Indie Films

PBS Short Film Festival

The PBS Short Film Festival elevates the reach and visibility of independent filmmakers from across the country. Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of films celebrating love, acceptance, family, strength, equality, friendship, loyalty and more have been presented under the festival’s banner. The 2023 festival features “Stories in bloom” which represents growing and changing narratives.

Two Bears

18m 18s

Casey TwoBears is a Marine Corps veteran, ex-junkie, and former county inmate. While working as a janitor for a boxing gym, Casey volunteers be the sparring partner for the local “champ” in order to prove his worth as a warrior in the ring, but also to prove himself as the modern warrior that his daughter and granddaughter can depend on.

Episodes

  • New Beginnings: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    New Beginnings

    S2023 E11 - 7m 49s

    Sofia Caloiero, a college Junior, spends an afternoon making biscotti with her grandmother Vittoria, who immigrated to the U.S. from Calabria, Italy. Vittoria shares the story of her arrival in this country, her life as a new bride, and the joy of raising her family.

  • WINN: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    WINN

    S2023 E10 - 16m 53s

    After experiencing neglect and traumatic loss while pregnant in prison, Pamela Winn becomes an activist, leading hundreds of thousands to support the Dignity Bill to end the shackling of pregnant people in prison. "WINN" exposes the horrifying experience that incarcerated pregnant people endure and documents Pamela’s mission to end shackling and ultimately prison birth.

  • Miss Chelove: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Miss Chelove

    S2023 E9 - 15m 2s

    Indonesian-American artist Cita Sadeli, a.k.a. MISS CHELOVE, begins work on a mural in a soon-to-open Indonesian coffeehouse in Washington, D.C. As she paints, Cita talks about her life in the DMV area, her cultural heritage, the influence of punk and hip-hop on her life, and how she came to fall in love with graffiti in the 1980’s when there were few women drawn to the art at the time.

  • Kumu Niu: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kumu Niu

    S2023 E8 - 15m

    The island of O'ahu is covered with coconut palms, but for fear of liability the vast majority of these sacred trees have been stripped of coconuts. The grassroots movement "Niu Now" is on a mission to restore the "niu," or coconut, as a fundamental food crop in Hawai'i and spread the Indigenous wisdom of "aloha 'āina:" loving land and serving people.

  • Lucie and Annie: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Lucie and Annie

    S2023 E6 - 6m 8s

    Lucie and Annie discuss their struggle to become married, and encourage others to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Stories from St. Metz: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Stories from St. Metz

    S2023 E5 - 15m 34s

    Brothers Fred and Lee Metzger recall their eccentric upbringing in a converted church, where trout fishing in pools, motorcycles in the living room, and wild pets were the norm. Reflecting on their unorthodox childhood, they share life lessons of hard work, humor, and family values.

  • Lucky Fish: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Lucky Fish

    S2023 E4 - 8m 36s

    Maggie’s family has her entire life planned out, but she wants more for herself than predetermined clichés. When she encounters an enchanting girl at a local Chinese restaurant, she must reflect upon the values and desires that whisper within her. Through poignant dialogue and vivid imagery, Lucky Fish champions the adolescent desire to flourish.

  • A Little Off the Top: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Little Off the Top

    S2023 E3 - 5m 53s

    “A Little Off the Top” is the first episode of a planned web-series about a group of African-American barbers who provide advice, support, and feedback to their troubled teen customer. Using 3D animated photorealistic characters, each webisode addresses social issues faced by young black men in America, offering a unique perspective on navigating struggles with humor, insight, and brotherly love.

  • Be Heard: I Am Who I Say I Am: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Be Heard: I Am Who I Say I Am

    S2023 E2 - 7m 15s

    I Am Who I Say I Am is a documentary short film series by Black Public Media capturing three personal stories of gender identity. Presented episodically during LGBT History Month and leading into Trans Awareness Week (November 13-19), this project introduces us to Jei, Brit, and Dr. Maya as they each offer their take on navigating gender.

  • Last Call Baking: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Last Call Baking

    S2023 E1 - 6m 8s

    Last Call Baking Co. owner Chanah Willis opened her shop in Birmingham, AL where they create fresh, unusual, and delightful baked goods. Inspired by their Southern and Jewish heritage, a love of travel, and a background in fine arts, Chanah's wild appreciation for ingredients sets them apart from your average Betty Crocker.

Extras + Features

  • Official Trailer: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Official Trailer

    S2023 - 1m

    The PBS Short Film Festival elevates the reach and visibility of independent filmmakers from across the country. Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of films celebrating love, acceptance, family, strength, equality, friendship, loyalty and more have been presented under the festival’s banner. The 2023 festival features “Stories in bloom” which represents growing and changing narratives.

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