6th Annual film festival- february 20-22, 2025
festival schedule
venue addresses
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First Woodway Baptist Church, 101 N. Ritchie Road, Woodway, TX 76712
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​Great Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2625 S. 18th Street, Waco, TX 76706
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St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th Street, Waco, TX 76710
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Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1402 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704 ​
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Z's at The Curry, 611 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
thursday | Feb 6
7-9 PM | festival kickoff reception
at z's at the curry | 611 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Kickoff Reception and Champion Awards
Come walk the red carpet, meet filmmakers from around the world as well as celebrate
the accomplishments of innovators in film, TV, the arts, and entertainment!
​
Please RSVP by February 3, 2020 to Maliz.Mahop@LaiCommunications.com
friday | Feb 7
11am - 4PM | Baylor Business Advertising Summit
at baylor university | foster 240 |
Kickoff Reception and Champion Awards
Join us at our 3rd Annual Baylor Business Advertising Summit taking place February 7, 2020 in Waco, Texas. The event will be held in Foster 240 from 11:00am - 4:00pm. In the spirit of Advertising Week, we plan to convene the leading professionals from advertising and marketing agencies in Texas.
​
5-7 PM | film block: Be the change
at baylor law school | FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Babam
USA | 6 min
A father sits down with his daughter to tell the story on how he became a superhero.
Nasser Goes to Space
Qatar | 10 min
Nasser, a creative young boy, envisions himself as a space adventurer, and goes on a mission to find his parents’ love in an attempt to save their marriage.
The Boy They Called Bizarre
USA + Nigeria | 1 hour 6 min
A group of Minnesotans follow a Nigerian born priesthood dropout, back to the impoverished villages of his childhood. Unfortunately there is a kidnapping right in front of their eyes. And then a miracle happened. View Trailer.
James
USA | 4 min
A young clown tries to decide what college to go to.
Killer House (Promo)
USA | 6 min
After discovering her MTV Cribs home was contaminated with toxic mold between the walls, Shemane became deathly ill. Through alternative remedies, she healed herself and is sharing her story in the documentary Killer House.
Smile!
USA | 2 min
A froggy dad tries to get his goth daughter to smile for a family photo.
Miracle in East Texas
USA + Canada | 1 hour 40 min
(WACO PREMIERE!)
Inspired by one of the most improbably true stories ever, this the entertaining tale of two aging con-men at the dawn of the Great Depression, and the biggest oil strike in the history of the world. View Trailer
American Glass
USA | 4 min
An employee at a local comedy club experiences first-hand American values in spite of hardship during trying American times
7:15-9:30 PM | Film Block: Girl Power!
AT BAYLOR LAW SCHOOL | Free to the public!
The Sweet Pursuit
USA | 8 min
A young detective Lillian goes on a hunt to find the bully who stole her younger brothers Halloween candy.
This Changes Everything
USA + Canada | 1 hour 40 min
Geena Davis, Meryl Streep, Rashida Jones, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Oh, Jessica Chastain, Tiffany Haddish and other top actresses discuss gender discrimination in the media and entertainment industry.
Ember
South Africa | 5 min
Mbali, a Nature Sprite who is struggling to revive wilted plants, confronts a Fire Sprite who is scorching the forest.
saturday | feb 8
10am - 12:15 PM |
film block: music soothes the soul
at waco hippodrome theatre | Get Tickets Here
Minuet
UK | 6 min
A young concert pianist rehearsing for her next solo performance finds help in an unlikely place.
Waiting For You
USA | 4 min
When the tragedy of an unexpected preborn or newborn death occurs, it is devastating. But she still has a voice. And she has something to say to the parent she never had the chance to know. View Trailer.
Harlem Blues
USA | 6 min
Filled with survivor's guilt, a young musician is haunted by the memories of losing his father. He turns to prescription drugs to self medicate, but soon realizes playing music is the only thing that can save him.
Amazing Grace
USA | 2 hours (WACO PREMIERE!)
