Page 1 Film Fall Festival SPONSORS

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ADDITIONAL SPONSORS OPERATING SUPPORT County City Task Force on Disabilities Allegheny Regional Asset District The Heinz Endowments Fancypants Popcorn Jack Buncher Foundation Henry L Hillman Foundation Highmark Philip Chosky Charitable & PA Council on the Arts Screenshot: Asia Educational Foundation

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Welcome from the Executive Director

Dear Film Pittsburgh Family,

It’s been a challenging time for all of us these past technical challenges. Look for the FAQ section on our several months and we’re disappointed that we can’t website to help you navigate any issues you may have. gather in person for this year’s Fall Festival. But we’re We’ve curated an outstanding and extensive lineup of excited to be able to pivot and present an incredible short and feature length films from all over the world array of films at a virtual festival. Our Film Pittsburgh which we’re eager to share with you. While the Film Fall Festival will include Pittsburgh Shorts, ReelAbilities Pittsburgh team looks forward to the time when we Pittsburgh, and the 38th Three Rivers Film Festival – can be together again to celebrate independent film, featuring a JFilm Festival track of films, too! All festival we hope that you’ll enjoy this year’s festival from the screenings and Q&As will be found on our website: comfort of your home. FilmPittsburgh.org. And, we’re here to help! We’ve Sincerely, worked hard to make this virtual festival as user-friend- ly as possible but realize you might still have some Kathryn Spitz Cohan

TICKETS: FilmPittsburgh.org

SINGLE TICKETS ACCESSIBILITY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Festival Friend: $100 All ReelAbilities films have ($15 ticket + $85 charitable subtitles or captions. At a minimum, feature films are contribution) available for viewing in Pennsylva- nia, West Virginia, and Ohio. Some General Admission: $15 QUESTIONS? The fastest way to reach us is by are available in the United States PASSES email: [email protected] only and a few are available world- wide. Many of the feature films are All Festival Pass ($705 value) Phone: 412-426-FILM (3456) available to be viewed over the • $120 Early Bird - before Nov. 11 We are not working in the office, course of the festival beginning but if you leave a voicemail • $150 Regular Price on November 12 but some have message, someone will return restrictions. In most instances, Six Pack ($90 value) your call within 24 hours. after “unlocking” your film for • $60 Early Bird - before Nov. 11 viewing, you will have 24-hours to • $75 Regular Price watch it. Please check the individ- ual film page for details. All short FREE EVENTS film blocks are available for view- All content subject to change. ing in the United States for the CODE OF THE FREAKS Following many of the screen- duration of the festival, November (page 12) ings we’ll offer Q&As with 12-22. PROSECUTING EVIL: members of the filmmaking Adult content has been listed after THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD teams. More information about feature-length film descriptions. OF BEN FERENCZ Q&As will be listed on the film (page 16) Short films are not rated and may pages of the website. contain disturbing language or ALL AGES BLOCK 1 images. All Ages short film blocks November 14 and 15 only are suitable for – you guessed it! – (page 24) all ages.

Page 3 Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 Opening/Closing

PHOTO: MARIO FURLONI OPENING NIGHT FILM CLOSING NIGHT FREELAND BEST OF THE FEST Pittsburgh Premiere Sunday, November 22, 7 pm Directors: Kate McLean & Mario Furloni Join us for the Awards Ceremony announcing the Jury Prizes 2020, USA, 80 minutes for Short Films and Audience Awards (voted on by you!) for both shorts and features. A selection of the winning short English films will be screened. Devi is an aging but legendary breeder of pot strains who over decades has built a business on her remote homestead 2020 JURORS in beautiful Humboldt County, CA. But now that cannabis is Michael Killen is co-creator, legal, she finds herself in a fight for survival. Krisha Fairchild writer and director of the ABC series embodies the role of Devi in a tour-de-force performance. Downward Dog, and co-founder of Shot on off-the-grid pot farms, Pittsburgh-based producer Animal Inc., a production company Laura Heberton and directors Mario Furloni and Kate McLean and VFX studio. Michael will present offer up an authentic and emotionally charged thriller. the $1,000 prize for Best Animated (Adult content: casual drug use) Short Film. Official Selection – SXSW and Mill Valley Film Festivals Winner – Nashville Film Festival - Best New Directors “Fairchild’s performance is so deftly layered with ferocity Deesha Philyaw is a writer whose and wisdom, heartache and desperation, that it suggests work focuses on race, parenting, gen- whole realms beyond the screenplay’s understated yet der, and culture. Her debut short story trenchant dialogue.” – Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter collection, The Secret Lives Of Church “A stoner midlife-crisis drama.” – Eric Kohn, IndieWire Ladies, has been shortlisted for a 2020 National Book Award. Deesha will Freeland is preceded by: present the $1,000 prize for Best Live PHARMACOPEIA Action Short Film. (Director: Tania Taiwo, USA, 6 minutes) A pharmacist drowning in student loan debt rebels against the system. Martha Rial is a photographer who has been recognized internationally Available for viewing including a Pulitzer Prize for her work November 11, 7:30pm documenting the lives of Burundian United States only and Rwandan survivors of the 1994 genocide. Martha will present the Live Q&A with producer Laura Heberton, cast and crew $1,000 prize for Best Documentary follows at 9pm. Short Film.

LOCAL CONNECTION

Page 5 Our communities flourish when all people can participate. Since 1951, CLASS has been creating communities where people with disabilities and their families can live, work, and play in the communities of their choice. CLASS provides: Attendant Care Services Information and Referral Brain Injury Services Multiple Sclerosis Services Community Skill Building Residential Services Community Habilitation Technology For Our Whole Community Partners Lives (TechOWL) Extended School Year Vocational Programs

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Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Script Competition/Tracks/Sidebars

REELABILITIES TRACK JFILM TRACK We’re thrilled to include ReelAbilities We were so disappointed to have to Pittsburgh in our Fall Festival. If you cancel the 27th annual JFilm Festival haven’t ever attended this festival last spring but we’re excited to share you’re in for a treat! All films highlight four feature films that would have the lives and stories of people played as part of that festival. with disabilities. Included in the ReelAbilities Track are three feature NARRATIVES films, a feature length program and two Asia PITTSBURGH SHORTS shorts blocks. SCRIPT The Crossing FEATURES Those Who Remained COMPETITION Can You Hear My Voice? For the 2nd year, we’ve partnered DOCUMENTARY with Carnegie Screenwriters to honor The Code of Freaks screenwriters who’ve submitted The Feeling Through Experience Prosecuting Evil: scripts that are 15 pages or less. Four (includes 3 short films and a live Q&A) The Extraordinary World of finalists will be given virtual readings Ben Ferencz by professional actors. Prizes totaling Icarus. The Legend Of Mietek Kosz $1,000 will be announced at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. SHORTS ReelAbilities Block 1 SCRIPT FINALISTS ReelAbilities Block 2 Ain’t My Type of Hype by Tanisha Jackson ASIAN SIDEBAR MERITZER AWARD We’re pleased to collaborate with Bernie The Richard Meritzer Award, co- by Fred Perry Screenshot: Asia from the University of sponsored by the City-County Task Pittsburgh to present four feature films Hawk Bells Force on Disabilities and ReelAbilities about the Asian experience. by Kristian Mercado Pittsburgh, will be presented to for All as part of The Feeling NARRATIVES Next, Please Through Experience. The award honors Definition Please by Diego Trovarelli the memory of Richard Meritzer (1953- 2019), who served as ADA Coordinator Twilight’s Kiss The script readings are followed by: for the City of Pittsburgh from 2007 COMMON DECENCY to 2019 and was a leader in promoting understanding and implementation of DOCUMENTARIES (Directors: Stefan Dezil, Courtney the Americans with Disabilities Act. HopeThérond, USA, 11 minutes) Beethoven in Beijing Congratulations to writer Caroline Picture Character Bloom for bringing her script, which CREATIVE CITIZEN STUDIOS: was a finalist at last year’s script ARTWORK THAT POPS! Please see individual film pages competition, to the screen. Visit the online for more information. Available for viewing gallery that includes artwork (for sale!) by November 12-22 artists from Creative United States only Citizen Studios. All work was created during virtual and in-person workshops in partnership with the Andy Warhol Museum. CitizenStudios.org/POP-Artwork

