From Sweden to South Korea, the language of animation is universal—but the stories and styles are as unique as the countries themselves. This enchanting collection of animated short films for all ages is a showcase of international imagination with a colorful cast of characters including robots, raccoons, dragons, and ducks. Nonverbal and in English.

Few realize that sound is 50% of the cinematic experience. Building on the pioneering sight-and-sound discoveries of iconic filmmakers, this documentary features the first generation of recognized sound designers who designed great movies with sound before a frame was even shot. Making Waves explores the collaborative relationship between sound designers and the visionary directors they work with, examines the latest advances in sound technology, and illustrates how sound transforms not only the movies, but also our lives. Featuring interviews with David Lynch, Sofia Coppola, Ryan Coogler, and George Lucas. Director Midge Costin | US 2019

Ever since she was a little girl living in the beach town of Lamu in Kenya, Subira dreamt of swimming in the ocean, but the sea, she is told, “is for boys.” Destined for an arranged marriage, Subira fights hard for that swim: breaking local customs, forgetting her good manners, and even skipping cooking lessons to sew her own burkini. A tale of freedom, resilience, and self-expression, Subira is an invitation to joy that feels just like a splash in the ocean. US Premiere! Director Sippy Chadha | Kenya/Denmark 2019 | In English & Swahili with English subtitles

Filmmakers Lisa Cortés and Farah X remix the history of hip-hop fashion by shining a spotlight on the pioneering stylists and designers whose brilliant visions brought the indelible style, swagger, and savvy of African-American culture and creativity to the music industry, the runway, and the masses. Directors Lisa Cortés, Farah X | US 2019
Note: Brief use of profanity

Seventeen years after interviewing six teenagers of diverse faiths for her documentary What Do You Believe? (MVFF 2002), filmmaker Sarah Feinbloom poses questions anew to her subjects. The shocking jump cut from adolescence to adulthood as they discuss their lives’ journeys forms the heart of this touching look at spirituality and identity. World Premiere! Director Sarah Feinbloom | US 2019

It’s old world versus new world and video games versus the world’s oldest game in this intergenerational coming-of-age story, which pits 11-year-old gaming-obsessed Marco against his bocce-playing grandfather, Nonno. The film celebrates friendship, family, and above all, the squabbling, gregarious, loving Italian-American culture of Staten Island’s South Beach. World Premiere! Director Julio Vincent Gambuto | US 2019

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Documenting a slow-motion disaster still in the making, The Story of Plastic brings home the multiple existential threats posed by a dangerous, worldwide array of petrochemical-based products. This timely, urgent documentary presents disturbing images from numerous sites around the globe, while tracing plastic’s history, bringing into focus an alarming, manmade crisis. World Premiere! Director Deia Schlosberg | US 2019 | In English, Hindi, Indonesian, Malayalam & Tagalog with English subtitles

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Afghanistan has suffered years of conflict and is often considered “one of the worst places to be born a girl.” But an organization in Kabul is aiming to counteract that reality by recruiting young girls from poor neighborhoods and teaching them key academic and life skills. Learning to read, write—and skateboard—empowers them to compete, to play, to learn their strengths, and to build courage. Director Carol Dysinger | US/UK 2019 | In English & Dari with English subtitles

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Twelve-year-old Zahra and her family are asylum seekers from Afghanistan living in Norway. Forbidden from riding a bike by restrictive norms in her community, Zahra fights to find the balance between two cultures. Directors Odveig Klyve, Kari Klyve-Skaug | Norway 2018 | In Hazaragi & Norwegian with English subtitles

A former soccer star shares his beloved sport with children living in Jordan’s Za’atari Refugee Camp. Two tweens reflect on their lives in Syria and in the camp, and the role soccer plays in their lives today. Director Austin Meyer | US 2019 | In English & Arabic with English subtitles

This special collection of kid-centric animated, narrative, and documentary short films is a celebration of Spanish-language and Latin American films and stories. Hailing from Mexico, Spain, Guatemala, and Colombia, the films are both for and about families of all kinds and is perfect for Spanish speakers, learners—and appreciators!— alike. Nonverbal & in Spanish with English subtitles 

Adapted from the classic 1878 French novel Sans famille by Hector Malot, Rémi, Nobody’s Boy transports audiences to an idealized 19th century world of impossibly golden sunsets, verdant hills, and medieval stone villages for the heartwarming hero’s journey of an orphaned, 10-year-old boy and the aging traveling performer who takes him under his wing. Director Antoine Blossier | France 2018 | In French with English subtitles

Chuskit tells the triumphant story of a physically disabled girl in rural India whose circumstances derail her dream of going to school. Nevertheless, she persists! Inspired by true events, this is an uplifting ode to girl power and celebration of a culture in which the value of connection is prized above all. Director Priya Ramasubban | India 2018 | In Ladakhi, Tibetan & Hindi with English subtitles 

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They may be small. They may be young. But that doesn’t keep any of these inspiring characters from dreaming big, standing strong, or taking chances. Some strive for space exploration while others seek simple freedoms like riding bikes and reading books in this medley of short films that feature high-flying tales of resourcefulness, self-confidence, guts and glory.