BIFF Shorts: Community

Introspective and interconnected stories of communities - large and small. 97 minutes.

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"Assaman"

Katrina Brook Flores (Dir), 15 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Assaman is a cosmic twin love story with the future. A man named Tukki meets a sky-being named Asé. Together, they become suspended in a visual and sonic examination in search of flourishing joy and self-care. What may seem a simple love story quickly expands into a kaleidoscope of introspective, interconnected and intergenerational movement and moments. An Afrofuturist and Indigenous sonic vision and a hypnotic journey, "assaman" means "the sky" in Wolof.

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"Kingdome"

Shawn Antoine II (Dir), 21 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

This documentary chronicles the remarkable journey of the legendary basketball tournament in Harlem known as the Kingdome. For 37 years, this tournament has been a symbol of community, resilience, and the transformative power of basketball. Through the eyes of its founder, Terry "Huncho" Cooper, and the diverse cast of players, fans, and organizers, the film explores the profound impact of the Kingdome on the lives of those involved and the Harlem community at large. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most revered street basketball tournaments in New York City, the documentary captures the highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, and the unbreakable spirit that has defined the Kingdome.

With a captivating blend of archival footage, intimate interviews, and immersive storytelling, and through the lens of basketball – the film illuminates the power of unity, the resilience of a community, and the enduring impact of a tournament that goes far beyond the confines of the court.

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"The Old Young Crow"

Liam LoPinto (Dir), 12 minutes, Japan, Western New York Premiere

In Japanese and Persian w/ English subtitles.

An Iranian boy befriends an old Japanese woman at a graveyard in Tokyo.

Using a combination of practical effects, animation, live action, and computer generated elements, the film tells a story of loss, immigration, familial love, and the beauty of nature.

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"Sir"

Maurizio Ravallese (Dir), 20 minutes, Italy, US Premiere

In Italian w/ English subtitles.

Sir is a souls healer with the power of driving out moral and physical illness. His curse: not being able to use his skills to save his sick wife. His daughter hates him, while his granddaughter follows him constantly and admires his thaumaturgical gifts. The little girl’s hope is to learn the art of Sir and to save her grandmother with the most innocence of medications: some soap bubbles. A Pathos release.

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"Mine Mine Mine"

Duncan Ragg (Dir), 20 minutes, Australia, New York State Premiere

A bed-bound man reflects on his childhood with Peter Pan, and how sometimes everyone grows up without you.

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"The Residents"

Ginger Leila Port (Dir), 9 minutes, USA, East Coast Premiere

A film-diary capturing one night at an inn in Tivoli, New York, on a resident's birthday.