Reel Works Film Festival Guide

“Braids and Bows”

By Liberty Joy

A sheltered Evangelical tween defies her oppressive mother with help from a crush.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 11:07

“Daltokki (Moon Rabbit)”

By Daniel Oliver Lee

Surrealistic short portrait of the two sides of the Daltokki (moon rabbit).

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Experimental | Run Time: 01:47

“Family Miscellany”

By Nicholas Kabasakalian

“Family Miscellany” is an intense drama unpacking the tangled web of resentment, secrets, and strife that tears a family apart from within.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 12:11

“Going Going Gone”

By Jayson Oakman

Julia uses dark magic to travel back in time to speak with her father one last time. 

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Drama | Run Time: 13:56

“The Hip Hop Realm of Queens”

By Zachary Darpoh

This documentary discusses the evolution of the culture of hip hop culture in Queens through music, clothing, food, and people.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 08:27

“Kami's Awesome ‘Hip-Hop’ Doc”

By Kami Cooper

A Reel Works student attempts to make a documentary about hip-hop.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 11:38

“My Marigolds Are Cooler Than Yours”

By Melanie Quiroz

A cinematic homage to the artists who've influenced the filmmaker’s world, blending documentary and poetry to celebrate the beauty of creative expression.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Documentary | Run Time: 07:19

“Recipe for Success”

By Layla Sandonata  from Kindle Education

“Recipe for Success” unpacks a middle schooler's fascination with healthy eating habits.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 02:54

“SHERISIA”

By Sherisia James

A young woman’s world fractures as her parents’ marriage crumbles.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 09:29

“Somewhere Everywhere Nowhere: En algún lugar, en todas partes, en ninguna parte”

By Rachelle Hernandez

Three women strive to maintain their mental health while facing the challenges of having undocumented parents.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 03:36

“They're Mid”

By Feddyana Jean

“They’re Mid” is an unflinching glimpse into the experiences of adolescents navigating self-doubt.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 06:25

“Why Not Us”

By Kiasia Burrell

A discussion on the exclusion of plus-sized bodies from the fashion industry, and how it leads to lack of self expression for many.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 06:48

“Brief Transfer”

By Julian De Armas

Obstacles emerge when a man becomes responsible for delivering a mysterious briefcase.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Experimental | Run Time: 07:33

“El Sueño Americano Realizado por Mujeres Luchadoras” // “The American Dream Achieved By Resilient Women”

By Jaslin Perez & Carlos Paula

Josefina y Lariza comparten su historia de cómo fue emigrar a los Estados Unidos dejando familiares atrás en busca de una mejor vida para ellos y sus familiares. // 

Josefina and Lariza share their story of what it was like to emigrate to the United States, leaving family behind in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Documentary | Run Time: 08:07

“Final Goodbyes: Despedidas Finales”

By Cristian Guaman-Yunga, Christian Tejada, Bryan Mancebo

Estranged siblings reunite after their mother's death, confronting 18 years of silence as they retrace their journey from Ecuador to America. 

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 08:21

“Got Talent”

By Marcus Francis

From The Cinema School

“Got Talent” is a biting satire that skewers the reality television show: America's Got Talent.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Comedy | Run Time: 08:47

“I Love You More”

By Ashur Sattiewhite

On his one-year anniversary with Amaya, high school senior Jordan's perfect day spirals into surreal chaos.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 12:24

“The Lowe's Show”

By Jayson Lowe

A polite Black Hollywood star snaps under the weight of systemic racism on set, unleashing years of pent-up fury and exposing the industry's ugly underbelly.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 08:18

“The Night Owl and The Early Bird”

By Raven Santos

Two high school seniors discover an unexpected connection through late-night exchanges of photos and poetry.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Romance | Run Time: 11:22

More information coming soon

“Red”

By Amy Zhang

A Chinese American woman torn between self-care and family duty grapples with tradition as Chinese New Year looms, her personal dreams clashing with cultural expectations and financial realities.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 06:59

“Silent Spaces”

By Kayla Khaleel from Gotham Professional Arts Academy

"Silent Spaces” unveils a profound connection forged without words.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 02:15

“Stop Motion Animation Collection”

Students from the 282K Park Slope Elementary and Brooklyn Collaborative High School

The Best Stop Motion Animation from Brooklyn Collaborative Studies and 282k Park Slope Elementary

