BIFF Shorts: Connections

Interactions and exchanges to ward off loneliness. 108 minutes.

---

"Manatee"

Allie Viti (Dir), 8 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Annette stops at a bodega while she appears to rehearse a confrontation on her way to work. While moving about the store, her internal crisis of confidence comes to a head in unexpected ways.

---

"Tail Between Her Legs"

Nora Marris (Dir), 13 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Director Nora Marris in attendance.

A comedy-drama following a pair of estranged siblings as they struggle to find common ground in the aftermath of their father’s death.

---

"Supermarket Affairs"

Hang Luong Nguyen (Dir), 15 minutes, Viet Nam/USA, New York Premiere

In Vietnamese + English w/ English subtitles.

While preparing for her husband’s second death anniversary, a middle-aged Vietnamese immigrant woman and her Americanized adult daughter butt heads over how to best honor him, and inadvertently drag a handsome stranger at the local Asian market into their messy family dynamic.

---

"Blue Hour"

J.D. Shields (Dir), 15 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Two personal journeys intersect when a struggling young photographer is hired for a cheap last minute portrait gig. The unfolding photo session, while transient, leaves an indelible mark on both women.

---

"Boiling Over"

Paulo Miranda (Dir), 12 minutes, Brasil, New York Premiere

Director Paulo Miranda in attendance.

In Portuguese w/ English subtitles.

Wife asks for a divorce to her husband, and he accepts it. From there, an unusual and amusing conversation between them, exposing each other secret desires and unknown persona.

---

"Love, Daddy"

Kevin Bauer (Dir), 3 minutes, USA, New York Premiere

Director Kevin Bauer in attendance.

Love, Daddy is a reflection on the excitement, stress, and fear that comes with being a parent.

---

"Paper Planes"

Michael Glover Smith + Alyssa Thordarson (Dirs), 17 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

A woman with agoraphobia and the airbnb guest across the hall strike up a correspondence that becomes something more for the holidays.

---

"The Naming of Things"

Gadi Rubin (Dir), 10 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Director Gadi Rubin and Producer Catherine Hogan in attendance.

A product of Jewish day schools and way too much education, Ike finds himself adrift after the sudden death of his wife. As Ike navigates his wife’s shiva, he struggles to find meaning in the world around him, the Jew inside him, and the community trying to feed him bagels.

Can religion help right our world after it has been upended by death?

---

Please note that "She's Clean" contains nudity.

"She's Clean"

Jenn Harris (Dir), 15 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

From the comfort of her bathroom, a resilient woman tries to marry her desires for sexual freedom with emotional intimacy by showering with all her dates.