Singer Aretha Franklin performs gospel songs at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972. View Trailer.
1 - 4:30 PM | film block: celebrating the family
at waco hippodrome theatre| Get Tickets Here
Immersion
New Zealand | 3 min
​Under nuclear threat, an ambitious kid must figure out a way to complete the upload of his and his sister's conscience before it's too late.
The Lion King
USA | 1 hour 58 min
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival.
New Brother
Australia | 7 min
Reuben lives the life any 8 year old boy could dream of. But that all changes the moment he has to share this with someone new.
Sound Hunt
USA | 38 Min
After witnessing a robbery in her own home, young Ivy and her friends decide to investigate. When the girls hear a mysterious bell in the distance, the search turns into a hunt for the source of the sound, leading them on a surprising journey.
2-4 PM | LOVE IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE PT. I
at EXTRACO BANK TRAINING FACILITY | Free to the public!
Into The Light
Russian Federation | 7 min
Our story takes place in an imaginary world. In this world, the Rooster (the main character and the keeper of the Sunny Valley) discovers a mysterious and dark cave...
White Iris
USA | 8 min
An end of life love story, inspired by an 18th century haiku.
A Boat Journey Towards Home
USA | 22 min
Fr. Lan Ngo and Fr. Chanh Nguyen tell the emotional story of fleeing from Communist Vietnam when they were only teenagers.
Hutsulka Ksenya
Ukraine | 1 hour 30 minutes
1939. A young Ukrainian-American man Yaro comes to the Carpathian Mountains, because his father left him a fortune under the condition that he would marry a Ukrainian girl. There Yaro meets a Hutsul girl Ksenya and has to rethink his plan. View Trailer.
5-7 PM | LOVE IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE PT. 2
at EXTRACO BANK TRAINING FACILITY | Free to the public!
Introspective
Canada | 7 min
As a high school student with social anxiety is faced with a shot at the girl of his dreams, he tries to find his voice.
​Matryoshka
USA | 6 min
An elderly man receives a visit from an unknown woman. They discuss tea, the Russian language, and love.
Be Kind
Italy | 1 hour 23 minutes
Nino, is a twelve-year-old who was diagnosed with severe, but not serious, childish autism at two and a half years. Today, Nino is the protagonist of a film that concerns not only those with whom he shares his particularity, but all those who, in one way or another, are different. View Trailer.
Vis-à-Vis: A Sébastien Kraft Film
USA | 34 min
Marianne is a college student from France who has trouble finding her place in America. After meeting a young man named Lorenzo, she learns to live with loss and open up.
Pico
USA | 6 minutes
A story about living a life and let the child inside of us take over, Rather than sit down and caught up with technology.
5-8 PM | empowering the human spirit
at TOLIVER CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH | Free to the public!
The Interrogation
USA | 5 min
Description n/a
Friend Request (Teaser)
USA | 1 minute
This is a film about the ‘very hush-hush’ human trafficking industry. It will bring awareness to this multi-billion dollar scourge!
In Utero
USA | 13 minutes
A rogue planet is about to destroy Earth and in the last few minutes, one of the three sisters wants to die alone. The other two sisters wants everyone to be together with family.
A King Under Construction: Bridging the Gap
USA | 30 min
In this documentary, the story of Central Texas hip hop pioneer & world record holding DJ, Rappin' Reggie Reed, is told through interviews, photos, & historic footage from the late 1980's & early 1990's hip hop era.
Making A Difference
USA | 1 hour 15 minutes
'Making A Difference' tells the story of how one man gave up everything and answered God’s call, helping people who are homeless, addicted to drugs, and coming from bad situations. View Trailer.
Emotions
USA | 4 min
Emotions is a film with 6 small stories relating to a theme about each of the basic emotions that people have.
Running
USA | 10 min
'Running' is a moving short which depicts a male running from life but he finds there is nowhere to run. View Trailer.
