A young man drives across the vast exteriors of Kansas in anticipation of a lover's rendezvous. Darron Carswell’s “Villa Mink” is a contained, slow-burn look at a young man’s night in solitude. Rudy Ford rides the interstate, taking a rest at a road-side motel where there’s the possibility of mee...

A man in New York becomes obsessed with a girl he keeps seeing. “Nadja,” directed by Abe Dassa Kaye, is a moment-to-moment look at a young man’s brief episode of infatuation. Chatting over some drinks during the day, the young man tells his two friends about a recent romantic interest: there’s a ...

After a disillusioned EMT quits his job in Newark, he becomes entangled on a wild adventure that begins with a mysterious Craigslist ad. Fiona Kane’s “There’s No Werewolves in Newark” is a moody character study of a modern floater. Dead-ends double down for Bill when he’s dumped by his girlfriend...

An overseas yogurt company causes a tumultuous rift between two roommates. “God Help Us,” directed by Julius Jefferson, is a piece of experimental horror comedy that accentuates a bizarre roommate conflict. After returning to their apartment to find a huge mess of yogurt cups littering the place ...

Living alone in upstate New York, a mother receives a surprise visit from her daughter. Lily Weisberg’s “Working Summer” is a quiet portrait of the life of an empty nester as her daughter bears witness to a new phase. Deborah spends her days weaving baskets and working in her garden, kept company...

While making a documentary about a heavily polluted town, a filmmaker takes interest in a neighborhood teenager as a compelling subject. Max Drexler’s “Phillips” is a docu-fictional portrait of an American town and the grim anxieties cast over a particular resident. The filmmaker walks us through...

A performer in upstate New York spirals as she tries to bring in an audience for her latest show. Emily DeForrest directs and stars in “Show Tonight,” a comedic look at a woman’s last-minute promotional efforts leading up to her performance. Lucy snaps some selfies and eagerly sends them to a guy...

A filmmaker documents his grandfather’s reflections on time and the environment. Elijah Guess’s “Wise River, MT” embarks on a brief, but meditative piece of portraiture documentary. As we observe the 86-year-old man’s spry interactions with his remote Montana surroundings, we listen as he reckons...

Set in India, six siblings navigate their day-to-day obstacles, endeavors, and social gymnastics. “It’s all In your Head,” a feature film directed by Dhruv Solanki, is a comedic slice-of-life offering a youthful perspective on a Northern India backdrop. JoJo, an aspiring photographer, makes her w...

A grandson relieves himself of guilt. “Discharge,” directed by Aidan Macaluso, is a brisk dark comedy showing the phone call between a grandson and his grandmother, and the action that follows. With his grandma suffering from dementia, the young man lies about sending her gifts. It feels good in ...

An aimless young woman befriends an up-and-coming actress but their relationship grows tumultuous. Kyra McConnell and Jessica Apatow co-direct, and both star in, “Unturned,” a unique look at online-to-irl friendships capturing the intricacies of social-climbing and obsession. Margret relaxes in h...

At a night festival in India, two former school friends reunite after years of being apart. Tanmay and Tanvi Chowdhary direct “Madhu” (Honey), a heartfelt look at a reunion and the feelings that simmer deep into the evening. In the city of Kolkta during the Hindu festival 'Durga Pujo,' Satakshi a...

While battling breast cancer, a filmmaker reexamines her relationship with art and self. Kailee McGee directs and stars in “Can,” a liberating self-portrait with insights extending far beyond just the filmmaker’s condition. Kailee, aka McGee, has breast cancer. She also has an unclear idea of how...

Discussing everything from lime beers to The Doobie Brothers concerts, Brad Howe takes his comedic stylings home to his favorite watering hole, The Legion. An inspired riff on the stand-up comedy special, “Brad Howe: Live at the Legion” is light on jokes and heavy on character building. It’s Satu...

In an attempt to be liked, a woman invites a stripper to her friend’s bachelorette party. “Isaac,” directed by Samantha Carroll, is a comedic look at an anxious woman’s awkward attempts to socialize at an intimate gathering. In each of their own color-coordinated wigs, the ladies celebrate Meredi...

When a middle-aged man discovers a beautiful painting outside his apartment, he’s determined to share the experience with his ex-wife. Patrick Koehle’s “DALE III” delivers a comedic discourse on art appreciation. Throwing out his trash, Dale notices a painting on the street — a boat floating at s...

After a year of isolation, a young woman reluctantly ventures out from her small studio apartment to host a funeral for her friend's pet. “Recluse,” directed by Alexis Sundman, is a tender look at confronting and reconnecting with the real world. Speaking directly to the audience, Leona informs u...

A Russian immigrant looks for life beyond busking at the Brighton Beach boardwalk. Theo Belci’s “End of the Boardwalk” offers a momentary look at moving to a new place and the obstacles that come with acclimating. To stay afloat financially, the young woman busks on the Brighton Beach boardwalk w...