Page 7 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 Centerpiece/Spotlight

CENTERPIECE FILM SPOTLIGHT FILM MLK/FBI NIGHT OF THE KINGS Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Director: Sam Pollard Director: Philippe Lacôte 2020, USA, 104 minutes 2020, France/Ivory Coast/Canada/Senegal, 99 minutes English French & Dyula with subtitles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is regarded as an American At the notorious Maca correctional facility in the Ivorian hero today, but for much of his life he was considered an capital of Abidjan, the inmates run the prison. Upon the enemy of the state and a threat by U.S. intelligence and law rising of a red moon, a newly arrived prisoner is selected enforcement. Based on newly discovered and declassified to be the “Roman,” or storyteller, and must keep his fellow FBI files, and featuring revelatory restored footage of King, inmates entertained until dawn or risk his own life. Paying director Sam Pollard deftly explores the history of the homage to the tradition of the griot in West African culture, U.S. government’s targeting of black activists in this rich, Night of the Kings is a fantastical fictional look at the culture archival tapestry. As the film reveals the extent to which the inside the Maca and an altogether original vision from FBI surveilled and harassed Dr. King, it challenges the very breakout Ivory Coast filmmaker Philippe Lacôte. (Adult meaning of some of our most cherished American ideals. content: violence) Official Selection – Telluride, Toronto and New York Film Festivals Official Selection – Venice, Toronto and New York Film Festivals Winner – Truly Moving Picture Award - Heartland Film Ivory Coast’s official entry – 2021 Academy Award for Best International Film “In MLK/FBI, the treacherous dance of King and the FBI becomes a sinister soap opera of espionage.” – Owen “Night of the Kings is through and through an intoxicating Gleiberman, Variety and immersive visual experience even as it unfolds almost like a filmed play.” – Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire Available for viewing November 12-22 Available for viewing PA, WV, and OH only Friday, November 13, 7pm – 11pm Saturday, November 21, 7pm – 11pm United States only

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE (in alphabetical order)

9TO5: THE STORY A PERFECTLY ADAM OF A MOVEMENT NORMAL FAMILY Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Director: Maryam Touzani 2019, Morocco/France/Belgium, 101 Directors: Steve Bognar & Julia Director: Malou Reymann minutes Reichert 2020, Denmark, 97 minutes Arabic with subtitles 2020, USA, 86 minutes Danish with subtitles A single mom, Abla, runs a modest English Eleven-year-old Emma has a perfectly bakery from her home in Casablanca Many have heard the song “Nine to normal family until the day she learns where she lives with her 8-year-old Five” by Dolly Parton or seen the that her dad, Thomas, is transgender. daughter. Enter a young pregnant 1980s film of the same name starring As Thomas transitions to Agnete, woman looking for a job and a roof Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. both father and daughter struggle over her head. Unwilling at first to Yet few know that these two icons of to maintain their relationship, while allow a stranger into their lives, popular culture were based on a social accepting that everything they have Abla’s resolve softens and the change movement that started in Boston known is changing. A sensitive debut becomes a positive for all of them. in the early 1970s. Oscar winners by director Malou Reymann, based This beautifully acted debut feature Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar’s loosely on her own experience as from Maryam Touzani is a character- illuminating documentary tells this a child, the film includes impactful driven tale that blends the perfect little-known story that addresses home movies and wonderful ingredients to create a satisfying and still-relevant issues such as sexual performances especially by Kaya Toft heartfelt story. (Adult Content: sexual harassment, pay equity, and the Loholt who plays Emma. situations, nudity) importance of protest. Winner - Big Screen Award - Rotterdam Official Selection – Cannes and Toronto Winner - Audience Award - Best International Film Festival International Film Festivals Documentary - Cordillera International “A Perfectly Normal Family is an Film Festival Winner – Roger Ebert Award – Chicago engagingly sincere picture of good International Film Festival “9to5 is sleek and astute, a valuable people trying to negotiate barely addition…to the history of the charted territory to the best of their “The beautiful story of two women women’s movement.” – Caryn James, abilities.” – Jay Weissberg, Variety who transform each other’s lives…” Hollywood Reporter – Deborah Young, The Hollywood In collaboration with ReelQ Reporter Available for viewing Film Festival November 12-22 Available for viewing Available for viewing PA, WV, and OH only November 12-22 November 12-22 United States only PA, WV, and OH only

Many of the films will include post-film Q&As with members of the filmmaking teams. More information available at FilmPittsburgh.org All content subject to change.

Page 9 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

JFILM TRACK ASIAN SIDEBAR ANTIGONE ASIA BEETHOVEN IN Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere BEIJING Director: Sophie Deraspe Director: Ruthy Pribar Pittsburgh Premiere 2019, Canada, 109 minutes 2020, , 86 minutes Directors: Jennifer Lin & Sharon Mullally French & Arabic with subtitles Hebrew & Russian with subtitles 2020, USA/China, 92 minutes Loosely adapted from Sophocles’ Nominated for 13 Israeli Academy English Greek tragedy, the award-winning Awards including best film, Asia is Antigone delivers a subtle but the story of a young mother, Asia, The often-tense relationship between scathing indictment of the current and her ailing daughter, Vika, played the U.S. and China is seen through Beethoven in refugee experience in North America. by the talented Shira Haas (, a different lens in Beijing An Algerian-born teenager living ). More like sisters than . Targeted for elimination in Montreal with her tight-knit mother and daughter, the two go during the Communist Revolution, immigrant family finds her world about their own lives until Vika’s Western classical music had all but shattered when her brother faces deteriorating health makes it disappeared from China. But in 1973, deportation after being arrested. necessary for Asia to become the kind Chinese interest in classical music Jeopardizing her promising future, of mother she’s never been before. was rekindled when President Nixon she invents a fearless, dangerous In the process, the two discover the dispatched the Orchestra plan to free him. Featuring a stunning connection and love they’ve been to help open the bamboo curtain. performance by Nahéma Ricci in missing. (Adult content: sexual Co-directed by Duquesne University Pittsburgh Post- the lead role. (Adult Content: sexual situations, drug use) alumna and former Gazette situations, violence, drug use) reporter, Jennifer Lin, the film Official Selection – gives a compelling, up-close look at Official Selection – Toronto Winner – Best Actress, Cinematography, how music can change hearts and International Film Festival Nora Ephron Prize – Tribeca Film minds – and history. Winner – Best Film, Best Actress Festival Official Selection – Heartland and – Canadian Screen Awards “The maturity of the directorial voice Chagrin Documentary Film Festivals “Canada’s Oscar submission is an is evident in its clear-eyed, rigorously Winner – Best Historical Documentary – intelligent, moving reworking of unsentimental assessment of a San Antonio Film Festival Sophocles’ tragedy, electrified by a shattering situation.” – David Rooney, breakout turn from star Nahéma Ricci.” Hollywood Reporter In collaboration with Screenshot: Asia – Jessica Kiang, Variety Available for viewing Available for viewing Available for viewing November 12-22 November 12-22 November 12-22 PA, WV, and OH only United States only United States only

