Shorts Program 9: Best Lil' Shorts in Texas 1 TRT 94 MIN
Four Influencers & a Funeral (USA, 16 MIN)
Writer: Daved Wilkins Director: Kelly Frye Cast: Eugene Byrd, Katie Folger, Clayton Farris, Carly Christopher, Brittaney Ortiz, Britain Spellings, Hollis L. Edwards III, Daved Wilkins, Eloise Carter Walne, Anna O'Brien, Becca Seferian, Nick Campbell
When four famous influencers attend the funeral of one of their own the focus is all on who will take over the brand deals left behind. As they shuffle for who will take the top spot, their greed begins to tear them apart creating irreparable rifts in this tight knit community. The future of social media hangs in the balance until the heart of the group is restored when a familiar new member joins their ranks.
Patsy (USA, 18 MIN)
Writer: Yola Jean Lu Director: John Valley Cast: Yola Jean Lu, Zack Scott, Kelsey Pribilski, Brian Villalobos
Recently divorced Asian American standup comedian, 'Patsy' has hit rock bottom. She draws from her life to get laughs on stage, but flashbacks reveal gut wrenching loss and love.
Taco Baby (USA, 5 MIN)
Writer: Jacob William Daniels, Lizbeth Joanne Daniels Director: Jacob William Daniels Cast: Caleb Davis, E'an Verdugo, Melissa Chick, Sarah McDonald
Driven to madness by his pregnant wife's behavior, a man must confront the nature of her cravings and what it could mean for their soon to be born child.
There's A Klansman in the Trunk! (USA, 10 MIN)
Writer/Director: Xavier Ingram Cast: Andrew John, Bryan Headrick, Kyla Simmons, Donovan Spann, Jacob Eaker
After a young Black man miraculously survives an attempted lynching by a wannabe Klansman, he is presented with the biggest decision of his life: get revenge or show mercy.
Swimming with Butterflies (USA, 8 MIN)
Director: Karl Stelter Cast: Lizzi Smith, Ian Crocker, Mark Rogers
After missing bronze by 1/100th of a second at the 2016 Paralympic Games, Austin-based swimmer Lizzi Smith shares an intimate story of how changing her self-perception didn’t just bring her back to the pool: it’s bringing hope to the next generation.
I Am Ready, Warden (USA, 37 MIN)
Director: Smriti Mundhra
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra for MTV Documentary Films. In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks redemption from his victim’s son.
