The Keeper

Some Family Keepers will go to comical and serious lengths to safeguard and nurture their loved ones, even come back from the dead. From humorous situations to heartfelt narratives, these stories highlight the essence of responsibility and the deep connections that make them the unwavering protectors of their family's well-being. This block celebrates the unbreakable bonds of family and the profound sense of duty that drives individuals to shield and care for their cherished family members. These films showcase the enduring power of love, resilience, and the responsibilities that make them the true guardians of their family's well-being.

Babygirl | Dir. Leah Claire Borrie | 10 mins | Short | USA

Babygirl is based on the true story of an Italian-American mother from Long Island who has settled into the life of a mobster's wife. Juggling an infant, a 6 year old, and a sick husband, everything’s under control… until Adele catches her husband trying to skip out on his doctor’s appointment for business. Adele isn’t having it, but compromises, she’ll take care of his business and he’ll go to the doctor. Reasonable… until Isac presents a gun. Surprisingly, Adele doesn’t flinch, but complains, “Where am I supposed to put that?”. They trade places, Isac takes the baby, Adele takes the gun. She arrives at a diner, the pistol against her back, and approaches two Italian men, who dismiss her. Having had enough of arrogant wiseguys for one day, she gives them a piece of her mind, but will they take kindly to a woman putting them in their place?

By Any Other Name | Dir. Daniel Deville | 24 mins | Short | UK

"Within the chilling underworld of sex-trafficking, the heart-wrenching bond between two sisters unfolds. One sister, ensnared in the shadows of exploitation, fights for her very survival, while the other, a determined working-class mother, wages a relentless battle against insurmountable odds to bring her sister home"

Carcass | Dir. Eric Wang Schwager | 17 mins | Short | USA

Gabriel, a medieval executioner and outcast, seeks redemption from the monster he has become when he is called upon to behead a young man.

Rear | Dir. Edward Worthy | 20 mins | Short | R PG-13 | USA

When a teacher leaves bruises on a child, an objecting mother unintentionally starts a debate on the use of school corporal punishment in her southern black community.

The Greenwood Twins | Chris McKee | 9 mins | Short | USA

After a night of heavy drinking, two 20-something siblings wake up hungover and realize they're late for a very important family gathering.

Kiss My Ass | Arielle Goldman | 15 mins | Short | USA

Anna gets her first abortion accompanied by the ghost of her quirky Ukrainian Yiddish speaking great-grandmother.

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Host or Publisher Bushwick Film Festival