OFFICIAL SELECTIONS OF IIFC 2025

(some)day

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 12:16

DIR: Benjamin Burt

Two sisters reconnect after years apart. But personal demons threaten to keep them apart.

1 in the Chamber

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 07:17

DIR: Annie Girard, Diana Wright

A work-obsessed assassin sent to “retire” her coworker is shocked to discover her target is pregnant and infuriated by how baby-proofed a nursery can be.

10 Swords & The Moon

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 8:00 PM

(UK) RT: 1:40:00

DIR: Fenella Greenfield

Kal falls for Molly but suspects grief binds them, not love. Hired by artist Sukhminder Kaur to write about her dark Tarot-inspired exhibition, his cynicism intrigues her. As Molly’s troubles consume him, Kal unravels—questioning if his life is being orchestrated by fate or something far more sinister.

A Villa in the Algarve

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 29:09

DIR: Terry Ross

"A Villa in the Algarve" is the third film in the trilogy which includes "A Castle in Umbria" and "A Chateau in the Loire." Characters from both films reunite to celebrate the wedding of Nathaniel and Lindsay who met on opening weekend at the Chateau du Lac. It's now 2 years since they first met and the company which purchases and renovates historic properties is celebrating the opening of the Portuguese Villa with their nuptials. But trouble is afoot when wedding plans begin to unravel and the bride is nowhere to be seen.

All the Men I Met But Never Dated

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 10:56

DIR: Muneeb Hassan

The closet is Ali's refuge, but it's a prison for Oliver - can love break through?

Amor Manet (Love Endures)

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(US) RT: 08:55

DIR: Will Ahrens

A meet cute in a cemetery.

And Yet They Speak

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 35:16

DIR: Windy Marshall

Plagued since her childhood by disturbing sounds, a young girl learns what's dead isn't always gone.

Athenia's Last Voyage

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 10:30 AM

(US) RT: 59:34

DIR: Meghan Courtney

On the first day of World War II, the British passenger ship, Athenia, was torpedoed by a German submarine without warning. This tragedy marked the start of the war in western Europe. Now, more than eight decades after this tragedy, nine survivors tell this long-forgotten story. Their tales of courage and sacrifice remind us of the terrible consequences ordinary people suffer in times of war.

Aunt Cindy and The Alchemist

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 10:30 AM

(US) RT: 11:21

DIR: Devin Scott

Aunt Cindy and The Alchemist is a short film that revolves around a seemingly ordinary family whose lives take a surprising turn. The family's dynamic shifts when Elena takes a road trip through Italy with The Alchemist and discovers the true meaning of love. As they delve deeper into the alchemist's world, long-buried secrets and ambitions rise to the surface, leading to an unexpected and life-altering twist in the final moments.

Avocado Heart Girl

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(UK) RT: 19:17

DIR: Keeley Gainey

David cannot escape the world that revolves around his sister Leanne. David makes an unlikely friendship with his neighbour, Ethan, who is coming to terms with his sexuality. Ethan has been expelled from school for wearing mascara and therefore David and Ethan relate to one another by not being accepted. 

Awake and Dreaming

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 4:30 PM

(US) RT: 13:59

DIR: Andrew Hollinger

In this dark comedy, Ben floats through life as if in a dream, glued to his phone for every waking minute of every monotonous day. It interferes with his job, his interactions with coworkers, and his ability to fit into society.

Because I Love You

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 4:30 PM

(US) RT: 13:28 

DIR: Bob Celli

Marco and Joanna enjoy an electric marriage, until Marco is witness to a series of events that lead him to suspect Joanna is having an affair with a co-worker. Starring Bob Celli (Gotham), Jennifer Plotzke (Blacklist), Dave Roberts (Blue Bloods), and Melissa Joyner (The Morning Show)

Before Everything Changes

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 12:00 PM

(BRAZ) RT: 09:00

DIR: Giulia Guzzo

On their last days together before one of them moves away, two best friends reevaluate how they feel about each other, realizing they may be harboring romantic feelings.

BestFriendAI

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 12:51

DIR: Arnold Aldridge

In a secluded cabin nestled in the Swiss mountains, a seemingly ordinary married couple, Emma and Noah, lead a tranquil life. But Emma's world unravels when she realizes her whole existence has been a lie.

BitterSweet

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:24:00 

DIR: Steven Martini

This romantic comedy tells the story of a new father on the verge of losing his family to an overprotective government system that sees him as the root of the problem.

Bump

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT:10:36 

DIR: Kyle Kasabian

A down-on-his-luck mortuary driver is rushing to deliver a body to the crematorium before they close for the weekend. Also ... just checking ... is this corpse actually dead?

