New perspectives, unforgettable stories 🎞️

This month's selection spans genres, formats, and perspectives, but every project shares a common goal: telling stories that matter. Explore films about identity, community, creativity, and the cultural forces that shape our world, then discover filmmaker resources like our upcoming webinar on June 23.

- Taylor K. Shaw-Omachonu, Head of Film

PROJECTS WE LOVE

My Girlfriend, Enid

BY FLYNN ARVYTHIS

A Frankenstein-inspired sci-fi short about gender dysphoria, perfectionism, and the art of drag. Desperate to get rid of her gender dysphoria, yet terrified of what the world will think, a closeted, transgender scientist builds the perfect female clone of herself. It’s everything she’s always wanted to be… except, it’s nothing like her.

Simulated Patient

BY JAQUAN MALIK JONES

The simulation ends. The feeling doesn't. This vertically shot microdramedy follows two actors whose work in medical simulations blurs the line between performance and real emotion.

Rajie Cook

BY VALENTINA CANAVESIO

A documentary exploring the power of art and design through the extraordinary life of a Palestinian American artist whose work has quietly shaped the visual language of the modern world.

TURMOIL IN THE TOYBOX

BY ANDREW BOWSER

What if every fear from the Satanic Panic era was true? Inspired by a bizarre 1980s interview, this feature transforms paranoia and pop culture into a chilling nightmare.

Restoring Afro-Punk (2003)

BY JAMES SPOONER

A landmark documentary that gave Black punks a platform and helped build a global community returns, restored and remastered for a new generation.

The Motherverse: The Oracles Return

BY DELPHINE DIAW DIALLO

A sacred sci-fi cinematic universe of twelve interconnected worlds, rooted in Afrofuturism, feminine mythology, and ancestral intelligence.

The Commodore 64: The Birth of a Cultural Icon

BY NICOLA & ANTHONY CAULFIELD

Through interviews with the engineers, developers, and fans who lived it, this documentary explores how the Commodore 64 became a cultural icon.

GET CONNECTED

[WEBINAR] The Modern Filmmaker’s Guide to Crowdfunding

Tuesday, June 23 at 3pm ET

Join us online to learn about crowdfunding’s place in the film funding ecosystem, what makes a strong film campaign, and how to engage supporters and build momentum before your campaign launches. We’ll have plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions and get feedback on your film project directly from Taylor. Register to attend →

COMMUNITY PICK

Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O, whose songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near. They write and perform songs about issues, ideas and movements that inspire action for justice. KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD: The Story of Emma's Revolution is a documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Tom Weidlinger that is live on Kickstarter. 

The Fight Within Me – An Educational Korean War Story

BY 38TH PARALLEL INC.

"We’re excited to recommend The Fight Within Me. Like the work we do as activist-musicians, this film speaks to justice and equality. In these times of active suppression of people’s lived experiences, and attacks on the rights of so many in this country, this film and project shed light on an important untold story, in 'a powerful mission to rescue history.'"

INDUSTRY NEWS

Decentralized Pictures: Sofia Coppola Short Film Award

The Sofia Coppola Short Film Award will award one independent filmmaker with a $20,000 financing award, mentoring support, marketing/P&A support, and complimentary distribution on Decentralized Pictures upcoming streaming platform DCP+. To apply, creators simply need to provide a short video sample of previous work and project description outlining the film they wish to produce with the award funding. Submissions are due by June 30, 2026. Apply now →

Winning Big at the Best of ABFF Awards 2026

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Comic Shop (created by Cheyenne Ewulu) for winning the Grand Jury Prize for Episodic Series at this year's ABFF Awards. Watch the series on YouTube →