When her mom brings a new man over to the house for the first time, Susan’s emotion boils to the surface, and one thing becomes totally clear: she can’t stay quiet anymore.

“Carpeteo,” 2023, Dir. Adriana González-Vega, 10 Min, Puerto Rico

Haunted by a brutal act of violence witnessed on the University of Puerto Rico campus, Angela’s world imploded. Seeking refuge in the chaotic streets of Rio Piedras, Angela returns to her apartment where, with her brother by her side, she questions her reality. With each passing moment, the familiar becomes a labyrinth of doubt, and she’s forced to confront the terrifying question: who can she trust?

“The Captives,” 2024, Dir. Talia Light Rake, 13 Min, USA

Jolie, a Juilliard graduate, sacrifices her dreams to care for her mother, Emmilene, diagnosed with cancer. A decade later, Jolie’s life is at a standstill, her mother’s health is declining, and an old flame resurfaces. Faced with Emmilene’s ultimatum, Jolie must navigate her past and present to discover her true self and forge a new path forward.

“Top Shot,” 2023, Dir. Alexander Hagani, 15 Min, USA

A tale about growing up, basketball, and trading cards. 11-year-old Alexander adjusts to life with his new stepdad, Ian, while navigating the aftermath of his parent’s divorce and escaping into basketball daydreams.

Adventures in Nature: PROOF Block #6 

“Brain Freeze,” 2023, Dir. Kelsey Comeau, 14 Min, USA

A snapshot of lifelong friends Carrie (Sofia Hublitz, Ozark) and Rae, (Madison Hu, Brother’s Sun & Boogeyman) as their relationship crumbles at the seams. Going their separate ways, the former friends face Crossing paths years later, in the queer paradise that is Fire Island Pines, the friends are no longer. Dealing with themes of adulthood, queer identity, female friendship and mortality, Brain Freeze tackles two formative moments in adolescence otherwise overlooked: the friends who fade away.

“Mt. Mystic Rangers,” 2022, Dirs.  Jeremiah Dunlap and Cory Quintard, 24 Min, USA

“Mt. Mystic Rangers” is a half-hour mockumentary comedy/sci-fi/adventure series that combines a workplace comedy with the intrigue of a supernatural mystery. Through the lens of a ragtag documentary crew, the series follows a unit of misfit Park Rangers at Mt. Mystic State Park as they navigate their daily duties, encounter the paranormal, and deal with visitors from all walks of life.

“A Family Guide to Hunting,” 2024, Dir.  Zao Wang, 14 Min, USA

When Eva, a doomsday prepper, takes her uptight Korean American parents and all-American boyfriend on a bonding hunting trip, things go from bad to grisly.