Butts

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 09:34

DIR: Clarissa Jacobson, Shayna Weber

Butts is an autobiographical piece about Kent’s day-to-day life as a 3’11” man navigating able-bodied surroundings, creatively overcoming all those human-made hurdles and obstacles and giving the proverbial middle finger to death and mortality. Sure, he might be small in stature, but Kent’s big in heart and always puts an entertaining and positive spin on everything.

Camping in Paradise

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(NOR) RT: 23:00

DIR: Eirik Tveiten

A philosopher and his girlfriend involuntarily must spend a night at a nudist campsite, which is far beyond their comfort zone. At the campsite they meet a friendly couple, and this reveals underlying conflicts and creates tension in their relationship.

Carbon Men Salvation: The Senator's Dilemma

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:39:25

DIR: Roger James Kuhns

Brilliant climatologist student Anna Jones is researching a massive glacier in Antarctica that is on the verge of collapse. Anna’s father, Dan Jones, the newly elected Senator from New Jersey, is pivotal to the success or failure of a key climate bill. Only Noah Poem, a time traveling scientist from the future, can help Anna Jones convince her climate doubting father to do the right thing as science fiction meets science fact. One vote could save humanity.

Children of The Wicker Man

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

(UK) RT: 1:32:18

DIR: Justin Hardy, Dominic Hardy, Chris Nunn

50 years on from the making of The Wicker Man (1973), director Robin Hardy’s lost papers come to filmmaker son Justin. Enlisting his brother Dominic, they journey to discover the complex nature of independent filmmaking and fatherhood. Justin’s view of the film is tainted because it robbed him of his father, his home and his mother too. Dominic is more distanced, his experience relating more to the film’s subsequent cult status. Viewers will come closer to understanding the evolution of one of cinema's most famous cult classics, and the maverick director behind it.

Consequence

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 26:32

DIR: Genaro T. Perez

People seek help from a psychic, only to find they must deal with the consequence of their actions.

Darcine's Day

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 16:30

DIR: Aaron Goffman

A short film about an L.A. woman who struggles to find a job, a home, and a meal, only to go unseen for the help she really needs.

Day 474, and the Lingerings Thereafter

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 14:47

DIR: Kelly L. Perine, Adam Charles Rubin

A man, troubled by the memories of his isolation during the pandemic shutdown, must look for ways to quiet his mind after the world opens back up. His lingering confusion as to how to do this leads him to a clinic where those that are suffering as greatly as him and also want answers, have collected for comfort and solutions.

Day of a Lion

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 10:00 AM

(CAN) RT: 1:24:25 

DIR: Bianca Foscht, Dilara Foscht

After their father's death two sisters reunite at their childhood home to uncover forgotten secrets and rip open old wounds. Two women drawn into a game of cat and mouse in the house of a

dead man.

Death in The Desert

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 13:48

DIR: Anna Long

A wayward soul strikes an unlikely friendship with a divine entity.

Death Valley: Land Of Extremes

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 09:00

DIR: Bill Wisneski

Stretching through the upper region of the Mojave Desert in southeastern California, lies a mythical land of many extremes. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest point in North America, with the highest recorded temperature on earth. This vast and diverse landscape is one of the most unique regions in the country. Filled with historic evidence of fascinating geologic formations and astonishing views, visitors come from around the world to explore the mysterious beauty of Death Valley National Park.

Diary of an Elephant Orphan

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(S AFR) RT: 1:45:00

DIR: Hermien Roelvert-Van Gils

Over the past decade, Southern Africa has seen an increase in the number of orphaned and displaced elephant calves. It is this that led to the creation of an orphanage for baby elephants. 

It is to this orphanage that baby Khanyisa - a 3-month-old, orphaned, albino elephant calf - is brought after being caught in a wire snare. Will Khanyisa be able to integrate into a new family and, by doing so, prove that the Jabulani-elephant herd can change the face of elephant rehabilitation in South Africa?

Disability in Focus

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 7:30 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 08:32 

DIR: Allan Wasserman

Through the lens of Scott Gutentag, a licensed educational psychologist and professional photographer, the film showcases how he uniquely captures the essence and humanity of individuals with disabilities. The documentary beautifully conveys how the power of photography can support and inform others about inclusion; create lasting legacies; and tell the authentic stories of a human population that tends to be under-represented, misunderstood, and overlooked.

Discount Doug

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(US) RT: 09:57

DIR: Joshua Nathan

Douglas Buckles, better known by his professional alias, Discount Doug, around California's San Joaquin Valley, is a prominent radio voice actor for local car dealership ads. However, when Doug falters during his biggest job of the year - recording for the 'New Year's Eve Super Sale Event,' advertisement at Todd Diepenbrock's Cars, Trucks, Vans, and SUVs, Doug's entire career - and more - is called into question.

