After a date ends poorly, Nick turns to his best friend John for support. However, things escalate when a frustrated John confronts him about his recent pattern of questionable behavior.

I Get Knocked Down

Saturday Class is a reflection on the challenges and ideologies immigrant parents pass on to their children, particularly concerning success, class, and mental health.

Saturday Class

Feeling overwhelmed and isolated on the day of his wedding, Arman, a gay closeted immigrant has to lie to his family on the phone about his marriage in the U.S. Moments before walking down the aisle, he is uncertain how to move forward.

Arman

A passenger‘s optimistic train journey swiftly descends into a nightmare when he is struck by noise and rudeness, forcing him to don his headphones and escape into a vibrant, patterned world.  In this patterned world, an unexpected encounter with a lively woman lifts his spirits, and their playful interaction brightens the journey.   Despite a temporary return to the gray reality, a heartwarming reunion at the destination platform reveals a newfound appreciation for the often hidden but colorful moments in life, also positively impacting those who observed the exchange.

PATTERNS

A heart-wrenching psychodrama exploring the complex nature of Black legacy in Atlanta. Trapped in a rainswept car, a young man and his ailing father confront their fractured history before it&#39;s too late.

Thomasville

This mini mockumentary reveals the “truth” behind the NFL.﻿

It Was Written

Five years after the death of his older brother Ryan, composer and Slippery Rock University Senior, Brett McCutcheon, introduces the hauntingly emotional, 5-Track EP “The Ocean - Five Years.” Written in collaboration with friend, June Bracken, “The Ocean – Five Years” fuses classical and pop genres as it explores the depth and complexity of the grief journey. The film by the same name, shares the story of a brother’s grief, loss, and love as it bridges the EP’s recording with the brothers’ backstory through archival footage, personal video diaries, interviews with friends, teachers and their parents, Dana and Bob. What we find is a family steeped in love and music. Although they still grieve Ryan’s loss, they are determined to honor his memory and legacy through music education and hope.   Brett’s intention for “The Ocean – Five Years” music and film is to reach kids who have suffered loss. Both underscore the want to offer help and hope to children and their families experiencing grief. Brett visited The Caring Place after Ryan had died and was moved by what they offered kids – all for free. He wanted to give them a platform to tell others there is help in tragedy. They agreed to be part of this project and opened their space for us to learn and be part of the healing. The Caring Place was founded by Mr. Rogers and carries his legacy of giving kids a safe, trusted place to be kids.  The documentary ebbs and flows honoring the order of the tracks on the EP, hitting with the initial wave of shock, wafting through the depths of despair, floating into the unknown and then finding anchors of friendship and love; ultimately experiencing the encouragement of hope through music, family and friendships.   The film was shot over 5 days in 2023 and features musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and singer, songwriter Chris Jamison. Recorded at The Vault Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.  40 minutes.

The Ocean - Five Years

United States of America

Shorts Program 6

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