THE DINNER PARTY – Directed by Neda Jebelli
Runtime: 13:00
In Tehran, a perfectionist mother has planned the perfect engagement dinner party for her daughter. But when the cake is held up in the traffic of a political protest, her meticulous party begins to unravel. The film takes place entirely in the kitchen with the women, behind the scenes of the party, as their pleasantries and “tarofs” slowly crumble. Within this domestic microcosm, the power shifts begin to strangely echo those of the outside world.
THE LORD’S WORK – Directed by Natalie Evans
Runtime: 17:13
Ms. Montgomery is a counselor and a beloved member of the community. Despite giving advice to strangers all day, she has trouble communicating with her own family. When an unexpected visitor comes to her support group that night, she’s forced to come to terms with her own shortcomings.
I MISS MY MOM & DREAM OF NEW HOME – Directed by Art Parnitudom
Runtime: 10:28
Matoom, a young Thai boy comes to a gradual understanding of the ephemerality of his family life through his fragmented memories.
TENDER EARS – Directed by Jasmine Wang & Danny Monico
Runtime: 21:20
Jen, a first-generation Chinese American, finds herself back in familiar territory – home – dancing the fine line between complacency yet also clashing with her family about their cultural differences. However, as the weekend concludes and she is freed of her duties, she begins to recognize they have more in common than ever.
OVERSTIMULATED – Directed by Taylor Karin
Runtime: 28:03
A neurodivergent woman leans on her maladaptive daydreaming to navigate the stress of her first day in a new city, attempting to outrun the things that brought her there.