A woman with Alzheimer's enters alternate dimensions in search of her husband

A parakeet escapes from its cage, introducing its owner to a technicolor reality.

When disaster strikes, Battery Mommy runs to the rescue

A man builds and programs an AI-robot girlfriend for himself but she develops a mind of her own.

Ben's not doing well. Since losing his wife, he's moved in with his mothers, lost his voice, and begun to lose his faith—as a cantor, that's just not kosher. Hoping to spark a love connection, Ben's rabbi introduces the cantor to his daughter, but the real connection comes after an unexpected reunion with Carla, Ben's childhood music teacher. Led by actors Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, this anxious comedy is both wryly funny and sweetly tender.

A friendship blooms through the preparation of a bouquet of flowers.

When a café closes down for the night, the cool cats of Paris come out to party.

This meditative exploration of time and mortality follows photographer James Balog as he brings the 15-year Extreme Ice Survey project to a close. Accompanied by the Emmy-winning team behind CHASING ICE, the film spotlights the power of mentorship and the intergenerational effort to inspire hope and action toward a sustainable future.

Between puppies, summer camp, and an alternate dimension, these comedic short films remind us not to take life too seriously.

Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana are growing up without their dads, who are incarcerated in a Washington, D.C. jail. By taking part in a groundbreaking counseling program designed to strengthen family bonds, these men have the opportunity to join their girls for a special event-a daddy-daughter dance. Filmed over the course of eight years by directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, this documentary offers a deeply moving and at times heart-breakingly honest lesson in empathy and forgiveness.

Famed for their infectious, groundbreaking 1980 hit “Whip It,” there's a lot more to the new wave band Devo, and acclaimed filmmaker Chris Smith perfectly captures every surprising facet of their story. From their origins following the Kent State massacre to their multimedia concept of “de-evolution” and their art-versus-commerce clashes with their label, co-founders Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Jerry Casale reveal how the still-influential group developed one of the most dedicated cult fan followings in music.

In 1974, a deceptively simple garment took the world by storm: the iconic wrap dress. With it, an indelible brand and its entrepreneur, Diane von Furstenberg, became a powerhouse in the world of fashion. A true cultural icon, DVF has inspired generations of women everywhere to embrace their femininity and their power. Filmmakers Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton offer an intimate portrait of this luminous pioneer, a child of a Holocaust survivor turned European princess turned head of a multi-million-dollar empire.

Thirteen-year-old Chris, a first-generation Taiwanese American, is awkwardly navigating life in the lead up to high school. His family is annoying, he's unsure how to pursue his first crush, and he struggles to impress his new skater friends. As Chris tackles the ups and downs of adolescence, will he learn to appreciate his family and to love himself? Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang draws from his own life in this joyous, funny, and universal coming of age story. Winner: US Dramatic Audience Award & Special Jury Award for Ensemble, Sundance Film Festival

Stories on personal and collective resilience setting new precedents for generations to come.

Drawn from 70 hours of newly discovered interviews with Elizabeth Taylor and unprecedented access to the legendary star's personal archive, this nuanced and expertly constructed portrait reveals the complexity of the groundbreaking icon's relation to her own self-image. Acclaimed director Nanette Burstein invites viewers to rediscover and reconsider Taylor's life and career, deftly demonstrating how the actress navigated celebrity and public scrutiny while maintaining personal and professional ambitions beyond the limitations imposed upon her.

Visionary musician and artist Brian Eno—known for producing David Bowie, U2, and Talking Heads, among many others, and as a pioneer of ambient music—reveals his creative processes in a groundbreaking generative documentary that resonates with Eno's own artistic practice. Using proprietary software, each screening of the film is unique, recombining footage drawn from director Gary Hustwit’s original interviews and Eno’s rich archive of hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage and unreleased music to create a singular experience.

With humor and pragmatism, Terry Masear has dedicated herself to saving injured hummingbirds. But what does it mean to care for another, and what impact does this act have on us? In tending to these fragile yet resilient creatures, Masear finds a sense of healing from her own past. This film of joy and wonder—full of breathtaking, beautifully detailed photography—is a reminder that in the smallest of acts, and in the tiniest of creatures, we might find grace.

