6X Real
Each year, so many great documentary shorts come our way that it’s impossible to fit them all into opening slots for our documentary competition features. This outstanding feature-length “X Real” program was created to showcase some of our favorites. As we’ve seen numerous times in recent years with such films as “Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” “A Concerto Is a Conversation,” and “How Do You Measure a Year?” don’t be surprised if these are being discussed come Oscar® time next year: they are that special and that good!
My Favorites
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
Barefoot Empress
Directed by: Vikas Khanna
USA/India, 2022, 15m
In Malayalam with English Subtitles
A 96-year-old woman in Kerala defies tradition and becomes the oldest person to attend first grade in her village, despite the jeers of other students. Produced by Doug Roland (“Feeling Through,” FFF 2020).
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
Fleshwork
Directed by: Lydia Cornett
USA, 2023, 7m
Butchering is hard work; there is also an art to it. Four meat processors in Jeromesville, Ohio, demonstrate how it’s done.
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
Margie Soudek’s Salt and Pepper Shakers
Directed by: Meredith Moore
USA, 2023, 12m
A film editing teacher makes a video of her grandmother’s obsession with salt and pepper shakers, then edits in interviews and clever special effects in a tutorial.
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
Breaking Silence
Directed by: Amy Bench and Annie Silverstein
USA, 2023, 18m
In English and ASL with English subtitles
A deaf man and his daughter find common ground after her incarceration, as he begins to advocate for deaf inmates, and she for imprisoned women. From co-directors Annie Silverstein (“Skunk,” FFF 2015) and Amy Bench (“Bad at Dancing,” FFF 2016).
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
CANS: Can’t Stand
Directed by: Matt Nadel and Megan Plotka
USA, 2022, 19m
Black trans women in New Orleans fight to repeal Louisiana’s Crimes Against Nature by Solicitation (CANS) law which forces those convicted to register as sex offenders.
6X Real: Competition Documentary Short
Imelda Is Not Alone
Directed by: Paula Heredia
USA, 2023, 32m
In Spanish with English subtitles
An advocacy group helps a young El Salvadorian woman who faces 20 years in prison after giving birth to a child in an outhouse latrine.