Doppelganger

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 07:17

DIR: Kate Surinskaya

A young woman finds her look-alike in order to fake her own death.

Dragon Boy

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 1:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(CAN) RT: 23:40

DIR: Hazrat Wahriz

The fifty year journey of a fiercely passionate man, who, unwanted from conception, deconstructs a lifetime of rage and terror caused by rejection, desperate to find freedom.

Eat Hot Chip & Lie

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 14:51

DIR: Anders Kapur

After a woman gets manipulated into becoming a hot sauce influencer by her TikTok-obsessed frenemy, she must find a way to exact revenge before the spice kills her.

Encouraged - Building the Future

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(UK) RT: 43:00

DIR: Fraser Byrne

'Encouraged - Building the Future’ is a factual documentary following Red Bull BMX athlete Courage Adams as he comes good on a promise he made five years prior to the Lagos BMX crew, to help them build Nigeria’s first ever skatepark. Courage returns to his roots in Nigeria, with an eclectic cast of volunteers to realise this shared dream and create a path for the Lagos BMX crew to follow in his footsteps.

Escape

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 03:30

DIR: Lorenzo Manetti

Awakening on the floor of a destroyed suburban bedroom, we discover a global invasion has begun and we are not alone in the house.

Evanescence

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 15:00 

DIR: Maaman Rezaee

A Navajo teenager flees home to search for her missing sister. On the road, she meets a single parent who has fled home with his infant. As they look for her sister, they form an unlikely and ephemeral bond.

Every Day's A Bonus

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(UK) RT: 14:16

DIR: Jane Sanger

An adult daughter strives to keep a loving relationship with her difficult mother at distance during the end of lockdown. The mother, while pokey and critical, is ultimately lonely. Laced with humour and emotion (starring Maureen Lipman and Amanda Abbington). Life is too short to hold a grudge.

F**k You Warren Farrell!

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(UK) RT: 1:20:00

DIR: Hannah Gal

FU Warren Farrell! is an epic journey into a maverick trailblazer's evolution, reflecting society's profound transformation over the past 6 decades. A brave and deeply thought-out insight into society today with Farrell's very personal take on what Gloria Steinem was really like, why Robert Redford and his wife came to his house for dinner, and why John Lennon thanked Farrell for helping him make "the best decision of his life" and "discovering the true meaning of love?"

Father’s Day

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(S AFR) RT: 26:26 

DIR: Tumelo Lekena

Father’s Day is a short film about Alakhe, a 12-year-old boy who is raised by a single mother. Being the nerd of the class, Alakhe is selected to give a speech for a Father’s Day school event. He decides to go against his mother’s word and sets out to find the father he’s never met, which opens a can of worms. Eventually he discovers who his real father is.

Fever

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(AUST) RT: 11:30

DIR: Lachie Thompson

After reluctantly embarking on a hunt with his older brother, tensions arise over an act of murder. Fever dissects how toxic masculinity manifest‘s with an Australian accent.

Foxtrot: Operation Reunification

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:20:00

DIR: Roberto Sierra Oregel

In 1991, Navy and Marines set up a life-saving hospital in scorching Desert Storm conditions, treating hundreds of casualties and successfully completing their mission despite numerous hardships. Upon returning to the States, they face a new battle on the home front: grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder alongside their families. United by their wartime experiences, their camaraderie becomes their anchor as they confront PTSD and the haunting memories of war.

From Pen to Paper

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 28:18

DIR: Paul Sutton, Lori Sutton

Twenty-four prisoners--mostly lifers--sat across from a dozen college students on a maximum security prison yard in southern California as part of an innovative and inspiring creative writing program. For 14 weeks, prisoners learned to express themselves openly and honestly, many for the first time in their lives, to a group of strangers, in a setting where survival often demands alienation, disaffection, even violence.

Galactic Fantastic!

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 1:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 15:57

DIR: Paul Allan Brunotto

IT’S 1959. On a clear moonlit night, a giant meteor ROARS across the sky and crash lands on the hillsides of MALIBU! A beautiful and mysterious SPACE GAL emerges and soon encounters a

pure hearted pizza delivery boy named RALPHY. She quickly enlists him to join her on her quest to defeat an evil alien seductress who plans to take over the world and destroy mankind by

hypno-trancing and abducting every woman on planet earth!

Gloria

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 8:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:47:21

DIR: Hope Martinez

Based on a real couple in El Paso, Texas who met in the late 1930's, and fell in love in high school. Alex Vasquez, now in his 80's, looks back on the heavy hearted and joyful times with his one true love, Gloria. Does Alex's regret of the way he behaved prove too much for him to handle? A film about people who are working to rebuild damaged relationships.

