Running from June 7-11, 2023, the Lighthouse International Film Festival '23 will offer an outstanding exhibition of short films, featuring an exciting and diverse lineup from 12 different countries.
The Festival will highlight several award-winning films by talented filmmakers, including When You Left Me on That Boulevard (winner of the Sundance Short Film Grand Jury Prize) and NAKAM (short-listed for an Oscar).
The Lighthouse International Film Festival 2023 will showcase several outstanding films, including: Motherland by Christina Yoon, a multiple award-winning writer/director/editor known for her work on Apple TV+'s Pachinko; Requiem featuring Bella Ramsey from Game of Thrones and the popular Last of Us series; A Lot of You Are Asking, a film that explores the challenges of modern dating, directed by writer/director and 51 First Dates podcast host Liza Renzulli; Shell Shocked, a story about a veteran struggling with PTSD, starring Emmy-nominated actor Evan Hall from Orange is the New Black; and The Rewrite, a charming comedy starring Chris Geere from This is Us and Chris Webster from Most Dangerous Game.
Additionally, the festival will screen two documentary shorts: Under G_d by director Paula Eiselt, who was recently named one of "22 Rising Filmmakers to Watch in 2022" by IndieWire and Requiem for a Whale, which won the IDFA Award for best student film, by Israeli filmmaker Ido Weisman.
The Lighthouse International Film Festival 2023 offers a diverse range of genres and styles and is a must-see event for anyone interested in short film art.
THE COMPLETE LIST OF SHORTS AT LIGHTHOUSE FILM FESTIVAL 2023
Shorts NARRATIVES
A BELLEVUE LOVE STORY
USA, 20
Dir. Michael Wolfe
A manic and a depressive begin a hospital romance that forces us to question everything we thought we knew about medicine and everything we want to believe about the healing power of love.
A LOT OF YOU ARE ASKING
USA, 7:30
Dir. Liza Renzulli
Alexis strives for a life of intentional, curated, elevated perfection - and to share that life with her cadre of social media followers.
A NATURAL FORCE
USA, 3:08
Dir. Gordon LePage
Two raccoons follow different paths along the physics of things. A stop motion animated short.
A NIGHT IN THE CÓSMICO
Spain, 15
Directors: Luis De Val, Diego Herrero
Based on the book "The End of the World" by Javier Prieto, A Night in the Cósmico explains the story of two people who, as they have lost everything, can finally live without fear.
AN IDEAL OF LIBERTY
USA, 13:57
Dir. Noel Paganotti
In 1929, an African American couple are forced out of their home by the government after a railroad is set to be built on top of their land. Bill will have to choose between leaving with his wife and baby, or stay and protect his house and legacy.
ANNIVERSARY
USA, 14:44
Dir. Lain Kienzle
In anticipation of what she hopes is a surprise anniversary dinner from her husband, a middle-aged woman enlists the help of her best friend to give her a stunning makeover that’s been long overdue.
ASKING FOR IT
USA, 11:54
Dir. Christy Lee Hughes
A victim of a crime quickly becomes the suspect in this gender flipped adaptation of a satirical play directed by Lighthouse International Film Festival Alumna, Christy Lee Hughes (Guardian, 2021)
EVERGREEN
USA, 7:19
Dir. Malin Barr
In the award-winning short film, the line between reality and dream blurs for Swedish Mia (Malin Barr) who suffers from anxiety induced paranoia on the day of her immigration interview.
GPS
USA, 9:29
Dir. Nell Dashiell
Kim and Jamie – an upscale, young urban couple – have just arrived home after an evening out with friends when Kim hears a noise. Fearing that a burglar may be downstairs, Kim dispatches Jamie to investigate. As it happens, Kim is on the right track -- BUT…
HANGMAN
USA, 15:00
Dir. Megan Brotherton
A recently widowed woman works through the complexities of grief with the help of friends, strangers, and Tupperware. Starring: Sarah Rodenbaugh, Bonnie Hellman, Suzy Nakamura, Travis Coles, JP Manoux
HE CAN SLEEP ON THE COUCH
Israel, 20:40
Dir. Ahinoam Capon
In her own domestic Garden of Eden, a young writer tangled herself in a love triangle with
her stable boyfriend and his younger famous brother, who is forced to sleep on their couch
following a breakup. (Jerusalem film festival 2021 - Special mention: Best Live Action Short Film)
HOMO DEUS. DIVINE HUMAN
Ukraine, 19:10
Dir. Yula Deglina
Two partygoers, Nazar and Ulya, intervene to save a man having a bad drug trip and contemplating suicide on a rooftop. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into a day of caring for the troubled stranger and forming an unexpected friendship.
