1271 / directed by Michael Warczak (Australia, Short, 3 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A suspenseful film about a young man haunted by a hooded figure, eeries voices and a mailbox that is inhabited by an evil spirit. Have you found Jesus yet? Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM

Agnes Day, directed by Stryder Simms (U S A, Short, 10 mins, World Premiere, 2009) An impressionistic visual-poem set in a rural Southwest mountain town. The death of a boy's twin sister prompts his first inquiry into the nature of death and eternity. Music by Samuel Barber. Saturday, 3/6, 7:00 PM

Ajumma!  Are You Krazy???! directed by Brent Anbe (U S A/Korea, Short, 26 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A zany comedy that follows the misadventures of three Korean drama fanatics, Judy (Thea Matsuda), Susan (Tessie Magaoay), and Amy (Cari Mizumoto), as they try to meet their favorite Korean super star, Michael Park (Michael Hsia) when he visits Hawaii to shoot his music video. This is Hawaii's First Kim Chee Comedy!  Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

All Birds Whistle, directed by Roy Khalil (Lebanon, Short, 14 mins, World Premiere, 2009, In Arabic, with English Subtitles) A humorous, tender tale about an elderly couple whose boring lives change when their neighbor puts his canary bird in their care. Sunday, 3/7, 8:00 PM

Asbury Park, directed by Robert Andersen (U S A, Short, Student, 22 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A moving, compelling story of a young man who returns to his hometown seeking redemption and forgiveness for the wrongs of his past. While his mother greets his return happily, he must struggle to rebuild his relationship with his brother, just as the town around him struggles to rebuild itself. Sunday, 3/7. 4:45 PM

Babylon 2084, directed by Christian Schleisiek (Germany, Short, Student, 30 mins, DC  Premiere, 2009, In German with English subtitles) In this post-apocalyptic story, a blend of "Mad Max" meets "Waterworld", a maintenance worker named, E90-1248, is dedicated to continuously adding on new floors to one of the only two remaining towers left as the water level rises. When an accident happens, he becomes aware of the fact that the tower is well on its way to collaping and that he is the only person able to save the human race from perishing. Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM  

Back to Life, directed by Mike Salva (USA, Animation, 2 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) The Frankenstein monster has a few things to say about being brought back to life. Sunday, 3/14, 4:30 PM  

Bailout, directed by Stryder Simms (U S A, Short, 3 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) This award-winning short recounts the story of two refugees who are struggling to survive. following an economic apocalypse.  Thursday, 3/11, 7:00 PM

Bananas!*, directed by Fredrik Gertten (Sweden, Documentary, 88 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Juan “Accidentes” Dominguez is on his biggest case ever. On behalf of 12 Nicaraguan banana workers, he is tackling the Dole Food Company in a ground-breaking legal battle over their use of a banned pesticide that was known by the company to cause sterility. Can he beat the giant, or will the corporation get away with it? This suspenseful documentary sheds new light on the global politics of food. Tuesday, 3/9, 7:00 PM

New - Be All and End All, The, directed by Bruce Webb (United Kingdom, Feature, 90 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A heartwarming and often hilarious tale of true friendship. Terminally ill teenager, Robbie, doesn't want to die a virgin, so it's up to his life long best friend, Ziggy, to find a willing girl... and by any means necessary.  NEW - Take 2 - March 14th, Noon (Saturday, 3/6, 7:00 PM)

Beneficiary, The, directed by Theodore Melfi (U S A, Short, 18 mins , 2008) Three lives are tragically altered when an ordinary event ignites a chain reaction of paranoia and murder.  Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM

Between Grass and Sky: Rhythms of a Cowboy Poem, directed by Jerry Dugan (U S A, Short, 6 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Haunting images of the American West -- its people, its grasslands, and the cattle that graze there -- echo the imagery of the poem, "Grass." The poetry of Texan Buck Ramsey is well-known to lovers of cowboy poetry and it is eloquently recited by three cowboy poets. Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

Beyond the Pole, directed by David L Williams (United Kingdom, Feature, 88 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) This comedy follows two hapless friends, Mark and Brian, as they set out on the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, Organic expedition ever to attempt reaching the North Pole.  Unfortunately, the friends did not anticipate encountering carnivorous polar bears, competitive gay Norwegians, or Mark's rapidly loosening grip on reality. Funny and subversive, it is the story of two men trying to find their place in the world before the end of the world occurs.  And it asks one question of us all: How far would you go to save the planet? Thursday,  3/11, 7:00 PM /

Beyond Words, directed by Jane Clark, DCIFF Alum (USA, 20mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) Christina Price, a successful ballerina, gave up her career to have a family. Seven years later, her identity is lost to her children and husband. As her awareness of her situation grows stronger, holding her feelings inside becomes more and more difficult as her “inner dancer” struggles to express itself. When a pivotal event breaks her silence, Christina must journey back to her truth to find happiness in the life she has created for herself. Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