Good_Machine

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 11:45

DIR: Thomas Passarelli

Computer scientist Harry Benson escapes the hospital after a brain surgery intended to cure his violent seizures. His psychologist Dr. Janet Ross tries to piece together what went wrong with his operation, and where he might go next.

Goons, Guns and the Gumshoe

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 7:30 PM

(US) RT: 1:37:45 

DIR: Jim Menza

An old-fashioned private detective is hired to find a missing woman, and comes across a wild, strange collection of characters.

Grave Expectations

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 8:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 13:04

DIR: Larry Ziegelman

Jacob has kept his childhood trauma a secret from his wife until today, when he surprises her with a nighttime trip through a cemetery to confront the grave of his recently-deceased childhood bully. What begins as a difficult journey into the past becomes an unexpected opportunity for catharsis, connection, and, of course, childish revenge.

Grey

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 13:30 

DIR: Glenn Berkenkamp

A mindfulness teacher is put to the test when he is confronted by an armed robber. Grey is a film about fate, second chances, and looking deeper at those in need.

Haiku for the Dead

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 16:18

DIR: Brad Wergley

Grief and psychedelics intersect during a chance encounter on an Idyllwild hiking trail.

Haunted

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(US) RT: 12:05

DIR: Joshua Nathan

A ghost obstructs a young man’s attempts to sell a house he’s inherited.

Hitman EX

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 06:39

DIR: Jamon Holmes

Todd Towns, a notorious Hitman, is assigned a mission to take out his next target only to find out the mission is not what he expected and his target is a familiar face from the past.

Hollywood Jay's Fishing Adventures : Lake Balboa/Monsters (Episode 1 - Pilot)

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 08:15

DIR: Jamon Holmes

Watch as Ja’mon Holmes, a local resident of Los Angeles, CA, travels to Lake Balboa to catch the BIG ONE!!!

Homeward Dawn

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 7:30 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 20:02

DIR: Alysha Daniele Haran

A long night in jail leads to a catharsis and a new day for a veteran trying to outrun his painful past.

I'm Different Now

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

(US) RT: 20:00

DIR: Eric Neil Gutierrez

I’M DIFFERENT NOW follows the story of two sisters, Lou and Jane Troch, dealing with the aftermath of a recent tragedy, leaving Lou with paraplegia. As they learn to break down their walls and lean on one another, we are reminded that even in darkness we must proceed with the courage and vulnerability to live in the light.

In Lieu of Longing

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 10:06 

DIR: Ayessa Sotelo

Jaslene is a young woman happily living with her older sister, Maya, a ghost who is tethered to their childhood home.

In-Between the Mountains and the Ocean

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 12:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 1:34:35

DIR: Seriina Covarrubias, Richard Martinez

Misfortune grays the worlds of a weary ex-caretaker, a self-destructive rebel, and a spacey hipster sending them on contrasting journeys throughout Los Angeles as they battle their inner demons in search of the one thing that will turn their world to color.

Invisible

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:49:00

DIR: Matthew Michael Ross

CB is searching for his friend David, a talented songwriter who disappeared after succumbing to mental illness and drug addiction. He meets Heather, a young woman with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,) an invisible illness regrettably labeled “The Suicide Disease.” From their shared pain and loss, a connection blossoms and they decide to investigate David’s disappearance together. The puzzle pieces don’t fit. Until suddenly… everything clicks!

Khadda

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 17:16

DIR: Rushan Yasitali Jesani

Despite a biased team captain, a wealthy soccer player has to prove his right to play for the team.

Lequando

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(UK) RT: 13:00

DIR: Roxanne Rapp, Eric James Gravolin

A seemingly perfect first date is interrupted by a couple’s dating app that has doubts about anything but less than 100% compatibility.

Living Drugs

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:00:12 

DIR: Victorina Petrossiants

Germinated in the 1980's, the idea that immunity could be engineered faced incredulity if not scorn from the scientific establishment throughout the 90's. In the absence of interest from the pharmaceutical industry, academic medical centers had to take the matter in their own hands, becoming CAR molecule manufacturers. For this work, Michel Sadelain was awarded the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, which is considered the "Oscars of Science" Awards.

Look At Me

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(CAN) RT: 1:26:28 

DIR: Taylor Olson

A fictional autobiography about an insecure, awkward and lonely bisexual actor who goes on an unwitting journey of self-love in the midst of an eating disorder relapse.

Love Birds

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(UK) RT: 03:38

DIR: Alannah Smith

Love Birds is an interpretation on the cyclical machine that is *looking for love*. I've watered relationships down into four manageable chunks (you're welcome); The Fall, The Passion, The Discrepancies and The Finale.

