First Run Film Festival

Films A - D

A

Ai (Love)

Stephanie Cen, UG

At the beginning of the day, Charlie Wu, a 20-year old college student, is excited to share the good news with Xiomara Wang, a 42-year old single mother of two, - she's been accepted into a study abroad program. But, when she asks whether she can go abroad, Xiomara struggles to grasp the idea of her leaving. However, Xiomara can't only think of Charlie. There is Lewis, Charlie's younger brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who has more pressing needs.
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As to not be alone

Melaine Akoka, GRAD

In the middle of nowhere, under the burning sun of the South of France, Lola spends her days annoying and pranking her younger brother Nico, who falls for it every time. Their father remains distant, struck by nostalgia. One day, Lola leaves the house alone, equipped with a bottle of wine and a plan, but Nico follows her all the way to the river, only to discover she’s invited a boy. Jealous, Nico tries to keep her attention by any means necessary, struggling to accept a simple and universal fact : you cannot stop someone from growing up. As to not be alone is a story about those who leave, and those who get left behind.
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B

C

Cabaret Spectacular

Thomas Meyer, GRAD

Praised by The New Yorker's Richard Brody as a "secret weapon of independent cinema," Theodore Bouloukos stars in CABARET SPECTACULAR, a buoyant 16mm portrait of daiquiri dreams and Caribbean sunbeams. At a vibrant resort, an endearingly fussy bachelor in the twilight of his life fumbles his way through poker tournaments and eccentric tropical nights in a relentless quest for love.
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Cabin 3

Ben See-Tho, UG

To Ken, "growing up" is an existential threat to his way of life. He has everything he needs right here, right now: his best friend Carson, a wide open forest, and a whole summer to do whatever he wants. He and Carson maintain a pact of brotherhood, and believe nothing will ever change that. But when a new girl enters their camp, both start to question their loyalty. Neither one willing to admit that something has come between them, they begin a silent war of one-upmanship, threatening to uproot their perfect little ecosystem (a group of 6 scrappy boys stuffed into one tiny Cabin). Over the course of one peculiar night, they come to learn the real definition of "growing up".
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Cacique Del Monte

Mateo Martinez, UG

After looting and desecrating sacred lands, Aníbal must escape from one of the most ruthless ‘Zars’ in the emerald trade, while holding onto a gem that could change his life. The gods of the Andes are threatening forces to be reckoned with, Aníbal must present a sacrifice to compensate for his misdeeds.
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Coins

Amanta Buzo, UG

After tossing a coin into a magical fountain, a young girl dives into it herself, swimming into fantastical realms of manifested dreams.
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Consider The Facts

Khiari Jaffier, UG

Two criminal justice students -- a by-the-books overachiever with a short fuse and her meathead partner -- must learn to work together while interrogating a frustrating suspect.
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D

Damien's Gym

Reece Daniels, UG

When Marc, an aspiring bodybuilder, gets a chance to train under a former pro, he must decide how far he’s willing to push himself for his dreams.
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Dancing With the Devil

Liv Pallante, UG

When two sisters try their hand at a good luck spell the night before a dance competition, they find themselves in over their heads when they summon a demon by mistake.
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Did You Eat Yet?

Alicia Qian, UG

As Eunice prepares a meal for her mother, she struggles to navigate the blurred lines of what it means to be a “good daughter,” and the sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams.
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Dregs

Jackie Shijie Xing, UG

Under scrutiny for allegedly assaulting a subdued suspect, NYPD Sergeant Leung faces a moment of hesitation when asked by the persistent reporter, "how would you plead?"
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