Shorts: Rural Magic

Please note: Due to technical difficulties at the Narrowsburg Union, this screening has now moved to the Tusten Theatre at 5:30pm. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

A program of short films that find the mythic, the unseen, outsiders, and the profound in rural life and landscape, followed by a filmmaker talkback.

Greetings From the Catskills! Directed by Ramona Jan

Narrative Short | United States | 5 mins

A black-and-white silent comedy about a girl, a lawn mower, and a delightfully unexpected day in the Catskills.

A Beautiful Walk Directed by Gabriel Taylor

Documentary short | United States | 14 mins

A group of young friends hikes into the wilderness to discover more of themselves and their place in the world. This documentary captures their struggles, revelations, and the joys made possible by the mountains.

Kansas, 1989 Directed by Clayton Dean Smith

Narrative Short | United States | 13 mins

The story of a Midwestern teen in the 80s on the verge of coming out, and the night of danger that changes the course of his life.

Radio Catskill: Big Eddy Film Festival Brings a Personal Coming-of-Age Story from Kansas to Narrowsburg

Freeman Vines Directed by Tim Kirkman and Andre Robert Lee

Documentary Short | United States | 14 mins

82-year-old Freeman Vines carves guitars seeking to recreate a haunting sound, using wood including timber from lynching trees. Despite illness, he works in rural NC, surrounded by tools and reminders of regional racism.

Life Release Directed by Ava Berkofsky

Narrative Short | United States | 15 mins

After the death of her sister, psychologist Sarah Cohen’s reality takes on a hallucinatory shimmer. Pushed by her obsessive brother, she agrees to take part in a Buddhist “Life Release” ceremony — a ritual meant to guide their sister into her next life. As quiet transmutations, fragile family ties, and twenty-one liberated fish converge, Sarah’s grief slowly rises into the light.

The Burger King Directed by Jacob Tyler DiNobile

Documentary Short | United States | 14 mins

Jacob, a young autistic man, retraces his life to determine whether or not his disability needs a cure.

Listen Directed by Taliesin Black-Brown

Documentary Short | United States | 15mins

As his mother slips away into dementia, an Alaskan sound recordist listens for what remains.

Add Your Comment Cancel reply

Contact Us

Quick Links

Mailing List