Back to All Events

OPENING NIGHT: SHORT FILMS MADE BY VFF ALUMNI

  • Laemmle NoHo7 5240 Lankershim Boulevard Los Angeles, CA, 91601 United States (map)

PURCHASE TICKETS

The Valley Film Festival proudly welcomes back its alumni for an extraordinary showcase of short films and previews that span continents, genres, and emotional landscapes. From hard-hitting drama to sharp comedy, chilling suspense to heartfelt documentary, this lineup is proof that VFF filmmakers are telling stories that resonate across the globe.

In COME BACK (Helen O’Reilly), 11-year-old Jenny adores her older sister Lisa—until a day of innocent fun turns sinister when Jenny witnesses Lisa being bullied and steps in with haunting consequences.

THE HEART OF TEXAS (Gregory JM Kasunich) follows Janie May, an aspiring country singer chasing her big break, whose path collides with Jesús, an undocumented worker—forcing both to confront the fragile pursuit of the American dream.

A NIGHT IN YANGON (Shivam Ganesan) explores the cracks beneath a family’s flawless facade as they spend a night in a hotel during Yangon's frequent power outages, confronting crises that threaten to unravel them.

DON’T GO OUTSIDE (Michael James Hull) thrusts us into suspense when Jason, warned by his mother to stay indoors, hears someone crying for help outside—facing a perilous choice between safety and compassion.

The trailer for APOCALYPSE DEATH PARTY (Russ Emanuel) teases a global horror: a virologist racing to cure a deadly virus while fractured relationships and collapsing societies push humanity to the brink.

In the short documentary STARTING WHISTLE (Eve Sanchez), VFF alumna Maren "Nightmaren" juggles the demands of work and family by day and transforms into a fierce competitor on the roller derby track by night, exploring themes of gender, sport, and power.

In WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS (Nate Hapke), an evening among friends is all fun and games... unless you're Kara.

THE BREAKUP (Michael Piscitelli & Gregory Cohen) delivers sharp comedy in a therapist’s office, where brutal honesty sparks an unexpected and hilarious chain reaction between a couple on the edge.

MS. ROSSI 3: MS. ROSSI MEETS THE MOB (Pat Battistini) finds the beloved character caught in new chaos after being scooped up by the wrong driver at the airport—with mobsters waiting in the wings.

Together, these films promise a night of captivating stories, unexpected twists, and unforgettable voices. More than just a screening, this program is a celebration of Valley Film Festival alumni and the global reach of their independent spirit.

Purchase tickets.

Note: Films are unrated by the MPAA. Program is current at time of publication and titles may be subject to change. 

Previous
Previous
October 22

FREE Encore Screening of CIURÈ

Next
Next
September 17

OPENING NIGHT: DOROTHEA and IT’S OVER. THE END.