2024 Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference

Shorts Program 12: Documentary Shorts 2
TRT 94 MIN

Saving Superman
(USA, 11 MIN)

Director: Adam Oppenheim, Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian
Cast: Sandra Charbonneau, Jonathan Charbonneau, Julie Spiller

In a small suburb outside of Chicago lives Jonathan, a 57 year old man with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), also known as ‘Superman’. Known for his heroic actions, Jonathan is a revered member of the Glen Ellyn community and has been a staple in the 4th of July Parade for nearly 30 years. When Jonathan’s living circumstances were threatened by a new building owner, the townspeople sprung into action after his best friend Julie started a fundraiser to save his home.

The Action Man
(USA, 18 MIN)

Director: Eros Zhao
Cast: Franco Skilan, Vittorina Skilan, Johanna Skilan

A window into the life and work of piano technician Franco Skilan as he completes the restoration of a Steinway Centennial Grand piano from 1877.

Return to Cheyenne
(USA, 18 MIN)

Director: Jaime Wilken

At 70 years old Jonnie Jonckowski, reflects on a defining moment that forever reshaped her life and the rodeo world. After an injury crushed her Olympic dreams, Jonckowski unexpectedly turned to bull riding, embarking on a quest to become the top bull rider of her era. The women's rodeo circuit, however, suffered from serious neglect, sexism, structure, and funding. After championing the women's circuit, she was confronted with the ultimate barrier: the banning of women from professional rodeos, a mandate dated back to the 1930s. Determined, Jonckowski orchestrated a massive media campaign, challenging the status quo and earning women a historic opportunity at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the crown jewel of rodeo competitions. With the spotlight firmly on her, Jonckowski was tasked with not just competing but proving the undeniable prowess and rightful place of women in the heart of rodeo's most revered arena.

Tracing Imperfection
(USA, 8 MIN)

Director: Chehade Boulos
Cast: Naoko Fukumaru.

As master conservator Naoko Fukumaru demonstrates kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery using gold, she recalls how learning the practice has taught her to embrace her own imperfections as it’s mended her own life.

Land of Lost Toys
(USA, 23 MIN)

Director: Nicholas Stachurski
Cast: James Schatz, Irene Schatz, Lew Hardaway, Juniper Fleming

In the heart of Detroit, a city with a rich history and a tapestry of diverse communities, "Land of Lost Toys” follows the interconnected lives of its residents, brought together by a shared passion to combat the city’s vast stray dog epidemic.

El Chapulin
(UK, 15 MIN)

Director: Leo Stamps
Cast: Onofre Ortiz

After a decade in the U.S. and a fight with addiction, Onofre Ortiz returns home to Oaxaca, where the art of mezcal making offers him a second chance to reclaim his life, his family, and his legacy.