Birthday Party, The, directed by Veronique N. Doumbe (U S A, Short, 7 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Life can be so unpredictable. A father is on his second tour of duty in Iraq, a mother Lena, is trying to keep her children safe, a son is on the brink of manhood, and a daughter is anticipating her tenth birthday party, a party that will change their life forever. After living on military bases, Lena's relocation to a new city near her in-laws is an adjustment for her and her children. Her resolve to keep the children free from harm deepens, as does her feeling of dread. Saturday, 3/13, 7:00 PM

Black Crayon, directed by Hanjin Park (USA/Korea, Short, Student, 10 mins, DC Premiere, 2008) A beautiful, lyrical film about a small boy who takes off to find his mother, who is a pearl diver. Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

Black Milk (Uyuni), directed by ZAC & MAC (Spain, Short, 14 mins, US  Premiere, 2010) In this tragic tale, Allie and Doug just arrived at the end of the world. He has a proposal. She, a secret.  Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Bongfen, directed by Petra Sunjo (USA, Short, Student, 25 mins, World Premiere, 2009) Bongfen, a young woman from Cameroon, comes to the U.S. as a mail order bride to an American man, Sam. Their relationship, which is initially based on deceit, slowly develops into a true friendship, underneath the lies, they share one common truth - the quest for happiness. But the question remains: What form should happiness take? Saturday, 3/6, 12:30 PM

Boomers, The, directed by Randall Blair (USA, Short, DC Filmmaker, 35 mins, World Premiere, 2009) On his 60th birthday, Clark Westfield begins to hear people's throughts. He is not sure which event bothers him more; being 60 or hearing people's thoughts. Saturday, 3/6, 5:30 PM

Bureaucratic-Hell (Buro-infierno), directed by Daniel Sametz (Mexico, 14 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Juan discovers that, although he's dead, things haven't changed that much when he has to process his pass to the 'beyond' at a bureaucratic office. Saturday, 3/6, 9:30 PM

Calzone, directed by Vincent Dos Reis (France, Short, 11 mins, DC Premiere, 2009, in French, with English subtitles) A Mafia godfather comes to a trendy Italian restaurant to have dinner. Following his usual routine, he orders a calzone. To his great surprise, he does not find an egg inside it. Enraged, he sends his two henchmen into the kitchen to settle the matter. They terrorize the chef and his apprentice, but learn that the real problem is "Nuggets," the hen who is depressed and refuses to lay eggs. They try everything, dance, theater performances, even intimidation, to pursue her to lay eggs.  Tuesday, 3/9, 7:00 PM

Canoe Pulling: A Lummi Way of Life, directed by Britney  Oldham, DCIFF Alum (U S A, Documentary, Student, 5 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Native American values and traditions have been carried on by elders. Today, Lummi youth are carrying these values and traditions forward. A group of Native Lens Lummi teenagers in a youth program tell us the story of the revival of the canoe-pulling culture and the importance of this generations old tradition in their lives. Saturday, 3/6, 2:00 PM

Cartel, The, directed by Bob Bowdon (USA, Documentary, 98 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) For at least a generation, American public schools have been growing progressively worse. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 35% of American high school seniors are proficient in reading. Only 23% are proficient in math. On the global stage, the United States ranks last in educational effectiveness among large industrialized countries, despite spending the most on education. This films investigates the cause of this vast underachievement, and what can be done to turn things around. This is a Special Screening, a Town Hall style presentation, open to the public. For all the teachers, parents, children and stakeholder (which is every citizen) in the future of our country, this is a must attend event. Sunday, 3/7, Noon - This is a FREE Event!

Cocoa Loco, directed by Shaka King (USA, Short, Student, 15 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A comedy about cocoa butter - scented lotion, karmic retribution, and the strangers you call family. Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Color from the Dark, directed by Ivan Zuccon (Italy, Feature, 93 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) In the spirit of Dario Argento, and based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, "Color from the Dark," this film recounts the life of Pietro and Lucia who live on an isolated farm with Alice, Lucia's younger sister. Due to a crippling malady, Pietro is spared from going to war. One day, while drawing water from the well, Pietro and Alice unlease an evil spirit that takes over the farm. Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM

Crack Willow, directed by Martin Radich (United Kingdom, Feature, 89 mins, US Premiere, 2008) An affectionate portrait of a man's struggle with death and loneliness that portrays the challenges faced by a middle-aged hooligan when he takes care of his father during the last days of his life. The man's journey is an exploration of emotions captured through the use of vivid, powerful, and imaginative imagery. A compelling and evocotive film that treads new ground.  Friday, March 12, 9:15 PM

Crescendo, directed by Pierre Terrade & Didier Woldmeard (France, Short, 14 mins, World Premiere, 2009) woman live in poverty with a child and a violent dealer. this day will move crescendo in drama. Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM

