LA Shorts Fest Review: Five Short Films by Diverse Filmmakers

Despite the pandemic’s ongoing effects, diverse filmmakers worldwide are still making strides in the entertainment industry. Instead of screening their films in theaters, these creatives are premiering their work through virtual film festivals. One of these festivals includes the Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival (also known as LA Shorts Fest). Currently celebrating its 24th year, the LA Shorts Fest is screening over 300 short films throughout October. With just a few clicks away, attendees can watch films by newbie filmmakers and professionals alike. And the best thing about this festival is that all of these films are free to view. 

Attending the online film festival can feel overwhelming at times due to its wide range of films. So, here are five short films you can check out right now during the LA Shorts Fest. 

Broken Bird 

Director/Writer: Rachel Harrison Gordon
Starring: Indigo Hubbard-Salk, Chad L. Coleman, Mel House
Length: 10 Minutes

Broken Bird is an intimate coming-of-age tale with a ton of heart. While preparing for her Bat Mitzvah at a synagogue in New Jersey, young biracial teen Birdie decides to spend the day with her ne'er-do-well father. Though Birdie feels she has to choose between her father's freewheeling lifestyle and her mother's conservative faith, she soon realizes that it is possible to do both. By first time director Rachel Harrison Gordon, this carefully constructed short film shows what is like for teens, particularly biracial teens, to accept and love their identity. 

Black Pumas Colors

Director/Writer: Kristian Mercado
Starring: Christopher “Afrika” Quarles, Danai Mafararikwa, Chaz Browne, Bahiyyah Shakur
Length: 4 minutes

If there is one short film that masterfully captures the homelessness crisis in America, it is Black Pumas Colors. Inspired by the soulful song "Colors" by Black Pumas, this musical film follows a poor Black family as they struggle to get by in the Bronx. Due to issues outside of their control, the family of three must leave their apartment and live on the streets while they try to find a new home. With Puerto Rican director Kristian Mercado behind the camera, this beautiful short film shows that no matter how hard the world knocks down, you can still get up and fight. 

Paly

Director/Writer: Nikhil Ganesh
Starring: Sohil Shah, Rayan Gore, Sonia Shah 
Length: 19 minutes

Cultures and economics clash in Nikhil Ganesh's short film Paly. Indian-American high schooler Ajay dreams of becoming a world-famous rapper. But, his no non-sense immigrant mother wants him to buckle down and focus on his studies. So, the arrogant teen sneaks out of his house to record a track with a producer outside of town. However, a series of unfortunate mistakes land Ajay in trouble with both the producer and his mother. Humorous and insightful, this short film tackles cultural assimilation, class, and teenage rebellion in a surprisingly thoughtful manner. 

Furthest From

Director/Writer: Kyung Sok Kim 
Starring: Amanda Christine, Chad Benton, Tucker Chandler
Length: 19 minutes

Race, poverty, and environmental issues are at the forefront in Kyung Sok Kim’s engaging short film, Furthest From. When a water contamination issue strikes her precious trailer park community in Novato, California, a young Black girl named Jessie must leave everything she knows behind to start a new life with her older sister and neglectful mother. But despite her young age, the impending move forces the child to grow up. Searing and impactful, this film highlights how environmental issues affect the most vulnerable people, particularly people from poor communities.

Grandpa's Long March

Director/Writer: Bolun Wei
Starring: Andy Sun, Anthony Lien 
Length: 15 minutes

Bolun Wei's delightful tale will convince you to call your grandparents more often. Desperate to attend the Spring Festival, an elderly Chinese war veteran with Alzheimer's travels from China to reunite with his beloved college-bound grandson in the United States. Though his behavior bewilders everyone around him, this forgetful grandfather does everything he can to find his grandson. Thankfully, several people help the older man along the way, including a driver from a travel agency and a Chinese student from her grandson's school. With its engaging story, solid casting, and fantastic directing, Grandpa's Long March is a joy to watch.  

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