The Topaz Troop
USA | 15 minutes
Troop leader Jane, and her ambitious pup, Coco, have planned an adventurous camping trip for The Topaz Troop, but when things go awry, they must work together to help Claire and Coco think of unique ways to face their fears, while putting a positive spin on a rainy day.
Blackbird
USA | 19 min
Sherri is an imaginative, creative, and overworked cabin cleaner who is somewhat content with life, even though she’s living paycheck to paycheck. On her 25th birthday, she is presented with an opportunity to attend aviation school.
3-8:15 PM | THE POWER OF FAITH:
SHORT FILM SHOWCASE AND MORE
at THE AUDITORIUM AT TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE |
Free to the public!
Now or Never:
A Tony Romo Story
USA | 1 hour 35 min
The true story of Tony Romo, a kid from Burlington, WI who became one of the most prolific quarterbacks to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Though he never won a Superbowl, he continues to inspire his fans, community, family and friends.
I Am Not My Father
Qatar | 13 minutes
Mansoor grew up believing that dreams can never come true – his aspirations destroyed by an overly-strict father. Growing up with a tough father, Mansoor now lacks the skills to communicate with his own son Jassim: the cycle of life repeating itself.
Bending in The Wind
USA | 24 minutes
Bending in the Wind follows the life of a homeless teen in a US suburb, who has lost his way and been cast aside by those who were supposed to love him unconditionally.
Urination Complication
USA | 4 min
A girl on the road just needs to pee...but if only she could find a spot
​RIDE: Challenge to
Conquer Cancer
Argentina | 1 hour 35 minutes
Stories of hope, love, dedication, and inspiration amount to a beautiful story providing many with the parallel of fighting cancer as cyclists fight to climb mountains, riding 1,300 miles to help defeat cancer once and for all. View Trailer.
Max Winslow and
The House of Secrets
USA | 1 hour 38 min
Five teenagers compete to win a mansion owned by entrepreneur and scientist Atticus Virtue. To win the teens must face-off against a super computer named HAVEN who controls the mansion. View Trailer.
99 Bottles of Beer
USA | 17 min
​A young man finds himself tied up in a basement after an awful accident. The horror will continue until he finishes singing this song…
Ecce
Turkey | 9 minutes
Child adoption of a single man.
Imagine Barry
USA | 19 min
A young man is visited by the imaginary friend he never had as a child, who has arrived 20 years late for their "playdate".
8:30 PM-Midnight | Closing Night Party: Pre-Oscar Party & Festival Awards Ceremony
at z's at the curry | Free to the public!
Closing Night Party: Pre-Oscar Party & Festival Awards Ceremony
Finish out our 2020 fest and get ready for the Oscars!
SATURDAY FILM + FAITH
SOUL SESSIONS
10AM-12:15PM |theme: everlasting love
at Family of Faith Worship Center | Free to the public!
In Your Memory
Puerto Rico | 10 min
Keyla López is a university student studying business administration to continue working in the family business. In spite of everything, Keyla continues with the hope of fulfilling her grandfather's dream and hers.
Morning Breakfast
USA | 3 min
A young girl with a passion for a good morning breakfast.
Contigo (With You)
USA | 2 min
Emilia has been saving up money to buy an expensive Poodle. One of the days that she drives past the pet shop where the Poodle is on display she ends up meeting a stray dog, and he seems very fond of her right away...
Smorgasburg - A Mixtape
USA | 7 min
A short on Brooklyn's own Smorgasburg, an outdoor Summer Food market in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and World Trade Center, Featuring over 100 food vendors from all over the world.
Overtime \\ The Love Project
Japan | 8 min
A frustrated office worker finds out her routine job is hardly her worst nightmare.
Loving
Argentina | 1 hour 15 minutes
With 80 years of age, after a long life as a school teacher and housewife, NIDIA decided to start taking singing lessons.
10AM-12:15PM |theme: letting your light shine
at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church | Free to the public!