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

REELABILITIES TRACK BOY MEETS GUN CAN YOU HEAR CHILDREN OF North American Premiere MY VOICE? THE STORM Director: Joost van Hezik Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere 2019, Netherlands, 86 minutes Director: Bill Brummel Director: Matthys Boshoff Dutch & English with subtitles 2020, USA/UK, 87 minutes 2019, South Africa, 102 minutes Philosophy professor Maarten Moreau English Afrikaans with subtitles is so bored with his passive life that Can You Hear My Voice? is the Based on a best-selling novel and he questions his existence. But when triumphant chronicling of the inspired by a cherished South African fate puts a weapon in his hands, London-based, one-of-a-kind Shout at legend passed down from generation Moreau’s life takes a dramatic turn. Cancer choir. Members of the singing to generation, Children of the Storm The relationship between a man who group, who have all had their voice tells the story of an 1800s family was suffering an existential mid-life boxes removed, are spotlighted as mourning the loss of a family member. crisis and his newfound “mistress” they prepare for a highly ambitious Literally trying to move forward, becomes an oddly romantic and concert. Award-winning producer/ the family traverses the treacherous darkly comedic tale that explores the director Bill Brummel’s film (his countryside in search of a better life. natural allure of power and violence first since having his own voice box This western-style drama is a tale of and their potentially devastating removed in 2016) is far from maudlin love and personal sacrifice, featuring consequences. (Adult content: and illustrates the human capacity for strong performances by the cast and violence, sexual situations, nudity) resilience in the face of overwhelming incredible cinematography. Official Selection – Busan International adversity. Official Selection – Rhode Island and Film Festival Official Selection – Nashville and San Diego Film Festivals Winner - Best Film – Lucca European Heartland Film Festivals Winner – Best Cinematography, Sound Film Festival Design and Original Score – South Available for viewing African Film & Television Awards Available for viewing November 12-22 November 20 PA, WV, and OH only Available for viewing United States only November 12-22 Everywhere

Page 11 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

REELABILITIES TRACK JFILM TRACK CODE OF COLLECTIVE THE CROSSING THE FREAKS Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Director: Alexander Nanau Director: Johanne Helgeland 2019, Romania/Luxembourg, 2020, Norway, 96 minutes Director: Salome Chasnoff 109 minutes 2020, USA, 68 minutes Norwegian with subtitles Romanian & English with subtitles English Young Gerda spends her days Feeling more like a political thriller imagining herself to be one of The Code of the Freaks debunks well- than a documentary, Collective follows Three Musketeers, but when her worn movie tropes while radically a crack team of investigators at a parents are arrested, she is called reframing the use of disabled Romanian newspaper as they work upon to live up to her imaginary characters in film. The film is a to uncover a vast health-care fraud self. Charged with helping Sarah fascinating exploration of disability that enriched moguls and politicians and Daniel, two Jewish children her representation in film from 1932 to — and led to the deaths of innocent parents were hiding, to escape across the present that includes clips of citizens. With unprecedented the border into neutral Sweden, Gerda Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Dustin real time access, and frightening is determined to succeed. Along with Hoffman, Jennifer Garner, and implications for healthcare systems her brother Otto, a Nazi sympathizer Helen Hunt, along with disabled around the world, Collective is an who begrudgingly joins her, the artists, scholars, and activists who uncompromising look at the impact of four set out on a harrowing journey. offer a scorching critique of some investigative journalism at its best. As they traverse the Norwegian of Hollywood’s most beloved landscape, they need to find strength, characters. Documenting the power Official selection - Venice, Toronto, and courage, and trust. With an incredible of film imagery to shape the beliefs Sundance Film Festivals performance by Anna Sofie Skarholt and behaviors of the general public Winner – Best International Film – as Gerda, The Crossing is a triumphant toward people with disabilities, DocAviv Film Festival film about friendship and bravery that the filmmakers dare to imagine a the entire family will enjoy! cinematic landscape in which the “A remarkable documentary about disabled are portrayed by members of a health crisis in Romania reveals Official Selection – Cleveland the disabilities community in a more familiar patterns as the world deals International and Toronto Jewish Film realistic and positive light. with a global pandemic.” – Anne Festivals Thompson, IndieWire Official Selection – ReelAbilities Available for viewing National Available for viewing November 12-22 Available for viewing November 12-22 PA, WV, and OH only United States only November 12-22 United States only

This film is free of charge due to the generous support of our ReelAbilities Pittsburgh sponsors.

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

ASIAN SIDEBAR DEAR SANTA DEFINITION PLEASE EAT WHEATIES! Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Director: Dana Nachman Director: Sujata Day Director: Scott Abramovitch 2020, USA, 84 minutes 2020, USA, 91 minutes 2020, USA, 86 minutes English English English An elixir to our current state, Dear A former Scribbs Spelling Bee Lonely software exec Sid Straw Santa takes us on the fanciful and champion struggles to reconcile swears he went to college with poignant journey of a little-known with her estranged brother when he Elizabeth Banks but his co-workers program called Operation Santa. For returns home to help care for their don’t believe she’ll remember him. more than 100 years, human elves ailing mother in Definition Please. After being named co-chair of his have been helping Santa respond Written, directed by, and starring college reunion, Sid joins to the thousands of letters that Greensburg, PA native, Sujata Day so that he can reach out to Banks. are written and mailed to him. This (Insecure), and shot in Greensburg, Eat Wheaties! delivers a healthy dose magical documentary crisscrosses the the film reflects the experience of of lovable loser laughs as we watch country following the most emotional Day and other Asian-Americans in Sid’s life fall apart over his efforts to letters as the elves work hard to make cities like Pittsburgh. A family drama prove his friendship with the well- sure each child’s Christmas dreams infused with comedy and heart, known star. Two-time Emmy winner, come true. Definition Please, seeks to provide an Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Official Selection – DocNYC authentic look at the Asian-American Veep) plays Sid and is joined by Elisha experience. (Adult content: sexual Cuthbert (24) and Paul Walter Hauser Available for viewing situations, casual drug use) (Da 5 Bloods, Richard Jewell) in this November 12-22 Official Selection – Bentonville, San sweet and quirky comedy. PA, WV, and OH only Diego Asian, and Boston Asian Film Official Selection – Heartland and San Festivals Diego Film Festivals “A funny, reflective good time of a “An awkward cringe-comedy with debut.” – Beandrea July, Hollywood plenty of heart, Eat Wheaties! is one of Reporter the most enjoyable films of the year.” –Gabriel Sigler, Bad Feeling Magazine In collaboration with Screenshot: Asia Available for viewing November 12-22 Available for viewing November 12-22 PA, WV, and OH only PA, WV, and OH only