Danzak, directed by Gabriela Yepes (Peru, Short, 20 mins, World Premiere, 2008) The life of a 10-year old girl, Nina, changes dramatically when her father and Master Scissor Dancer, the lead dancer of a Peruvian ritual procession, ask her to fulfill the father's last wish.  Saturday, 3/6, 9:30 PM

Digital Dilemma, The, directed by Dirk Fletcher (USA, Documentary, Student, 17 mins, World Premiere, 2009) As a society, the switch from film to digital is complete. Instead of keeping a box of negatives in the attic waiting to be discovered by future generations we are recording everything that is precious to us with affordable digital cameras, it is a move that,   without proper forethought, will rob future generations of a personal visual history. Where are your memories? Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Discovery, The, directed by Rodgers Dameron / DCIFF Alum (USA, Animation, Student, 5 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) Two young children find the body of a dead man in the thawing snow while walking through a meadow and discover the nature of life and death. Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM

New - Dive!, directed by Jeremy Seifert (USA, Documentary, 45 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Follow filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and his circle of friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of L.A.'s supermarkets.  In the process, they uncover thousands of dollars worth of good food and an ugly truth about waste in America: grocery stores know they are wasting food and most refuse to do anything about it.  NEW - Take 2 - March 14th, Noon (Friday, 3/5, 9:30 PM)

Drop in the Bucket, A, directed by Lauren Shaw (USA / Cambodia, Documentary, 23 mins, DC Premiere, 2010) This film is a timely, hopeful, and lyrical tale about people who reach across international boundaries to help provide clean water by digging wells in rural Cambodia. The documentary reveals the effects these wells have had on the lives of people, as well as the complexities and challenges involved in providing assistance. It also presents the issues of hygiene, education, water testing, and ownership. Although this story is a drop in the bucket, it is one filled with possibility, opportunity, and promise. Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

Electropolis, directed by  Allison Neil, Amanda Stocker, Adam Pockaj, Adam Trout, Dimas Mohammad, Hank Choi, Giorgio Mavrigianakis, Debbie Yu, Kevin McCullough, Jason Walmsley, Dan Seddon, Dawnson Chen and Ki Eun Suh (Canada, Animation, Student, 6 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A walking sign, fed up with his job, dreams to dance.  Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

Empress, The , directed by Lyle Pisio (Canada, Animation, 9 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Loneliness, desire, love, hesitation, miscommunication, fear, and loss with a touch of alcoholism for comic relief.  Friday, 3/5, 7:00 PM

Emptiness (Mu), directed by Ria Ama (USA/Japan, Animation, Student, 16 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2010) A painted Phoenix wills herself into the world where she encounters love, loss, longing and eventual enlightenment.  Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

Everything Is Ordinary, directed by Noelle Brower (USA, Short, 16 mins, World Premiere, 2008) A family waits for their patriarch to die amid the petty dramas that make up their lives. Throughout, the little girl, Sarah, just wants to share her discoveries, but can't pull the adults away from their own concerns. In the end she connects with the only person able to hear her.  This beautiful, lyrical work reveals how memories work and  the details they conjure up, and it takes you to a place where, everything is ordinary. Friday, March 12, 9:15 PM

Forfeit of Grace, directed by Kane Senes (USA, Short, Student, 16 mins, World Premiere, 2009) When a man discovers a kidnapped girl in a secluded motel, he struggles to save her and finds redemption for his violent past. Friday, March 12, 9:15 PM

Free Zone (Frizon) directed by Jan-Eje Ferling (Sweden, Short, 27 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) The secret life of an old married vicar, as a cross-dresser is found out, and hilarity ensues.  Friday, 3/5, 9:30 PM

Ghosts Don't Exist, directed by Eric Espejo (USA, Feature, 100 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A popular ghost hunter, who is losing faith in his belief in ghosts, is about to retire, but he decides to take one last case when a potential client guarantees that he will provide proof that ghosts exist. When the ghost hunter arrives at the client's home, the client announces that he will make good on the promise by contacting the ghost hunter, himself from the beyond -- then shoots himself in front of the ghost hunter. Sunday, 3/14, 4:30 PM  

Green Tunnel, directed by Kevin Gallagher (USA, Short, 5 mins, Mid Atlantic  Premiere, 2009) A six month journey along the 2,200 mile long Appalachian Trail, condensed and reinterpreted in five minutes of stop-motion. Thursday, 3/11, 7:00 PM

Hands, The, directed by Charise Studesville / DC Filmmaker (USA, Short, 11 mins, DC Premiere, 2008) A daughter explores her relationship with her dying father and becomes fixated upon his hands as a representation of who he was as a man. Sunday, 3/7, 4:45 PM

Heartland Transport, directed by Cody Stokes (USA, Short, 7 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Seventeen gay and lesbian couples define marriage equality, as they take a chartered bus from St. Louis to Iowa City to be legally married. Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PMpm

