BIFF Shorts: Personal and Political

Fiction and nonfiction stories from around the world about the people trapped between the politics. 106 minutes.

“Titanic, suitable version for Iranian families”

Farnoosh Samadi (Dir), 15 minutes, Iran, Western New York Premiere

In Persian w/ English subtitles.

A group of editors and censors grapple with how to edit James Cameron’s classic for broadcast television in a nation where the uncut version has been readily available.

“Çürük”

Marion Molinari + Tuğçe Karabacak (Dir), 20 minutes, Turkey, Western New York Premiere

In Turkish w/ English subtitles.

Nora, a young transgender woman, received the "Çürük Raporu" at the age of 20, a certificate issued by the Turkish State categorizing her as a deviant citizen. With the looming 2023 presidential election, Nora hopes to stay alive, leave sex work behind and start a new life.

“Palestine Islands”

Nour Ben Salem + Julien Menanteau (Dir), 23 minutes, Palestine, Western New York Premiere

In Arabic w/ English subtitles.

Maha, 12, is part of the last generation of Palestinian refugees from the Balata camp. To bring a smile back to her ailing, blind grandfather's face, she devises an elaborate plan to make him believe that the wall of separation has fallen and that a return to his native land is possible. With the help of her friends from the camp, the young girl takes him on a trip beyond the wall and to the sea.

“For the People”

Waylon Wilson (Dir), 9 minutes, USA, World Premiere

Director Waylon Wilson and Composer/Consulting Producer Mia McKie in attendance.

A satirical take on the Indigenous healing films set against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

“We Ride For Her”

Prairie Rose Seminole + Katrina Lillian Sorrentino (Dir), 18 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

An Indigenous women’s motorcycle group rides to end the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women while a member of their community searches for her missing sister and tries to heal her shattered family.

“When Will It Snow”

Soot On (Dir), 22 minutes, Mongolia, Western New York Premiere

In Mongolian w/ English subtitles.

A woman named Ninjin suffers from depression for a long time and finally decides to commit suicide. So, she goes to meet two people she loves to say farewell.

Visit Buffalo International Film Festival's website for more information about this and the rest of the lineup for the 2024 festival.