Spill of Love
Peru | 4 min
​On their first anniversary, Elliot decides to bake Lisa a cake as a present. Not everything goes as planned, therefore, better than he expected.
The Dance
USA | 12 minutes
On the day of a performance, a nervous ballerina is ready to rehearse her routine when something else gets her attention...
Molisana (Herdboy)
Lesotho | 3 minutes
MOLISANA tells a story of Lekhetho, a herd boy in the rural mountains of Lesotho.
Attacked by crooks, Lekhetho goes on a harrowing journey to look for the cattle.
Zoe's Home For
Any and All Animals
USA | 20 min
After an ensemble of pets take shelter in his home, Mark, a struggling single dad, must learn to accept the past in order to reconnect with his daughter. View Trailer.
So Much More
USA | 13 minutes
Her illusions shattered, a perfect woman wrestles with God whom she doesn't fully trust.
The Lover
USA | 50 minutes
An old lover gentleman, Joe receives a ride in order to go back home on time for his perfect wedding anniversary. Everything seems fine, but one moment could turn Joe's whole life upside down. View Trailer.
10AM-12:15PM |theme:
climbing mountains & overcoming
at one fellowship church | Free to the public!
A Night In, A Night Out
USA | 6 min
​A grieving father and husband copes with cooking.
To Be A Part
Singapore | 5 minutes
Wanting to be accepted by the community, Fluzzard alters his appearance to become more like them- but at what cost?
The Journey
USA | 3 min
Ally – clutches a picture of her grandma who she has just lost. Willing time to be frozen, Ally goes into a journey in a dream-like state.
Hard Working Man: The Music and Miracles of Danny Brook
Canada | 1 hour 43 minutes
One part street savvy musician; another part born again preacher, Brooks' life and career runs the gamut. His stage is diverse ... bars, clubs, house concerts, churches, prisons and festivals. View Trailer.
10AM-12:15PM | theme: fear and doubt
at carver park baptist church | Free to the public!
Recipe
USA | 4 min
Gil Yong makes a cooking tutorial video with his phone.
The Man in The Wheelchair
USA | 4 min
A man realizes that he has been duped into giving away money to a man on the street. But he quickly learns that he has gained far more than he has lost through the experience.
Faith Warriors
USA | 7 min
A woman is trained to learn the power of prayer by an experienced prayer warrior in an effort to bring her husband back to life.
Veronica's Wish
Uganda | 1 hour 36 minutes
Veronica and Michael are engaged to marry. However they must make some difficult decisions when Veronica gets diagnosed with leukemia. View Trailer.
10AM-12:15PM | theme: trusting and gratefulness
at Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church| Free to the public!
Walking in My Shoes
UK | 18 min
A documentary following shoes donated from children in the suburbs of Scotland to young Syrian refugees. View Trailer.
Godspeed
USA | 3 min
"Godspeed" is a story about a mother saying goodbye to her son at the airport. The son wants a hug, but the reserved mother is reluctant to do so.
Take Your Mark Banu
India | 1 hour 8 minutes
The real life story of 8 year old Banu’s journey towards realizing her dream of becoming a swimming champion. View Trailer.
Sewa ~Cida Thoughts: The Beginning of the End
USA | 6 min
​A artist goes through hard times and contemplates suicide.
War Cry
USA | 6 minutes
Three individuals struggle with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. Pushed to their limits they seek out final solutions for temporary struggles.
10AM-12:15PM | theme: holding on
at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church| Free to the public!
The Legend of Toto
USA + Mexico | 2 min
Somewhere in the middle of the desert there is an eagle named Toto. Toto does anything he can to protect his precious egg, but suddenly, a new threat appears. A snake invades Toto’s territory. Now it’s up to Toto to get rid of this creature and protect his egg.
Be The Light
USA | 1 hour 46 minutes
A down and out girl tries to make amends with her estranged and dying father. She tries to raise money in an effort to save him with the community she loves, and the music within.
Redemption inJustice
USA | 6 min
A son reflects on his father's lessons on being a black man in America.