NOMINEES

ISLAND IN BETWEEN

TAIWAN, USA/20 MINS/2023

Dir. S. Leo Chiang

From Taiwan's frontline amid rising tensions with China, filmmaker S. Leo Chiang weaves lyrical glimpses of local life with his own struggle negotiating ambivalent bonds with Taiwan, China, and the U.S. Island in Between explores the uneasy peace in Taiwan and contemplates its uncertain future.

NĂI NAI & WÀI PÓ

USA/16 MINS/2023

Dir. Sean Wang

Nǎi Nai is my grandma. Wài Pó is also my grandma. Together, they are a grandma super team that dances, stretches, and farts their sorrows away.

THE ABCs OF BOOKS BANNING

USA/27 MINS/2023

Dir. Sheila Nevins

Over 2000 books have been removed from school districts in the U.S. The ABCs of Book Banning follows the human toll the future will pay for depriving children of their right to read and learn about a complex world. Interviews with children and authors shed light on this ongoing dangerous precedent.

THE BARBER OF LITTLE ROCK

USA/35 MINS/2023

Dir. John Hoffman, Christine Turner

The Barber of Little Rock explores America's widening racial wealth gap through the story of Arlo Washington, a local barber whose visionary approach to a just economy can be found in the mission of People Trust, the nonprofit community bank he founded.

THE LAST REPAIR SHOP

USA/39 MINS/2023

Dir. Kris Bowers, Ben Proudfoot

Tells the story of four unassuming heroes who ensure no student is deprived of the joy of music. It is also a reminder of how music can be the best medicine, stress reliever, and even an escape from poverty.