Austin Lift-Off Film Festival 2023 - Network Round Shorts

Wednesday 3rd May - Wednesday 10th May

1.

Smile Now, Cry Later
Dir. Keanu Cordero
USA
Logline: 'Smile Now, Cry Later' is a film that explores the complexities of mental health and the power of human connection.
The film follows Joey, a young man struggling to cope with his mental health issues and past trauma. When he reconnects with his childhood friend Lila, he finds the strength to confront his inner demons and take control of his life. With a talented cast that includes David Carbajal, Kalen Austin, Presley Weber, Gabriel Carmona, Stormy Lopez, and Nick Mendez, 'Smile Now, Cry Later' is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience.

2.

Grey Horse
Dir. Emil Lozada
USA
Logline:Samuel Grey Horse, an Indigenous equestrian from Austin, Texas, is known for rescuing horses from being put down. After a riding accident lands him in a coma, Grey Horse experiences an afterlife vision that changes his perspective on the world and his place in it.

3.

FOUR WALLS - EPISODE 1
Dirs. Kgosana Monchusi, Menzi Mzimela, Juvaiś Dunn
USA
Logline: Grace Molotsi, a married nurse from the township, feels trapped and at her wits end due to an abusive husband who has made her life a living nightmare.

4.

Story of Samson by Lonzoe Young
Dir. Ralon Wiley
USA
Logline: A short animated film based on the life of the biblical figure, Samson. This story is narrated in rhythmic, urban, poetic fashion.

5.

Devils Income
Dir. Danny Humphrey
USA
Logline: Sonny, an unemployed gambling degenerate, loses everything in a game of Texas Hold' Em. With the threat of death lingering over Sonny's head, he has 24 hours to pay off his debt to Ziggy leader of the berserker biker gang. In desperation, Sonny reaches out to his brother Vonny, an ex-gang member to help Sonny to get out of this debacle.

6.

Download My Heart In The Metaverse
Dir. Mo Rebec
USA
Logline: It is the world's first music film based on the first global song about the Metaverse. The film takes the audience on a grand musical tour of the Metaverse. It's apart of the "Download My Heart" Series by, Hashtag Queens

7.

Tito
Dirs. Anthony Notarile, Andy Tworischuk
USA
Logline: Caught in a rut at his thankless job in New York City's seedy underworld, a worn out delivery man attempts to find purpose in his life. As he struggles to navigate a city that feels like Hell, the delivery man finds comfort in his only friend, Tito. Distraught and desperate to change the course of his life, a chance encounter may solve his problems once and for all.

8.

Compassionate Caren in the Big, Bad World
Dir. Dean Shortland
USA
Logline: Caren is a middle-aged control freak who isn’t feeling accepted in the world around her anymore. To feel relevant and useful—or for that matter, to survive, she will either have to change her ways or society will have to understand her better.

9.

A Rosary and a Diamond Ring
Dir. Nanak Kirpal McCann
USA
Logline: Follows two soldiers, Butch and Joe, on their first day home from the war in Vietnam, as they walk the city of San Francisco, before saying goodbye.

10.

Las Muralistas: Our Walls, Our Stories
Dir. Javier Briones
USA
Logline: Las Muralistas: Our Walls, Our Stories is a 25-minute documentary directed by Javier Briones and edited by Claudia Escobar, in partnership with SFMOMA. The film features women muralists whose works cover the walls of San Francisco’s Mission District. The muralism movement that emerged in the 1970s in the Mission District marked the beginning of a tradition of activism, expression, and community building through public art. Hear from artists Juana Alicia, Smokie Arce, Susan Cervantes, Elaine Chu, Priya Handa, Yolanda López, Consuelo Méndez, Irene Pérez, Patricia Rodriguez and more on their experiences, the impact of femmes in the movement and the effort to make space for future muralistas.