A night of shorts films showcasing the talents of filmmakers based in the PNW. We are highlighting the unique perspective and films of underrepresented and underserved artists. Join us in creating a space for creative celebration here in Oregon.
Filmmakers and film descriptions in order of appearance:
Navidad - Roberta Cumbianchera
An immigrant struggles to connect with the ''American Dream'' during Christmas Eve.
Between the Two - Jonathan Lue
Following recognition by a Portland publication, Candy & Akshay are now handling a surge in demand for their pizzas during lunch service. Over 13 million individuals are employed in the restaurant industry in the United States. "Between The Two" is an observational documentary that delves into the working dynamics of restaurant employees. This film takes audiences into the dining spaces we frequent, offering the perspective of the people who prepare our food.
Homegrown: Tennis & The Seeds of Community - Johnny Malloy
"Homegrown: Tennis & The Seeds of Community" follows the story of Kids N’ Tennis, a historically Black nonprofit focused on providing tennis camps and instruction to youth from marginalized backgrounds who have been underrepresented in the sport. From the struggle to found it in the face of racial prejudice in the 1980s; to the lasting impacts that the organization has as a cornerstone of its community today.
Stories I Told the Stars - Feven Solomon
"Stories I’ve Told the Stars" is a short documentary that features the stories of three men who left their homes in Ethiopia in the 1980s to escape political unrest and civil war. The film follows Solomon, Tsgeyne, and Aulua as they share stories of their life in Ethiopia to their resettlement in the Pacific Northwest and reflections on the Ethiopian diaspora and the way the ancestral homeland can still call to you after years of making a new life. Although these stories told by these men are uniquely theirs, the film carries and uplifts the voices of all refugees who did not complete their journey. It shines a light to refugees who exist in the shadows who are unable to share their journey, and is a unique representation for the many refugee communities and those affected by the refugee experience in any capacity.
The Life of Water - Jennie Greb
"The Life of Water" celebrates the connectivity and dynamic nature of water. Through montage documentary style, we follow the water in its many shapes and grooves as it traverses across geographies, and my hope is that the viewer leaves with an appreciation of the way water seeps into all parts of our everyday life.
Thirsty Thursday - Jeff Oliver
When a sacred ritual is interrupted by a clueless frat boy, a coven of Black witches are forced to teach a deadly lesson about consent.
Walla Walla - Hayley Durelle
On a road trip that's equal parts adventure and chore, Kayla and Tori drive 400 miles from their town in rural Idaho in pursuit of an abortion out of state. Shot and edited in the period between the overturn of Roe V. Wade and Idaho's extreme abortion bans taking effect, "Walla Walla" is a portrait of two friends relentlessly seeking joy in an unfair world.
Are We Connected? - Akila Fields
"Are We Connected?" depicts two people going about their lives—seemingly lost in their own worlds—yet finding fleeting moments to dance and, ultimately,
connect.
Sounds by: Isaiah Sims
Present by: OMPA
Produced by: YGB Portland
graphic by: Carolina Nascimento
Filmmakers and film descriptions in order of appearance:
Navidad - Roberta Cumbianchera
An immigrant struggles to connect with the ''American Dream'' during Christmas Eve.
Between the Two - Jonathan Lue
Following recognition by a Portland publication, Candy & Akshay are now handling a surge in demand for their pizzas during lunch service. Over 13 million individuals are employed in the restaurant industry in the United States. "Between The Two" is an observational documentary that delves into the working dynamics of restaurant employees. This film takes audiences into the dining spaces we frequent, offering the perspective of the people who prepare our food.
Homegrown: Tennis & The Seeds of Community - Johnny Malloy
"Homegrown: Tennis & The Seeds of Community" follows the story of Kids N’ Tennis, a historically Black nonprofit focused on providing tennis camps and instruction to youth from marginalized backgrounds who have been underrepresented in the sport. From the struggle to found it in the face of racial prejudice in the 1980s; to the lasting impacts that the organization has as a cornerstone of its community today.
Stories I Told the Stars - Feven Solomon
"Stories I’ve Told the Stars" is a short documentary that features the stories of three men who left their homes in Ethiopia in the 1980s to escape political unrest and civil war. The film follows Solomon, Tsgeyne, and Aulua as they share stories of their life in Ethiopia to their resettlement in the Pacific Northwest and reflections on the Ethiopian diaspora and the way the ancestral homeland can still call to you after years of making a new life. Although these stories told by these men are uniquely theirs, the film carries and uplifts the voices of all refugees who did not complete their journey. It shines a light to refugees who exist in the shadows who are unable to share their journey, and is a unique representation for the many refugee communities and those affected by the refugee experience in any capacity.
The Life of Water - Jennie Greb
"The Life of Water" celebrates the connectivity and dynamic nature of water. Through montage documentary style, we follow the water in its many shapes and grooves as it traverses across geographies, and my hope is that the viewer leaves with an appreciation of the way water seeps into all parts of our everyday life.
Thirsty Thursday - Jeff Oliver
When a sacred ritual is interrupted by a clueless frat boy, a coven of Black witches are forced to teach a deadly lesson about consent.
Walla Walla - Hayley Durelle
On a road trip that's equal parts adventure and chore, Kayla and Tori drive 400 miles from their town in rural Idaho in pursuit of an abortion out of state. Shot and edited in the period between the overturn of Roe V. Wade and Idaho's extreme abortion bans taking effect, "Walla Walla" is a portrait of two friends relentlessly seeking joy in an unfair world.
Are We Connected? - Akila Fields
"Are We Connected?" depicts two people going about their lives—seemingly lost in their own worlds—yet finding fleeting moments to dance and, ultimately,
connect.
Sounds by: Isaiah Sims
Present by: OMPA
Produced by: YGB Portland
graphic by: Carolina Nascimento
In general, the Hollywood Theatre does not provide content advisories about the subject matter shown in our theatre. Films exhibited don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Hollywood Theatre. Information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and DoesTheDogDie.com.