HOW TO PACK UP YOUR LIFE IN ONE DAY
USA, 4:11
Dir. Albert Beniada
This short film explores the emotional journey of a woman who must pack up and say goodbye to her life, inspired by actress Sam Garland's own experiences. Set to an eponymous poem, the film delves into the anguish, thrill, and grief of starting anew, discovering what must be left behind to move forward.
I WANTED TO BE VITTORIO GASSMAN
Italy, 16:00
Dir. Cristian Scardigno
In 1962, 40-year-old actor Aldo Marianecci returns to his hometown, Cisterna di Latina, hoping for his big break. While spending the weekend with lifelong friends and a young American woman he met on a movie set in Rome, he anxiously awaits a life-changing call.
Sladoled ICE CREAM, SLADOLED
USA, 12:42
Dir. Steve Spremo
A Day in the Life of a recent immigrant, where no one understands anyone else, and a trip to buy ice cream triggers a series of absurd misadventures. Premiered at Palm Springs Int’l ShortFest. New Jersey Premiere.
LEAVE ME TENDER
France, 11:41
Dir. Rachel Collignon
Leo came to the countryside a year ago, battling crippling depression. Tonight, she's ready to find new horizons. But her hosts have a different idea in mind. Rachel Collignon wrote, directed, and stars in this short film receiving several acknowledgments in European Festivals.
LES CÂLINS CHEAPS (CHEAP HUGS)
Canada, 15:00
Dir. Sarah Baskin
Two strangers, reeling from the loss of their mutual friend, find themselves in an unexpected moment of connection on the streets of Montreal. Starring Valéry Lessard, Miryam Magri, Sarah Baskin. Best Drama (Toronto Shorts); Special Jury Award, Le Train Bleu (Cinema on the Bayou).
LIV
Denmark, 15
Dir. Kasper Vejlo Kristensen
A young woman unknowingly discovers a mystical power where she can bring back the dead, but only if she is the cause of death. When she finds that her boyfriend is terminally ill. To save her love, she must choose between her power and destiny.
LUNCHBOX
USA, 16:15
Dir. Anne Hu
When a Taiwanese American woman prepares lunches from her childhood, she struggles to forgive herself for pushing away her immigrant mother.
MOTHERLAND
USA, 18
Dir. Christina Yoon
A Korean adoptee raised in America returns to Korea to search for her birth mother. She is met with secrecy from the adoption agency as well as her own family but remains relentless on her solo journey, driven by her longing to discover the truth of her origins.
NAKAM
Germany, 33:28
Dir. Andreas Kessler
Ukraine 1942. Twelve year old violinist Mitka plays in a Ukrainian restaurant with pianist Yegor. Nobody knows that Mitka is part of a Jewish partisan movement. When an opportunity arises to execute an attack on SS officers in the restaurant, Mitka puts his only friend, Yegor, at the risk of death.
OMI
USA, 15:29
Dir. Adam Lebowitz-Lockard
When he's ready to take the next step with his shiksa girlfriend, a young Jewish man gets possessed by the spirit of his dead Yiddish grandmother, OMI, who has plans of her own.
ONE NIGHT WITH LOVE
USA, 26:50
Dir Salvatore E. Sutera
Vanessa Rubio, of "Cobra Kai", leads a stellar cast in a story where over the course of one night the entity of LOVE takes the form of a human again, coming to the aid of a former Latina dancer who's lost her way.
OUT OF WATER
USA, 12:44
Dir. Madi Stine
When a disenchanted mermaid-for-hire is mistaken for a real one, she plays along to disastrous consequences. Starring Marlee Learner, Anabelle Murphy. Best Short, Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. Best Student Film, Julien Dubuque International Film Festival.
OVERDUE
USA, 14:59
Dir. Melissa Skirboll
Maureen, a laid-off widow working at a dive bar, reconnects with former student Jason after he receives bad reviews for his play. They find hope for a better tomorrow.
