BIFF SHORTS: OCCUPATIONS

Narrative and non-fiction meditations on labor; and dispatches from miners, the creative class, and frontline workers. Total runtime is 76 minutes.

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WE'RE ALL BLACK DOWN HERE

James William Mellors (Dir), 16 minutes, UK, US Premiere

In racially divided 1950s Britain an Afro Caribbean miner struggles to find acceptance above ground.

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ASHES TO THE EYES

Teresa Castillo (Dir), 14 minutes, Greece / USA, New York State Premiere

Director Teresa Castillo in attendance.

In Greek (Modern) w/ English subtitles.

During Greece’s hottest summer on record, volunteer firefighters battle increasingly dangerous wildfires with almost no safety net or support.

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NIGHT SHIFT

Megumi Lim (Dir), 30 minutes, Ukraine, US Premiere

In Ukrainian + Russian w/ English subtitles.

In the dark hours of Kharkiv's curfewed nights, a quiet tension hums through its empty streets. People who work at night navigate both routine and risk as Russia often attacks when residents try to sleep. Their nightly hope is that dawn will arrive quietly.

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A KING'S CURTAIN

Grant M Johnson (Dir), 17 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

A career woman’s love and devotion to her Shakespearean actor father are tested when his descent into Alzheimer’s jeopardizes her chance for a coveted promotion.

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SUBJECT OF DESIRE

Benett Holgerson (Dir), 10 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Director Benett Holgerson in attendance.

Moses, a twenty-something seasonal worker on Fire Island, navigates the tempestuous waters of pleasure and connection in a journey to become an artist seen on their own terms.