Short Takes 2

Directed by: Michael Hyon Johnson

Written by: Michael Hyon Johnson

USA, 2019 RT: 14:48

What would you do if a loved one was accused of war crimes? This Will Destroy You is set during the height of the Iraqi/Afghanistan War small-town soldier Amanda is home on leave from Operation Enduring Freedom. While her friends and family have gathered to celebrate her return and the Memorial Day holiday, Amanda omits details about her complacency at Abu Ghraib and the increase in horrific prisoner abuse. Her past haunts her as her younger brother is tempted to follow in her footsteps. Now, she must dissuade her brother from enlisting while keeping her dark past a secret to those closest to her.

Directed by: John Powers

Written by: John Powers

USA, 2017 RT: 31:30

A young woman returns home from the war zone. She looks around with a “thousand-yard stare” at the community in which she grew up. It is not clear what has happened to her, but it is evident that she is very wary. Instead of joining a “welcome home” party that her father and friends are giving for her, she takes refuge in a familiar church. She ventures home only in the morning when she is sure that the house is quiet and guests are departed. She slips into her childhood bedroom leaving a note on the door that she has returned and needs time to sleep. Will her father and her intimate friends give her the time that she needs? Or will any amount of time ever be enough? Will the horrors of the war zone inevitably erupt in the sanctity of home.

Directed by: Sam Vargen

Written by: Sam Vargen

USA, 2019  RT: 7:47

After his estranged father is killed at the hands of the police, a young black musician works through his complicated emotions while navigating a rehearsal session with his white best friend. While his friend is well-intentioned, he doesn’t know how to handle the situation and when their verbal communication breaks down, they fall back on the form of communication they have always relied on

Directed by: Andrew T. Horng

Written by: Andrew T. Horng

USA, 2020 RT: 7:33

JoAnn Davidson (Meredith Thomas) is a very successful realtor.  However, she is also estranged from her adopted son, Brandon (Albert Kong).  After an interaction with a clothing store employee (Brianna Wheeler), JoAnn attempts to reconnect with Brandon during the holidays.

Directed by: Katie Lemon

Written by: Katie Lemon

USA, 2019 RT: 10:00

A recently widowed woman who used to take partner dancing classes with her husband must decide whether to remain stifled by her grief or find the courage to dance on her own.

Directed by:  Michael Gavino

Written by: Michael Gavino

USA, 2014  RT: 7:47

When three people are introduced to The Better Earth Program, they learn that one of them must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Directed by: Robin Wang

Written by: Robin Wang

USA, 2020 RT: 6:00

Following a graduation celebration, a Chinese student goes on one last date to say goodbye to his secret American boyfriend. They want to hide their bittersweet romance forever as a secret from their parents. What they do not know, however, is that their parents have their own secrets too.

Directed by: Sheng Feng

Written by: Sheng Feng

USA, 2020 RT: 10:00

Middle-aged woman Liu leads a hard life between her work and her terrible housework. Her only pride is her daughter Anna. However, Anna has a boyfriend, and she does not obey Liu anymore. The medical center she works for introduced her to a magical treatment to turn a teenager into “good.”  It sounds perfect…

This story is modified from a series of events in China's early 21 century when some parents believe that electrical punishment is a high-tech method to cure their rebelling teenage kids.

Directed by: Tyler Fordham

Written by: Tyler Fordham

USA, 2020 RT: 15:04

Nina, a strong and resourceful mother, lives with her daughter Arielle in a remote cabin deep in the wilderness. She spends her days providing for her daughter and trying to live off the land as best she can. Others are seldom seen this far out, but today her strength and resolve will be tested when intruders threaten her way of life.