Hey!  directed by Guy Ben Shetrit (Israel, Animation, 3 mins,  Mid Atlantic Premiere, 2008) The sci-fi fantasy journey of a little girl and her special pet friend, a huge toad. When the girl loses her pet, she goes through different adventures while chasing him as he drifts across the sky in the form of a balloon. Friday, 3/5, 9:30 PM

Hide & Seek, directed by Chun-Ming Wang (Taiwan, Short, Student, 6 mins, World Premiere, 2008) Tommy, isolated and lonely is living a secluded life, with his mother and wants to come out of hiding and connect with others. In seeking adventure and friendship, Tommy soon finds out that it is not as easy as it seems to find either one. Saturday, 3/6, 12:30 PM

Homeland Nation - Mescalero Apache, directed by Peter Mervis (U S A, Documentary, 45 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A fast-paced, documentary style exploration of a modern-day Native American nation reveals a rich history, tradition and hope for the future. Saturday, 3/6, 2:00 PM  

I Am a Man: From Memphis, a Lesson in Life, directed by Jonathan Epstein (USA, Short, 27 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) In 1968, Elmore Nickleberry stood among 1,300 other African-American men in Memphis, Tennessee, as they collectively asserted their right to be treated with dignity. Each night, he guides his garbage truck through the streets of Memphis. Surrounded by the unique soul music that helped make Memphis world famous, the film sets memories of the city's sanitation workers --  filled with love, sorrow and sometimes even laughter -- against a present-day backdrop of Mr. Nickleberry's route, life and family.  Mr. Nickleberry offers a lesson in life, as well as being part of history.  Sunday, 3/7, 4:45 PM

Imaginary Friends, directed by Sasha Collington (United Kingdom, Documentary, Student, 13 mins, World Premiere, 2008) Three adult recount how the imaginary friends they had when they were children, helped them to accept themselves. Friday, 3/5, 9:30 PM

Immigrant Nation!: The Battle for the Dream, directed by Esau Melendez (USA, Documentary, 105 mins, Sneak Preview, 2010) The story of the modern immigrant rights movement and the struggle of a single mother, Elvira Arellano, who fought against her own deportation. It tells how organizations, activists, community leaders and individuals came together to oppose Bill HR4437 and the anti-immigration forces.  Saturday, 3/6, 3:30 PM

Infection (Infeccion) directed by Viktoriya Gruzdyn (USA, Animation, Student, 4 mins, World Premiere, 2009) An amorphous blob becomes infected by an alien virus, which leads to chronic wounds and even death. Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM

Into The Zone, directed by Raphael Bondy (Switzerland/Russia, Documentary, Student, 30 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Five tourists travel to Chernobyl, visit the ghost town of Pripyat, meet people who live there, and talk about their strong impressions and feelings, as a result of their visit. The film includes footage of the area both, before and after the catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986. The concrete traces of the history are moving, let the time stand still. Thursday, 3/11, 7:00 PM

It's Still Me!  directed by Candy Kugel (USA, Documentary, 18 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A guide for people with aphasia and their loved ones, in order to help them learn how to communicate with one another more effectively. Aphasia is the inability to use or understand written language because of a brain lesion. The film explains what aphasia is, describes some basic brain functions, and how it feels to have aphasia, and demonstrates some ways to communicate without words. Saturday, 3/6, 12:30 PM

James K. Polk Was @#?!ing Awesome, directed by Adam Bertocci (U S A, Short, 6 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) An astonishingly profane tribute to our nation's greatest president. Friday, 3/5, 7:00 PM  

Julie, Julie, directed by Liam Creighton (U S A, Short, 22 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) You've heard the adage: they just don't speak the same language. Charles and Julie Tannen are about to find out what happens when this metaphor is made literal. Saturday, 3/6, 5:30 PM

Listen to This, directed by Itay Sasson, Jennifer Sarkar, Gilli Tohar, Mirna Yacoub and Abu Abara (Canada, Animation, Student, 2 mins , 2009) Two musicians living on either side of a wall compete to see whose music can be the loudest. When the noise breaks the wall between them they realize that by playing together they can make something beautiful by playing together. Sunday, 3/7, 8:00 PM

London Eyes, directed by Matt Cloud and Alex Skinner (U S A, Short, 4 mins, World Premiere, 2009) Over half-a-million CCTV security cameras make London the most watched city on the planet. But who watches the watchers? LONDON EYES goes behind the cameras that record your every move. Is the reason for all these cameras really to make you more secure? Or does something sinister lurk behind them? Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Love and Beans, directed by Mathew Kodath and Hernan Pereira (Honduras / India, Feature, 83 mins, World Premiere, 2009, in Spanish with English subtitles) A unique dra-medy from a country, Honduras, that is known more for its political turmoil, then for its films, but this film has grossed more at the box office than any other Latino film. It is a typical story of Central American passion and the day to day lives of women who enjoy life, love and everything else. Saturday, 3/6, 9:30 PM