LOCAL CONNECTION

Page 13 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

REELABILITIES TRACK REELABILITIES TRACK THE FEELING HAVEL ICARUS. THE THROUGH Pittsburgh Premiere LEGEND OF EXPERIENCE Director: Slávek Horák MIETEK KOSZ 2020, Czech Republic, 104 minutes Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Czech with subtitles Director: Doug Roland Director: Maciej Pieprzyca 2019, USA, 90 minutes Havel is an historical drama loosely 2019, Poland, 122 minutes based on the dissident years of English Vaclav Havel. The film follows Polish with subtitles The Feeling Through Experience his transformation from carefree Icarus is an epic drama about the great includes two short films available playwright and playboy to banned heights achieved by legendary Polish for screening through the run of the and jailed human rights activist to jazz pianist Mieczyslaw “Mietek” festival followed by a live Q&A with eventual President of Czechoslovakia. Kosz. Beginning in his childhood director Doug Roland (see details Viktor Dvorák (who bears an uncanny when he lost his sight at age 12, the below) and others advocating for the resemblance to Havel) turns in a strong biopic bears witness to the birth of Deafblind community. Inspired by performance in the title role and his gifts, which included an uncanny Roland’s personal experience, Feeling award-winning director Slávek Horák ear for music and a determination Through (18 minutes), tells the story delivers an effective period piece that shared only by true virtuosos. of an unexpected encounter between allows us to follow Havel’s phoenix- Ultimately, Kosz struggles to deal with a homeless teen and a DeafBlind man like rise from writer to political hero. the consequences of his fame, but on a city street. Connecting the Dots Watch through the end credits to see experiences a rebirth when he meets (24 minutes), reveals the story behind real life images that are priceless. the love of his life. (Adult content: the making of the film and introduces (Adult content: sexual situations) sexual situations, nudity) us to the first known DeafBlind actor Official Selection – Sao Paolo and Official Selection – Gdynia, Moscow, and ever to be cast in a film. Heartland Film Festivals Odesa Film Festivals Feeling Through & Connecting the Dots Nominated – 11 Polish Academy are preceded by the presentation of the Available for viewing Awards, Winner – Best Score Meritzer Award to Oakland for All (see November 12-22 page 7) and the short, Tragically Deaf. Everywhere In collaboration with the Polish TRAGICALLY DEAF Cultural Council of Pittsburgh (Director: Maxx Corkindale, Australia, Available for viewing 3 minutes) November 14-15 A film crew doesn’t see their subject’s life the same way he does. PA, WV, and OH only

LIVE-STREAMED Q&A (45 minutes) Please join us on November 20, at 7pm for a live-streamed Q&A with director Doug Roland and members of the DeafBlind community.

Available for viewing November 12-22 United States only

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

THE LAST OUT ON BROADWAY PACIFIED Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Directors: Michael Gassert & Director: Oren Jacoby Director: Paxton Winters Sami Khan 2020, USA, 84 minutes 2020, Brazil/USA, 120 minutes 2020, USA, 75 minutes English Portuguese with subtitles English & Spanish with subtitles For those who’ve been missing live In the award-winning film Pacified, Three young Cuban players theater, Academy Award nominee an introspective young girl struggles leave their families and risk exile to Oren Jacoby’s documentary, On to connect with her estranged train in Central America and chase Broadway, may be the answer for now. father after his release from prison their dreams of playing in the Major A wonderful reflection on the history in the turbulent wake of the Rio Leagues. Filmed over more than of NYC’s renowned theater district, Olympics. As Brazilian “Pacification” four years, and including reactions the film features interviews with an Police battle to maintain a tenuous to the opening of Cuba fostered by all-star cast who reveal the inside occupation of the surrounding Raul Castro and Barack Obama in story of how Broadway came back Rio favelas, father and daughter December 2014, The Last Out tells the from the brink of bankruptcy in the must navigate the clashing forces very human story of people caught 70s. Featuring legendary performers threatening to derail their hope for between countries who want nothing from stage and screen, including the future. Embedding himself in the more than to play the sport they love Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, ‘Morro dos Prazeres’ community for and to make a better life for their August Wilson, James Corden, Alec years, director Winters creates a film families. Baldwin, John Lithgow, Viola Davis, that offers an honest and intimate portrait of an ever-shifting urban Official Selection – Tribeca Film Festival Hugh Jackman, and Ian McKellen, this is a film for theater lovers battlefield that some call home. (Adult Special Jury Mention – Albert Maysles everywhere. Content: violence, drug use) New Documentary Director Award Official Selection – Hamptons Official Selection – Tribeca and Haifa Available for viewing International Film Festival International Film Festivals November 12-22 On Broadway is preceded by: Winner – Best Film, Actor and United States only HUMAN Cinematography – San Sebastian Film Festival (Director: Erin Brown Thomas, USA, 5 minutes) Cinematographer “Merians captures A woman suffering in isolation gets a the labyrinthine favelas in all their taste of the spotlight. vibrancy, with memorable moments including… a masterful climbing Available for viewing camera shot… that captures his long slog up a flight of stairs that seems November 12-22 as though it might stretch on to PA, WV, and OH only the heavens.” – Amber Wilkinson, ScreenDaily

Available for viewing November 12-22 PA, WV, and OH only

Page 15 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

ASIAN SIDEBAR JFILM TRACK PICTURE PROSECUTING THE SHIP CHARACTER EVIL: THE Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere EXTRAORDINARY Director: Batan Silva 2020, Mexico, 99 minutes Directors: Martha Shane & Ian Cheney WORLD OF BEN 2020, USA, 80 minutes Spanish with subtitles English FERENCZ The cynical radio host of a show called Pittsburgh Premiere ‘The Ship’ meets his match when he ‘Emoji’ is a Japanese word that means receives a call from a young cancer Director: Barry Avrich ‘picture character,’ and knowing patient who is hoping the ship can 2018, Canada, 83 minutes that will give you a good idea of take him away to a deserted island what this film is all about. Having English in the heartfelt film The Ship. Facing become a global phenomenon over pressure from his employer, radio host the past two decades, some experts Born in Transylvania, Ben Ferencz and his family fled to the U.S. to avoid the Miguel begrudgingly agrees to visit argue that all those smiling turds the boy in his hospital ward and soon and heart-eyed faces are becoming persecution of Hungarian Jews by the Romanians. He grew up in New York thereafter finds his life turned upside a language of their own. But who, if down. Their newfound relationship anyone, is in charge of this new global City, became a gifted law student, and eventually enlisted in the Army during will change the course of both their digital language? After this thought- lives in a story that’s sure to bring provoking and engaging documentary, WWII. At the youthful age of 27, the diminutive Ferencz was thrust on to the both a smile to your face and a tear to you’ll never look at another emoji, or your eye. think of language itself, in the same world stage as Chief Prosecutor of the way again. historic Nuremburg Trials. Prosecuting Official Selection – Cleveland Evil documents the story of this unsung International Film Festival Official Selection – Tribeca, HotDocs hero who, in his first case, put mass- and AFI Docs Film Festivals murdering Nazis on trial. At age 100, he The Ship is preceded by: “Everything you always wanted to continues to be an outspoken activist, FREERIDE SKIING AT HOME know about emojis, but were afraid consistently underscoring the need for (Director: Philipp Klein Herrero, to ask.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood vigilance in the fight for justice and Spain/Germany, 1 minute) peace. (Adult content: graphic images) Reporter During the COVID-lockdown, this skier Picture Character is preceded by: Official Selection – Toronto International decides to go skiing in his livingroom. Film Festival PILE Available for viewing (Director: Toby Auberg, UK, 4 minutes) Sponsored by Classrooms Without November 12-22 A vertical habitat captures the Borders progression of society from bare United States only survival to capitalism. Available for viewing

Available for viewing November 12-22 November 12-22 Everywhere United States only Live Q&A – Thursday, November 19, 4pm

This film/Q&A is free of charge due to the generosity of Classrooms Without Borders.

