Short Block | Women on The Verge of a Nervous...Breakthrough

These films follow women at critical turning points in their lives, where breakthroughs are messy, unfiltered, and far from perfect—but necessary. Through chaos, humor, and unexpected encounters, each story delves into the raw process of confronting fears, letting go of expectations, and finding clarity in the confusion. Whether navigating love or rediscovering independence and purpose, these journeys reveal the power of self-realization and the willingness to embrace whatever comes next, no matter how unpredictable or challenging the path becomes.

Beverly Heights | Dir. Alyssa Aldaz | 19 min | Short | USA | Drama, Thriller, LGBTQ, Coming of Age

Young actress Marci, adored for her role as the head cheerleader on the hit TV show "Beverly Heights," secretly falls for Emily. As her feelings deepen, she struggles to maintain her public image while coming to terms with her true sexual identity.

Jane's in the Freezer | Dir. Caleb Joye | 12 min | Short | USA

A later middle-aged woman searches for connection in a world that pays her no attention.

You're Invited to Tuscan's 5th Birthday Party! | Dir. Lee Eddy | 14 min | Short | USA

When her only son's birthday party is ruined by a runaway pony, a stressed mother deals with the comically chaotic aftermath.

Knead | Dir. Timothy Michael Cooper | 11 min | Short | USA | Comedy, Sci-Fi

When an alien landing mysteriously drives people around the world to achieve their deepest dreams, an aspiring baker in an unhappy marriage wonders why she hasn't been affected at all—forcing her to take matters into her own hands.

Sylvia | Dir. Hannah Zipperman, Ezekiel Goodman | 7 min | Short | USA

A newly divorced woman decides to go after what she's always wanted.

Super High: A Period Piece | Dir. Bianca Lambert | 9 min | Short, Animation | USA

In the semi-autobiographical short film "Super High: A Period Piece," Amanda battles excruciating period pain caused by fibroids. Desperate for relief, she experiments with a celebrity cannabis brand's edibles. A dosage mishap catapults her into a surreal, anxiety-filled journey until she awakens.

LOOK BACK AT IT | Dir. Felicia Pride | 12 min | Short | USA

A forty-something single mother gets her groove back with a little assistance from her teenage daughter. LOOK BACK AT IT is set in Baltimore and also serves as a proof of concept for a feature film of the same name

My Happiest Days | Dir. Philippe Cormier | 16 min | Short | Canada

Marjorie, a Haitian woman in her sixties on the cusp of retirement, leaves her husband and forges new friendships to brave a new life in a world where women like her are invisible. With her daughter imploring her to stay, her husband attempting to win her back and friends encouraging her to spread her wings, Marjorie seeks to regain her independence and discover who she really is.

Host or Publisher Bushwick Film Festival