MNFF’s short film showcases up-and-coming and established filmmakers and inventive storytelling. Celebrate the art of short-form cinema, from experimental visual narratives to impactful social commentaries with the best shorts from across the region.
Tethered
Canada | Odianosen Iyomon | 2021 | 6m
In the late 1970s in Nigeria, a period marked by increasing activism and social change, a woman finds herself trapped in an oppressive marriage to a domineering husband who happens to be a religious figure. Feeling suffocated by her husband’s control and seeking liberation from his oppressive behavior, she makes a bold decision to take matters into her own hands.
Odianosen Iyomon is an independent filmmaker and visionary storyteller from Nigeria, dedicated to bringing unique narratives to life through cinema. His short films, inspired by personal experiences, have been featured at festivals like The African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), aiming to provoke thought and inspire change.
brownxbarbiie tiktok compilation
Canada | Krit Sekhon | 2024 | 2m
This compilation explores memory through a selection of TikTok videos posted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the platform became a source of entertainment and community. The video features about 100 archived clips, arranged chronologically to illustrate her online growth and the evolution of viral trends. Layered comments, both positive and negative, highlight the toxicity of social media, while a popular song sets the context for her experiences in a toxic online environment.
Krit Sekhon is a visual artist based in the Greater Toronto Area, known for her acrylic painting and mixed media. Raised by Punjabi immigrant parents, she explores themes of social media and the Indo-Canadian experience in her work. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art at Brock University, Krit invites viewers to understand the complexities of identity and belonging.
The Wildfolk
Canada | Christopher Pew | 2023 | 22m
The Wildfolk follows Tulcan on his journey to reunite with his true love, Alrihc, aided by his guide, Maerlondt, and ancient forest symbols. As he traverses beautiful yet harsh landscapes, he narrowly escapes an evil force intent on thwarting his mission. The film delves into themes of wonder, self-reflection, and the true meaning of home—the feeling of being with the one who fills your heart. Combining live-action puppet sequences and animation, it was filmed primarily in the Niagara Region, with additional footage from Brazil and South Africa.
Blood
Canada | James Squires | 2024 | 7m
Mary, a 20-year-old vampire, returns home for Easter dinner with her devout Irish-Catholic mother, hiding her vampirism out of fear of rejection. This student short film explores the theme of pretending to be something you’re not for the ones you love, serving as an allegory for transgenderism and the complexities of relationships within the transgender experience.
James Squires, a 19-year-old filmmaker from Niagara, Ontario, crafts films that authentically reflect his queer identity while studying Film and Television at Sheridan College. With a passion for classic cinema, James aims to bring fresh perspectives to the screen, celebrating diversity and the richness of queer experience.
A-Okay
Canada | J Fitzpatrick | 2023 | 6m
Sex. Something that is part of human nature. Everyone does it and strives to have their happily ever after… Right?
After years of self-discovery, someone breaks the mold by sending a letter to their past self in a short documentary that shares experiences and lessons learned. A-Okay highlights the harmful effects of our hyper-sexualized and romanticized society on those on the aromantic and asexual spectrums.
J Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year student in Sheridan’s Bachelor of Film and TV program. Their journey of self-discovery inspires them to create films that offer valuable insights to others navigating similar paths.
Goatsong: A Meditation
Canada | Clelia Scala | 2024 | 8m
Goatsong: A Meditation is an overhead shadow puppet film that explores the dynamics of social status and exclusion.
Clelia Scala is a visual and theatre artist specializing in mask and puppet design, installations, and illustration. Her work has been showcased across North America and Europe, including her illustrated book with poet Steve McCaffery, Alice Through the Working Class, published in 2024. Her short film, Goatsong: A Meditation, was selected for the 2024 Xperimental Puppetry Festival. Clelia received the 2019 Established Artist Award from the City of St. Catharines. She teaches at the DAN School of Drama & Music at Queen’s University. http://www.clelia.ca.
Family Vacation
Canada | Mike Elliot | 2023 | 6m
A woman finds herself experiencing extreme anxiety during her four days alone while the family goes on vacation.
Mike Elliott has called Niagara Falls home for 18 years and is deeply passionate about filmmaking. He loves creating captivating horror films but also enjoys branching out into other genres. His dedication to his craft and strong connection to his community shine through in every project, making his work both unique and impactful.
Michael’s Mind
Canada | Sonya Grazia | 2024 | 3m
When a man (Michael) finally gets an interview for a job, he gets asked the question: “Tell me about yourself.” This launches an inner turmoil which he must contain in his mind during the interview.
Sonya Grazia is a director from St. Catharines, Ontario. She studies Digital Cinematography at Canadore college in North Bay where she wrote, produced, and directed her first short film – Michael’s Mind.
Desync
Canada | Minerva Navasca | 2023 | 12m
Ana, a young Filipina filmmaker, shoots a re-enactment of a fight she once had with her mother – a fight brought on by mutual refusals to communicate. Spurred on by the obsessive need for perfection, Ana “fixes” the fight by rewriting every veiled insult into a chance for forgiveness. As her perfect story diverges further from the reality of what happened, she begins to realize what her mom has been trying to say all along.
Minerva Navasca is a Filipina-Canadian filmmaker who explores cultural dysphoria and girlhood through her own experiences. She aims to create films about uncomfortable subjects, delving into perspectives shaped by anxiety and internalized shame while interrogating their socio-political roots. Through her work, Minerva seeks to foster empathetic discourse and self-compassion among audiences.