Austin's Independent Short Film Festival - Austin Shortsfest
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Sunday, 8/16 at Hyperreal
Austin Shortsfest
Shorts 4 - Green Block - Sunday, 8/16 at 1:00 PM
The Green Block explores the full spectrum of the human experience, blending heartfelt reflection with humor, warmth, and optimism. These 7 films move between poignant personal stories and moments of joy, reminding us that life's most meaningful experiences often contain both laughter and vulnerability. Together, they offer a thoughtful, uplifting collection that celebrates resilience, connection, and the unexpected.
94 min. total run time
2026 Austin Shortsfest August 16 at Eastside Cinema
Hippolyta
Director Shelby Mayes
Dramedy Short, USA, 15 min.
Polly, an outgoing, confident, plus size woman tries to move on after her three year, moderately healthy, relationship comes to an end. With help from her friends, Polly ventures to try the dreaded dating app game that she was hoping to avoid for the remainder of her life. However, when the insidious fat-phobic nature of society starts to ooze all over her, she takes the unsolicited advice of her bestfriend’s boyfriend and unwittingly launches herself into a downward spiral of doubt and shame, leading her to question the value and esteem she’s held onto so tightly.
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE BACKYARD POOL INDUSTRY
Director Derek Frey
Dramedy Short, USA, 18 min.
The Osgoods’ pool used to be the epicenter of fun, but a costly repair may force them to shut it down, further splintering their already fractured bond. When a strange visitor named Willy Chamieux convinces them to take one last plunge, their suburban oasis is given a new lease on life. Faced with a dilemma, the Osgoods must decide if family togetherness is worth the price of summer’s greatest luxury.
Let's Keep Austin Texas
Director Jan Francine Sustaita and Rosebud Woodshed
Music Video, USA, 3 min.
This music video is a playful collage of authentic Austin culture. Original video layered with stickers, gifs, and motion graphics, bring to life this ballad written by Scott Grace and Will Kimbrough. In a true "Texas" rendition, performed by Will Kimbrough, this whimsical narrative highlights the heritage of Austin, Texas, as the city faces down a post-millennial migratory surge of Californian's of a cataclysmic proportions. “So, Let’s Keep Austin, Texas.”
Roland
Director Adan Peña
Comedy Short, USA, 3 min.
After seven years crime-free, Roland just wants a job. Unfortunately, even the rundown amusement park interviewing him isn't interested in second chances.
Toy Chest
Director Tamara Victoria Gamez
Drama Short/Music Video, USA, 12 min.
A group of guests are invited to a mysterious mansion where they’re drawn into a series of psychological and moral challenges. Each person is tempted in different ways, forcing them to choose between integrity and desire. As their decisions unfold, the story reveals a deeper game of judgment, where human nature and morality are put on display.
Hope for the Guadalupe
Director Ben Masters
Documentary Short, USA, 26 min.
On July 4th, 2025, catastrophic flash flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, bringing unimaginable tragedy to families and communities along one of the state’s most treasured rivers. Hope for the Guadalupe bears witness to the heartbreaking disaster and showcases a coalition of Texans launching an ambitious effort to restore the river and help heal their communities.
Lone Crew
Director Gabriel Fontes
Sci-Fi Short, Brazil, 17 min.
Guided by a mysterious voice, a little girl that doesn't fit anywhere leaves on a journey to meet her father again.