Manhattan Film Festival

The second in an ongoing trilogy, Kat Combination re-enters the same New York parallel reality as its predecessor, Plastic French. Kat returns to train with Bob Rag in order to acquire an ancient box that leads to an inevitable, future reality. Upon retrieving it, other perspectives start to take center stage as Kat's role in the film unexpectedly shifts.

In "Fading Shadows," a gritty short film, we follow a young man entangled in gang life and adorned with tattoos, marks of his tumultuous past. Estranged since childhood from his father, who departed and never looked back, he now faces a critical decision when his loving mother informs him of his father's impending death. As he grapples with the desire for his father's elusive approval and his own deep-seated resentments, the prospect of reconciliation looms. With time running out, the son must confront his fears and past judgments, potentially leading to a transformative encounter that challenges the shadows of their shared history.

The tumultuous world of young Willian, a nine-year-old whose innocence is shattered amidst the relentless storm of domestic aggression. Born into a volatile household, Willian's tender years are marred by the brutal reality of constant conflict. In the gripping short film "Routine", we are thrust into the harrowing journey of a child forced to endure the chilling presence of domestic violence. Through Willian's eyes, we witness the raw emotional toll of relentless turmoil and explore the profound scars etched by a toxic home environment.

Amidst the backdrop of a pandemic-stricken New York City, witness the unwavering passion and determination of a youth chorus as they strive to keep their art alive against all odds. Through poignant storytelling and original music from key contemporary composers, this documentary captures the resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit of a generation of young musicians, navigating through unprecedented times, proving that even in the darkest moments, music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire.

"Always, Already" is a hybrid film consisting of narrative, documentary, and animation elements that explores the theme of the illusory nature of identity in a universe defined by perpetual flux. Through its innovative blend of storytelling techniques, the film delves into how individuals perceive the world through the lens of fixed identities, only to confront the profound truth that everything is in a constant state of process. Ultimately, "Always, Already" challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of self and existence, daring them to embrace the bold realization that there is no you, only process, and everything is, always, already, in flux.