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Three Rivers Film Festival 2020 FILM GUIDE

JFILM TRACK PHOTO: LENKE SZILÁGYI ASIAN SIDEBAR THOSE WHO TWILIGHT’S KISS UNDINE REMAINED Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Pittsburgh Premiere Director: Ray Yeung Director: Christian Petzold 2019, Hong Kong, 99 minutes 2020, Germany/France, 90 minutes Director: Barnabás Tóth 2019, Hungary, 88 minutes Cantonese with subtitles German with subtitles Hungarian with subtitles Twilight’s Kiss captures the love story Undine puts a new, mature spin on the that develops between two older classic mermaid myth. Working as an Those Who Remained, Hungary’s men both of whom are married to historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban official entry for this year’s Academy women and proud of and devoted to development, Undine is distraught Award for Best International Film, their families. Exploring the difficult when the man she loves announces is a haunting and tender tale set in yet truthful portrayal of the divide he’s leaving her. As she wrestles Budapest after the end of World War between the private and public with the terms of the ancient myth, II. Dr. Aládar “Aldó” Kőrner, returns to experience of being gay, the film which call on her to kill the man who his hospital practice where he meets features nuanced performances by betrays her and return to the water, a vulnerable 16-year-old girl, Klára, its award-winning lead actors. (Adult she meets someone new. But will she who is in denial about her parents’ content: sexual situations, nudity) be able to overcome her fate and be fate. Aldó finds himself becoming a with him? Award-winning director Official Selection – Busan and San surrogate father to Klára and together Christian Petzold delivers a love Francisco International Film Festivals they discover a way to move forward. story that’s heartfelt and profound in Those Who Remained is a beautiful, Winner of two Hong Kong Film Awards its simplicity. (Adult content: sexual exquisitely performed film that shows including Best Actor situations) how human connection and love can help to repair the heartbreak Director “Yeung… finds space to Official Selection – Berlin and New York of devastating loss. (Adult content: bask in the simple pleasures, basic Film Festivals generosity and the safety net that is nudity) Winner – Silver Bear for Best Actress family while simultaneously dealing – Berlin International Film Festival Official Selection – Telluride, Miami with homophobia, ageism and faith.” Jewish, Atlanta Jewish, and New York –Elizabeth Kerr, Hollywood Reporter “An odd new beauty from one of Jewish Film Festivals Germany’s best directors.” – Boyd van Winner – Four Hungarian Academy In collaboration with Screenshot: Hoeij, Awards including Best Film Asia and ReelQ Film Festival Available for viewing “In her first leading film role, Abigél Available for viewing November 12-22 Szőke (Klára) is a revelation.” – Alissa November 12-22 Simon, Variety PA, WV, and OH only United States only Available for viewing November 12-22 PA, WV, and OH only

Page 17 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 99 minutes 101 minutes 1, 2, 3, ALL EYES ON ME AIDA (Director: Emil Gallardo, USA, 15 minutes) (Director: Christopher W. Graham, USA, 10 minutes) A passionate teacher becomes trapped in a crisis that engulfs A young mother is stuck between development and decay. her elementary school. REDEMPTION WAFFLES (Director: Seora Hong, USA, 4 minutes) (Director: Foster Wilson, USA, 5 minutes) A man faces an unexpected situation that may just save his A gay millennial must choose between swallowing her pride life. and standing by her principles. FREED IMAGINING THE INDIAN: THE FIGHT AGAINST (Director: Josza Anjembe, France, 20 minutes) NATIVE AMERICAN MASCOTING Upon his release from jail, a prisoner meets someone new. (Directors: Aviva Kempner & Ben West, USA, 21 minutes) This work-in-progress examines the movement fighting to GRATITUDE JAR TIME CAPSULE end the use of Native American names, logos, and mascots. (Directors: Deb Hiett & Stephanie Erb, USA, 3 minutes) Two women from different eras find that some things never PANGU change. (Director: Shaofu Zhang , USA/China, 6 minutes) 张少甫 A modern tale about parenthood and the differences be- THE MANCHADOR tween generations. (Director: Kaveh Tehrani, Norway/ Iran, 20 minutes) A satire about seeing, our senses, and spirituality in modern THE VISIT (DER BESUCH) day Tehran. (Director: Christian Werner, Germany, 15 minutes) An exhausted volunteer Santa Claus gets a special call. BLACK BOYS CAN’T CRY (Director: Victor Gabriel, USA, 5 minutes) THE SPEECH Overtaken by an inexplicable force, a man comes face-to- (Director: Haohao Yan, USA, 25 minutes) face with his past. Three eight-year-old girls uncover personal truths during a school lockdown. LIV (Director: Alan Hicks, USA, 39 minutes) A PIECE OF CAKE As Liv rides the waves of hope and despair, older sister Tess (Directors: The Bragg Brothers, USA, 12 minutes) desperately fights to save her. A desperate father discovers his daughter’s favorite cake decoration is illegal.

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Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 3 BLOCK 4 98 minutes 98 minutes RED WATCH RUNNING OUT (Director: David Kennedy, USA, 4 minutes) (Director: Avi Kaye, USA, 9 minutes) A woman recites an unrequited goodbye to her ex-boy- Jake needs to leave now, or he’ll miss his flight—but his laptop friend’s red watch. is missing, his girlfriend’s still packing, and his mom won’t stop calling. MOON DROPS (Director: Yoram Ever-Hadani, Israel, 16 minutes) HOME STREAM A factory worker assembles an enigmatic machine. (Directors: Giulia Gandini & Lily Blackham, UK, 11 minutes) Lily has been homeless for a year and a half. We gave her a MATRIOCHKAS phone to tell us her story. (Director: Bérangère Mc Neese, Belgium, 24 minutes) Mother and daughter learn a lot about each other one sum- LONG RIDE HOME mer. (Director: Dame Pierre, USA, 7 minutes) A young black professional takes a ride to his childhood home. NOTHING TO SAY (Director: Aubry Mintz, USA/Canada, 10 minutes) UMBRELLA A turtle challenges the zookeeper by not speaking on com- (Directors: Helena Hilario & Mario Pece, Brazil, 8 minutes) mand. A little boy’s dream is to have a yellow umbrella. A WOMAN BRØTHERS (Director: Tahmina Rafaella, Azerbaijan, 13 minutes) (Director: Kris Sundberg, USA, 9 minutes) A young, modern mother struggles to find her place. Andrew can’t live without his best friend and brother. FACE TO FACE TIME END-O (Director: Izzy Shill, USA, 6 minutes) (Director: Alice Seabright, UK, 15 minutes) Claire takes the bold step of initiating a FaceTime call, only Jaq’s body is out to sabotage her coitus in the worst way... to discover a flaccid response. endometriosis. ASHES TO ASHES ALA KACHUU - TAKE AND RUN (Director: Taylor Rees, USA, 25 minutes) (Director: Maria Brendle, Switzerland, 39 minutes) A memorial to the 4,000 African Americans lynched A young woman yearns for freedom but is trapped in the during the Jim Crow era. clutches of tradition.

Short films are not rated and may contain disturbing language or images. All Ages blocks are suitable for all ages. LOCAL CONNECTION All short film blocks are available to be viewed in the United States for the duration of the festival, November 12-22.

Page 19 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 5 BLOCK 6 95 minutes 100 minutes FEELING FLUSH JACK AND JO DON’T WANT TO DIE (Director: Erin Brown Thomas, USA, 10 minutes) (Director: Kantú Lentz, USA, 20 minutes) Vicki idolizes her new girlfriend Samantha, but draws the Jack, a disillusioned man, meets Jo, a terminally ill girl, line when it comes to her time on the porcelain throne. and their lives become intertwined. 50 LITTLE BIRDS BEYOND NOH (Director: Hannah Lindgren, USA, 9 minutes) (Director: Patrick Smith, USA/Japan, 4 minutes) Indiana-based folk artist Geoff Davis translates his Masks from all over the world take us on a cultural journey experiences in nature into art. through ritual, utility, deviance, and politics. DAY RELEASE BLACK BOY JOY (Director: Martin Winter, Austria, 36 minutes) (Director: Martina Lee, USA, 18 minutes) Kathi receives day release from prison and finds her Selim’s favorite doll goes missing, sending him into three-year-old son in bad circumstances. a meltdown. COLORS - BLACK PUMAS FANTASTIC CARS (Director: Kristian Mercado, USA, 5 minutes) (Director: Barney Elliott, Peru, 8 minutes) Colors explores the bonds of a young family living in When a dad accompanies his son to a buy a used automobile, the Bronx. he is seduced by Rosa, a pink limousine. WRITE ME PIZZA PARTY (Director: Pearl Gluck, USA, 7 minutes) (Director: Tessa Hope Slovis, USA, 13 minutes) An older woman joins other survivors in reclaiming the An unlikely pair come together at a dystopian pizza party histories tattooed on their bodies. for sexual assault survivors. TIGER AND OX HAND IN HAND (Director: Seunghee Kim, South Korea, 9 minutes) (Director: Ennio Ruschetti, Switzerland, 4 minutes) What does divorce mean to women in a patriarchal Korean Only a formal handshake separates two politicians from a society? sealed contract. STICKER UNADOPTED (Director: Georgi M. Unkovski, Macedonia, 19 minutes) (Directors: Paula Neudorf & Arianna LaPenne, USA, Dejan falls into a bureaucratic trap that tests his determina- 34 minutes) tion to be a responsible father. A young man investigates why the foster care system never found him a forever family. LOCAL CONNECTION

