If You Want Out

In “Teddy Mate,” a film from USC’s Rommel Villa, children bond with magical teddy bears that eventually transform into their perfect human life partner. When one teddy changes unexpectedly, a strong-willed young woman must face her uncertain future. Then, award-winning documentarian and American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase filmmaker Megan Rossman, explores the Lesbian Herstory Archives in “Love Letter Rescue Squad.” Finally, in “Gallery Experience,” an animated film from USC’s Jinghan Tian, a young girl has a magical experience visiting a gallery for the first time.

In the wake of NFL superstar Junior Seau’s suicide, coaches and families tackle the dangers and rewards of playing youth football in Delay of Game,” a documentary from USC’s Shaun Dikilato. Then, “888 Tours,” an animated short from CalArts’ Jennifer Nie that follows a tour guide’s quest to stay on schedule.

In “Lalo’s House,” a film from USC’s Kelley Kali starring Garcelle Beauvais, two young sisters must escape a child sex trafficking ring after being taken from their home in Jacmel, Haiti. Followed by “Starlight,” an animated film from CalArts’ Robyn Romain that explores long distance love.

When a pair of mismatched U.S. Marshals are sent to the Kansas frontier all the evidence points to something dark and sinister waiting for them in “Bleeding, Kansas,” a thriller from UCLA’s Daniel Lafrentz. Followed by “Assembly Required,” a film from Chapman University’s Christian Whittemore about a woman literally falling apart. In the final short film, take a road trip with director Hau Nguyen and his Orange Coast College’s Food Riders as they try to eliminate campus waste.

“Divided,” a film from Chapman University’s Brynne McKee, Jackie Palacios, Benjamin Allen, and Jack Mullinkosson, is a comedic and pointed look at the post-2016 American political divide. Followed by “Shoot the Moon,” an animated film from UCLA’s William Rowe about two ambitious cats attempting to reach the moon from inside a cardboard box.

In "The Moon and The Night, a film from Chapman University, A native Hawaiian teenage girl must confront her father after he enters her beloved pet in a dog fight. Followed by "Prey", an animated film from Cal State LA depicting the natural cycle of human society.