Best Drama Short Film (Chandler International Film Festival) – Chandler, AZ

Real Mother

Directed by: Tobin Carter

Run Time: 19 minutes, United States

Premiere status: Phoenix Premiere

Having been told throughout his life he needs to meet his biological mother, adoptee Xavier finally does so, only to discover the only thing they have in common is blood.

The Well

Directed by: Philip Miles Orduna and Sarah Young

Run Time: 14 minutes 58 seconds, United States

Premiere status: Arizona Premiere

The Award-winning short The Well tells the story of an Asian-American man confronting a bar owner he suspects is responsible for a traumatic childhood experience. What ensues is a tension-filled night where two men must find the courage to be honest and vulnerable with each other.

Direct Action

Directed by: Tor Kristoffersen

Run Time: 13 minutes, United States

Premiere status: World Premiere

A teenage environmentalist leads a protest against a coal mine, setting her on a collision course with her father, the police and courts.

Jalopy

Directed by: Sal Ardongdé (he/him)

Run Time: 11 minutes 20 seconds, United States

Premiere status: Arizona Premiere

To rekindle their relationship, Mark and Loretta drive to Yosemite for an anniversary trip in Mark’s vintage jeep, which starts to show signs of mechanical problems.

DISPLACED

Directed by: Amy Leland

Run Time: 12 minutes 58 seconds, United States

Premiere status: World Premiere

Inspired by true events, DISPLACED follows Tina, a privileged woman, volunteering to help undocumented immigrants with their court appearances. She attempts to humanize them in the eyes of the Judge. But each asylum case is more horrifying than the last. A detainee must prove the torture inflicted upon him in his country will continue if he is forced to return; a soft-spoken single mother gets shutdown on an administrative technicality; and a hard-working student is accused of gang affiliation because he chose to wear a Chicago Bulls baseball cap. At the end of the day, one of the refugees suffers a crippling loss and Tina is left forever changed.

Transient

Directed by: Luis Tovar

Run Time: 28 minutes 6 seconds, United States

Premiere status: Arizona Premiere

Trapped in a bad marriage Tye Murphy struggles with accepting that the only way to heal is to leave behind the woman he’s been deeply in love with for over 10 years. Taken in by his brother (Ricky) and sister-n-law, they soon discover that the damage Tye has endured has taken a deeper toll on his life and that his rock bottom is just beginning. Separated by an unfortunate event, the two brothers struggle to find their way back into each other’s lives and to repair the trauma that haunts them both.

Logline: Ignoring yourself can be a dangerous game.

Hold Me Tightly

Directed by: Erez Maharal

Run Time: 8 minutes 50 seconds, United States

Premiere status: World Premiere

Vera visits her husband Marik who suffers from advanced dementia at the assisted living facilities on their wedding anniversary – 50 years together. She grossly and audibly complains to those who are ready to listen about her ruined life with Marik. What if behind the irritation of a grossly swearing life-beaten old woman is hiding the tender and invincible feeling of love?

Charles Gray

Directed by: Aaron Foster

Run Time: 13 minutes 40 seconds, United States

Premiere status: World Premiere

A man goes to a place to do a thing.