July 25
Opening Feature: The Monk and the Gun (by invite only)
An American travels into Bhutan in search of a valuable antique rifle and crosses paths with a young monk who wanders through the serene mountains, instructed by his teacher to make things right again.
7:30 PM
Q & A with Director Pawo Choyning
09:00 PM
July 26
Short Film Block 1: Turning Point
10:00 AM
followed by filmmaker Q&A
When Elena and Cameron are ripped apart by an act of racism, both must stand up for what they believe to keep the door of love open.
Somewhere
A middle aged man fixates on doing a backflip on roller skates but his training is continuously interrupted by bullies, injuries, and a roller skating flower delivery woman.
Always Crying Always in Love
A mother hit hard by the recession works multiple jobs to support her and her son, at her lowest, being guided by an unexplainable, spiritual-like force, sparked by her near-death experience.
The White Candle
I Can Hear you but Can you Hear Me?
After Grace, a mute young woman, loses her mother in a tragic fire, she grapples with finding the right support to navigate her grief.
A captivating documentary highlighting Lubomyr Melnyk, a Ukrainian refugee camp-born pianist who revolutionized the piano world by playing 40 notes per second. At 74, Melnyk's continuous piano technique conjures transcendental landscapes and stands as a unique artistic achievement.
The Peace Piano
An adolescent paragon unable to effect change in an ailing society, defies all and embarks on a crusade to lift up an abandoned soul and be the hero he dreams
Chary
Desperate for a good memory together at the arcade, Kevin struggles to get one good photo where they're smiling together because of faulty cameras, false takes, and an uncooperative younger sibling. To make matters worse, the photo booth has some plans of its own.
Goodbhai
Set in Ganjia village on the Tibetan Plateau, tells a true, Romeo-and-Juliet-like story of a woman who waited over 70 years for her lover's return, featuring an all-local cast and the stunning natural beauty of Tibet.
followed by filmmaker Q&A
12:15 PM
Feature Film: Tibetan Hearts
Short Film Block 2: Precious Realms
02:15 PM
followed by filmmaker Q&A
*Films are not displayed in order of showing
A poetic tribute to Ken Saro-Wiwa, blending interviews and his poetic works to explore the sacrifice for beliefs and his enduring legacy in the fight for environmental justice.
I am more Dangerous Dead
Juxtaposes surfers and artist swimmers performing in unison, creating a surreal, dreamlike journey that blends rhythmic relationships and distorted realities with the ocean's rhythm.
Synchronism
When the Floods Come
An intimate portrayal of Pakistani families navigating the profound effects of climate change, from glacier melt to catastrophic monsoon floods in 2022. It honors their resilience and determination to forge ahead in the midst of a crisis beyond their control.
This film takes you on an underwater journey with two young freedivers, as they explore the Tasmanian coast and discover the amazing underwater world. They discuss what it means to them and how they love every part of it.
Submerged
After witnessing the 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay, John Francis is determined to travel across America on foot–and in silence.
Planetwalker
In the heart of Topanga Canyon, Eden Topanga hosts a unique gathering where community members come together to celebrate connection, vision, and the shared dream of living in community.
Future. Eden. Now
Panel: Festival Director’s Talk
04:15 PM
The secrets of film festival success.
Hosted by WCFF Directors: Sej Saraiya & Anabelle Munro
Lisa Crosato (City of Angels Women's Fest) Laurel Adler (The NewsFest)
Sunil Sadarangani (Ojai Short Film Fest) Erman Baradi (Artists Emerged)
Short Film Block 3: Choices
06:00 PM
*Films are not displayed in order of showing
Joe Buffalo, an Indigenous skateboard legend and Indian Residential School survivor, must face his inner demons to realize his dream of turning pro.
Joe Buffalo
Tara, an Indian-American woman, decides to reconnect with her eight-year-old biological son, Ray, who was adopted by a white couple.
Look like you
As a nomadic robot grapples with it's past, the resonance of a centuries-old music box sparks a journey into the unknown.
Soul in the Machine (Music Video)
Crown
A young Black artists-sommelier takes on NYC's hypocrisy, weaving together photography, wine, hair and ambition.
Saúl, a young bricklayer from Chilpancingo, Mexico, dreams of dancing in Los Tlacololeros dance, but lack of money and family problems prevent him from doing so. The brother of the girl he likes invites him to belong to his criminal group.
Jaguar Dancer
Tits
Following an unpleasant run in at the beach, teenagers Oscar and Iben are left behind by their friends. When one of them makes a friendly gesture, they experience what might be the beginning of an unexpected relationship.
Gordon, a former lighthouse keeper turned museum curator, confronts loneliness until Musa, an Afghan refugee, seeks shelter. Their bond brings Gordon solace, but he faces a moral dilemma when he learns Musa's true intentions, questioning his convictions.
