History is written by the winners, but also by the survivors who chose to tell their stories. These short films show how knowledge and traditions are preserved through photos, books, sculptures, artifacts, reenactments, and rhythmic dances.

In 1972, biologists George Hunt and Molly Warner make an unprecedented discovery on California’s Channel Islands. To their surprise, many of the seagull pairs they observe are both female. George and Molly’s groundbreaking study of “gay gulls” triggers both outrage and jubilation worldwide and changes their lives forever. Presented with Closed Captions (CC).

Love Birds

When George Hunt and Molly Warner discovered ‘lesbian seagulls’ on Santa Barbara Island in 1972, they didn’t expect national headlines. But the media frenzy that followed would upend their lives—and their relationship.

Filmmaker Mia Rasmussen explores how legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie transformed the city into a jazz powerhouse, shaping not only music but the fight for equality in a segregated America. Discover the impact of redlining, segregation, and the resilience of a community that refused to be silenced.

Kansas City Jazz (STUDENT)

Step into early 1900s Kansas City—a vibrant frontier where Black musicians, entrepreneurs, and communities thrived despite segregation and systemic barriers.

A portrait of Mitch Blank, the world's foremost collector of Bob Dylan memorabilia and recordings, all kept in his tiny New York City apartment. This short film follows Mitch as he donates his life's work to the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is a voyage into the ephemera of one of the greatest American musicians, a study on the nature of collecting and what it means to devote your life to something - then let it go forever. Presented with Closed Captions (CC).

My Back Pages

As Mitch Blank prepares to donate his vast Bob Dylan memorabilia collection, he reflects on the nature of collecting and the emotions around letting it go.

After a first trip in 1968 on JFK's footsteps, Okamura moved to Ireland in 1969 with his family, and spent the next 15 years of his life photographing the north and the south of the island. Exploring his unique perspective as both an insider and an outsider, this short film offers a nuanced portrayal of the complexities and contradictions of human nature. Through interviews, archival footage, and Okamura's own evocative photographs, we invite audiences to contemplate the universal themes of resilience, empathy, and the enduring quest for peace in the face of adversity. This film was made in collaboration with Photo Museum Ireland, Dublin, and the Akihiko Okamura Archive, Tokyo. Presented with Closed Captions (CC).

The Memories of Others

A short documentary film uncovering Japanese photographer Akihiko Okamura's extraordinary work in Ireland during the "Troubles," and the artistic and emotional impact of its recent rediscovery.

FLORIDA'S FORGOTTEN FORT tells the story of North America's first sanctioned free Black community, an important chapter of colonial history buried by a legacy of racism and indifference. Through interviews, reenactments and archival footage, this documentary short chronicles the legacy of Fort Mose-- the final destination of the first underground railroad, where those escaping the horrors of British chattel slavery ran south to La Florida.

Florida's Forgotten Fort

FLORIDA'S FORGOTTEN FORT tells the story of North America's first sanctioned free Black community, an important chapter of colonial history buried by a legacy of racism and indifference.

Preserving our Past Shorts

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Passes

Explore our on-demand catalog of films that were shown at our in-person festival in Savannah, as well as several new online-only selections.

Welcome to America's first major film festival for historical documentaries.  Join us on an exploration of our shared past from fresh perspectives!

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.