The short film program includes ten films: BOYFRIENDS, ELL, …and so it ends in a Tie, MR NGUYEN’S PROMISE, TOUCH, WALTER AND WENDY, PEHLI DATE, I LOVE YOU ., DADDY, and THE RANCH HANDS. ...and so it ends in a Tie, 6 minutes, USA, directed by Crystal Hou A martial artist specializing in rope has a fated encounter that forces her to challenge her rigid ways. BOYFRIENDS, 9 minutes, USA, directed by C.J. Arellano Billy passionately welcomes home his long-absent boyfriend Kevin, but the heat of the night soon gives way to cold hard reality. DADDY, 18 minutes, USA, directed by Kip Knight A man traumatized by the lack of a relationship with his father seeks comfort from a self proclaimed "Daddy" ELL, 11 minutes, USA, directed by Ash Kolodner and T Dumas A young non-binary person struggles to decide whether or not to go on hormones after their insecurities are highlighted during a phone call with their insurance company. I LOVE YOU ., 6 minutes, USA, directed by Dillon Morris After accidentally saying ‘I love you’ for the first time over text, Annabelle goes into an anxiety clean while waiting for their partner to respond. MR NGUYEN’S PROMISE, 15 minutes, USA, directed by Matthew James Alexander When 17-year old Robby comes out to his mother, she kicks him out. Now homeless, Robby goes to his English teacher, Mr. Nguyen For safety. When Robby blames Mr. Nguyen for advising him to come out to his mom, Mr. Nguyen promises to take care of Robby. But a teacher's promise only goes so far. PEHLI DATE, 14 minutes, India, directed by Sulagna Chatterjee When 45-year old Aastha Goenka finally goes on her first date with 35-year-old Priya Malhotra, she's in for a day filled with conversations about heteronormativity, vulnerability, and second chances. THE RANCH HANDS, 15 minutes, Mexico, directed by Juan Jesus Varela It takes place in the 60s. The love story of two cowboys, but due to the conventions of the time, their relationship has ups and downs. TOUCH, 3 minutes, USA, directed by Lauren Miller TOUCH is a 2D animated short film following two girls and the evolution of their relationship from their first meeting as children into young adulthood and budding romance. We experience this progression through memories, snapshots of shared moments and different instances of touch as the two girls grow and come into themselves along the way. WALTER AND WENDY, 13 minutes, USA, directed by Jenna Bolena and, Casey Hoerman A story of first loves, friendship, and fish. When Walter—an awkward teenage boy—meets Wendy—the unattainable girl of his dreams—he seeks the help of his best friend Nick.