Medicine Man, directed by Himkar Tak/ DC Filmmaker (USA, Short, 20 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Jimi, a 15 year old kid from the projects of Brooklyn, New York, journeys deep into the Adirondack Mountains in search of a fabled plant that might cure his father of paralysis.  Saturday, 3/6, 12:30 PM

Method, The, directed by Rob Rafferty / DCIFF Alum / DC Filmmaker (USA, Short, 7 mins, World Premiere, 2010) A look behind the scenes at the musicians of “The Method”, named by the newspaper ON TAP as one of DC’s hottest new bands. Friday, 3/5, 9:30 PM

Michael Saints, directed by Katie Mahalic (USA, Short, Student, 12 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Three 12-year-olds battle a priest, a nun, and a sinister school janitor in order to save something they love. Saturday, 3/6, 7:00 PM

Mills, The (Les Moulins) directed by Ross Morin (USA, Documentary, 11 mins, DC Premiere, 2009, in French with English subtitles) This films, which opens in a crumbling US mill town, chronicles the experiences of illegal Canadian immigrants that worked in the town in teh 1940's. Saturday, 3/6, 3:30 PM

Mite (Milbe) directed by Karl Tebbe DCIFF alum (Germany, animation, Student, 6 mins, DC Premiere, 2008) This short animated film is about the filmmaker's grandmother, Oma Grete, and gigantic the gigantic dust mites in her house that threaten to destroy world. Friday, 3/12, 7:00 PM

Motherhood, directed by Kevin Krutz and Brian Brennan (USA, Animation, 4 mins, World Premiere, 2009) This is a surreal and macabre animation about a mother who knits a sweater for her new born baby from the baby's umbilical cord.  Saturday, 3/13, 9:30 PM

My Enemy, directed by Alex Rivers, Mohammed Abu Maria, and Tom Leifer (Canada, Short, Student, 11 mins, DC Premiere, 2009). Peace It Together is a filmmaking program that brings youths from Israel and Palestine together to help develop understanding among the people of this troubled part of the world. Mohammed and Tom, two teenagers from Palestine and Israel who co-directed this film and use filmmaking to break down the barriers between them. In this docu-drama, they discuss the difficult issues that come between them. The more they talk, the more their friendship grows. Sunday, 3/7, 8:00 PM  

My First Tooth, directed by Reaves Washburn (USA, Short, Student, 15 mins, Mid Atlantic Premiere, 2010) A young single mother must confront the tragic, violent incident in her past in order to protect her daughter from a similar fate.  Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM

Nico's Challenge, directed by Steve Audette / DC Filmmaker (USA/ Tanzania, Documentary, 15 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A story of a 13 year-old boy who faces special challenges as he climbs Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's highest freestanding mountain. His goal is to raise money and deliver free wheelchairs to the people of Tanzania. This coming of age adventure has some unexpected twists that push this child to his limits just before he reaches the summit at 19,000 feet above sea level. Saturday, 3/6, 12:30 PM

No Junk Mail, directed by Chris McHugh (Australia, Short, 10 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A pensioner with a 'No Junk Mail' sticker on his mailbox is annoyed by the appearance of pamphlets advertising a local pizza store. He complains but is met by indifference from the store owner and mounting hostility from the youth who delivered the phamplets. Tension rises. Soon it's all out war!...with a twist. Friday, 3/12, 7:00 PM

No Pity, directed by Drew Goldsmith (U S A, Documentary, Student, 19 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) A poignant expose of pity-based fundraising, as revealed through a disabled pre-teen's heartfelt appeal for respect and dignity, made by one of our youngest filmmakers, 13 year old, Drew Goldsmith. Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Odysseus and the Cyclops, directed by Emily Salva (USA, Animation, 2 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Odysseus and the Cyclops, which is animated and narrated by 7 year old, Emily Salva, DCIFF's youngest filmmaker ever. Monday, 3/8, 7:00 PM

Our Right to Ride (Arabyana), directed by Hana Al Muhairi (United Arab Emirates, Documentary, 51 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) The Film tells the story of Arabyana the first female horse riding team in the United Arab Emirates. Exploring the story of team founders and delving into the controversial religious, social and medical issues revolve the female horse-riding sport. Sunday, March 7, 8:00 PM

Package, The  (Das Packet) directed by Marco Gadget (Germany, Short, 10 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2010) Sometimes bad guys just have a bad day. Klaus and Bernd, two hardened gangsters have another  job to do. This time it should be easy. All they have to do is deliver one package. However, this time, “small” things get in their way. Saturday, 3/6, 5:30 PM

