Opening Night Short Films
Kick off the festival with this exciting program of short films selected by a committee of brilliant young film enthusiasts from the Brother Rice Junior High Film Club and their mentor, award-winning local filmmaker Jamie Miller. Minimum age suggestion: 12+
Little Bird (Canada, 15 mins)
Little Bird tells the semi-autobiographical story of Jonah, a young man who flees his late mother's wake as he attempts to come to terms with his new reality. Upon meeting a kind stranger at a roadside diner, he is reminded of the importance of not bearing the weight of grief alone.
Eat Your Carrots (Canada, 3 mins)
Carrots are good for your eyes — maybe too good. A short stop motion animation about a girl who finds an eyeball growing on her arm because carrots.
Big Drive (Canada, 9 mins)
Four children have to come up with ideas to entertain themselves on a long trip throughout Canada in the 1970s.
Beauty: Beyond Binary (Canada, 23 mins)
Beauty explores the lives of five gender-creative kids, each uniquely engaged in shaping their own sense of what it means to be fully human. Whether it’s dealing with bullies, explaining themselves to their parents, or navigating the uncharted waters of relationships, Bex, Lili, Fox, Tru and Milo talk about their experiences and struggle to live in authenticity.
Mystery of the Secret Room (Newfoundland & Labrador, 5 mins)
This gorgeous short film introduces us to Grace, a 10-year-old girl who uses her creative superpowers to navigate the emotional landscape of her mother's depression. It's an inspiring portrait of family, adversity, and resilience. A collaboration between director Wanda Nolan and animator Claire Blanchet.