Volunteer Spotlight: Narrative Short Picks

 

Written by Victoria Hubler

As BFF Volunteer and recent drama school graduate in New York, I’m excited to share my top picks from this year’s outstanding lineup. These films explore powerful themes, from the complexities of family dynamics to deeply personal journeys of self-discovery. Whether it’s the humorous tension of navigating awkward social situations, the emotional depth of confronting loss, or the quiet resilience of a woman reclaiming her identity, each short presents a unique and compelling narrative. Join me as I highlight these must-see selections!

  1. Tea by Blake Rice

This short film took the familiar concept of feeling stressed when talking to a crush and turned it into a captivating story. It follows a guy nervously rehearsing how to confess his feelings in front of his crush’s workplace. Just as she steps outside, he’s stung by a bee and has a severe allergic reaction.

The actors gave exceptional performances, bringing authenticity to the narrative. The tension builds as the main character struggles, with the girl initially unsure of what’s happening but eventually stepping in to help. The intensity and urgency during the choking scene were powerfully conveyed, making the moment even more gripping.

Watch Trailer Here

2. Jump Cut by James Morrison

This brilliant short film perfectly portrays the harsh reality of aging as an actress, where time becomes the ultimate curse. The story follows a woman who watches roles slip away as she grows older, constantly waiting for callbacks that never come while stuck in a dead-end job. One day, after applying for a role on Backstage, she’s approached by two mysterious casting directors, offering her a chance to star in film which she thinks would finally be a big break.

The immersive storytelling pulls you in from the start, making you feel the protagonist’s despair and confusion. The performances are gripping, especially as the lead conveys the increasing horror of losing control over her own life and time. The film’s concept is chillingly executed, blending reality with the surreal in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Watch Trailer Here

3. Good Grief by Megan Chumbley

This short film brilliantly captures the complexities of family dynamics, particularly during the emotionally charged moment of a father’s funeral. In a darkly comedic way, it shows how grief can unravel a family, with old wounds and personal grievances surfacing during the body viewing. The conflict arises as family members clash over personal matters, each one struggling to cope with the loss in their own way.

The actors deliver convincing performances, portraying a family breaking down under the weight of their emotions. The film is especially compelling in its exploration of each character’s egocentric behavior, offering a thoughtful glimpse into the psychology of grief and how it can fracture relationships, turning even a moment of mourning into a battleground.

Watch Trailer Here

4. Pushover by Brian Lederman

In my opinion, Pushover could easily be classified as a psychological thriller. The story centers on a man working in a cubicle who begins receiving disturbing calls from an Amazon seller, begging him to leave a review or face a grim fate, saying he could end up like the previous one.

As the calls persist, the buyer is deeply unsettled by the seller’s growing desperation. Eventually, under pressure, he submits the review, and what comes next you definately wouldn’t expect.

The film is both eerie and thought-provoking, addressing the unseen human stories behind them, all within a compact and impactful narrative.

Watch Trailer Here

5. Willow and Wu by Kathy Meng

This short film is deeply moving, portraying a man grieving the loss of his childhood best friend. Tasked by his wife to create a video for his company announcing the tragic news, he initially struggles to open up, relying on formal words and holding back his emotions. However, with the gentle support of a young secretary who was asked to help film the message, he gradually begins to let go of his reservations.

By the end, he delivers a heartfelt and personal tribute, pouring his genuine feelings into the message. The film’s raw and authentic portrayal of grief, alongside the emotional journey of learning to express it, makes it all the more impactful.

Watch Trailer Here

6. Jane’s in the Freezer by Caleb Joye

Jane’s in the Freezer is a deeply touching film, and I found myself emotionally drawn to the main character. Jane embodies the quiet sadness of a woman who has lost touch with her son and is trying to rediscover her identity as a woman.

Her story revolves around her attempts to feel alive again—getting dressed up, trying to meet lovers, and wanting to reclaim her femininity in a world that seems to have forgotten her. Jane’s life is simple yet deeply melancholic, and her quiet acceptance of her circumstances makes her journey all the more poignant. There is a scene that broke my heart, which captures the quiet ache of seeking connection in a world that feels distant.

The film’s use of color further enhances the emotional depth, perfectly capturing the mood and drawing the viewer deeper into Jane’s world.

Watch Trailer Here

7. Beverly Height by Alyssa Aldaz

Beverly Heights follows young actress Marci as she grapples with her emerging sexual identity. Off-screen, Marci constantly dreams of a mysterious woman in a pool, all while navigating a fabricated romance with her male co-star, whom she doesn’t truly love.

This short film transported me to the Clueless and Baywatch era, which I never got to experience! The use of film cameras and spot-on filming techniques perfectly captured the 90s vibe. The ending leaves us with an unsettling sense of ambiguity, as many questions remain unanswered, which only adds to the film’s lasting intrigue.

Watch Trailer Here

8. Super High: A period piece by Bianca Lambert

This short animated piece is not only highly entertaining but also strikingly accurate in portraying the everyday life of a woman dealing with her period.

The story follows a woman who struggles to sleep at night due to intense pain, prompting her to take two spoonfuls of a CBD drink, despite the recommended dosage being just one, just before an important work call. You can imagine what happens next!

The animation beautifully captures everyday realities, offering a comforting and validating portrayal that acknowledges the experiences women face each month.

Watch Trailer Here

9. Gender Reveal by Mo Matton

Gender Reveal drops you into the last place you’d ever want to be: your boss’s gender reveal party!

This narrative short is a highly entertaining watch. The story centers around a trans throuple who attend the chaotic celebration of their boss’s party, who are excitedly attempting to unveil the gender of their child.

However, the festivities take a very unexpected super dark albeit scream-out-loud funny turn. The throuple manage to survive the calamity, navigating the absurdity of the situation. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the vibrant use of color adds an extra layer of energy to the film.

Watch Trailer Here

10. Sew Into You by Emma Josephson

This short film touched my soul. It tells the story of an older woman who joins a sewing club and meets a member who makes her question her sexuality. At work, she observes her younger coworker flirting with girls and decides to seek her advice. The narrative is sweet, genuine, and handled with great delicacy. As the older woman gains confidence from her coworker’s guidance, she finally musters the courage to approach her love interest.

The lead actress was moving, evoking deep emotions and making the story even more impactful.

Watch Trailer Here

These short films, whether delving into the complexities of family, the challenges of self-discovery, or the awkwardness of social norms, all share a common thread—an insightful exploration of the human condition. They bring up themes of fear, love, self-acceptance, and societal expectations, often leaving us with more questions than answers. Through humor, intensity, and emotional depth, these films not only entertain but also invite us to reflect on our own lives, relationships, and beliefs. Each story feels like a glimpse into a larger conversation about what it means to be human, delivered in a powerful and concise format.

You can get tickets to these films and more at bushwickfilmfestival.com/tickets

 
Victoria Hubler