At Nickel 18, Jenna Marks charmed us with her poetic animated film, “How You Turned into a Fish.” This time, with a potpourri of sparkles, musical numbers and documentary interview, her Bistro Girls is sure to win us over again, using animation to explore the inescapable passion that drives artists, no matter their walk of life. Writer/Director/Producer: Jenna Marks • Nova Scotia

In his poem "Trickle Drops", American poet Walt Whitman, perhaps ashamed of his sexuality, felt that this shame could be released through the spilling of blood. Shame pulsed through his body, tainted his writing, to be discharged and “stain every page.” Director: Kenneth J. Harvey • Producers: Kenneth J. Harvey, Kelly Meadus • Music: Andrew Staniland • Newfoundland and Labrador

Inspired by her own experience, Shon Mehta’s "A Tale of a Fairy Tale" and other stories, Marjan Khatibi creates a world where ignorance lives underwater, while dignity, fairness, equality and respect are found on land. Although short, this powerful film exemplifies animation as compelling storytelling for women’s rights. Director: Marjan Khatibi • United States

Lisa Shannon’s book A Thousand Sisters led Kingston artist Heather Haynes to a life-altering trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Amidst violence, war, and unspeakable cruelty, she found a community of strong women, children and families fighting for peace. Her connection to these people inspired her 15-foot painting entitled "The Common Thread." Director: Braden Dragomir • Ontario

Based on a poem by Agnes Walsh and set during a wake inside the family home, this heartwarming film pays a memorable tribute to a time when nothing was disposable. Director: Mary Walsh • Producers: Mary Walsh, Gill Dawe • Newfoundland and Labrador

At six years old Janan should have been asleep long ago, but how can she sleep in anticipation of her mother joining her to bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life? Director: Ali Gitinavard • Iran

A young Black woman goes swimming in the Icelandic sea, reflecting on her experience of raising a child in a country that feels nothing like home. As she enters the freezing water, she relives her traumatic pregnancy, but being in the wild, and facing her fears, is helping her heal. Director: Fan Sissoko • Iceland/USA

Exhilarating and sometimes terrifying, Nalujuk Night is a beloved Labrador Inuit annual tradition, an exciting chance for young and old to prove their courage and come together as a community to celebrate. It’s a winter night like no other, and so is the film that captures it, taking home Best Short Documentary at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. Director: Jennie Williams • Producers: Latonia Hartery, Kat Baulu, Rohan Fernando • Newfoundland and Labrador