OVER MY DEAD BODY
USA, 24:59
Dir. Meital Cohen Navarro
When a young Jewish Persian-American woman tells her parents that her fiancé is Muslim, they make her choose between him and them.
RABIES
Spain, 16
Dir. Alberto Díaz
Filomena´s life is struck by poverty and the sad obscurity of hardship and torment. Terrible occurrences will mark her character during her childhood growing up in a Galician hamlet towards the end of the 19th century. Might she have the opportunity to change her fate?
REMNANTS OF A BROKEN HEART
United Kingdom, 19:28
Dir. Rich Toulmin
Award-winning director Rich Toulmin uses his experience with Autism to tell a story about a man experiencing a breakup from an abusive relationship, how he struggles to deal with emotions as a male in modern society, and as a neurodivergent.
REQUIEM
United Kingdom, 24:54
Dir. Emma Gilbertson
Requiem is set in 1605 against the backdrop of the witch trials. It's a coming of age story, following Evelyn (Bella Ramsey) as she engages in a game of cat and mouse against her father, Minister Gilbert, in order to be with Mary (Safia Oakley-Green), the woman she loves.
ROUNDABOUT
USA, 10
Directors: Vinny Anand, Ronald Austin Jr.f
When a finance all star walks in on a surprising and scandalous scene involving his boss and trans sister, he's thrown into a world of moral turmoil. As he's forced to confront his own values and beliefs, he begins to realize that nothing is what it seems in his inner circle.
SHELL SHOCKED
USA, 13:45
Dir. Paula Cajiao
After 2 years of unsuccessful treatment, a combat veteran suffering from battle induced stuttering discovers a controversial drug banned since World War II that has the possibility to cure him.
SOLIDARITY
USA, 5:48
Dir. Mark L. Mazzeo
When Reilly and Darwin hear about budget cuts at the office, they agree to act in solidarity to save their jobs. Starring Melanie Rosedale, Matthew Schmid, and Patrick Heraghty.
SPLIT
Luxembourg, 15:49
Dir. Anu Vaidyanathan
Split is about the fissures in a marriage and how a couple, Natalie and Joseph overcome them in the presence of a foreigner Sheila who looks to become a mainstay. An ode to writers, to writing, despite everything.
STOLEN DREAMS
USA, 12
Dir. Justin Ferrato
A detained migrant escapes a detention center and tries to survive on the run. A fever dream into the psyche of a migrant teenager traumatized by his journey. Award Winner of the Platinum Remi Award at Houston Worldfest 2023.
TART
Canada, 10:53
Dir. Rose Schimm
An elderly widow lives in a lonely grey world until she adopts a big lovable dog who brings love and color back into her life.
THE AVON LADY
USA, 13
Dir. Carolina Espiro
An elderly immigrant named Rosa decides to face her fears of speaking English and becomes an Avon Lady. She's a fantastic failure until she meets an eccentric customer who shows her she'll need more than English to make a sale.
THE CHOSEN ONE
USA, 19:03
Dir. Elazar Fine
After impulsively shaving off his beard and sidelocks, Eli Eisenstein is thrown out of his Hasidic family home. He finds refuge with his estranged ex-religious aunt Shifra, but inner turmoil forces him to flee her apartment in the middle of the night.
THE FAMILY CIRCUS
USA, 17:17
Dir. Andrew Fitzgerald
A Vietnamese-American family's plan to cover up a drunk driving accident begins to unravel when their emotional baggage spills out in front of the police.
THE HOPE CHEST HAS A SECRET DRAWER
USA, 14:51
Dir. Laura Frenzer
A daughter working to reach her mother lost in Alzheimer’s uncovers a dark family secret. Amy Hargreaves (Homeland, Blue Ruin) and Anna Stuart (As the World Turns, All My Children). An award winning screenplay by Laura Frenzer, and a women-led team.
THE REWRITE
USA, 9:15
Dir. Ken Aguado
A British screenwriter asks his estranged writing partner to read a letter that turns out to be a suicide note, but tempers flare and old wounds resurface when the estranged partner insists on a major rewrite. Starring: Chris Geere (You’re the Worst, This is Us) & Chris Webster (Reacher, Most Dangerous Game)
THE RITZ
USA, 14:50
Dir. Allex Tarr
In 1950s Oklahoma, a 16-year-old girl must decide whether to stay with her abusive father or elope with her new beau. Based on a true story.