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Animation | Run Time: 02:00

“Titan”

By Colin Klinger & Saara Al-Sawah

Astrophysicist Clyde goes on a maddening journey to uncover a second home for Earth.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 18:00

“CHOKE”

By Ahamed Diallo

Grieving ex-ballerina Willow turns to performance drugs to complete her college applications and fulfill her late mother’s wish.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 11:39

“EROTOMANIAC”

By Oonagh Dougal

A young second generation Italian woman navigates her life in New York City, finding herself entitled to a romance with a neighbor that’s not hers to claim.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 09:15

“Five Minutes”

By Daniel Jo, Pauline Zhang

Yuan's wait for a train home becomes a haunting limbo where her mother's presence flickers between memory and ghost.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Drama | Run Time: 08:35

“Grow Up!”

By Olivia Rivera

Fourteen-year-old Alice's vibrant imaginary world crumbles when she flunks a crucial exam.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Comedy | Run Time: 12:15

“In this Corner of the City”

By Sanjona Arzan

A mother, daughter, and a college student share their experience living in New York City basements.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Documentary | Run Time: 15:00

“The Making of a Matriarch: La Creación de una Matriarca”

By Vanessa Cruz

This love letter to grandma is voiced by a third-generation Dominican-American filmmaker as she uncovers her family heritage.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Documentary | Run Time: 11:38

“O me! O Life!”

By Louisa Haimo 

This film captures the places and people that make the filmmaker feel the most at home.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Experimental | Run Time: 4:49

“Ritmos Rebeldes: El Punk Latino”

By Sarai de los Angeles Perez Toyo, Rex Gilrain Portillo

Three Latino bands in the NYC punk scene explore how their culture, gender, and rage have shaped their music and lives.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 10:49

“The Smaller Picture”

By Nike Alfandari

“The Smaller Picture” follows photographer Yoshin Cheng as she captures New York City's raw DIY music scene.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 09:32

“Tabula Rasa”

By Chidiogo Igboekwe

A young African American man returns home to confront his fractured relationship with his mentally ill father, a veteran subjected to MK ULTRA experiments.

11/09 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 12:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Drama | Run Time: 13:44

“Why Do Students Skip School”

By Jazmin Cumbe from Sunset Park High School

This documentary shares perspectives from students and teachers about skipping school.

11/09 - 2:30 PM - Theater 1 Silas

11/10 - 2:00 PM - Theater 1 Silas

Documentary | Run Time: 08:02

“YOU BURN”

By SAADI BELGAID

An invisible man’s fervent declaration of love collides with his fiancee's visible but silent presence.

11/09 - 3:50 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

11/10 - 3:20 PM - Theater 2 Beatrice

Drama | Run Time: 05:32

BEST OF OUTCALT: SCREENING + Q&A

Saturday, November 9th

11:30 AM - Doors Open

12:00 PM - Opening Day 1 Festival Remarks

Reel Works Co-Founder Stephanie Walter - THEATER 1

Senior Director of Programs Devon Mercurius - THEATER 2

Block 1: Tangled Ties - THEATER 1

Block 2: Chaotic Connections - THEATER 2

1:20 PM - Best of F. John Outcalt: Screening + Filmmaker Q&A

Special Remarks: Andrés Borda - THEATER 1

2:30 PM

Block 3: Growing Pains - THEATER 1

Block 4: Threads of Legacy - THEATER 2

3:50 PM

Block 5: Voices in Motion - THEATER 1

Block 6: Bonds & Boundaries - THEATER 2

5:00 PM - Closing Day 1 Festival Remarks

Sunday, November 10th

11:30 AM - Doors Open

12:00 PM - Opening Day 2 Festival Remarks

Reel Works Co-Founder Stephanie Walter - THEATER 1

Senior Director of Programs Devon Mercurius - THEATER 2

Block 1: Tangled Ties - THEATER 1

Block 2: Chaotic Connections - THEATER 2

1:20 PM - Fireside Chat

Moderator: Reel Works Co-Founder Stephanie Walter - THEATER 1

2:00 PM

Block 3: Growing Pains - THEATER 1

Block 4: Threads of Legacy - THEATER 2

3:20 PM

Block 5: Voices in Motion - THEATER 1

Block 6: Bonds & Boundaries - THEATER 2

4:40 PM - Awards Ceremony - THEATER 1

5:00 PM - Closing Day 2 Festival Remarks