The Future of the Fanihi Is Far from Secure
By Veronique Manfredini “Fanihi: A Cultural Digest,” directed by Jim Tharp, is a short documentary analyzing the relationship between the Mariana Islands’ native fruit bat, the Fanihi, and the Chamorro’s societal struggle with heritage and commercialization. The short film begins with a paragraph of text about the importance of the Mariana Archipelago’s fruit bat, which I wish had been narrated rather than just written, as it would...
Seeing Life in High Fidelity
By Tanner Sell High Fidelity is a short film done entirely by Ava Fumarolo. As the producer and main talent, Ava depicts her own strife as a young woman to navigate relationships. She speaks directly to the camera, recounting her own mental struggles as they play out in real time. Her love of music serves as a parallel; as the vinyl records turn in circles, so does her mind. Something she cares about so deeply has become distant...
Dancing to Connect Despite Isolation
By Veronique Manfredini Lacking, curated by Battery Dance in collaboration with their German program, Dancing to Connect, is a short film that focuses on the feeling of isolation caused by the pandemic and the connection created when people collaborate. Lacking begins with an introduction by the three individuals that made the workshop possible. This was a great way to introduce the dance: an interpretation of the dancers’ emotions...
A Space for Women to Shine and Grow
By Rhea Mursalin Women Are Gold, a film by Lizzie Green, highlights the jewelry brand Penh Lenh in Cambodia and the work they’ve done to educate and motivate local, marginalized women. Throughout the film, the women in Cambodia open up about their personal struggles and the help they’ve received since becoming a part of Penh Lenh. The benefits they’ve experienced range from career opportunities, to developing skills, to simply...
Haircuts: A Moving Reminder to Reconnect
By Alex Abreu Haircuts by Ethan Thomas is a short film that evokes a simple yet poignant story about adolescence and adulthood. The first time a young adult gains independence is an overwhelming and scary experience. What comes across clearly in the short film through Thomas’ direction is the initial melancholic tone that gradually transforms into something nostalgic and sweet. It’s a reminder of the importance of connection...
An Enchanting and Poignant Tale from Alexis Wong
By Alex Abreu Bane of the Beasts by Alexis Wong is an animated short film with a dreamy, storybook-like aesthetic that immediately draws the viewer into the story. The captivating narration and soothing soundscape brings back memories of childhood stories and lessons that last a lifetime. The film further cements this with a simple, yet powerful message regarding the risk of rejection through the eyes of the protagonist, a creature...
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