Love on Speed

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 11:47

DIR: Evan Cleaver

As a night of speed dating goes wild, Aidan and Jayden latch eyes. It could be love at first sight! But, do they have the courage to endure some unusual characters in order to meet?

Love Sweet Sound

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(KEN) RT: 10:48

DIR: Neha Manoj Shah

Keya is a young woman who is in denial of her blindness. She is forced to venture out into the outside world where she bumps into Anthony, a reclusive, struggling man. They embark on a journey to resolve their scars, handicaps and shortcomings.

Manic Pixie Dream Girl Syndrome

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 05:57

DIR: Brady Wolchansky, Grace Maddox

A woman's reality takes a captivating twist when yet another first date turns basic.

Martin the Magnificent

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 04:32

DIR: Tavit Melikian

When a troubled ventriloquist arrives late to his own performance, he must contend with his unruly dummy, the disdain of his stage manager, and the threat of the theatre being burned down, all while striving to keep his sinister act together.

Mello's Funk

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 8:00 PM

(US) RT: 06:17

DIR: Eric Towner, Mike Roberts

In a dystopian future, humans are under a constant virtual attack by a force known as “The Noise.” Amidst this oppression Vega, a young deaf girl who sees the world of sound visually with the aid of her synesthetic glasses, discovers a mysterious mixtape. When she figures out how to play it she is transfixed by a kaleidoscope of neon color and movement. An intergalactic adventure begins as Vega seeks out the mixtape’s creator — DJ Marshmello.

Millicent & Me and The Apple Tree

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 09:42

DIR: John Beaton Hill

Ella, an impoverished chimney sweep in Hollywood, finds Millicent, a lonely mouse puppet on Hollywood Blvd. Ella's realistic world is brought into musical fantasy as Ella is inspired by Millicent to explore her biggest wish ever: her wish of becoming a ... movie star!

Milwaukee

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 06:10

DIR: Donald Hollowell

A recently retired Army Ranger, after a Milwaukee police officer killed his son, embarks on a vengeful quest to punish the officer. Consumed by rage, he begins to interpret the Old Testament as a guide for his violent actions, using scripture to justify his increasingly brutal retribution. The line between justice and madness blurs, and his faith becomes both a weapon and a curse, leading him down a dark and dangerous path of destruction.

Misty Mountains - Manifesting with Music

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 23:32

DIR: Aja Lee Faasse, Craig Ryan

This is a music video shot completely in Idyllwild, CA for the original song "Misty Mountains" written and performed by Aja Lee about the Idyllwild Mountain.

Mosaics Symphony

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 44:09

DIR: JA Williams

From a young age, Genesis's passion for the violin has been evident. It is only as he becomes of age that he makes a decision to establish his 'becoming a man'. Can his family, like any family, endure past the faults and fractures and still discover hope? Can love and forgiveness, like a knock on the door, be opened up and found in brokenness? Sometimes fractured moments can shatter lives but when placed in the right hands can produce a beautiful mosaic.

Motel Room

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 20:03

DIR: Bradford Lipson

Motel Room, based on a true event, explores the friendship that develops between an Armenian teenage boy and the prostitute his father hired to take his virginity.

Music to Die For

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(IRE) RT: 14:46

DIR: Rebecca Doherty

A Northern Irish pianist seeks redemption for an attack on his former band during The Troubles when he unexpectedly encounters one of the bandmates at a gig years later.

Narcissus

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 07:27

DIR: Yuvana Rajiv Panchal

This is a film about three sirens who have never seen their own reflection and have lived in their own little oasis. But when one of the sirens finds a mirror their life changes so fast.

Never Too Late

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 04:08

DIR: Alesia Toyoko Glidewell

“Never Too Late” is an empowering anthem about pursuing your dreams regardless of life’s circumstances. 

Number Neighbor

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 7:30 PM

(US) RT: 04:32

DIR: Dillon Hoover

Two strangers, connected by their nearly identical phone numbers, form an unexpected bond that pulls one of them from the brink of a life-altering choice.

Pieces of Two

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 15:43

DIR: Shahan Rao

When a mature teenage daughter who works along with her father at the donut store, begins encountering challenges with her father’s physical disability. She faces the dual struggle of battling societal norms and her own internal conflicts, in a bid to forge a more resilient path for herself.

Plastics

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

(US) RT: 07:20

DIR: Kip Calendine

On her way to a job interview for a plastic pollution non-profit, a woman's inner monologue laments society's failure to be more environmentally responsible until an unexpected event changes everything and forces her to get quiet with her own conscience.

