What is running really about, why do we run? Momentum by Julien Marsouin, Abraham Mercado, and Guillermo Castellanos is a poetic, culturally rich experimental short that celebrates the universal, primal drive to run. The film’s clarity of vision and attention to cultural detail shine through.

How does this caterpillar crawl under your skin in this dark film-noir music video? Caterpillar definitely crawls under your skin with a spike-covered backbone. And this is art direction turned up to 11, darkly polished and emotionally immersive. It's a full-body mood, with the kind of precision that says: “I know exactly what I want to make you feel.” The Marilyn Manson vibes, the heavy yet melodic swing of the soundtrack, the visual styling that’s not afraid to be abrasive, it all adds up to a music video that hurts (so good-for the lover of hurt). A professional finish across the board. This creator knows their craft.

Let’s Fall in Love the Old Way by Sunny Liu is a clever, lighthearted hybrid short set in a near-future where AI dating coaches run the show.

What happens when political agendas disguise oppression? This is a well-executed short with a sharp and clear message. The world-building is effective, and the storyline delivers a powerful commentary on systems of oppression disguised as political agendas.

What happens when online desires spiral out of control, and real-life crises emerge from the shadows? Sense is a sleek, fast-paced short that delivers a visceral commentary on addiction, thrill-seeking, and the commodification of sensation in the digital age. It’s stripped of dialogue but rich in physical storytelling, letting body language and rhythm carry the emotional tension.

What's the experience of one woman's grief to her sister's stillbirth? Gentle is a slow exhale of grief wrapped in memory and the unspoken language passed between women. Crafted with rare emotional intelligence, the film moves like a memoir, soft and out-of-sync in ways that feel wholly intentional, mirroring how our minds remember, fragmented, faded, and painfully clear in the strangest moments.

What's the emotional terrain of domestic abuse like? "Edge of Silence is a hauntingly poetic short that navigates the emotional terrain of domestic abuse through a deeply personal lens. The voice-over, delivered with raw authenticity, anchors the film, guiding us through the protagonist’s inner world as she balances on the edge of despair.