This is the story of an exchange between Black and White high school students in Wisconsin in 1966, during the Civil Rights Movement. The participants lived in each other's homes, attended classes in each other's schools, and performed the groundbreaking play In White America in both cities.

Nature forms the backbone of our economy, society, and our very survival. Explore one woman’s deep connection with forests and trees, the terrifying lives of wasps, how someone's relationships with birds can reflect their place in the world, and learn more about one of the most misunderstood, and surprisingly adorable, marsupials.

Where did we come from, where will we end up, and who will we impact along the way? From the unconditional love between pets and their owners to the complex bonds between grandmothers, mothers, and (grand)daughters, each of these seven short films invites audiences to reflect on the multifaceted nature of family connections and the impact of personal struggles on these relationships.

Things that are tough: Being a woman, poverty, seeing your loved ones struggle, feeling stuck, and having options available taken away instantly. Things that are incredibly well done that you need to see: All of the films in this block.

Art has the power to open our minds to fresh perspectives, ideas, and values. It can transport us to the past for reflection or propel us into the future with new insights. The art and artists showcased in these eight short films are visually stunning, deeply connective, and demonstrate the profound impact that various mediums can have on us, whether it be film, poetry, sculpture, sartorial style, music, or more.

An alien sound wave appears to take over a woman's body through a radio broadcast. Her disbelieving boyfriend struggles to accept her identity and save their relationship.

The five films in this block highlight rich characters and offer a window into the complexities of Iranian society. Watch as a woman creates a birthday meal for her daughter and adjusts as the awful happens, a young child struggles with his family, a father and daughter attempt to work through generational differences, a woman tries to resist oppression, and another person seeks to find themselves and community in a parking garage.

Dystopias, AI, scarce resources - these five short films highlight human nature at its best and potential worst. In the futures presented in these films, the stakes are high as technology and disasters change how people work, live, and love.

Zombies, cuckoo clocks, singing pastries, epic fights, murder, and the inevitable corruption that comes with absolute power and privilege! Fun times. You’re allowed to laugh during some of these six short films that will allow you to dive into your dark and twisty side.

This feature-length documentary tells the story of Brigham Young University's (BYU) queer underground, demanding their place in the sunlight. It focuses on the students who lit the school's iconic "Y" in rainbow colors, and the resulting fallout of this event. BYU is a university sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and their members are known colloquially to many as Mormons.

Forging meaningful connections with others can be complicated: what are you looking for in the relationship? What are your boundaries? What do your friends think? Whether it’s two people forming a bond with one another to work through feelings of listlessness, belonging, heartbreak, betrayal (perceived or otherwise), loneliness, or miscommunication/interpretation - it’s sometimes heartwarming - and sometimes heartbreaking.

This block is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories, embracing every letter in the spectrum, including the often underrepresented “I.” Each film explores the unique challenges faced by queer individuals, exploring themes of family dynamics, learning to love yourself, societal misconceptions, personal identity, and the quest for community.

In the shadow of the fifth year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, this intimate, personal film following a sexual assault survivor and her family explores and reflects the Herculean effort still required in America for a survivor of sexual violence and their loved ones to hold an attacker and the judicial system accountable.

Aravind, a high school teacher in a small town in South India, wishes to transition from male to female while working at the school. Aravind's parents are unaware that he has already begun hormone treatment for this transition.

Each of these five short films explores the universal quest for self-understanding. They present a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the multifaceted process of maturing and carving out one's unique path while grappling with identity, friendship, family dynamics, love and relationships, and societal expectations.

These three films shed light on the rich yet often oppressive experiences of Black people in the Americas. Blueprint for My People lyrically intertwines poetry with contemporary imagery and rare 19th-century cyanotypes, offering a poignant reflection on the African-American experience. Nyanga tells the powerful story of an enslaved man's fight for freedom. How to Sue the Klan chronicles the courageous efforts of women and a young civil rights lawyer as they seek justice against the KKK for their violent crimes.