Polaris

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 16:56

DIR: Eleni Doucas

Lucy, a broken girl with a past she doesn't even want to remember, and Aidan, the misunderstood boy, meet in the most unusual place; the Vejove Center for Mental Illness and Addiction Therapies, where they help each other fight to overcome their inner demons, find their north in life, and survive the struggles of living at the Center under the care of their number one enemy.

Quarantine

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 6:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 1:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 14:17

DIR: Russ Emanuel

Everyday people live through a government mandated quarantine during a global pandemic while desperate scientists race to find a cure before it’s too late.

Racing For Recovery

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

(UK) RT: 1:20:00

DIR: Spencer LeGros, Alex Hinsch

“Racing For Recovery" explores the life of Todd Crandell, a former addict who turned his battle with substance abuse into a mission to help others. After years of addiction and a final wake-up call in 1993, Todd founded Racing For Recovery, a nonprofit that offers a non-12-step approach to sobriety through physical fitness and plant-based living.

Red Lake

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 12:00 PM

(IRE) RT: 14:14 

DIR: Shaun Dunne

Mourning the death of their father, estranged sisters Jess and Maddie return to his birthplace to spread his ashes. They discover some legends are real and resentment can indeed breed a monster.

Ripple

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 11:28

DIR: Alysha Daniele Haran

A woman's normal walk from her parking spot to her apartment becomes a fight for her sanity after receiving news that her abusive ex-husband may have found out where she lives.

Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 1:27:00

DIR: Mark Bonn

“Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” is a documentary that will make you believe that your actions can have an inspirational effect on so many lives - and you may not even be aware of it. This film will make you laugh, bring you wonder and joy and introduce you to a man who makes you believe that anything is possible.

Rock N' Rolled

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 4:30 PM

(US) RT: 28:00

DIR: John Fahy

Young tightly-wound accountant Harmony Hart brings her new boyfriend Felix home to NYC to meet her world-famous rock star mother. The legendary diva and her entourage put Harmony and Felix through the rock n' roll ringer, testing the limits of their budding romance. Rock N' Rolled is a rollicking dramedy in the spirit of Almost Famous, Bel Air, Ballers, Atlanta, Dave, and Entourage.

Rolling For Rizz

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

(US) RT: 08:15

DIR: David Sean Dawson, Jordan Jacobo

A father hopes to connect with his teenage daughter by playing DnD.

Roses

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 4:00 PM

(UK) RT: 26:13

DIR: Fumi Gomez

A rose, a puzzle, each petal a piece. Nine young women are pushed to their breaking point by their own anxiety. Some bloom, some wither, some simply dry up. A quirky, unconventional thriller about how even the smallest actions can sometimes have huge consequences.

Sanguine Deposit

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 14:30

DIR: Robert Del Campo

To Mac, the world, and everything in it, are up for grabs to someone who is not afraid to use violence as a tool. After confirming this as true, he decides to stay a week in Lago with the aim of robbing the wealthy doctor during his weekly bank deposit. He spends a week committing petty robberies and drinking to excess until the day he can rob the doctor in an alleyway next to the bank.

Savta

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 04:50

DIR: Hank Schoen

A young Jewish boy tells the story of his experiences spending time with his two older brothers and his grandmother.

Scarlet

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(BUL) RT: 24:41

DIR: Maria Bobeva

Stella is a social worker from the State Child Protection Agency in Sofia, Bulgaria. She enters the world of the 9 year old Scarlet and her negligent mother - a victim herself. Beneath the girl's innocence, charm and vivid imagination, Stella starts to slowly uncover the chilling details and the dark secrets within the household and in the surrounding environment.

Sedona

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 10:00 AM

(ARG) RT: 13:51

DIR: Julia Canale

Natalia is editing her friend Ana's romance film. As Natalia edits, she becomes increasingly interested in the film's characters. Slowly Natalia begins to have dreams and hallucinations that she is in a relationship with one of them, living the relationship completely in her head.

Seeking WRADIANCE

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 8:00 PM

(US) RT: 50:03

DIR: Angelique Joyce

A documentary about autism in women and the assessment protocol designed to bring it to light.

Sh*t

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 08:40

DIR: Yuvana Rajiv Panchal

A man who prioritizes cleanliness decides to use the restroom but gets thrown for a loop when his phone lands in "Sh*t".

Shimmer

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

(MEX) RT: 20:20

DIR: Andrés Palma

Cast away on a desolate beach, Ricardo toils tirelessly on a massive lighthouse that he believes holds the key to his rescue, neglecting his daughter whose own plans might derail her father’s dreams.

