BIFF Shorts: Changemakers, 101 minutes

Intimate documentary portraits.

St. Louis Superman

Smriti Mundhra & Sami Khan (Dirs.), 28 minutes, WNY Premiere, USA

The inspiring story of Bruce Franks, Jr. (aka St. Louis Superman), a 33-year old battle rapper, Ferugson activist and state representative at a critical junction in his life as he battles to find peace and serve as a leader in his community.

Haven

Colin Askey (Dir.), 18 minutes, International Premiere, Canada

Lynda, an indigenous woman dealing with the loss of both of her sons, and Max, the sole survivor of a horrific car accident, are patients at the Crosstown Clinic in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside where patients are provided with medical grade heroin and a safe place to inject, offering one solution to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Honey West: The Gloria Fickling Story

Laura Varela (Dir.), 27 minutes, NY Premiere, USA

The story of one ground-breaking woman, author G.G. Fickling, who opened the door to new roles and portrayals of badass women in books and television.

Selling Lies

Leslie Iwerks (Dir.), 41 minutes, NY Premiere, USA

In 2016, hundreds of Macedonian teenagers discovered a digital gold rush by spreading fake political news on Facebook. Leslie Iwerk’s chilling investigation offers a glimpse inside the secret network to unveil the truth behind the lies and their dramatic impact on American democracy. Watch the teaser trailer.