At a busy train station, Sonja struggles to get help for a baby she claims has been abandoned.

After a family tragedy, Dan, a despondent middle-aged construction worker, finds himself the newcomer in a misfit band of amateur actors in a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet. Dan’s distant wife, Sharon, and disobedient daughter, Daisy, grow suspicious as Dan struggles to keep his secret. Buried emotions bubble to the surface as the family comes together in unexpected ways in this tender drama about making sense of life through art and the power of community.

Strong-willed and gifted 16-year-old Mira had never thought about love until she met fellow student Sri. As Mira’s curiosities about love, sex, and relationships come to the surface, Mira’s mother sees through her schemes, which creates a tense family dynamic as they compete for Sri’s attention. In a rare glimpse of female sexual exploration within Indian culture, this tender drama approaches a coming-of-age for both a daughter and mother with deliberate vulnerability. Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award & Special Jury Award for Acting, Sundance Film Festival

A young woman is reunited with her childhood friend at a pool party.

Seventeen-year-old high school senior Sam (discovery Lily Collias) reluctantly joins her father, Chris (James Le Gros) and his oldest buddy, Matt (Danny McCarthy) on a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills. When long-simmering resentments surface between the old friends, Sam tries to keep the peace until something unexpected happens that betrays her trust and changes her view of both men. India Donaldson makes an impressive feature debut with this intimate, perceptive portrait of teenage girlhood.

A woman travels to a diner planning to meet someone from her past.

A man misses his chance to say goodbye to his brother.

Vicente, an absent father, is suddenly thrown into parenthood when his two daughters visit him over the summer in New Mexico. Having missed many milestones, Vicente is desperate to gain Violeta and Eva’s affection, but they are not so easily won. Throughout four summers, Violeta and Eva experience a roller coaster of emotions that come along with a complicated childhood. Authentic performances paint a poignant portrait of complex relationships as this quiet drama stuns in a beautiful ode to family. Winner: US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize & Directing Award, Sundance Film Festival

In Disney and Pixar's newest film, the little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out, but everything changes when she meets a new Emotion named Anxiety, who isn’t the type to stay in the background. While Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have just learned to get along, Anxiety disrupts the core five’s newfound routine and they don’t know how to feel.

Queer and trans migrants seek refuge at a sanctuary house in Tijuana, finding traces of joy and community despite a looming unknown future.

Meet the photographer behind the iconic Michael Jordan mid-air shot copied by Nike and turned into one of the world’s most famous logos.

A desperate fisherman is tempted by an enigmatic lobster trap.

Short films on connection, nature, and creativity suitable for children ages 5 to 10.

When Belfast schoolteacher JJ joins self-confessed "low-life scum" Naoise and Liam Óg to form hip-hop group Kneecap, their defiant insistence on rapping in their native Irish language transforms them into the unlikely figureheads of a burgeoning civil rights movement to save their mother tongue. Filmmaker Rich Peppiatt captures the anarchic energy and raucous humor of the band, who play themselves in a heightened version of their origin story in this wildly entertaining and creative biopic. Winner: NEXT Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival

Bobby Wong and his family reflect on the generational legacy of running the largest Chinese American restaurant in the United States.

Through unexpected circumstances, a portable fan and a paper crane develop a meaningful friendship.

In this gorgeous ode to 1990s Cuba, we meet young and unassuming Gustavo, who reveres his brother Paco, a leader of a punk band. When the economic crisis takes a toll, the band is pushed to its limits, seeking relief. They come up with an unimaginable solution that allows them to create an oasis where their music plays on. This coming-of- age story is the latest from NFF alums Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz (The Peanut Butter Falcon). Winner: Marimbas Grand Jury Award, Miami Film Festival.

Residents of Nantucket recount the sudden disappearance of Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne from her home on a freezing winter night in 1980.

In 2007, futurists Martine and Bina Rothblatt, pioneers in the disparate fields of satellite communications, organ transplantation, electric aviation, and cryogenics, commissioned Bina48, a humanoid AI based on Bina and housing her mindfile, all in a bid to take their love story into infinity. Filmmaker Peter Sillen offers an endlessly fascinating look at the Rothblatts' stranger-than-fiction love story and of their refreshingly optimistic view of technology's potential to transform life as we know it.