Silent Cycle

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 11:00 AM

(IND) RT: 21:33

DIR: Smahi Anand

In a modest Indian household, 12-year-old Vrinda gets her first period during a Navratri puja, facing the stigma of menstruation and outdated traditions. Her grandmother Lata insists on using unsanitary cloth rags, while her mother Aruna offers conflicted support. With help from her younger brother Jai, Vrinda discovers sanitary pads, sparking a clash with Lata over modern versus traditional practices. 

Spaghetti Western

The Rustic - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 08:00

DIR: Eric Frost-Barnes

A posse of misfits angles for one fine-lookin' plateful of pasta-based goodness.

Stall

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 14:04

DIR: Jordan Blazak

Two estranged siblings embark on a road trip to scatter their father’s ashes. When their journey takes an unexpected turn, they find themselves stranded in the remote Sierra Nevada mountains. Forced into close quarters, they must confront their past in order to find a way forward.

Stampila

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 8:00 PM

(MOL) RT: 1:30:00

DIR: David Larson

A middle-aged woman decides to overthrow the powerful oligarch who controls her country. Armed with only her wit and a stolen government stamp, she must outsmart the oligarch’s henchmen, evade the secret police, and trick her countrymen into sparking a revolution. Along the way she’ll need to face her past and uncover the secret weakness of the system that keeps oligarchs in power.

Staycation

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 12:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 1:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 1:33:27

DIR: Russ Emanuel

Lead virologist Edward Bellows races to find a cure to the Nix virus as the world collapses under the weight of this worldwide horror. Meanwhile, roommates Britt and Marnie, are forced to live together, while a couple, Matt and Cathy, separated between continents, must all deal with their newfound realities.

Stephanie Stevens

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 12:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:26:39

DIR: Kelsey Ann Wacker

A failing Chicago comic who believes existence is meaningless is challenged when his suddenly successful ex-girlfriend shows up 7 months pregnant. Oh yeah...it's his.

Stone Garden

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 14:59

DIR: Alysha Daniele Haran

After running away from home, a young boy happens upon a mysterious stone garden. Through the help of the enigmatic Stone Witch, caretaker of the garden, he learns a painful lesson about regret, sacrifice and ultimately what it means to love and be loved.

Straight on Till Morning

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:44:06

DIR: Craig Ouellette

Two dreamers, small town musician Dani and waitress Kaitlin, start falling for each other on a spontaneous road trip. The future is bright — until they cross paths with a twisted family with something much much darker in mind. Straight On Till Morning weaves the beautiful and terrible things people do for love into an unforgettable, edge of your seat journey into darkness.

Sueño

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 25:43

DIR: Raul Martin Romero

An American man embarks on a journey to meet his mother, a legendary flamenco dancer whose fatal sleep disorder is deteriorating her mind and body to death.

Thank You Sade

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 28:00

DIR: Julie Fergus

17 year old Melody has to make a decision that will affect the rest of her life.

The Advanced Class

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 11:30 AM

(US) RT: 07:56

DIR: Kyle Kouri

When two actors from the same studio meet up to rehearse a scene, they must prove to each other - and themselves - who's more worthy of their instructor Gary's coveted Advanced Class.

The Constructor

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 8:00 PM

(US) RT: 09:47

DIR: Scott Morris

Elizabeth, an impossibly precocious seven year old Lego constructor, struggles with “imagination blur” as her three year old sister attempts to free her from her rigid thinking.

The Conversation

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 2:00 PM

(CRO) RT: 1:48:00

DIR: Dominik Sedlar

THE CONVERSATION is based on a true story of a meeting in June 1945 between two powerful men with very opposite philosophies and perspectives on the future of their country. It is a dangerous time as the Partisans had won the war and the Red Army were close by. This is a conversation that will shape the world.

The Dance of Being

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 04:20

DIR: Paul London, Infinity Bunce

This film captures the essence of everything, from the subtle movements of wheat in the wind to the directional turn of a horse, from the rhythmic breath of the sea to the ticking numbers on a clock. These two filmmakers, who serendipitously connected during lockdown through social media, joined forces to create a film that explores the journey of existence. The film's magic is heightened by the masterful musical accompaniment from The Qwarks.

The Escort

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 1:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 1:00 PM

(US) RT: 05:25

DIR: Rick Williamson

The Escort is a story of a young boy traversing through all the moments of his romantic life while guided by a mysterious figure. Shown all the events that will transpire in his life, a young boy must find peace in knowing all the bliss and grief that comes with life. The Escort reconnoiters the relationship between human spirituality and the emotional spectrum of our lived experiences.

The Family Portrait

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

(RUS FED) RT: 08:07 

DIR: Julia Shlenskaya

Two sisters Nastya and Natasha live separately from their mother. The relationship between the sisters is tense. In one tense evening, Nastya receives a message that becomes the last drop of tension, after which the internal protective reactions of the psyche to what is happening cannot be stopped.

