Syracuse International Film Festival
22nd Syracuse International Film Festival
New Filmmakers Showcase
Wednesday, January 22
6-6:15 pm Doors Open
6:15-8:15 pm Screenings from Selections
8:15-9:00 pm Q & A and Award Ceremony
Tickets are FREE!
Location- Shemin Auditorium in Shaffer Hall, Syracuse, NY 13210
Submissions- https://filmfreeway.com/NewFilmmakersShowcase
"Drowning" – 32:58
Directed by: James Hutchinson
As climate change quickens and sea levels begin to rise, Drowning delves into the harsh impact that climate change has had on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, as well as the future of the island itself.
"Going Back Home" – 1:37
Submitted by: Simon De Greiff
An experimental short film exploring time, memory, and the feeling of disconnect from one's past self in their hometown.
"Guiding Light" – 5:00
Directed by: India Anne Mitchell
Through the compelling interviews of the lead prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the police chief, “Guiding Light” tells the story of a young teen (Polly Hannah Klaas) in a small town in America who was kidnapped from her bedroom during a slumber party while her family was in the house. In "Guiding Light", India Mitchell, a teen growing up in the same town thirty years later brings a fresh perspective and highlights the importance of the legacy of this case to the continuing endeavor to keep children safe.
"Hurt People" – 9:26
Directed by: James Oliver Welch
Mason, a college student, is plunged into despair after his girlfriend Sarah breaks up with him. Struggling with feelings of abandonment and worthlessness, he isolates himself from friends and engages in reckless behavior, seeking solace in toxic environments. The story unfolds as Mason's emotional turmoil leads him to a party where he loses control, ultimately passing out. When his roommate Noah returns to find Mason in a state of crisis, he urges him to face his feelings instead of numbing the pain. Together, they embark on a journey to the park, where Noah encourages Mason to confront his emotions and understand that healing is a personal journey. As they watch the sunset, Noah reassures Mason that he is not alone in his struggles and that self-reflection is key to moving forward. The narrative captures the intensity of heartbreak, the importance of friendship, and the path to self-acceptance.
"Interview with Santa" – 3:36
Directed by: Peter Shin, Clara Kelley
Santa Claus opens up about his depressing life in an interview.
"Karaoke Madness" – 4:01
Directed by: Clara Mae Kelley, Peter Shin
A group of friends finds themselves trapped in a deadly game when a karaoke machine begins to turn strange song lyrics into reality—with terrifying consequences if they stop singing.
"Le Charade" – 3:20
Directed by: Erika Totoro
A psychological comedy set in a run-down 1950s diner. Le Charade follows the final performance of a lonely mime and the psychotic episode that ensues after his imaginary friend breaks up with him and he is forced to re-enter society.
"Moon Day" – 18:47
Submitted by: Barrett Funderburk
An impending ice storm prevents the crew of the MAG-X snow cruiser from returning home for the holidays, and not everyone’s in a festive spirit. A Roblox animated movie produced by Barrett Funderburk in association with CineBlox Cinemas.
"Small Talk" – 7:56
Directed by: Megan Jensen, Sofia Dixon
According to Daisy, high school gym class is the perfect setting for catching the attention of her crush, Devon. As the chaos of dodgeball ensues Daisy’s best friend, Phoebe, is roped into helping Daisy execute her plan of getting closer to her crush. Daisy is set on winning, just not at dodgeball.
"Standing Still" – 3:59
Directed by: Ryan Matthew Manuud
At the end of their relationship, a couple partakes in a difficult conversation expressed through movement. One person tries to get the other to hear them out, but the heavy conversation makes it seem as though time is frozen, standing st
"Stardust" – 8:38
Directed by: Emma Baker, Kate Ohlweiler
"The Delivery" – 9:20
Directed by: Adriano Murolo
Three young men organize a mission: to deliver a mysterious briefcase to an unknown target while a fourth guy, Luca, supervises the operation remotely. As the plan unfolds, the three embark on an adventure that ultimately leads them to break into a luxury villa equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, their final destination. However, the operation turns out to have an unexpected purpose.
"The Statue" – 9:30
Directed by: Mohsen Salehi Fard
The sculptor struggles a lot every day to create a new sculpture. And the sculpture that loses its freedom when it takes shape.
"The Tenant" – 3:36
Directed by: Julia Condro
When Margot's roommate Annaliese begins exhibiting concerning behavior, a seemingly innocent woman sets out to unearth the truth, while confronting the dark memories of her past.
"The Winner" – 11:20
Directed by: Mickey Maroulis
A young screenwriter’s stage-fright after receiving a prestigious award forces him into a series of surreal and mundane encounters within Hollywood’s underbelly, questioning his reality and his place in a hostile industry.
"Your Words Cast Shadows" – 3:48
Directed by: Eliora Vera Enriquez, Simon de Grieff, Jacob Alden Merson