Director Dawn Porter (The Lady Bird Diaries) examines the life of Luther Vandross, the legendary singer who jumpstarted his career through an unlikely source and manifested his stardom. Beyond the recording studio, Vandross faced media scrutiny about his appearance and personal relationships, which privately caused him much distress. Through archival footage and never-before-seen interviews from fellow superstars, we delve into the singer's professional triumphs and personal struggles on his journey to achieve his impossible dream.

A young Black law student finds himself in a potential police violence situation on campus.

Director Stephanie Johnes follows Brazilian world champion surfer Maya Gabeira around the globe as she conquers waves and stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of competitive surfing. Maya’s indomitable human spirit will leave you inspired as she navigates the hazards of the ocean, antagonistic cynics, and mounting challenges in a quest to break a world record in Nazaré, Portugal, historically known for its gigantic waves. This harrowing and cinematically riveting film tells a tale like no other.

A mysterious wire trap, an abandoned baby, and strained family dynamics all lend a hand in amping up the tension in these dramatic short films.

In her directorial debut, celebrated actress Lucy Lawless steps behind the camera to tell the story of Margaret Moth, a fellow New Zealander and legendary CNN camerawoman, whose contributions to journalism remain unparalleled. After a near-death injury, she must confront her trauma and regain the strength to step behind the camera again. Moth's dynamic personality, unwavering commitment to filming all dimensions of war, and steadfast courage are all on display in this powerful and inspiring story.

A beaver reflects on his dreams of making it as a Hollywood star.

A family tries to recreate their favorite Christmas traditions.

Faced with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey make a choice to stay behind and resist. They fight back using all the weapons at their disposal—not just guns, but also their art—to defend their culture as well as their country. While Andrey picks up his camera, Anya and Slava create delicate porcelain figurines, beautifully animated to tell their story and maintain hope against the backdrop of an intensifying war. Winner: US Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival.

Emily has to decide if her connection with Austin is a deep one or if she just likes his dog.

At lunchtime, a British-East Asian student braces for her classmates’ reactions to her home-cooked meal.

In an intimate look at the life and career of Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Tony-Award-winning actress from Broadway’s Hamilton, we are invited to reflect on the universal struggle working artists face: can you truly have it all? Through never-before-seen personal video diaries and archival footage of the hit musical’s initial workshop to the historic Broadway run, Goldsberry balances personal struggles, having a family, and her meteoric rise to fame performing in the role of a lifetime.

An exploration of the bond between athletes and their intimate relationships with water.

Two children on a camping trip create stories with their shadows to comfort themselves during a thunderstorm.

Highlighting the impact of climate change both locally and globally, these two documentary short films on water emphasize the need for environmental justice advocacy.

These shorts are about Nantucket, by Nantucket filmmakers! Come for our annual Teen View film, the story of a famous island disappearance, and a documentary about a surprising hidden discovery.

Jack’s anxiety spirals out of control at a party.

This immersive, vertiginous nail-biter takes audiences nearly 2,230 feet up in the sky. To get there, filmmaker Jeff Zimbalist crafts a real-life heist film with actual life-or-death stakes, following its daredevil protagonists every dangerous—and highly illegal—step of the way on their mission to climb the world's last super skyscraper. Just as importantly, the film captures a strong-willed couple as they meet, develop trust in the most harrowing and exhilarating of circumstances, and fall in love. The result is a riveting, edge-of-your-seat experience about facing your fears and coming out the other side. Winner: Documentary Audience Award, Miami Film Festival

Oscar-winning director and 2024 NFF honoree for Career Achievement in Filmmaking, Roger Ross Williams brings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s best-selling book to the screen. Blending testimony from scholars with vivid animation, reenactments, and clips from popular culture, the film explores the history of anti-Black racist ideas while challenging the notion that racism has always been part of the human condition. Courtesy of Netflix.

Directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie bear witness to the intergenerational legacy of trauma inflicted on Indigenous children by Canada's residential school system—including forced family separation, physical and sexual abuse, and the destruction of culture and language. Drawing on their backgrounds in activism and journalism—as well as NoiseCat's own personal connection to the story and community—the filmmakers conduct an intimate investigation while also spotlighting the resilience of the survivors and their determination to seek answers and accountability. Winner: US Documentary Directing Award, Sundance Film Festival

Moving backward and forward in time, filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui expertly weave together a dual narrative exploring the life-changing impact of two pivotal moments in Christopher Reeve's career: being cast in the 1978 film Superman and becoming paralyzed in 1995. Decades before superheroes took over the cinemas, Reeve made the world believe a man could fly; his accident brought worldwide awareness of disability. In this deeply moving portrait, Reeve's family and close confidantes demonstrate remarkable candor in their reflections on life before and after the accident, foregrounding the man behind Superman.

The 2024 Teen View class film! At the end of the world, a grieving group of teenagers choose to spend their last afternoon together.

A man visits his grandmother in the hospital and expresses his emotions through a freestyle rap.

The grasslands of Kenya's Laikipia region have long served its traditional cattle herding community, but the area has also been home to generations of white ranchers and conservationists, the inheritors of the British colonial era who remained after the nation gained independence in 1963. Over the course of five years, directors Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki chronicle the conflict that erupts as climate change transforms the land, laying bare the still unresolved legacy of colonialism.

A century-old dildo discovered in a colonial Nantucket home sparks controversial discussions about sexuality on the island.

A young Hawaiian girl sets out to create a gift for the last monarch of Hawai’i, Queen Lili‘uokalani.

Benjamin Ree's life-affirming film introduces audiences to Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease at age 25. At first Steen's grieving parents worry that he led a lonely existence, but they soon discover that their son had a rich digital life in the online game World of Warcraft. There, he was known as Ibelin to friends around the globe, transcending the boundaries of the physical realm to forge community and relationships. Winner: World Cinema Audience & Directing Awards, Sundance Film Festival

A new sport encouraging social change has roots in something magical, expanding the imagination of young athletes in Uganda.

After being scammed out of $10,000, 93-year-old Thelma sets out on a quest for justice. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Oscar-nominated veteran character actor June Squibb demonstrates that Thelma is more than capable of taking care of business—despite what her daughter Gail (Parker Posey), son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg), or loving grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger) might believe. With affectionate humor, writer/director Josh Margolin puts a spin on films like Mission: Impossible in hilarious, age-appropriate ways, turning an elderly grandmother into an unlikely action hero.

A young woman interviews her mysterious grandmother and learns about their shared family history.

Three trees express gratitude for their unique beauty during the four seasons.

Two mice build a mountain to reach a box of corn flakes.

A young bat goes against the grain of his peers and chases after the warmth of sunlight.

What if the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack had been even worse, with active-duty military going rogue to join a rapidly spreading insurrection? That's the question tackled by the participants in a unique, unscripted role-play simulation meant to stress-test our government's officials and policies. Playing like a political thriller, this gripping documentary follows a bipartisan group of key U.S. defense, intelligence, and legislative leaders as they must contend with a violent coup while safeguarding the principles of American democracy.

A young girl scrambles when a lie grows out of her control at summer camp.

Based on a true story. A young Madame Clicquot becomes a widow and takes the reins of a wine-making family. In a timeless love story about determination and following your heart, she defies the naysayers and creates the legendary recipe for modern-day Champagne. Earning the moniker “the Grand Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot leads the famed Clicquot brand to global dominance as she becomes one of the world's first great entrepreneurs.

Reality Winner, portrayed by Emilia Jones (CODA), serves as an unlikely heroine in this heartwarming coming-of-age drama. Whip-smart, gun-loving, and sarcastic, Reality has dedicated her life to service but suddenly becomes the center of attention after exposing Russia’s hacking of the 2016 election. NFF alum Susanna Fogel returns with a cheerful take on a sobering real-life story in a snappy black comedy about a former NSA contractor who finds herself persecuted for standing by her principles.