The Father

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 4:00 PM

(UK) RT: 12:27

DIR: Doug Rollins

After 18 years, an estranged father returns to Wales to confront the sudden death of his son. Reuniting with his ex-partner, they grapple with a shocking discovery that challenges their past and present.

The Man in the Blue Suit

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 05:46

DIR: Evan Patrick Adams

Charlie, a lone ranger, must protect Sarah from harm. As a result, Charlie becomes targeted by The Man in the Blue Suit. To protect Sarah, Charlie must overcome his limitations. Will Charlie discover who the Man in the Blue Suit is and save the woman he loves from danger?

The Red Room

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

(UK) RT: 08:42

DIR: Sophie Cohen, Michael Lindsay

We open this tale with the sight of a bloodied, handsome well-to-do man, staggering around East London. We close the film enjoying the rare glimpse into the everyday backstage camaraderie of women who strip for a living. What lies between is a whodunit without the traditional victim or perpetrator. 

The Sound of Innocence

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Sat - 8 March - 4:30 PM

(US) RT: 10:23

DIR: Wafa Kanan

Millions of vulnerable children are currently suffering under extreme and crippling territorial wars worldwide. This short film is dedicated to them and to remind the world of their sound of innocence and the need to fight for their human rights.

The Swan Way

Tahquitz Theatre - Wed - 5 March - 2:00 PM

(US) RT: 1:16:24

DIR: Raymond Turturro

Feeling lost in today's society and yearning for "the good old days," a nostalgic, grieving man begins an immense journey of self-discovery and self-healing, as his mysterious, alter- ego...THE SWAN.

The Twilight Cafe'

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 12:16

DIR: Michael Brant DeMaria

An unexpected, mysterious encounter between two strangers atop a bridge one stormy eve averts a tragedy, serving as a poignant reminder that in a harsh and chaotic world, we all need a soul friend to help us survive.

Tunnels

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 8:00 PM

(UK) RT: 13:08

DIR: Paul Bloomfield

Rosie suffers from an undiagnosed case of Papilledema - a condition in which increased pressure around the brain causes visual blackouts and affects a person’s judgment. When Rosie's neighbours become suspicious about her behaviour, they report it to her ex-partner who then threatens to take their son away. With her connection to her son now in jeopardy, Rosie gets in her car and escapes with the child.

Turkey Medicine

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs -  6 March - 4:00 PM

Tahquitz Theatre - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 09:24

DIR: Joshua Mesnik

When offered a rare psychedelic turkey gravy, a troubled man seeking healing is propelled on a surreal journey to end his cycles of despair and discover his true turkey call.

Twenty Questions

Tahquitz Theatre - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

(CAY) RT: 06:41

DIR: Malcolm Ellis

A girl stops at a bar and finds more questions than answers.

Unbridled

The Rustic - Thurs - 6 March - 2:00 PM

The Rustic - Fri - 7 March - 4:00 PM

The Rustic - Sat - 8 March - 10:00 AM

(US) RT: 15:30

DIR: Philip C. Sedgwick

As an unflinching femme fatale's scandalous affair unravels, a visiting provincial cousin derails her strategies. They attend a Mardi Gras "Cards Against Humanity" tournament, where masquerading guests mingle with weaponry, igniting opportunities for cloak and dagger, mayhem and murder!

Under the Blue

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 2:00 PM

(UK) RT: 15:00

DIR: Linda Ludwig, James Curle

Bruised, hungry and only halfway through her late shift, a lonely and disillusioned police officer forms an unlikely connection with an appreciative and thankful criminal.

Universe 25

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 4:00 PM

(US) RT: 19:59

DIR: David Tappan

A mysterious entity. A bizarre psychological experiment. Imprisoned in “The Room,” a woman can’t know anyone longer than 30 days. It’s difficult to say what’s worse: knowing that anyone she cares about will disappear, or that they might be replaced by someone worse. With no hope of escape, she must confront the absurdity of her new existence.

Wabi-Sabi

The Rustic - Tues - 4 March - 8:00 PM

(US) RT: 19:47

DIR: Josephine Green Zhang

When an insecure, half Japanese woman's invited on a date to a traditional tea ceremony, her best friend's advice on how to avoid white-guys-with-Asian-fetishes threatens to ruin her love life and sanity.

Will She Listen?

Tahquitz Theatre - Thurs - 6 March - 6:00 PM

(US) RT: 05:04 

DIR: Michael Brandon Falk

One co-worker wants to get a dog and the other co-workers try to persuade her to adopt from a shelter and not use a puppy mill.