Directors Notes // The Home of Independent Filmmaking

Sami Abusamra’s Soviet-Era Short ‘Tank’ Fires a Dry Comic Warning Shot About Weak Men Masquerading as Strong Ones

Shot in rural Bulgaria on black and white SD with a real tank, Sami Abusamra’s satirical adaptation asks what happens when power lands in the wrong lap.

Live Action

We’re All Clowns Dancing Through Capitalism in Zen Pace’s Gig Economy Horror Comedy ‘Are You Fucking Kidding Me?!’

A clown’s latest kids' party gig takes a sinister turn in Zen Pace’s queer horror comedy, where camp and social critique collide.

Live Action, Premiere

“No script. No money. No locations” – How Industry Frustrations Shaped Jared Hogan’s Latest Short ‘Dogbite’

Shot over 4 days with no script, director Jared Hogan joins us to discuss the instinctual process behind creating short film, 'Dogbite'.

Film Festival, Sponsored

11 Gems From Conero Film + ADV 2026 to Look Out For

Conero Film + ADV’s Pianeta Fresco is full of short films that surprise. DN picks 11 must-watch titles from the 4th edition of this mighty event in Ancona.

Live Action, Premiere

Émile Lavoie Delivers an Unabashedly Grizzly, Expectation Defying Horror Comedy With ‘Mean Ends’

Émile Lavoie twists horror expectations to bloody ends in his darkly humorous short film that shows what happens when you dare judge a book by its cover.

Live Action, Premiere

Life Reflects Art in Émile V. Schlesser’s ‘Backstage’ Blending On-Stage Power Play With Real-Life Abuse

Émile V. Schlesser draws on personal experience for his absorbing drama about abuse and power dynamics between directors and actors in the theatre world.

Live Action

10 Short Films Capturing the Essence of Riga International Film Festival 2026

From experimental documentaries to unconventional animation, DN picks out ten standout shorts from the 2026 Riga International Film Festival.

Live Action

From “Back Alley Head Job” to SXSW Award-Winner: Lee Lawson on the Evolution of ‘Man Eating Pussy’

Lee Lawson discusses the practical effects and unexpected tenderness behind the provocative premise of her SXSW award-winning short, 'Man Eating Pussy'.

Live Action

Max Clendaniel Wields a Cheesy Horror Prop as an Ego-Shattering Weapon in Improvised Comedy ‘Dummy’

Max Clendaniel's improv comedy magnifies the fine line between an actor's vanity & their justifiable concerns about how a director depicts them onscreen.