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YSFF 2024 boasts an exciting lineup of some of the best short films from student filmmakers across all genres. These short films have been selected from over 600 submissions from 50 countries, chosen for their originality, technical expertise, performances, and commitment to authentic and innovative storytelling.
The 2024 Selected Films Include
A+
Trinity Roberts
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
"A+" explores the pressures and consequences of high expectations. An ambitious student grapples with a parent over the benchmarks to succeed. Original piano composition by Denver School of the Arts piano major.
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
"A+" explores the pressures and consequences of high expectations. An ambitious student grapples with a parent over the benchmarks to succeed. Original piano composition by Denver School of the Arts piano major.
A Different Goal
Marco Joubert
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
What would happen if intelligent machines started developing their own goals, different from those of humankind?
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
What would happen if intelligent machines started developing their own goals, different from those of humankind?
Abby
Fanny Lord-Bourcier
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
Following an exchange of text messages with her mother about her newly adopted dog Abby, a young woman sees her experience as a transracial adoptee reflected in this adoption.
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
Following an exchange of text messages with her mother about her newly adopted dog Abby, a young woman sees her experience as a transracial adoptee reflected in this adoption.
Anna McGee's Wild Ride
Ava Bounds
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
A teenager on the cusp of adulthood flies through her entire future while stuck in a traffic jam.
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
A teenager on the cusp of adulthood flies through her entire future while stuck in a traffic jam.
Bajo El Sol
Micaela Alvarado
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
An immigrant couple starts a street vending business in Santa Ana, CA.
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
An immigrant couple starts a street vending business in Santa Ana, CA.
Appa Tales: Stories From My Grandfather
Noah Shin
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
My grandfather recounts stories from his childhood when he was growing up during and after the Korean War.
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
My grandfather recounts stories from his childhood when he was growing up during and after the Korean War.
Belle Isle Marsh
Deniz Akyurek
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
The Belle Isle Marsh is the last remaining salt marsh in the Boston area.
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
The Belle Isle Marsh is the last remaining salt marsh in the Boston area.
Birthdays
John Monaco
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
With each passing birthday, a young girl's life slowly unravels at the seams, unveiling new milestones and questioning the purpose of her life.
April 13th, 11:00am-12:00pm, Humanities Quadrangle L02- High School Screening Block
With each passing birthday, a young girl's life slowly unravels at the seams, unveiling new milestones and questioning the purpose of her life.
Echoing, it doesn't stop
Ejun Mary Hong
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
In a haunting blend of stop-motion puppet and sand animation, "Echoing, it doesn't stop" (2023) creates a visual symphony from Serhiy Zhadan's poignant poem, capturing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and delivering a profound portrayal of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring echoes of hope.
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
In a haunting blend of stop-motion puppet and sand animation, "Echoing, it doesn't stop" (2023) creates a visual symphony from Serhiy Zhadan's poignant poem, capturing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and delivering a profound portrayal of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring echoes of hope.
Esmeralda
Jennifer Greco
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
When a young woman, Esmeralda, returns to her native land to confront her mother about a traumatic childhood memory, the two women forge a newfound bond through a shared experience.
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
When a young woman, Esmeralda, returns to her native land to confront her mother about a traumatic childhood memory, the two women forge a newfound bond through a shared experience.
Favorite Things
Michael Paris Stone
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
Two companions reflect on their past, present and future relationship through repetitive phrasing and a series of vignettes.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
Two companions reflect on their past, present and future relationship through repetitive phrasing and a series of vignettes.
Girlhood, Parting
Anouk Yeh
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
Holden Aces: LA Differential
Zach Scott
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
Island Zero
Ryan Broussard, Joshua Sisolak
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
The mayor of an island off the coast of Virginia hopes to have his town saved from rising tides.
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
The mayor of an island off the coast of Virginia hopes to have his town saved from rising tides.
LEAF Plays the Portland House of Music
Cash Cassidy
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
Young Portland, Maine-based band LEAF plays their biggest show yet at the Portland House of Music. This short documentary follows them through the hours before, during, and after the show.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
Young Portland, Maine-based band LEAF plays their biggest show yet at the Portland House of Music. This short documentary follows them through the hours before, during, and after the show.