Pause Replay, directed by Chan-Chia Chang (U S A, Animation, Student, 6 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A love story between a camera and a camcorder. The filmmaker uses the characteristics of these two digital machines to simulate the relationship of lovers and addresses memory, love and death.  Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

Poi Dogs, directed by Joel Moffett, DCIFF Alum (U S A, Short, 12 mins, World Premiere, 2009) The story of two local Hawaii teenagers who take a small step towards love by moving beyond their desires to act cool. Saturday, 3/6, 5:30 PM

Popous Pane and the Kids He Loves to Hate, directed by Derrick Anthony (U S A, Short, 14 mins, DC, 2009) Two brothers who are unaware of each other's existence are brought together by their father's deception and lies. Sunday, 3/7, 4:45 PM

Postcard to Owen Sound, directed by Jen Di Cresce (Canada, Documentary, Student, 14 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) This small town would rather not dwell on an incident that brought some unflattering attention to their community. They'd rather change the subject, thank you. Monday, 3/8, 7:00 PM

Prisoners, directed by Julio Palleiro (USA, Short, Student, 20 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A young Asian man mistakenly delivers a package to the home of a deranged war veteran, who sees the man as the enemy he fought in war and takes him prisoner. Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

Quantum Tamers, directed by Chris Mullington (Canada, Documentary, 52 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2010) by An award winning documentary that reveals secrets from deep inside the sewers of Vienna, site of groundbreaking quantum teleportation experiments, to cutting-edge quantum computing labs, to voyages into the minds of the world’s brightest thinkers, including renowned British scientist Stephen Hawking. Albert Einstein called this quantum weirdness "spooky action at a distance." The Quantum Tamers: Revealing Our Weird & Wired Future explores the coming quantum technological revolution. Guest speakers include filmmaker; and Dr. Wolf is the Director of the University of Virginia Institute for Nanoscale and Quantum Scientific and Technological Advanced Research (nanoSTAR). Thursday, 3/4, 7:00 PM

Quest for Honor, directed by Mary Ann Smothers Bruni (USA/Kurdistan, Documentary, 59  mins, DC Premiere, 2009) This powerful, award-winning (Sundance, New Orleans) film, exposes the story behind a woman's body found in a field. It follows Runak Faraj a former teacher and tireless activist, as she works with local lawmen, Kurdish government agencies, and her colleagues to investigate honor crimes and work toward the eradication of honor killings and related practices still found in the tribal regions of Kurdistan. Monday, 3/8, 7:00 PM  

Quietly, directed by Cole Wiley/ DC Filmmaker (U S A, Short, Student, 17 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) With his world crashing down around him, a desperate teenager must resort to dangerous measures to save his mother from an abusive relationship. Sunday, 3/7, 4:45 PM

Red Revenge, directed by Eunha Choi (USA, Animation, Student, 7 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A surreal animated short that recounts the story of a young girl's journey into womanhood, told a series of dreams based on personal experiences and Freudian dream theory.  Tuesday, 3/9, 7:00 PM

Right Guy, The, directed by Toni Trupia (Italy, Feature, 86 mins, US Premiere, 2009) Produced by Michele Placido, one of Italian's veteran hearthrobs, tells the story of a quiet seventy-year old widower is suddenly thrust into a world of chaos and deception, when a desperate young Russian girls walks through his door. Their relationship takes them to the underbelly of Rome, with a love story between a very unlikely couple. Friday, 3/12, 7:00 PM

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead, directed by Jordan Gilland (USA, Feature, 90 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) With music by Sean Lennon, and Dustin Hoffman's son, Jake, along with Devon Aoki and John Ventimiglia, this comedy recounts the connection between Shakespeare, the Holy Grail and some very sexy vampires. Our hero, an unemployed  theater director, is unwittingly dragged  into an ancient conspiracy, and his friend's warning--'Don't let your ex-girlfriend suck the life out of you' -- takes on a new meaning.  Saturday, 3/13, 9:30 PM

Roue, directed by Taili Wu (U S A, Animation, Student, 6 mins, Mid-Atlantic  Premiere, 2009) 'ROUE' is a self-portrait reflecting the dreams, emotions, and memories of the animator. Thursday, March 4, 7:00 PM

Rubbuds, directed by Jan Chen (USA, Animation, 4 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A light-hearted look at one night in the sexy life of RUBBUDS, when things are boring them become restless and start getting into trouble. However, who is really going to have the most fun tonight?! Saturday, 3/13, 9:30 PM  

Skylight, directed by David Baas (Canada, Animation, 5 mins, World Premiere, 2009) An animated mock-umentary about the ecological plight of penguins in the Antarctic, possibly foretelling cataclysmic results for the rest of the world. Thursday, 3/11, 7:00 PM

