Documentary Short Competition presented by Vimeo
Documentary Short Program 2 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center
Authentic storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.
"Armed Only With A Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud" is an intimate film about documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud, the first American journalist killed in Ukraine. Brent captured many wars on the front lines, but he cared most about the people caught in the middle. On March 13, 2022, Brent was gunned down by Russian soldiers. His younger brother Craig Renaud recovered Brent’s body and his final recordings from Ukraine, and brought them home to Arkansas. Brent’s journey home also serves as a window into what drove him as a journalist, and how he viewed the world through his lens. This film is dedicated to Brent and all the journalists who use their cameras to fight for peace.
Camp Widow is a gathering for widowed people by widowed people. Over the course of three days, attendees speak candidly about death, forge connections with others over shared experiences of loss, and find ways to navigate the tricky waters of grief. Founded by Michele Neff Hernandez, who suddenly became a widow at age 35, the camp offers a way to both recognize tremendous loss, while at the same time celebrating continued life. The film follows an ensemble of campers who are weary of platitudes about grief, and speak to one another from a place of radical honesty that is by turns heartbreaking and darkly hilarious, embracing irreverent humor as a cathartic means of self-expression.
In 2018, two firefighters from the Venezuelan Andes published in social media a video of a donkey as if it were the president of Venezuela visiting their rundown facilities. That same day, they were taken to prison. The people from Apartaderos are afraid of talking about the case. People at the time whispered that the donkey was also detained that day, but nobody seems to know what happened to him. In a dive through this small town in the mountain, the search for the donkey begins; the only one who perhaps managed to get out unhurt of this bad joke.
Compiled from five years of home movie footage, Murewa tells the story of Marlon, a shy, nervous kid, and his first childhood friend, Murry (Murewa). Growing up in the sleepy seaside town of Worthing they bond over skateboarding and photography, and as their friendship deepens their worlds open up. But as they move through adolescence, their paths diverge unexpectedly and when Marlon moves to London to go to university, Murry ends up in prison. As Marlon looks back over footage of their friendship, he is forced to reflect on the moments that shaped them and confront the things he missed. Raw and honest, Murewa is a tender coming-of-age story and an intimate snapshot of boyhood.
For three decades, Shanti Gooljar has been the force behind New York City’s most sought-after driving school, captivating everyone from A-list celebrities to the ultra-wealthy with her unapologetic teaching style. Behind the wheel, she’s a master of the chaotic Manhattan streets. But beneath her tough exterior lies a world of heartache and loss.
"We Beg To Differ" explores the North of Ireland's underground car community amidst a mental health crisis. The documentary showcases the community's deep bonds, passion for cars as an outlet for personal struggles, and daring spirit all while evading the law.