TO BE HONEST
USA, 5:35
Dir. John Robert Hammerer
Two exes attempt to reconnect, unaware they each have something to hide.
WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE
United Kingdom, 11:05
Dir. Jack Wake-Walker
Kutaisi, Georgia: a Ukrainian refugee and a local taxi driver must navigate around specific problems in their lives, while Fate looms over them. Starring and co-written by Darina Rulova, who fled Mariupol in March 2022.
WHEN YOU LEFT ME ON THAT BOULEVARD
USA, 13:08
Dir. Kayla Abuda Galang
Teenager Ly and her cousins get high before a boisterous family Thanksgiving at their auntie’s house in southeast San Diego in 2006.
YOU CAN STAY HERE IF YOU WANT
USA, 12
Dir. Sarah Rosen
Breaking up is hard to do – especially during a crisis. When a couple breaks up on the eve of the New York City lockdown, their relationship gets a second shot. Shot on 16mm, a dramatic comedy about what we owe our lovers, our neighbors, and ourselves.
YUVALO
Israel, 5:36
Dir. Adi Nagar
Yarden calls the police on her manic-depressive brother. She is forced to face both her family, who are in denial, and law enforcement, who do not take the matter seriously. Will her brother Yuval finally receive treatment or will he be sent back home again?
SHORTS DOCUMENTARY
USA, 18
Directors: Jamie MoCrazy and Mark Locki
Professional skier Jamie MoCrazy's life was flipped upside down after a traumatic brain injury from a ski accident. In this inspiring story witness Jamie's journey from a statistically improbable survival to recovery with groundbreaking treatment and the support of her family and the medical community.
ASTOR PLACE, THE AMERICAN DREAM
USA, 19:51
Dir. Giuseppe Malpasso
Evolved through time, legendary multiethnic hair salon Astor Place has become a beacon of New York City cool. Between its forty artists, they share their stories that show the commitment of immigrants who came to America in pursuit of their dreams and still believe that there is light beyond the horizon.
A PERFECT LOVE
USA, 27:40
Dir. Kyle Saylors
An inspirational story of one family's dream to adopt a child with special needs from China. Eight years and six special needs children later, the family copes with the struggles of bringing two cultures together to form an everlasting bond.
DARON, DARON COLBERT
USA, 14:00
Dir. Kevin Edward Steen
An actor living on the edge of one of the most polluted zip codes in the United States prepares for a role.
POWERS
USA, 24
Dir. Paige Morrow Kimball
A budding artist in her 60s hangs whimsical trash sculptures on telephone poles to spread joy in her urban community. Worried it may be illegal, she disguises herself as a man and through her random acts of kindness comes into her own, making peace with her troubled past.
REQUIEM FOR A WHALE
Israel, 15:00
Dir. Ido Weisman
From an encounter with a whale’s corpse washed ashore at Nitzanim beach in Israel, a collective experience shines, regarding the dialogue between life and death.
SALT LINES
United Kingdom, 16:12
Dir. Dan McDougall
One woman’s unlikely journey from law student to fifth generation Captain of her own lobster trawler. Balancing work with raising her son while also pregnant with her next child. A career path sought out of passion and tradition.
THE EYE BEGINS IN THE HAND
USA, 15:31
Dir. Yehuda Sharim
A tribute to the artwork of Ruben A. Sanchez, who has been largely absent from critical conversations on Chicanx art, as well as an unsentimental reckoning with the fate of many cultural workers that struggle between paying rent and/or creative endeavors.
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT NEON SIGNS
USA, 7:31
Dir. Erika Mercedes Barker
Join me as we explore the dazzling world of neon sign-making in New York City. Meet the talented artisans who hand-bend tubes to create stunning works of art that light up the city. Get ready to be wowed by their fascinating history and cultural significance.
UNDER G_D
USA, 24
Dir. Paula Eiselt
"Under G-d" is a Sundance 2023 documentary short about the Jewish response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision. It follows the legal challenges to abortion bans on religious freedom grounds and the fight to protect democracy while upholding the separation of church and state.
Stay tuned for announcements on Headliners, Spotlight, Documentary full-length features, surf films and Darkhouse films. Screening over 100 independent films from around the world.