International Shorts #2
Showcasing seven stories from seven countries, International Shorts 2 prioritizes the experience of the individual—those forced into solitude, those who have finally found their place, and those whose sacrifices for others may come at the expense of their own identity. These films take an unflinching look at what it means to be seen, and ultimately prove that while the desire for connection is a global (and interspecies) one, what we must endure to find it will always be unique.
My Favorites
International Shorts #2
Mika/2300
Directed by: Boaz Frankel and Omri Van-Essen
Israel, 2022, 18m
In Hebrew and Thai with English subtitles
In the heart of the desert lives calf no. 2300, whose dreams of becoming a princess lead her on a journey of discovery and self-actualization in the human world.
International Shorts #2
Thursday
Directed by: Bren Cukier
Poland, 2023, 15m
In Polish with English Subtitles
Maria has secret plans for Thursday.
International Shorts #2
It’s Raining Frogs Outside
Directed by: Maria Estela Paiso
Philippines, 2021, 14m
In English, Sambal, and Tagalog with English subtitles
Alone at the end of the world, Maya’s mind and body deteriorate in a surrealist horror show of memory and identity.
International Shorts #2
It Turns Blue
Directed by: Shadi Karamroudi
Iran/Greece, 2023, 15m
In Persian with English subtitles
Pari’s dedication to her family overwhelms her morality, as she chooses to disguise the abuse of her three-year-old niece.
International Shorts #2
Call Me Mommy
Directed by: Tara Isidora O'Callaghan
Ireland, 2022, 15m
Uncover the multifaceted life of Sinead—a 40-year-old woman—as she balances motherhood and online sex work in this unflinching portrait of personal and public intimacy.
International Shorts #2
Our Males and Females
Directed by: Ahmad Alyaseer
Jordan, 2023, 11m
In Arabic with English subtitles
A father and mother face a painful reality when their community refuses to wash and shroud their deceased transgender daughter.
International Shorts #2
The Diamond
Directed by: Vedran Rupic
Sweden, 2022, 14m
Stefan stumbles across a diamond in a tiny hole and, in a foolproof plan to make friends, recruits a small claustrophobic man to retrieve the riches.