Hand-picked from more than 2,000 contest submissions, each of these films were brought to life under extraordinary circumstances within approximately thirty days from mid-December 2024 through January 2025. Fires, snowstorms, equipment failure, impossible delays—nothing stopped these filmmakers from realizing their vision.
With the support of Kodak, NEON, ARRI Rental, Cinelease, and the team behind Anora, these creative teams embraced the opportunity to shoot on 16mm film, and pushed themselves to create something unique, raw, and undeniably alive.
Curated by acclaimed filmmaker Sean Baker, this showcase celebrates the artistry of analog filmmaking and the relentless spirit of emerging storytellers. These aren’t just films—they’re proof of what’s possible when talent, passion, and perseverance converge.
In the spirit of Anora’s love story, through moments of longing, courage, discovery, and connection, these films remind us why storytelling matters—why it moves us, challenges us, and lingers long after the screen fades to black.
Screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2025, we are proud to celebrate the resulting films of the Anora x Kodak Short Film Contest.
EDGAR: Enhanced Data Gathering Analysis Robot
Written & Directed by Virginia de Witt
DP: Marcin Szocinski
Producers: Thomas Darragh, Emily Kretzer
In a desolate near future, a suicidal woman converses about life, love, and loss with an AI Android which resembles her estranged father, while her neighbor focuses on his tap dance routine. Dark comedy.
FAYGELEH
Written & Directed by Muriel Naim
DP: Eyal Bau Cohen
Producer: Clara Peterson
As Menachem, a young Ultra-Orthodox Hassidic man, flees his wedding moments before the Chuppah, his best friend David comes to his aid—only to discover that Menachem’s love subject isn’t his bride-to-be. Torn between the pressure to conform and the desire to be true to his gut, Menachem faces a life-altering choice that could lead to exile or a life of falsehood.
FREAK
Written & Directed by R.J. Sanchez
DP: Xiaolong Liu
Producer: Kevin Clark, Ryland Burns
2006, South Central LA. High school sophomore Angel faces a party predicament: freak dance with his crush or miss his chance?
I WALKED THROUGH THE WALL
Written & Directed by Pablo Larcuen
DP: Hayden Mason
Producers: Oscar Romagosa, Blanca Balleste, Zane Kalnina
A wife and mother who feels trapped in a life of service to her family, accidentally discovers the power to walk through walls.
INDIGO BLUE
Written & Directed by Albert Pritchard
DP: Matheus Bastos
Producers: Michael Peay, Jason Diamond, Josh Diamond
Executive Producer: Kelly Peck
A desperate couple risks everything to secure life-saving surgery for their sick daughter. Inspired by true events, "Indigo Blue" examines how far a parent’s love can stretch within the crucibles of the healthcare system.
SHE SAID SO
Written & Directed by Madeline Clayton
DP: Kate Arizmendi
Producer: Francesco Raffo
A persuasive teenage girl tests her best friend’s sexual boundaries during a sleepover, leading to unexpected consequences.
SAVING PA RYAN
Directed by Mohammad 'Mango' Shaikh
Written by Mohammad 'Mango' Shaikh & Edgardo Gonzalez
DP: Mohammad 'Mango' Shaikh
Producers: Jeremy Tkach, Edgardo Gonzalez and Markus Villa
Having dreamed of making movies since childhood, 20-year-old Ryan steps into his first day as a PA and discovers the exhilarating—and gritty—reality of filmmaking.
STEAK DINNER
Written & Directed by Nathan Mark Ginter
DP: Shane Bagwell
Producers: Will Noyce, Chelsea Eisen, Emma Weinswig
Executive producer: Nick Scully
Casey’s surprise dinner date gets derailed when Taylor, her girlfriend, reveals she has brought home a strange, wounded creature she intends to nurse back to health.
颯,永 - SUDDENLY ALWAYS
Written & Directed by Ki Jin Kim
DP: Ki Jin Kim
Producers: Carolyn Mao, Kelly Thomas, David Ariniello, Giulia Caruso
An elderly Japanese couple’s routine walk takes an intimate turn when they’re invited to pose for a portrait.
TOGETHER FOREVER
Written & Directed by Gregory Barnes
DP: Fidel Ruiz-Healy
Producers: Alex Bendo, Lexi Preiser, Tyler Walker, Yumeng Han
Executive Producers: Xuemei Rong, Alex Bendo, Lexi Preiser
For wide-eyed Sydney, it’s a dream come true to marry her best friend in the Mormon temple. But for the closeted cherub-faced groom, Caleb, his life has never been more of a lie as he tries his best to please his wife on their virginal wedding night.