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 7 BLOCK 8 101 minutes 98 minutes WELCOME STRANGERS SIN CIELO (Director: Dia Sokol Savage, USA, 21 minutes) (Director: Jianna Maarten, USA, 25 minutes) When asylum-seeking immigrants are released from ICE A teenage boy learns some cruel realities when the girl detention, Sarah Jackson and her team of volunteers he likes goes missing. welcome them. CHATTER SUBMIT IT TO FESTIVALS (Director: Natasha Lewin, USA, 2 minutes) (Director: Patrick Cannon, USA, 4 minutes) A woman battles her inner voices of self-doubt. Michael and Patrick can’t quit their day jobs. MY GENERATION WANTED: STRONG WOMAN (Director: Ludovic Houplain, France, 8 minutes) (Director: Marilyn Cooke, Canada, 15 minutes) An animated exploration of the ever-growing impact of A woman discovers a new passion that awakens the beast capitalism. inside her. WHAT DID YOU DREAM? IKTAMULI (Director: Karabo Lediga, South Africa, 20 minutes) (Director: Anne-Christin Plate, Germany, 6 minutes) It’s the summer holidays in 1990 South Africa and 11-year- A mother has conflicted feelings for her disabled son. old Boipelo can’t remember her dreams. SUNDAY DINNER HOT CHOCOLATE (Director: Kevin Mead, USA, 14 minutes) (Director: David Hay, New Zealand, 17 minutes) A passionate Italian-American family tries to enjoy their A young woman must protect her little sister at all costs. customary Sunday dinner. QUIET CARRIAGE THE BEST ORCHESTRA IN THE WORLD (Director: Ben S. Hyland, UK, 5 minutes) (Directors: Henning Backhaus, Austria, 14 minutes) A comedy about a passive man with an overactive Ingbert, the sock, auditions to be the double bass player. imagination. TILL THE END OF THE WORLD STU (Director: Florence Bouvy, Netherlands, 27 minutes) (Director: Jonathan Gruber, USA, 21 minutes) A young girl fights for the unconditional love of her father. A profile of Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat’s remarkable life and career.

LOCAL CONNECTION LOCAL CONNECTION

Page 21 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 9 BLOCK 10 99 minutes 101 minutes ON THE RIDE THE LOST ASTRONAUT (Director: Jen McGowan, USA, 14 minutes) (Director: Ben Proudfoot, USA, 13 minutes) While on his morning bike ride, Scott grapples with memo- Ed Dwight Jr. was poised to be NASA’s first African-American ries of a trauma he experienced with his husband. astronaut. Until suddenly he wasn’t. MOTHER AND MILK KINDLING (Director: Ami Lindholm, Finland, 10 minutes) (Director: Xinyi Zhu, USA, 14 minutes) The mental process of becoming a parent - imagined as a A young woman confronts her estranged childhood friend catastrophe film. about their relationship. BUSY TUESDAY KAPAEMAHU (Director: Roger Gariépy, Canada, 3 minutes) (Directors: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe A little poem that celebrates the evanescence of things. Wilson, USA, 9 minutes) Long ago, four extraordinary beings of dual male and female THUMB RUNNER spirit brought the healing arts to Hawaii. (Director: Dylan Bruno, USA/Denmark, 8 minutes) Johnny wakes up one morning to find his wife missing in this POSTCARDS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD dark comedy. (Director: Konstantinos Antonopoulos, Greece, 24 minutes) ALINA During their boring family vacation, a family is confronted (Director: Rami Kodeih, USA, 25 minutes) with the end of the world. A group of women risk everything to smuggle a baby to safety. SON OF MEMORY (Director: Hayato Ando, Japan, 19 minutes) THE BIRTHDAY PARTY What if you could bring back your loved one for 49 days? (Directors: Pablo Alen & Breixo Corral, Spain, 15 minutes) Most children’s birthday parties are parents’ worst night- A STREETCAR NAMED... mare. Not this one. (Director: Abby Fudor, USA, 2 minutes) Tennessee Williams in the time of Tinder. MATEO’S STORY (Director: Malona P. Badelt, USA, 24 minutes) MUM’S HAIRPINS A family’s journey to safety turns into a journey of trauma, (Director: Tatiana Fedorovskaya, Russia, 20 minutes) fear and irreparable damage. A box of hairpins is Yasha’s last chance to escape German invaders.

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Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 11 BLOCK 12 99 minutes 96 minutes MY HERO REBEL (Director: Logan Jackson, USA, 13 minutes) (Director: Pier-Philippe Chevigny, Canada, 15 minutes) Eight-year-old Brandon is left alone to oversee his younger A young boy takes a stand against his father’s politics. brother Mason. BLACKFEET BOXING: NOT INVISIBLE THE KITE (Director: Kristen Lappas, USA, 29 minutes) (Director: Martin Smatana, Czech Republic/Slovakia/Poland, A boxing gym on an Indian Reservation teaches young girls 13 minutes) how to defend themselves. None of us are here forever, but death doesn’t mean the end of our journey. LOOPY (Directors: Max Cianci & Anthony Peduzzi, USA, 5 minutes) A LINE BIRDS CANNOT SEE Drawn to a mysterious window, a man investigates a (Director: Amy Bench, USA, 10 minutes) seemingly abandoned building. A determined 12-year-old sets out across a desert to find her mother. DEMAND CURVE (Directors: The Bragg Brothers, USA, 11 minutes) SLOAN HEARTS NECKFACE A university professor uses basic economics to up his (Director: Justin Fair, USA, 15 minutes) ransom and get in on the action. An anonymous, anarchic graffiti artist falls in love with a fan. MISFITS THE VISIT (Director: Ciani Rey Walker, USA, 18 minutes) (Director: Azadeh Moussavi, Iran, 14 minutes) Leaders of the Black Panther Party must set aside their After six months, Elaheh is finally allowed to visit her hus- differences on the night of MLK Jr.’s assassination. band, who is a political prisoner. ACCENTS FINE, I’LL WRITE MY OWN DAMN SONG (Director: Robertino Zambrano, USA/Australia, 3 minutes) (Director: Allyson Rice, USA, 4 minutes) A performer’s ode to her mother’s Puerto Rican accent. A middle-age mom sends a rap music video message to her musician son. MALOU (Director: Adi Wojaczek, Germany, 15 minutes) FABIU After many rejections, a dancer fights for her dream of a (Director: Stefan Langthaler, Austria, 30 minutes) career on the big stage. Arthur has been lovingly caring for his ill wife Martha when suppressed feelings develop for the new aide.