Mecha Meraki
Babi Astolfi
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
In a robotic society moved by the consumption of colorful mechanic members, an insecure gray robot faces the pressure to find the perfect piece for himself.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
In a robotic society moved by the consumption of colorful mechanic members, an insecure gray robot faces the pressure to find the perfect piece for himself.
Mom Doesn't Like Monsters
Iana Sanson
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
A child is having dinner with his parents, but under the cutting remarks of his mother, he gradually transforms into a monster: his claws grow, his teeth lengthen, his eyes multiply...
April 12th, 1:30-2:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Matters of Family
A child is having dinner with his parents, but under the cutting remarks of his mother, he gradually transforms into a monster: his claws grow, his teeth lengthen, his eyes multiply...
Muted
Chris Zhou
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
JESSICA is a Chinese-American high schooler studying for a chemistry test late at night. Faced with the immense pressure of perfection, she turns to pills to enhance her studying. Her actions threaten to jeopardize her relationships with her friends, while exploring her tumultuous relationship with her mother.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
JESSICA is a Chinese-American high schooler studying for a chemistry test late at night. Faced with the immense pressure of perfection, she turns to pills to enhance her studying. Her actions threaten to jeopardize her relationships with her friends, while exploring her tumultuous relationship with her mother.
Nickel and Dime
Audrey Lowell, Kai Smith, Esha Vaikhary, David Bloom
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
In the environmentally conscious, wealthy city of San Francisco, some of its poorest residents spend their nights collecting empty beer bottles and soda cans in exchange for nickels at Our Planet Recycling Center. Some say it’s a win-win—less trash on the street and cash for the poor—but there’s more to the story. This emotionally charged mini documentary analyzes how the success of one environmental law reflects San Francisco’s deep wealth inequality.
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
In the environmentally conscious, wealthy city of San Francisco, some of its poorest residents spend their nights collecting empty beer bottles and soda cans in exchange for nickels at Our Planet Recycling Center. Some say it’s a win-win—less trash on the street and cash for the poor—but there’s more to the story. This emotionally charged mini documentary analyzes how the success of one environmental law reflects San Francisco’s deep wealth inequality.
Nothing Really Happened
Dana Arshagti
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
Sandro goes back to her native Ossetia for the funeral of her father and is immediately immersed in the chaos of the ceremony. She and her brother Geor can feel the crushing weight of an unvoiced truth: Sandro wants to leave forever.
April 13th, 2:30-3:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Narratives of Resistance
Sandro goes back to her native Ossetia for the funeral of her father and is immediately immersed in the chaos of the ceremony. She and her brother Geor can feel the crushing weight of an unvoiced truth: Sandro wants to leave forever.
Phoenix
Marcus Quinn
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
An aspiring French artist moves from Paris to New York City in hopes of achieving his dream of becoming a renowned painter.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - Finding Voice
An aspiring French artist moves from Paris to New York City in hopes of achieving his dream of becoming a renowned painter.
Pickles
Ben Vasion
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
Tobias, a recluse, wakes up one morning to the sounds of an intruder in his home.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
Tobias, a recluse, wakes up one morning to the sounds of an intruder in his home.
Pineapple Bun
Anouk Yeh
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
A short film exploring hunger and homesickness.
April 11th, 4:00-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L01- Yale Student Screening Block
A short film exploring hunger and homesickness.
Pitica and The Perfect Sandwich
Babi Astolfi
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
A little child living in a wasteland searches for the last ingredient to craft the perfect sandwich
April 12th, 4:30-5:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02- Tech, the World, and Us
A little child living in a wasteland searches for the last ingredient to craft the perfect sandwich
Reynolds
Rio Dolmetsch
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
A radio journalist ventures into rural Idaho to interview a reclusive hitman. Created with 16mm archival footage and hand animation.
April 14th, 3:30-6:30, Humanities Quadrangle L02 - The Only Way Out is Through
A radio journalist ventures into rural Idaho to interview a reclusive hitman. Created with 16mm archival footage and hand animation.
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