Official Selections: LA Women Film Festival
Congratulations to our accepted filmmakers!
Films are listed in alphabetical order, index to the left.
Scroll Down to learn more about each film
Sanctuary
Animation
Sanctuary is an animated short film produced by non-profit organization Generation Vegan, which tells the story of Indigo, a 12-year-old girl who lives at a farmed animal sanctuary. After hearing of an accident involving a truck transporting dairy cows to slaughter, Indigo sneaks out of her home to help rescue an animal for the first time in her life. A story of courage and hope, the film examines our relationships with animals and seeks to explore the change that's possible when we act on our compassion. The film is inspired by the true stories of the Marias, the pigs saved after an accident with a transport truck in Brazil, and Indigo, a new-born calf who was rescued by actor Joaquin Phoenix with her mother from a US slaughterhouse. Suitable for audiences of all ages.
Director: Isabel Siano, Christopher Shoebridge
Producer: Generation Vegan
Writer: Isabel Siano
Cast: Evanna Lynch (narrator, English), Xuxa (narrator, Brazilian Porguguese), Sneha Ullal (narrator, Hindi), Marcela Kloosterboer (narrator, Spanish)
Full animation credits available on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33241919/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genv_eng/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenVeng
Stronghold
Short
When a group home for boys closes and a single mother who has regained custody of her son does not show up on the final day, the house mother must go in search of the boy’s mom before heading off to her new life where she hopes to reconcile with her own estranged daughter.
Director: Meghann Artes
Producer: Joe Lyons, Anna Maria Hozian, Meghann Artes
Writer: Anna Maria Hozian
Cast: Ora Jones, London Wygant and Angela Morris
Cinematographer: Scott Thiele
Editor: Savvas Paritsis
SYNOPSIS
In a world where division around abortion fuels our headlines, hundreds of thousands of foster children remain in our system without families to care for them long term. More people fight for the rights of unborn children rather than those of children who are currently alive and alone in this country, desperately in need of a stable home. Additionally, funding to support these kids continues to dry up. In this case, the home, Stronghold, has been forced to close due to a lack of funding. And Fran, who has worked tirelessly for decades at this home, must move on. Fran believes she has found placement for all of the boys until Leo’s mother, Shelly, who has regained custody, fails to show up on the home’s final day. Now Fran must try to track down Shelly before she is able to embark on the next chapter of her own life — trying to reconcile with her grown daughter. When she finally finds Shelly, these women must make decisions that will change each of their lives forever — and that of Leo’s.
The Self-Love Act
TV Pilot
West Coast Premiere
In this series, Kareema Bee, a Black woman and artist explores her journey through self-love in dialogue with others.
Director: Kareema Bee
Producer: Alesa Andrew, Zulay Troche, Shirlyn Cesar, Chisom Chieke, Tiffany Kehinde
Writer: Kareema Bee
Cast: Dr. Gina Paige, Pamela Alvarez, Che'Von Cooper
Cinematographer: Kiymora Smith
Editor: Jasmine Lewis
This was filmed by a 90% women team of color and is a result of Kareema's participation in the SheStories grant program sponsored by The Big We Foundation. The film has received the following awards: Winner, Imagine This Women's International Film Festival, Winner, Kwanzaa Film Festival
Website: www.theselfloveact.com
Instagram: theselfloveact_series
SHRIEEK
Short Film
Los Angeles Premiere
A young housewife, trapped in isolation, turns the tables on her abusive husband with the help of the supernatural.
Director: Marcelle Marais
Producer: Marcelle Marais, Gregory Downing, David Levine
Writer: Marcelle Marais
Cast: Claire Canada, Nida Thaingtham, Brandon Bristol
Cinematographer: Jerome Stolly
Editor: Dalan McNabola
Website: https://www.marcellemarais.com/shorts/shrieek.html
Instagram: @shrieek_film
The Sun is Up Forever
Short
USA Premiere
On a hot summer's day, a young daughter seeks to soak up the sun but finds her thoughts are preoccupied with her mother at home.
Director: Charlene Jones
Producers: Margot Douglas, Menna Morgan
Writer: Charlene Jones
Cast: Chloe Atkinson, Liz Thompson, Millie Ryder, Billy Currid
Cinematographer: George Haydock
Editor: Dominic Old
Awards: Honourable Mention at Female Eye Film Festival
Instagram: @thesunisupforever_film
Wishful Light
Short documentary
World Premiere
"I can't believe they suffered at my age."
This documentary sheds light on the horrifying events that happened to teenage girls nearly 90 years ago under the Japanese military sexual slavery system. Today, teenagers speak out: "This must never happen again."
Through a powerful blend of media art and heartfelt testimonies, the film amplifies the voices of Korean teens advocating for awareness of the unresolved 'comfort women' issue. Experience the emotions and cries of these teenagers as they confront this historical injustice through art, sharing their perspectives and determination for a better future.
Director: Jumyung Yoo
Producer: Nahyeon Kim
Cast: Dana Kim, Junwoong Byeon, Arin An, Yuyoung Choi, Hyunho Choi, Junseong Heo
Cinematographer: Minjoon Park, Fabio Brais
Editor: Minjoon Park, Jumyung Yoo
This film was produced with the support of the U.S.-based NGO "CARE," which focuses on the issue of 'comfort women,' and includes testimony from Ms. Lee Yong-soo, a Korean survivor of Japanese military sexual slavery.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/udn_xr