Shorts Program: Love's Labor & Other Complications
The search for love can be both exhilarating and debilitating. We hurt from it. We heal with it. We swear we're over it. This collection of insightful, funny and emotional films touches upon the joys, complexities and sorrows that looking for love can bring. —Michella Rivera-Gravage
Enough
Canada | 2006 | 13 minsDirector: Jeff Wheaton
Exacerbated by her recent choice in lovers, including a yoga teacher and her trifling ex-boyfriend, Sam starts her life anew by cleaning house.
Stutter
U S A | 2006 | 13 minsDirector: Janice Ahn
After being stood up by her boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, Tasha meets up with a seemingly kind, sensitive fellow, but the mood quickly changes when he reveals himself as delusional and violent. This evocative film follows a woman’s struggle with the physical and emotional violence she experiences while looking for love.
Police Box
Hong Kong | 2006 | 4 minsDirector: Josh Kim
Despite being on the opposite sides of a window, strangers make a connection via secret messages and playful deception. A tenuous love triangle causes a bit of confusion, but desire comes across clearly in the end.
Mei
USA, Taiwan | 2006 | 13 minsDirector: Arvin Chen
While working at her father’s bustling noodle stand in Taipei, Mei fantasizes about going to America. Sadly, she would not only be leaving her father, but her kind co-worker Jian, who has fallen in love with her.
His Deafness
South Korea | 2005 | 12 minsDirector: Kim Ki Hyun
An endearing and eccentric man gets dumped by his girlfriend because he is unable to listen to her. Wanting desperately for her to return, he resorts to absurd measures in order to win her back.
Fortune Hunters
U S A | 2006 | 20 minsDirector: Thom Harp
A forlorn fortune-cookie writer starts to pour his emotions into his work, and suddenly people all over town begin to believe that their after-meal treats are talking specifically to them. Charming and witty, this film is a funny tale of love and the powerful potential of the message in the cookie.
Traffic in the Sky
USA | 2006 | 21 minsDirector: Charles Yi
Still recovering from his last break-up, Ryan meets a beautiful, compassionate young woman, but cannot help but re-live his past relationship. Poignant and funny, this film challenges us to break the cycles of rebounds and heartbreak.
