In a city where the sun never shines, a young skeptic helps his scientist uncle conduct an experiment that could give his people hope. Made in Kazakhstan by Batyrkhan Jussipov, “Helios” is deadpan dystopian sci-fi with an inventive DIY spirit. Nurseit is a disaffected young man living in a remote...

In need of a place to stay, a young man poses as the son of a woman with Alzheimer’s. Sam Severin directs “Niko & Eleanor,” an understated drama about an unlikely relationship that fleetingly forms between two people with different struggles. Niko enters the home of Eleanor wearing a safety vest ...

As an online roleplaying game approaches its final days, two teens embark on a cross-country trip to meet each other in real life. “Love192,” directed by Haydon Mayer, is a tender romance and sign-of-times saga that captures and transcends the digital realm. Jude goes by the username “M4yJud3July...

A young woman arranges viewings for her one-bedroom house, which she may not be genuine about actually renting. Ryan Leedu directs “No Bedroom,” a character study that builds intrigue with an ordinarily mundane task that raises questions of intent. At first it seems like a typical situation: a wo...

A recent graduate poaches rare books from his geriatric roommate. Sam Brodsky directs “Mint Condition,” a NYC story tracking a young Irish lad in his quiet quest through a niche enclave of the literary world. Oscar makes breakfast for his roommate and landlord, Jerry. They sit across from each ot...

A nomadic musician embarks on a road trip up the pacific coast to spread his mother’s ashes. Daniel Freeman directs “Teddy, Out of Tune,” a docu-fictional portrait—part road movie, part meditation on grief—brought to life with vivid detours and musical bursts. Teddy doesn’t have (or need) much as...

Lila’s growing relationship with Luca is threatened by self-sabotaging fears, forcing her to confront her past. “Venusia,” directed by Angela Sari, is a lovely 16mm tone poem capturing a young woman in a moment of indecision set against an idyllic French countryside and village. On a getaway to L...

An emotionally exhausted nurse revisits the comforts of childhood when she hires a babysitter to take care of her for the evening. Isabel Pask directs “Goodnight,” a weighty drama about a hospice worker looking for relief. After an intense day on the job, Daria returns to her New York City apartm...

A fragmented road trip becomes a portrait of love, loss, and memory. Antoine Pret and Elena Bonhomme direct “Cinq étapes,” a black-and-white, 16mm snapshot that connects a French road map with five steps of grieving. Monica pulls off to the side of the road. She pays her respects to a small memor...

A young woman makes a documentary about her affair with an older filmmaker. Shae Sennett directs “The Honest Movie,” a docu-fictional satire driven by self-absorbed creatives and their snappy exchanges. Finch and her friend, Agnes, watch TikToks while talking about filmmaking pursuits. Finch fina...

When a young line cook hears the voices of his favorite podcasters beckoning him like sirens, the mundane becomes macabre. Ahmad Bakrin directs “Happy Ending,” an account of a young man quietly reckoning with his loneliness, precise in its dark tone and heavy atmosphere. Pete doesn’t feel too goo...

A sound artist at a residency in the woods becomes increasingly paranoid after an eerie discovery and bizarre run-in with conspiracy theorists. Linda Mai Green directs “Mondegreen,” a mysterious portrait about an artist’s spiraling state of mind. Maggie attends a residency in isolation, lodged in...

A young woman recounts her most recent relationship, coming to grips with the highs, lows, and what she may have missed. Ella Gibney directs “Move with Me,” a breakup story told through seasonal vignettes and Mini DV playback. Peal records Sarah, her girlfriend, while she makes spaghetti. Sarah s...

When two best friends attempt an astrophysical internet trend, one of them must face the consequences of her new reality alone. “A Sweetness of Lapse,” directed by Bashir Aden, is an understated sci-fi drama, detouring into a ‘what if’ universe. Mina and Ava chill at the park. They listen to hous...

The morning after a kidnapping, a detective's investigation tests the bonds of a marriage. Daniel Collins and Matt McDonald direct “Trauma Bonds,” a comedic crime case where the foundation of a relationship is called into question. Vanessa was recently kidnapped. She gives the police her statemen...

Ira prepares to confront an unrequited crush by practicing with miniature figurines. Mika Lungulov-Klotz and Alanna Murray direct “I Would Never Fuck You,” a poignant account of tricky romantic pursuits, which stars an ensemble of older gentleman cast as young women. Ira tinkers with handmade fig...

A girl, her big sister, and God go to extreme measures to win a beauty pageant. Max Tullio directs “All Beauty Queens Have Broken Bones,” a coming-of-age drama set in the Midwest where a pair of siblings try to decipher signs from God. Marlo has a vision of competing in the Miss Teen Indiana Page...

When a young French woman decides to leave New York City and return to France, her best friend, an American, confronts the reality of life without her. Gino Fortebuono directs “Loleh,” a slice-of-life ruminating on friendship, co-dependence, and evaded pasts. Loleh visits her family in France and...

A brother and sister struggle to run their late mother's massage parlor. Legyaan Thapa directs "Building Happiness,” a slice-of-life look at early adult responsibilities and a failing family business. Hugo gives massages and washes dirty laundry at the “Building Happiness” spa. However, business ...

A dejected man living in Los Angeles limps through a prolonged break-up and the distractions in the aftermath. Brian Follmer directs “Dys-Sympathetic,” a satirical featurette poking at casual sex, casual romance, and the emotional deterioration of it all. Tyler waits for his ex-girlfriend, Zoe, a...

A new retiree’s world is upended when she is tasked with chaperoning her daughter’s abortion. Lucy Sandler directs “the weight of a dog,” a dramatic look at a mother and daughter relationship through the lens of generational disconnect. Mariah, in a complicated break period with her partner, need...

A young man becomes suspicious of his downstairs neighbor after letting her use his fire escape. Camille Casmier directs “Intruder,” a compelling drama that graphs exponential unease and distrust that may be racially complicated. While preparing dinner, Sam, a white man, hears a knock at the door...

A young superintendent in Bensonhurst struggles to keep his job while supporting his dying grandfather. Evan Dominguez directs “The Superintendent,” a Brooklyn story filmed in black-and-white featuring a compelling ensemble and feeling of timelessness. Felix and Al are live-in superintendents. Th...

A young woman is meeting her friend for a movie when a voice from another place tries to reach her. Pat Mooney directs “DX350,” a silvery, 16mm slice-of-life with lowkey bursts of sci-fi. Elena descends a shopping mall escalator. Her iPod classic and wired headset are relics threatening the moder...