Hampus Klang, the guitarist for the hard rock band BULLET, leads a life that starkly contrasts with the rock-and-roll lifestyle often associated with his profession. While on tour with his band, Klang'ss true passion reveals itself in the Swedish countryside where he dedicates his time to raising and showing chickens

Taking care of yourself and others, both mentally and physically, is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each journey is unique, shaped by different backgrounds, challenges, and triumphs. Celebrating even the smallest accomplishments is an essential part of this process. These six films explore the many paths people take in their pursuit of well-being. Stay following the film for a panel conversation on the films and on mental health resources and more available in Fort Wayne and the region.

How do you cope when faced with an overwhelming situation—like the looming threat of your own murder, sudden paralysis, or the unsettling reality that everyone around you looks flawless, their skin tinged gold from "drinking water," while you feel like an outsider? Do you confide in a therapist, seeking guidance to navigate your unique passion? Dance? Or do you find solace in humor, using jokes as a shield against absurdity and fear?

For those looking for a spooky and scary Saturday night, this block is right up your alley. These seven films take you on eerie adventures where characters encounter parents with dark secrets, nosey neighbors, voices from beyond, demons - both literal and metaphorical and - most horrendously - navigate the perils of camping with an influencer (shudder).

Dive into a world of fun and creativity in what truly are some of our favorite things! Break free from monotony, your preconceived notions of success & family, your clothes (not literally, please stay dressed in the theater - this is a cute and pithy reference to a film in the block), and enjoy these ten quirky and delightful stories. Enjoy the ride!

A century after his legendary death, Dracula's blood sister has emerged with her own nefarious plans. Will a newly minted private detective with a mysterious past put an end to these malevolent intentions?

These narrative and documentary shorts explore the unique, yet universal struggles, of immigrants throughout the world as they face hurdles unique to their circumstances: from trying to follow your passion, to doing what you think is best for your children, to trying to reunite your family from a continent away. Stay following the film for a conversation about the films and about the communities and resources available to immigrants in Fort Wayne and Indiana.

Grief is a profound and transformative emotion that deeply impacts those who experience it. Each of these four fictional shorts delves into the intimate and personal journeys of individuals grappling with the death of a loved one. Through their stories, we witness the unpredictable ways in which grief can manifest, revealing the raw and often hidden struggles that accompany the process of mourning.

Whether you're a normie, on the spectrum, or have a physical or intellectual disability, your stories deserve to be told and celebrated. These narrative and documentary films explore the full spectrum of human experience, highlighting the importance of connection and inclusion for everyone.

Grappling with the effects of colonialism and imperialism involves confronting the complex legacy of historical domination, which often includes cultural displacement, economic exploitation, and social inequality. The struggle to reclaim and redefine cultural identity becomes paramount in these documentary and narrative films as individuals and communities work to reconnect with their heritage and find their own place in the world.

Migration shapes societies, cultures, and economies as individuals and communities seek new beginnings in unfamiliar territories, bringing with them their unique experiences, skills, and traditions. The journey, however hopeful, can be fraught with unimaginable hardships and dangers. These five short films delve into the challenging process of migration and the courage of those who dare to make the journey.

The relationships we have, or don’t have, with our parents can shape the way we navigate the world. In these five films, experience a wide representation of paternal relationships: a woman discovering a connection to music and her stepfather after his passing, a couple that is forever changed by a knock on their door, a father struggling with his morals and protecting his son, a man seeking connection with his father, and a woman grappling with her elderly father's request.

A community of misfits converged in the late 80's and early 90s Fort Wayne, Indiana to create a punk scene that shook stages, bar floors and changed a city forever.

Wojtek, an unemployed gamer, receives a court order to leave the house of his mother, Joanna, within a month. Upon returning home an argument occurs between them, after which Wojtek finds Joanna unconscious at the entrance to the staircase. The diagnosis shows a brainstem injury, resulting in the so-called "locked-in syndrome. Joanna is conscious, but other than eye movements she is unable to move. Her chance of recovery can be increased by expensive rehabilitation. Wojtek is forced to take matters into his own hands.