Snow & Ashes, directed by Charles- Olivier Michaud (Canada, Feature, 100 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2010) Winner of 2010 Slamdance - Blaise Dumas, war correspondent, covers an armed conflict in Eastern Europe. When he wakes from a temporary coma in his home town of Quebec City, Blaise discovers that his long time collaborator and photographer has not come back with him. He then sets out to recapture the events that led to his friend's disappearance and his own narrow escape from the war zone. Saturday, 3/13, 7:00 PM

Soap, directed by Dusty Mancinelli / DCIFF Alum (Canada, Short, 16 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Eileen, an unappreciated wife and mother of a small child finds herself in a sticky situation when she discovers her lover dead from having slipped on a bar of soap. Saturday, 3/13, 9:30 PM

Sonabai: Another Way of Seeing, directed by David Berez (USA/India, Documentary, 29 mins, D.C. Premiere, 2009) While imprisoned by her husband for fifteen years, a woman in central India invents an entirely new art form that expresses life's joy. Although Sonabai was illiterate and untrained, her artistic vision is now globally acknowledged. Her work has been the agent of significant social and economic improvement in her region. Sonabai's astonishing story confronts us with our own choices: do we allow ourselves to be victimized by our current issues or can we use our own inner resources to find creative solutions?" Monday, 3/8, 7:00 PM

Soul Searcher, directed by Brad Spencer (U S A, Short, 16 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A graphic novel comes to life when a mysterious stranger enters the life of a Brooklyn bartender at the end of her rope, in this visually stimulating and metaphysical drama. Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM 

Spirit of a Runner, The, directed by Jessie Beers-Altman (U S A, Documentary, Student, 28 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) In the world's longest race, the biggest challenge lies within. A veteran ultra-marathoner tackles the Everest of distance racing in this documentary film about the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race, which takes place here in the US. Monday, 3/8, 7:00 PM

Street Justice, directed by Donna Roman (D. R.) Hernandez (USA, Documentary, 6 mins, Mid Atlantic Premiere, 2009) The Hood Ain't Pretty! Hashim Garrett, a 15-year old victim of senseless gang violence, was shot 6 times, and left for dead on a Brooklyn, street corner.  As he lay on the cold pavement Hashim begs God ' Please don't let me die’. Now, a man and partially paralysed, Garrett speaks out about real Street Jusitce. Sunday,  3/7, 4:45 PM

Sundowners, The , directed by Robin Seymour (USA, Short, 15 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) A family's internal struggle comes to light when the patriarch is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Friday, 3/12, 7:00 PM  

Tags, directed by Dominique DeLeon (USA, Short, DC Filmmaker, Student, 13 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A young graffiti girl battles a bitter rival and the police to finish a prized piece. In the world of "Tags," "Throw-up", and "Block-busters", your name is everything.  Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM  

Ta Kimbia (I Will Run) directed by Yasmine Bandali (USA/Kenya, Feature, 81 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A Kenyan boy dreams of running a marathon. But he must give up his hopes to support his family; when he struggles against poverty, corruption and family pressure he finally achieves his dream, at a heavy price.  Sunday, 3/7, 2:30 PM

Ten For Grandpa, directed by Doug Karr (USA, Short, 8 mins, DC Premiere, 2008) David Karr is a different type of renaissance man - throughout his life he has had many incarnation - a cheating husband, an absent father, a powerful millionaire, a successful CEO, a White House press reporter, a film producer, a defense contractor, ... and Soviet double agent? This fast paced, introspective look at the enigmatic life of an about to be extinct dinosaur. A clear-eyed, comedic take on the life of this complex character and the events surrounding his untimely demise, the film reaches to understand the forces that push an individual to immerse himself in a nefarious web of danger and infamy. Saturday, 3/6, 5:30 PM

Tenure, directed by Mike Million, DCIFF Alum/ DC Filmmaker (USA, feature, 90 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Despite his outstanding intellect, associate professor Charlie Thurber (Luke Wilson) is a chronic underachiever who has never received university tenure. Aided by his nutty best friend (David Koechner), Charlie launches a final effort to make the grade at Grey College. But a beautiful new teacher (Gretchen Mol) whose ascending star threatens to eclipse him shakes up Charlie's plans in this charming indie comedy from first time feature writer-director (and DC native) Mike Million. Friday, 3/5, 7:00 PM

Test, The , directed by Antonio Chavez (U S A, Short, 8 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A Hispanic girl leaves a phone message to her boyfriend with the news that she is pregnant.  Upon hearing the news, the boyfriend reacts badly and tries to get away from his responsibilities. Dismayed, she hopes for the best outcome, not knowing that he has different plans for them. . Saturday, 3/6, 9:30 PM  

Ticket, directed by Shaun Au (U S A, Short, 11 mins, World Premiere, 2008) After 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, and nearly 100 years of westernization, alot of young Chinese - Americans express their East- meets-West- ness through was is called an "arranged marriage". Ka sets out in this romantic endeavor, interviewing four very different, yet willing Chinese women trying to find true love. Will he find it? Saturday, 3/13, 4:45 PM

