Southerners are tough – but we know real stories of triumph are never easy. That’s why this collection of 8 short films seeks to honor all the risks, challenges, and moments of discomfort we trade to create better versions of ourselves or a better world for the people we love. From a “post-binary, pansexual, polyamorous, pot-smoking parent and professional drag queen” who uses her platform to protect and celebrate her community, to a father trying to provide dinner for his family in a new country, to a recovering people pleaser trying her hand at BDSM – we are here for every moment of the process as all these individuals are sacrificing comfort and caution for something bolder and brighter on the other side.

A Q&A with filmmakers will follow the films. This event is now sold out, but tickets for our other events are available here.

The Queen vs. Texas (14:41)
In the fight for social justice and freedom of artistic expression, a drag queen makes sure Texas clearly knows that the LGBTQIA+ community isn't going anywhere.

Los Mosquitos (14:00)
A 15-year-old Honduran teen and her younger cousin must forge new bonds in the US and redefine their concept of family.

The Return (25:27)
The Return is a portrait of boyhood interrupted, an exploration of the bonds of family, and a celebration of the resilience of a father and son who dream of returning home to Guatemala after being apprehended at the U.S. border.

Luther (10:57)
Luther reflects on his transformation from logger and alcoholic to protector and artist in this poignant documentary, which invites viewers to evaluate their own lives.

Blink Once (3:17)
A metal detectorist reminisces while going through the day's routine. Based on a poem by Karin Gottshall.

First Night (11:43)
A newly immigrated Korean father goes into a deli trying to order food for his family– only with the help of a dictionary.

Bike Lane Ends (7:34)
An anxious 8-year-old must rescue her adventurous BFF from an alternate dimension at the end of a bike lane.

I Could Dom (15:26)
A people-pleaser recently back in the dating pool goes on an ill-advised date with a sexually submissive man to prove to her doubtful friends that she could totally be a dom.