- Film Screening
- Short Film Screening
Date: February 20, 2026
Time: 6:15 pm – 8:50 pm
Location:
Regal Union Square Theater 1
850 Broadway
New York, New York 10003
There will be a Q&A Session with the filmmakers at 8:30 PM. These films have not been rated and some content may not be appropriate for children.
- Animated Film Competition
Carbono
Directed by: Alberto Arvizu, Yael Gonzalez
Country: Mexico / Peru
Minutes: 6
Premiere:
NYC Premiere
Warning:
Reflections on the carbon cycle and its journey across the world, connecting life and death, love and conflict, and the constant of transformation.
- Short Film Competition
Mime
Directed by: Gabri Blankson
Country: United States
Minutes: 7
Premiere:
NYC Premiere
MIME is a fantasy drama that explores the mental and emotional toll of isolation on a teenage girl named Bri during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated from friends, overwhelmed by emotion, and unable to speak up, Bri begins to project her suppressed emotions onto her family, turning them into mimes representing her various emotions–Anger, Anxiety, and Sadness. As the mimes become more intrusive in her life, Bri must find the courage to name what she feels and reclaim her voice. Through expressive visuals, movement, and music, the film paints a powerful portrait of what it feels like to struggle with mental health in silence.- Short Film Competition
Catalogue of Noses
Directed by: Josie Andrews
Country: United States / The Netherlands
Minutes: 13
Premiere:
NYC Premiere
CATALOGUE OF NOSES tells the story of Jewish 16-year-old actor Emily, who faces off with her mother and her Jewish plastic surgeon on the day of her scheduled rhinoplasty. Emily must navigate this emotional decision and learn unsettling truths about the consequences of assimilation. Inspired by real events.
The film has an educational twist and the team has created a companion curriculum in association with Reboot as a guided educational tool that incorporates private reflection, group discussion, and a creative exercise wherein audiences are introduced to key terms and cultural context, the origin of the “Jewish nose” stereotype, and the history of rhinoplasty as they relate to the central question of the film: What are the costs and benefits of assimilation?
The lesson plan is designed to take one hour and is adjustable. This lesson plan is designed to accompany High School Education through adults, and is most suitable for students over the age of 12.
- Short Film Competition
Captain Bartleby Loves the Moon
Directed by: Jan Winters
Country: United States
Minutes: 7
Premiere:
NYC Premiere
Captain Bartleby falls in love with an anthropomorphic moon and the world starts to fall apart.- Short Film Competition
POE: A Tale of Madness
Directed by: Paul Michael Bloodgood
Country: United States
Minutes: 5
Premiere:
World Premiere
Warning:
Tormented writer Edgar Allan Poe grapples with haunted specters of his own design as he strives to create a masterpiece … a masterpiece that quickly tumbles into a tale of madness. POE: A TALE OF MADNESS was filmed on a soundstage with a 50′ curved LED screen, utilizing groundbreaking technology known as “The Volume” – combining real props with virtual production backgrounds built with Unreal Engine. Leveraging this unique technology, POE stands at the precipice of film industry tech seen in big budget productions such as Star Wars’ THE MANDALORIAN and Matt Reeves’ THE BATMAN, creating visually stunning and immersive yet realistic environments – perfect for the dark and sinister cinematic dream world of Edgar Allan Poe.- Music Video Competition
Dancing Dhamaal!
Directed by: Nimisha Mahatme
Country: United States
Minutes: 5
Premiere:
NYC Premiere
This animated Bollywood music video follows the emotional journey of Aadarshini, who is feeling out of place at a traditional Indian wedding. At the reception, she is mesmerized by dancer Parvati, who is the embodiment of classic Indian culture. Aadarshini may not be able to keep up with Parvati’s choreography, but she finds acceptance in her community through her own unique and unusual dance style.- Feature Film Competition
Seems Like Love
Directed by: Yana Klimova-Yusupova
Country: Russian Federation / Ireland
Minutes: 92
Liza, a young and optimistic woman, arrives in Saint Petersburg for the first time, enchanted by the city’s poetic bridges, legendary embankments, and vibrant bohemian parties. Her adventure begins when she meets a free-spirited artist and his musician friend. Together, they embark on a whimsical journey through the city, involving the sale of an antique bed, spontaneous conversations, and the magic of white nights. As the day unfolds, unexpected connections form, leading Liza to discover that love might be found in the most unforeseen circumstances.
