Attributed to the groundbreaking writer Octavia Butler is a quote that brilliantly turns this program's seemingly pessimistic title on its head, "In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn." While this set of short films puts characters in extreme and precarious situations, they endure and navigate an upside-down world to push forward narratives of survival and make real the promising futures within their reach. Audiences will recognize queer tenacity in full display, taking various twists and turns, among others, to navigate grief and create safe havens to connect deserving kin and chosen families. Stories of authentic connection and survival are found on the other side of these imperfect worlds: less grim, more hopeful, less fearful, all-powerful.