Time Machine, The, directed by Mark Kendall / DCIFF Alum (USA/Honduras, Short, Student, 11 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Wilfredo Alvarez, a Honduran man who immigrated to America over a decade ago and has been working in a small watch shop in Grand Central Terminal for the past few years.  In it, we explore his story, we learn about the intricate craft of watch making, and we listen to his philosophical musings on the nature of time and our relationship to it.  This inspirational story reminds us that time is a human invention that helps us navigate the universe. Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

Too Soon, Too Late, directed by Adrianne Finelli (USA, Documentary, 12 mins, World Premiere, 2009) An experimental documentary that explores family, memory, loss and the denial of our own dysfuction. Hushed stories, hidden letters and forgotten home movies interweave to reveal moments between the smiles of this "average" American family. The film poses questions about the cause of mood disorders in women of a bygone era. Friday, March 12, 9:15 PM

Tourist, The  (El Turista) directed by Lori Chodos (Canada, Short, 8 mins, DC Premiere, 2008) When Jorge misse his flight to Miami, he decides to take the trip back to his hometown, Lima, Peru. He tries to see it as a"tourist" . With a goal of taking in 10 sightseeing destinations, what images will he hold onto - - the realities or fantasies of this exotic land?  Saturday, 3/6, 9:30 PM

Train, directed by Darius Clark Monroe / DCIFF Alum (U S A, Short, Student, 7 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) It's late, and Carl's just off from work. As usual, he is on the train home. A brief encounter with a woman leads Carl to make a fundamental choice - will he let life pass him by or will he get involved? In a world where everyone just "minds their own business", and getting involved is tantamount to snitching, tonight he must make that choice. Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM

Tucker, directed by Zia Marashi (Canada, Short, Student, 10 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) A surreal comedy about a teenaged mother and her rapidly-aging boy, as they both learn to grow up. Saturday, 3/6, 7:00 PM

Types in Stereo, directed by Gemal Woods / DC Filmmaker (U S A, Short, 13 mins, East Coast Premiere, 2009) Types in Stereo is about how we can exist in multiple spaces. Stereotypes make light of those things that are either generally accepted, popularly true or made myth through misinterpretation. This short film will bring us in and out of the world of stereotypes. Sunday, 3/7, 4:45 PM

Ultra Violet for Sixteen Minutes, directed by David Gerson / DC Filmmaker (U S A, Short, 18 mins, World Premiere, 2009) “Totally engaging.” – Albert Maysles. Ultra Violet, former Warhol “superstar,” member of Salvador Dali’s intimate inner circle, and a significant artist herself, speaks of her life and of her rebirth. Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

UnderCover, directed by Iman Zawahry (U S A, Short, Student, 19 mins, World Premiere, 2009) Dodging pork sandwiches and diving into pig pens, Nada Assad, a halal observing American Muslim cop, attempts to solve a pig-napping case in order to be promoted to detective.  Sunday, 3/7, 8:00 PM

We Are All Here, directed by Yonghwa Choi (U S A, Animation, Student, 2 mins, World Premiere, 2009) This is a story about this earth, where we all live.  Although the filmmaker is making a serious point about Global Warming, the tone is light and freewheeling. Saturday, 3/6, 2:00 PM  

What Comes Between, directed by Cecilia Araneda/ DCIFF Alum (Canada/Chile, Short, 6 mins, US  Premiere, 2009) WHAT COMES BETWEEN is an examination of personal memory and loss rooted in the filmmaker's birthplace, Chile, and her departure from that country long ago. Sunday, 3/14, 2:30 PM

When It Will Be Silent directed by Dan Sachar (Israel, Short, Student, 7 mins, Mid-Atlantic Premiere, 2009) In the aftermath of an apocalypse, a man's tragic loss leads him to an unequivocal decision. Sunday, 3/14, 4:30 PM

Wordcutter, The  (Le Bucheron des Mots) directed by Izu Troin (France, Animation, 12 mins, US Premiere, 2009) In a land where people literally feed on letters from words gathered in trees, reading is not only necessary, it is vital, or else you die... of boredom. One day, Nadal, a wordcutter, has a chance encounter that will change his life forever... Saturday, 3/13, 1:00 PM

YardByrds, directed by Jason Hawkins (U S A, Short, 15 mins, World Premiere, 2009) A gritty and violent tale of an undercover cop that tries to rip off a drug dealer in order to pay the ransom for his wife. Saturday, 3/13, 3:00 PM  

Zimbabwe, directed by Anjuli Hinds (U S A / Zimbabwe, Short, Student, 16 mins, DC Premiere, 2009) Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of a militant regime, two young children of Zimbabwe are forced into a fight they hardly understand when they are pitted one against the other during a sudden farm invasion. March 3/7, 2:30 PM

 

****