Youth Filmmaker Showcase 2018 – Volume 1

Juried by our Director of Programming and community jury members.

Join us for our 5th Annual Youth Filmmakers Showcase. Thanks to a bounty of quality submissions this year, we are proud to present two special editions of films made by a new generation of filmmakers! Both shows, each with a unique lineup of the best shorts produced by filmmakers ages 7-17 from around the world, are followed by a Q&A with attending youth filmmakers.

We are honored that the young filmmakers who submit to PCFF do not shy away from serious issues which may impress, or surprise and/or inspire you. We encourage you peruse the film list with plot descriptions. Near the end of each show, we will pause before screening films with more mature content (profanity, threatening situations, bullying, stories about dating) to provide families with young children an opportunity to exit the theater.

Note: Click here for YFS 2018 Volume 2 Edition.
Curated in partnership with RISD Museum’s teen program, RISD Art Circle.

Film lineup is subject to change without notice.

Charin Pi
An interesting documentary about the ubiquitous vending machines in Japan, the strange stuff they sell, and the relationships people have with them.
Japan, 2017 / Japanese w/English subtitles / Natsumi Yamamoto, Yuka Atsuta, Sakura Ishizaki and Reho Negishi (ages 14 to 15) of Gunma Kokusai Academy High School, Japan  / 10 min / Documentary

The Thing That Washed Up on the Beach
When a strange object washes up on a Rhode Island beach, two teens decide to investigate.
USA, 2017 / English / Andrew Gerstenblatt (age 15) of Barrington High School / 4 min / Live Action

Train to Memphis: The Story of Ida B. Wells
A documentary about Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist who documented the evils of lynching, a true suffragist and an early leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
USA, 2017 / English / Ella Boyan and Betty Hasse (ages 13 and 14) of Nathan Bishop Junior High, Providence RI  / 11 min / Documentary (archival photos of lynchings)

Mija
As a child of undocumented immigrants, going to high school presents challenges unique to Mija and other kids like her. Even going to the school prom or driving with friends in a car could lead to disastrous consequences for her and her family.
USA, 2017 / English  / Sophia Stills (age 17) of Viewpoint School, Calabasas CA / 6 min / Live Action

Coexist
This narrative film relates the struggle of a young transgender adult to reconnect with a younger self, find closure, and move forward with life.
USA, 2017 / English / Liam Fifer (age 18) of Beacon Charter High School For the Arts, Woonsocket RI  / 12 min / Live Action (hateful language used)  

They Said
Kids use derogatory comments made about them as a source of empowerment. They’re proud of who they are.
USA, 2017 / English  / Andry Vasquez (age 14 ) of Raw Art Works, Lynn MA / 4 min / Documentary

Aftershock
A story of a policeman making what seems to be a fairly routine interrogation. He soon learns this criminal has information on a mistake the cop made early in his career–and intends to seek revenge.
USA, 2017 / English  / Ryan Beard, Ceci Becker, Alexander Gaither, Stephen Gentry (ages 17 and 18) of Lighthouse Studio, Charlottesville VA / 10 min / Live Action

Pink Matter
Orie is in love with one of his best friends. The problem is neither of his best friends know he is gay. Orie takes a chance and writes his best friend Dylan a note telling him he is in love with him. How will Dylan respond?
USA, 2017 / English  / Orie Morris (age 14 ) of Everett Stage Company, Providence RI / 6 min / Live Action

An American Nightmare
A group of high school students shoot a college application film. Things don’t work out as expected when the director insists on his own vision and drives everyone, including himself, into madness.
USA, 2016 / English / Jamie Lipman (age 17) of Viewpoint School, Calabasas CA / 14 min / Live Action

Nightmare
Nightmare is a half-comic animation, half-live action short film about a young girl and the shadow creature that haunts her dreams, fed by the fear of losing her father, a soldier, being called back into duty.
USA, 2017 / English / Kianna Gederman (age 18) of Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, Woonsocket RI  / 5 min / Live Action-Animation

What is Love
We follow Patrick from age 5 to 15 as he comes out to his family and friends as being gay. Patrick’s mother has a negative reaction when she finds out and she confronts Patrick right away. Patrick decides he wants to live with his godmother who is gay herself and very accepting of Patrick’s sexuality.
USA, 2017 / English  / Patrick Soben (age 16) of Everett Stage Company, Providence RI / 14 min / Live Action

She is Somebody
Two contemporary stories of two young women. One meets a boy at a party who pours a drug into her soda when she’s unaware. The other is seeks an education in a part of the world where the Taliban are in control. Both experience just how dangerous this world can be for girls.
USA, 2017 / English, Arabic w/English subtitles / Deeksha Marla (age 17) of Viewpoint School, Calabasas CA / 6 min / Live Action (rape drug used, perilous situations depicted)