FILM @ Downtown Urban Arts Festival (DUAF) showcases the best in new short film from new and emerging independent filmmakers from United States and around the world.

Short films make up a unique medium, one that lends itself neatly to subtler scenes and visual experimentation. They also, not-so-coincidentally, carve out a space for voices often quelled in the world of big-budget blockbusters It provides the movie-loving public with access to bold, daring and innovative cinema. (Huffington Post)

Our mission is to promote and stimulate creation and innovation in the film industry and provide support, opportunities for new voices that otherwise might not have been heard. FILM believes that independent films broaden the palette of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness and fostering activism.

FENCED (23 min) USA
After the detention of a trailer truck carrying illegal immigrants goes wrong, a border patrol officer opens fire and ends up killing a little child. The officer will have to decide between his duty or the chance to help the mother that wants to say goodbye to her child.
Directed by Rodrigo Zan
CAST: Victor Patrick Alvarez, Kriss Dozal, Tony García, Brian James Cogley, Mikaela Moody, Vanessa Arcia, Nicole Blume, Donovan Farwell, Zakiyah Bradford, Cole Altuzarra, John P. Dulaney, Karina Ramírez, Miguel Salcedo, Lawrence Garduño, Álvaro Ramos, Selynne Silver, Claudia Gonzalez

THE ONE (7 min) USA
David is struggling to get over his ex Tia. In order to catch up on sleep he starts to take sleeping pills. Now constantly reliving their memories in his dreams, he must decide which place he wants to stay.
Directed by Tony Batchler, Jr.
CAST: Brian Cruel, Deonna Thompson, Jalen Marshall

REQUIEM (10 min) MEXICO
After losing his brother in a jump, Oscar decides to confront his grief in the same way. Fighting against his own demons and torments, he will understand that the most important thing is not to forget but to forgive.
Directed by Samuel Olivarez
CAST: César Kancino, Jorge Antonio Guerrero, Alberto Dominguez

THIS IS THE PLACE (16 min) USA
After the tragic passing of a former softball teammate, a young woman returns to her hometown to attend the funeral. There, she encounters an unpleasant figure from her past.
Directed by David Fu and Thomas Byrnes
CAST: Szalene Anthony, Nora Heidenreich, Thomas J. O’Neill, Audrey Walker, Beverley Albertus, David Momjian, Greg Momjian, Everett McMahan, Lilly Byrnes

​**Please Note: Recommended for ages 16+**

Visit www.filmduaf.com for more info!