Explore the worlds of beauty salons, bowling alleys, young Black women’s relationships with their hair and hair stylists, and street art. From tales of resilience and triumph to poignant explorations of daily struggles, these films offer an authentic and relatable portrayal of the human experience, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of storytelling to connect us all. The shorts Friday Night Blind and Inside the Beauty Bubble are documentaries that follow individuals whose authentic lives make a big impact in their communities.

Made from never-used footage shot in 2009 at the Central Railway Station in Warsaw, Poland. As the outdated station prepares for modernization, we are introduced to a 17-year-old gay man struggling with personal issues and a reluctance to return home. The film artfully juxtaposes the stillness of travelers waiting for their trains against the protagonist's emotional turmoil. He expresses his fear of the rumored 2012 apocalypse and his desire to learn how to live like "normal" people in the limited time he believes he has left. The film stands as a poignant reminder of the continuous evolution of both society and the individual – a testament to the power of hope, adaptation, and personal growth.

Central

Never-used 2009 footage at a Polish train station reveals a young gay man's personal turmoil amid a changing society.

Belinda was born and raised in London as the first generation born in the UK to parents from Barbados and Jamaica. Inspired by her personal experiences and her reflections on the George Floyd murder, the film uses vignettes to showcase the joys and pains of life as a Black person in the UK.

I Am Light

A short film that aims to create a connection with viewers and shed light on the experiences of Black people in the UK.

Early New York City graffiti writer and documentarian, Roberto "Flint" Gennari, has the opportunity to cement his legacy in the art world half a century later.

Flint. For Those Who Dare...

An early NYC graffiti writer and documentarian has the chance to cement his legacy in the art world 25 years later.

Young Black women reflect on their relationships to and experiences with their natural hair, discussing everything from different styles to bonding with others.

Crown.

Young Black women reflect on their natural hair, discussing everything from different styles to bonding with others.

It’s another Friday night at Burnham Bowl. Strikes, spares, gutter balls – with no shortage of trash talking and victory dancing. But the group that’s making all the noise isn’t just another bowling league. The Milwaukee Beer Barrels Blind Bowling League is an eclectic mix of visually impaired and sighted bowlers with a simple focus. Making friends, having fun, taking life one frame at a time. Friday Night Blind is the warm, quirky, inspiring story of three visually impaired bowling friends and the way they roll.

Friday Night Blind

A warm, quirky, inspiring story of three visually impaired bowling friends and the way they roll.

A short documentary about Jeff Hafler, a renowned collector of hair artifacts, and his struggles to keep his magical and kitsch-filled Beauty Bubble Salon &amp; Museum in Joshua Tree, CA, afloat amid lockdowns, protests, and societal changes. The film celebrates family, fabulousness, and folk art, reminding us that sometimes it's the strong people on the margins that hold a community together.

Inside the Beauty Bubble

In a pastel dreamland of 3,000 vintage beauty artifacts, "America's hairstorian" tries to keep his roadside attraction afloat.

HUMAN STORIES: COOL PEOPLE EDITION 😎

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At Hobnobben, we encourage people to "See and be seen." By showcasing diverse stories and voices that have been typically excluded, we're able to curate a one-of-a-kind festival that invites participants to see themselves represented on screen — and be seen by others. This year’s festival showcases 144 films from 30 countries. 

It's more than a film festival. It's a celebration of the human experience through cinematic storytelling. We encourage people to "See and be seen." We showcase diverse stories & voices that have been typically excluded and curate a festival that invites participants to see themselves on screen.

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.