LOCAL CONNECTION LOCAL CONNECTION

Page 23 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

BLOCK 13 ALL AGES BLOCK 1 101 minutes 105 minutes IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I LOVE YOU HIPPOSTEROUS (Directors: Will McCormack & Michael Govier, USA, (Director: John Hill, USA, 4 minutes) 13 minutes) Jack and Lovey go on a wild adventure after a flying pygmy A man and woman struggle to come to terms with a hippo steals their pacifier! devastating loss. ALIVE DAY NO MORE WINGS (Director: Lindsay O’Keefe, USA, 10 minutes) (Director: Abraham Adeyemi, UK, 11 minutes) A Paralympic swimmer tells her inspiring story. Two childhood friends meet at a divergent point in their lives. SAVING AMELIA (Director: Matthew Fridg, USA, 27 minutes) THE HEALING HANDS OF GENE GRESHEKY Sisters stumble upon an old two-way radio and realize it can (Director: Alec Silberblatt, USA, 9 minutes) communicate with the past. An intimate conversation with the man said to be a modern- day saint. PANGU (Director: Shaofu Zhang , USA/China, 6 minutes) 张少甫 TOUCHSCREEN A modern tale about parenthood and the differences (Director: Arthur Halpern, USA, 15 minutes) between generations. A lonely man is challenged to step out from behind his computer screen to claim the touch of another human being. LOST KINGS (Director: Brian Lawes, USA, 16 minutes) SUSANA Searching for food, a teenage boy breaks into a (Director: Laura Gamse, USA, 5 minutes) neighbor’s home. Despite the threat of deportation, a former slaughterhouse worker returns at night to care for the animals. FOR KEEPS (Director: Vicky Wight, USA, 15 minutes) A MENTOR A wanna-be mibster loses his most prized marble to the (Director: Szonja Szabó, Hungary, 30 minutes) school bully. Sarah, a lonely teenager, joins an internet group in search of support. ZOG (Directors: Max Lang & Daniel Snaddon, UK, 27 minutes) AMERICAN TYPECAST A keen young dragon wants to learn how to fly, roar, and (Director: Dane Cook, USA, 18 minutes) breathe fire in his first years at Dragon School. A struggling actor embraces his stereotype in order to save lives on and off the screen. This block is free of charge on November 14 and 15 as part of the Allegheny Regional Asset District’s RADical days. LOCAL CONNECTION Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

ALL AGES BLOCK 2 COMEDY BLOCK 102 minutes 101 minutes THE TRAIN TO QINLING A PIECE OF CAKE (Director: Shir Baron, USA, 3 minutes) (Directors: The Bragg Brothers, USA, 12 minutes) A traveler gets lost on a train in China with no one to help A father is desperate to please his daughter. her but a panda! QUIET CARRIAGE THE MISSFITS (Director: Ben S. Hyland, UK, 5 minutes) (Director: Ellie Wen, USA, 21 minutes) A comedy about a passive man with an overactive imagination. An all-girls robotics team competes to smash stereotypes and prove themselves in a male-dominated field. THE BIRTHDAY PARTY ¡ (Directors: Pablo Alen & Breixo Corral, Spain, 15 minutes) COME! (EAT!) Most children’s birthday parties are parents’ worst nightmare. (Director: Lizette Barrera, USA, 11 minutes) A Puerto Rican girl’s perspective changes when she brings a SLOAN HEARTS NECKFACE popular dessert to school and no one eats it. (Director: Justin Fair, USA, 15 minutes) UMBRELLA An anonymous, anarchic graffiti artist falls in love with a fan. (Directors: Helena Hilario & Mario Pece, Brazil, 8 minutes) GRATITUDE JAR TIME CAPSULE A little boy’s dream is to have a yellow umbrella. (Directors: Deb Hiett & Stephanie Erb, USA, 3 minutes) TREE #3 Some things never change. (Director: Omer Ben Shachar, USA, 20 minutes) FANTASTIC CARS After he’s been cast (again!) as a background tree in his (Director: Barney Elliott, Peru, 8 minutes) school play, an ambitious and imaginative boy leads A car buyer is seduced by Rosa, a pink limousine. a revolution. SUNDAY DINNER AFRO (Director: Kevin Mead, USA, 14 minutes) (Director: Jenn Shaw, USA, 12 minutes) An Italian-American family tries to enjoy Sunday dinner. An African-American teen stands up for herself against class- mates that question her cultural identity. DEMAND CURVE THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE (Directors: The Bragg Brothers, USA, 11 minutes) A university professor uses basic economics to up his ransom (Directors: Max Lang & Daniel Snaddon, UK, 27 minutes) and get in on the action. A beautiful tale of an unlikely friendship, a tour of the world and a heroic rescue. AMERICAN TYPECAST (Director: Dane Cook, USA, 18 minutes) A struggling actor embraces his stereotype. LOCAL CONNECTION Page 25 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

REELABILITIES BLOCK 1 REELABILITIES BLOCK 2 96 minutes 84 minutes SOCK GUYS MOMENT TO MOMENT (Director: Katie Turinski, USA, 10 minutes) (Director: Mike Attie, USA, 13 minutes) A young man with Down syndrome runs a successful online A story about the power of love, resilience and creativity in sock store. the face of a debilitating disease. SINGLE ALIVE (Director: Ashley Eakin, USA, 15 minutes) (Director: Jimmy Olsson, Sweden, 24 minutes) Dating with a disability is not what you might think. Victoria makes a Tinder profile after meeting her aide’s boyfriend. THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IN MY SUITCASE (Director: Mads Johan Øgaard, Norway, 6 minutes) ANGEL’S MIRROR Individuals with ADHD may experience their everyday life (Director: Cheng Chao, China, 14 minutes) a little differently. A group of young boys are fascinated by a girl who spends her days looking out the window. PLANET EARTH CALLING ANA (Director: Fernando Bonelli, Spain, 20 minutes) I AM DYSLEXIC Without warning, Ana can feel detached from the world (Directors: Mads Johan Øgaard & Katie Noel Wyman, Eng- and her life of music and performance. land, 7 minutes) A young child who is dyslexic falls into a world made entirely SWEET SOLACE out of books. (Director: Nicolas Durand, France, 10 minutes) One whimsical street musician, two blind passersby, three FORT IRWIN imaginary worlds. (Director: Quinn Else, USA, 11 minutes) To confront his past trauma, an amputee veteran acts in a BREAKING THE BIZ hyperrealistic military simulation. (Director: Javed Sterritt, Australia, 35 minutes) The story of Australia’s Bus Stop Films and its mission to DEAF LOVE make the film industry inclusive of all people. (Director: Michele Bertini Malgarini, Italy, 15 minutes) Paolo is totally in love with Claudia, a woman he has never met but with whom he texts a lot.

