Frenzy Short Film Festival at Hostos Art & Cultural Center

TWO days Short Film Festival

8 short films in two days focusing on the human psyche as the totality of all elements forming the mind. Each short film may present social issues.

Frenzy Short Film Fest 2026 All films have English subtitles.

FIRST BLOCK: Wednesday, Oct. 28th – 7:00 PM - (1 hour 50 min) “THE SOUND” from CA Written & Directed by Israel Godinez Director of Photography Daniela Sopher. Runtime – 14min: 23sec. Synopsis: Jason comes home for a quiet evening and tries to rest his anxious mind. As the night progresses, a strange “sound” begins to haunt him. A shadowy figure begins to appear at random, terrorizing him, his anxiety worsens as the night rages on.

“THE BARBARITY” from Mexico Written & Directed by Marco Cano. Runtime - 19:00min Synopsis: In search of a better life in the United States, a Haitian family ventures through the depths of the Darien jungle. A tragic event halfway through the journey will alter their fate and reveal to them the darkest side of human nature.

"EVER GREEN & THE F***ING SPECTRUM” from CA Writen & Directed by Peter Kangas. Runtime – 14min: 59min.

Synopsis: Paul, a young autistic man, struggles to process his father's terminal cancer diagnosis while haunted by Ever Green,a character from a Hollywood autism film he despises. Through therapy sessions and painful memories, Paul confronts his grief, his strained relationship with his father, and society's stereotypical portrayals of autism. A raw exploration of neurodiversity, family dysfunction, and the Hollywood gaze on disability.

“ALONE” from Georgia Written by AJ Brennan, Directed by Jonah Punnett. Director of Photography: Lasse Leikola. Runtime – 14min: 32sec.

Synopsis: Alone follows Nick, a high school student who appears to have it all together while privately struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. As his isolation grows, the film explores how vulnerability, connection, and support can help us confront struggles we often face alone.

SECOND BLOCK: Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 PM (1 hour 45 min)

“MEDEA” from Brooklyn, NY Written by Cecilia Jane & Directed by Chloe Keer Liu. Runtime – 12min: 44 sec

Synopsis: A break up leaves Medea in pieces as she struggles to fight off her intrusive thoughts for revenge. This film explores the concepts of internal feelings of heartbreak manifested into real, physical temperaments. It leans into feminine rage often deemed "emotional and crazy" and makes it something very real to be reckoned with.

“THROUGH THE VEIL” from North Carolina Written & Directed by Jason B Tremko. Runtime – 19 min: 15sec.

Synopsis: Through the Veil follows a broken man consumed by grief, addiction, and fading faith. As his life spirals deeper into darkness, the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds begins to disappear. Confronted by terrifying forces, he must face the choices that could determine the fate of his soul.

“PEDRO NOLLA” from Puerto Rico Written by Angel Janer & Directed by Juan Maco Jones. Runtime - 20:00min.

Synopsis: Pedro Nolla is a survivor on a post-apocalyptic world where men are condemned to the darkness of night, always in fear of the Red Face.

“SECOND DATE” from LA Written & directed by Adelaide Young & Jackson Weber. Runtime – 13min: 23sec.

Synopsis: Jordan and Rory are on their second date at a restaurant when Jordan starts to experience an anxiety attack. Needing a quieter environment, Jordan rushes to the bathroom. She calls her roommate, who guides her through some grounding exercises. Meanwhile, Rory has ordered and received food, and is waiting on Jordan. Jordan receives a call from Rory, and in her surprise drops her phone in the toilet, increasing the anxiety. Eventually, Jordan splashes her face with cold water, calming her down. She attempts to sneak out of the restaurant but is caught by Rory. They leave the restaurant and talk about what happened. They play a grounding game and hold hands.

“LEO THE RAPTOR (2024) SMITH” from PA Written & Directed by Brian Smith. Runtime -10min: 57sec.

Synopsis: A mentally unstable young man, torn between his own identity and a violent alternate personality confront his darkest demons when his sinister ego takes control, leading to his descent into madness and terror.