Keep
The solution of Regenerative farmers to bring soil health across the continent and beyond.
08:00 PM
Feature Film 2: Common Ground
July 27
Short Film Block 4: Identity
09:00 AM
followed by filmmaker Q&A
*Films are not displayed in order of showing
Mirror, Mirror, Broken Mirror
Up and close with a dysfunctional relationship between a mother and daughter
Explores the history of Bashkir women's coin jewelry, symbolizing protection and revealing personal status. Through the lens of a monisto, the film chronicles key historical events and traditions, highlighting its cultural significance from ancient times to today.
Monisto
"All Sacred Things" is a 25-minute documentary following Indigenous students Summer, Shawn, and Zarah as they reconnect with their culture and identity, guided by spiritual leader Andria and the near-extinct Ojibway Spirit Horses.
All Sacred Things
Renacer
Examines the life of a young woman who is shamed following an abortion and the support she receives
In "Harukaze: Be Like a Spring Wind," actor Takashi Hara returns to Toyokawa, reconnects with his roots, and pursues an international acting career, blending his cultural heritage and aspirations through a mesmerizing Taiko drum performance.
Harukaze: Be Like the Spring Wind
A documentary follows De Hong, a monk who has been teaching meditation in California prisons for ten years, and explores what motivates him to practice in such a way.
On My Road to Dharma
The Logic of Love
11:30 AM
Table Read with Barnet Bain:
A teenaged boy struggles with Jazz and mathematics to prove that he is lovable.
Casting by Alexander Moreno (The Flow Project)
Short Film Block 5: New Worlds
02:30 PM
followed by filmmaker Q&A
*Films are not displayed in order of showing
Explores the notions of overcoming the loneliness of old age and grief of a spouse, while highlighting the need for familial support and courage to open the door to newfound love and companionship
All the Love in Between
Sarah, a precise and measured art gallery director, struggles with the duality of her emotional response over the death of her estranged mother.
That’s Not My Mother
DOSH (which means "fault" in Hindi) is an immigrant story about love, family, and overcoming cultural taboos around mental health.
Dosh
Val-er-ee
A firefighter suffering from agoraphobia must walk through the flames of past trauma to step back into a new life.
Makayla’s Voice
A heartwarming documentary about a nonverbal teenage girl with autism who, through letter board therapy, finds her voice, revealing her inner brilliance and becoming an inspiring advocate for neurodiversity.
A lost and grieving Elizabeth Taylor returns to work after the tragic death of her husband Mike Todd and courageously delivers one of the greatest performances of her life.
Dame
Darkness Falling
(Music Video)
A musical short film delving into the themes of vulnerability and the repetitive cycles of violence.
Love Looks Not
(Music Video)
A tender exploration of love, inspired by the original composition by acclaimed film composer Ceiri Torjussen.
A desperate mother who wants to reconnect with her son. On the complexity of depression and grief and search for understanding and absolution.
Last Call
A captivating documentary highlighting Lubomyr Melnyk, a Ukrainian refugee camp-born pianist who revolutionized the piano world by playing 40 notes per second. At 74, Melnyk's continuous piano technique conjures transcendental landscapes and stands as a unique artistic achievement.
05:00 PM
Short Film: The Peace Piano
Closing Night Feature Film: “Perfect Days”
05:00 PM
Hirayama cleans public toilets in Tokyo, lives his life in simplicity and daily tranquility. Some encounters also lead him to reflect on himself.
Filmmaker Meet & Afterparty (Rooftop)
07:00 PM
July 27
World Premiere: Binny & Family
05:00 PM
Binny & Family traverses 3 generations (Grandparents, parents and grandchildren) of diametric opposites and bridges this gap without being preachy.
Entertainment that Uplifts with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
07:30 PM
A talk and meditation led by the founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association of Human Values (IAHV), Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
July 28
Panel: Environment in Film
11:00 AM
followed by Q&A
The film industry has a starring role in creating a sustainable future, given each production leaves behind a carbon footprint of about 3,370 metric tons.
Hosted by WCFF Directors:
Sej Saraiya & Anabelle Munro
Panelists:
Amber Peoples
Dominic Gill
Alex Moreno
Dr. Vin
Panel: Storytelling
01:00 PM
followed by Q&A
Join us for an unforgettable panel discussion where the timeless tradition of storytelling comes alive.
Hosted by WCFF Directors:
Sej Saraiya & Anabelle Munro
Panelists:
Vernon Foster
Gil Junger
Sebastien Siegel
VIP Red Carpet
06:30 PM
Award Ceremony & Show
07:30 PM
5 musical performances
Hosted by WCFF Directors: Sej Saraiya & Anabelle Munro
09:30 PM
VIP Aftershow Party