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Pittsburgh Shorts 2020 FILM GUIDE

THRILLS & CHILLS BLOCK 1 THRILLS & CHILLS BLOCK 2 99 minutes 98 minutes SLEEP TIGHT BOY EATS GIRL: A ZOMBIE LOVE STORY (Director: Lewis Taylor, UK, 8 minutes) (Director: Sarah Gurfield, USA, 7 minutes) A wheelchair bound teen finds out it’s not just the bed Two zombies meet cute while fighting over a dead woman. bugs that bite. DIABLA RING (Director: Ashley George, Mexico/USA, 15 minutes) (Director: India Dupré, Australia/USA, 11 minutes) A young woman finds revenge through her untapped powers. A video doorbell spies on a new couple across the hall. THE LAST TOUCH SHHHH (Director: Melissa Mars, USA, 5 minutes) (Director: Jonathan Mordechay, Israel, 13 minutes) A couple struggles to keep their love alive. Mom and Dad have had a long day. They are determined not to wake the baby at all costs! GREEN HAT DINER (Director: Zoe Alexandra & Olivia M. Busby, USA, 12 minutes) TICS A woman begins to piece together her past grief with the help (Director: Ted E. Haynes, USA, 13 minutes) of a sinister waitress. For Bobby making friends has been murder. SPRING CLEANING WADE (Director: Joe Boothe, USA, 9 minutes) (Directors: Kalp Sanghvi & Upamanyu Bhattacharyya, Caught cheating by his wife, a man is forced to confront the India, 11 minutes) skeleton in his closet. Climate change survivors face a ferocious attack. ATTACHMENT BABY BIRD (Director: Kasia Babicz, Poland, 17 minutes) (Director: Barret Bowman, USA, 8 minutes) A man’s life becomes an unexpected nightmare after leaving When Jen and Paul are invited to a dinner party, they get his wife for a younger woman. roped in to playing the group’s favorite game. MEATS BECKONED (Director: Ashley Williams, USA, 11 minutes) (Director: Richard Zelniker, USA, 19 minutes) A pregnant vegan struggles with her newfound craving for meat. A young couple’s anniversary trip takes a terrifying turn. ZORG II YOUR MONSTER (Director: Auden Lincoln-Vogel, Estonia, 22 minutes) (Director: Caroline Lindy, USA, 16 minutes) An alien comes to earth in hopes of starring in a sci-fi Laura’s about to find out the monster in her closet is alive blockbuster. and well and wants to talk about life. LOCAL CONNECTION

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Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 Page 29 FILM PITTSBURGH STARS

We are so grateful to Karen Gallimore Jim & Louisa Rudolph The Friendship Circle the donors, community H. Arnold & Adrien B. Gefsky Arlene & Steve Sablowsky of Pittsburgh partners and advertisers Elaine Gelb Elena & Yoel Sadovsky Handmade Arcade who have supported us or Karen & David Gifford Nadene Sales Jewish Residential Services committed to supporting The Grail Law Firm Lisa Scales Just Films us this season. We greatly Norton & Judy Gusky Marla & Harold Scheinman LaRoche University appreciate it during these Ann Harris Laura & Henry Schneiderman NAMI Keystone challenging times. Marlene Haus Tom & Deb Schuetz Partners for Quality Marshall & Eleanor Hershberg Lynda Schuster & Dennis Jett Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre DONORS (as of 10/11) Sandy Hirsch Jon & Barbara Schwartz Pittsburgh Center for Arts Barbara Abraham and Media Anonymous Vicky & Steve Hoffman Minette Seate Steve & Adora Holstein Rebecca Shapiro Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Len & Marilyn Asimow Pittsburgh Film Office Dan & Ronna Askin Rhonda & Mark Horvitz Roz Sherman Daryl Hutson & Pat Navarro Lee & Myrna Silverman Pittsburgh Playhouse Joel Babkes Pittsburgh Public Theater Marcia & Philip Baumfeld Ian James & Carol Tom & Mary Ann Slater Stewart James Paul & Sarah Sloop Shelley Beck Cinema Arts Lonnie Jantsch Peter & Sue Smerd Neila & Danny Bendas Point Park University Conserva- Drs. Jann Johnston & Marcia & Mel Solomon Patti & Sandy Berman tory of Performing Arts Frank Bontempo Amy R. Spear Barbara Blazick Screenshot: Asia Isadore & Yetta Joshowitz John Spiegel & Adi Rapport Gloria Silberblatt Bodek Charitable Foundation Steeltown Entertainment Project Jeff & Kathryn Spitz Cohan Alex & Mimi Botkin Richard & Alice Kalla Reel Q: Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Marilyn & Robert Swedarsky Chana & Mel Brody Bobbi & Richard Kann Film Festival Marc & Lisa Tannenbaum Jane & Bob Bukk Sandy & Esther Katz Robert Morris University Arts Nancy & Gary Tuckfelt and Humanities Department Tina Calabro Bruce Kestner Ralph Vituccio Voices for Independence | TRPIL Caroline Collins & Ken Christine A. Klein Iris Amper Walker Women in Film and Media Zenkevich Anne Kolesar Deborah & Thomas Wein Eric Cooper & Naomi Siegel Carl Krasik JFILM 2021 COMMITTED Rosalyn Wein Rabbi Sion & Alan & Margie Leisawitz ADVERTISERS (as of 10/11) Helanie David Tedd Wein & Ellen Goldhagen Myron & Phyllis Letwin Cognitive Dynamic Therapy Susan Davis & John Pierce Lou & Amy Weiss Marcia Levaur Associates Jim Denova James & Laura Wick Robert Levin & Kerry Bron Five Points Artisan Bakeshop Stacy & Snehal Desai Susie & Dan Zeidner Ellie & Shelly Levine Fort Pitt Capital Neil Diamant & Debbey Susan Zelicoff Jewish Association on Aging Altman-Diamant Patty & Stan Levine Ella Zeilinger Ziff Jewish Community Foundation Helen Eaton Mimsie Leyton Sissy & Bill Lieberman COMMUNITY PARTNERS Life & Legacy Judith & David Ehrenwerth (as of 10/11) Richard & Susan Loether Jewish Federation of Greater Sarita Eisner 21 and Able-United Way of Pittsburgh Tim Long Ivan Lee Engel Southwestern PA Jewish Residential Services Paul Lyons & Betty Helen & Richard Feder AAC Institute Rothbart Lyons Kimicata Brothers Martin & Bracha Leora Fenster Achieva Louise & Michael Malakoff LabNaturals (Murray Ave Marian Finegold Allegheny County Department Apothecary) Nancy Merenstein Stephen & Maxine Fisher of Human Services Lange Financial Todd & Elaine Miller Lucine Folgueras The Arc of Washington County Pollock Begg Karen & Chuck Moellenberg Representative Dan Frankel Carnegie Screenwriters St Edmunds Academy James Duesing & Ed Motznik Eva & Gary Friedman The Documentary Salon Temple Sinai Martin & Patricia Neidig Ronald Friedman Downtown CDC Wagner Agency Teddy & Rhonda Nisenbaum Marci Gaither Every Child, Inc. ZOA Sharon Reinherz

Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020 BOARD/STAFF/PREVIEWERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF Alison Shapiro, Chair Norton Gusky Rebecca Shapiro Drew Checkelsky Ella Rosenblum Jim Denova Daryl Hutson Marc L. Tannenbaum Caroline Collins Lori Sisson Elaine Gelb Carol Stewart James Ralph Vituccio Judy Kaplan Paul Sloop David Glickman Minette Seate Jenna Potts Kathryn Spitz Cohan

FILM PREVIEWERS SCRIPT READERS Hope Anthony Elaine Gelb T.J. Murphy Rebecca Shapiro Minda Briley Marilyn Asimow Norton Gusky* Ben Ogrodnik Faith Sloop Wendy Grube Eiben Carolyn Berg Robert Halden* Steve Parys Grace Sloop James Helfrich Francis Bertonaschi* Shoshana Halden* Karla Perelstine Kamari Somers Trudi Kennedy Mimi Botkin Jeff Heinzl Libby Powers Dan Spitz Randy Laxton Minda Briley Mara Hellman Batia Rascoe Maria Staszkiewicz Bob Scott Jim Brumbaugh Tanisha Jackson Iris Samson* Kirsten Strayer Tina Calabro Amy Jacobson* Ed Scheid Ralph Vituccio Drew Checkelsky* Trudi Kennedy Minette Seate* Mark Fallone Sam Laffey Kristin Seibert Marian Finegold Jose Muniain Chad Shannon* * CORE PREVIEWER

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Film Pittsburgh Fall Festival 2020