CONNECTIONS

These seven short narrative films and docs look at the many ways we reach out to connect with each other and our world.

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Albany FilmFest is fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3) corporation, Federal Tax ID# 94-3355076. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Thanks to WM: Sustainable Waste Management & Recycling Services for underwriting this screening.

PROGRAM

Nicolas Collins, Alex Zajicek, SWIMMING THE ROCK (Documentary, 7:10) Joshua Kerns overcomes his grief by taking the plunge and swimming to shore from Alcatraz. Shot around the SF Bay Area waterfront, this short documentary follows a man's determination to fulfill his grandmother's last wish. Watch film clip

Iris Fisher, Jack Mackey-Williams, Arielle McMurtrie, Owen McMurtrie, Wilson Tao, TERANGA (Documentary, Youth 13-17, 5:00) With the support of La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, the country’s first women-led food hall, Senegalese food entrepreneur Nafy Flatley created Teranga, a food and drink business inspired by her values of family and community.

Ginger Leila Port, THE RESIDENTS (Documentary, 9:00) A film-diary capturing one night at an inn in Tivoli, New York, a place where both travelers and long-term residents can coexist in one space, sharing food and stories. Watch the trailer

Finn Sparlowe, OUTLOOK (Narrative, Youth 13-17, 5:00) A jaded private eye is taken out of his comfort zone. Winner! Best Short Film Youth 13-17

Kayo Gorden, SINKING SUN (Narrative, 11:45) Tamiko returns home to the family farm to deal with the death of her mother and the ghosts of the past.

Quinn Robson, BUNNY FILMS (Tiny Film, Youth 6-12, 1:44) Babybunny explores the world in four stop- motion shorts. Winner! Best Short Film Youth 6-12

Grace Anna Walcott, RIVER OF LIFE (Documentary, 43:23) This documentary film follows a 10-week drama therapy workshop, with 13 multigenerational queer participants, coming together to unpack internalized queerphobia and the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community. Watch the trailer