Short and sweet: The full Tribeca Film Festival 2018 shorts lineup
Tribeca’s short film slate has long served as a sharp snapshot of where independent storytelling heads next. The 2018 edition packed 55 titles into ten thematic blocks, nearly half of them international, and several of those films went on to bigger stages after their downtown premiere.
The festival’s reach has only widened since. Its 2026 program will screen 86 shorts from 93 filmmakers across thematic blocks that emphasize hope, resilience, and technology, keeping the same spirit of discovery that defined the 2018 lineup while expanding the platform for new voices.
Aftermath: The impact of gun violence is explored in this unique hybrid program, followed by an extended Q&A
Surviving Theater 9
Short Narrative Directed and written by Tim McGrath. Set after the mass shooting at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, filmmaker Tim McGrath and his fellow survivors offer an inside look in this intriguing and inspiring movie. With Corbin Bernsen (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Chelsey Crisp (Fresh Off the Boat), Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways), Luke Colombero, Tim McGrath, and Stacey Oristano (Shockwave).
Lesson from a School Shooting
Short Documentary Directed by Kim Snyder (One Bridge to the Next). Following the Sandy Hook Massacre, a priest from Dunblane, Scotland reaches out to Father Bob offering support 16 years after a school shooting in his own town. The men bond over personal trauma and responsibilities. In the aftermath the UK reformed its gun laws; the U.S. responded with inaction. With Monsignor Bob Weiss, Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan. The film later screened on Netflix under the title Notes from Dunblane after winning Tribeca’s Best Documentary Short award.
Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi G: Showcasing imaginative storytelling and captivating craft
Brooklyn Breeze
Short Narrative Directed and written by Alex Budovsky. Brooklyn Breeze is a visual journey through different parts of Brooklyn, some of the iconic spots and others not often seen by the visitors. Based on a tune recorded by New York-based Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.
Late Afternoon
Short Narrative Directed and written by Louise Bagnall. Disconnected from the world around her, Emily drifts back through her own memories, looking to her past in order to fully embrace her present. With Fionnula Flanagan, Niamh Moyles, Lucy O’Connell, and Michael McGrath. Late Afternoon earned Tribeca’s first-ever Best Animated Short prize, an award introduced that year to spotlight the category and route winners toward Academy consideration.
The History of White People in America
Short Documentary Directed by Jonathan Halperin (A Year in Space), Ed Bell, Aaron Keane (Lore), Pierce Freelon, Drew Takahashi (Natural Heroes), written by Pierce Freelon and Jon Halperin. The invention of race in America gets an animated, musical treatment.
Two Balloons
Short Narrative Directed and written by Mark C. Smith (A House, A Home). Two travelers return to a place crossed by stars and clouds where love is at the beginning of everything.
Surpresa
Short Documentary Directed and written by Paulo Patrício. A recorded conversation between a mother, Joana, and her three-year-old daughter, Alice, who is recovering from kidney cancer, forms the heart of this short experimental-documentary animation. With Carina Beringuilho, Joana Amorim, Ana Sofia Gueifão, and Inês Almendra. In Portuguese with English subtitles.
The Velvet Underground Played at My High School
Short Documentary Directed by Robert Pietri, Tony C. Jannelli, written by Marina Donahue. This animated short recounts the Velvet Underground's first gig in 1965, in front of a crowd of shocked kids at a suburban New Jersey high school.
Fire in Cardboard City
Short Narrative Directed by Phil Brough (The Devil Dared Me To), written by Brough and Matt Heath (Honk if You're Horny). When a city made entirely of cardboard catches fire, it’s up to the local fire chief and his brave deputies to save Cardboard City and its citizens from impending doom.
Bao
Short Narrative Directed and written by Domee Shi. An empty-nesting Chinese mom gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life. But she must come to terms with the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever. Bao went on to win the 2019 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Bold Moves: Risk takers tell true tales
Hula Girl
Short Documentary Directed by Amy Hill, Chris Riess, written by Amy Hill. Hula Girl is the untold story behind one of the biggest fads in modern American history. At 94 years of age, Joan Anderson has waited 50 years to prove that “a gentleman’s handshake” was hardly a deal, and it’s time to set the record straight. With Joan Anderson, Richard Burton, James DiLullo, residents of La Costa Glen retirement home.
Cosmic Debris
Short Documentary Directed and written by Patrick Waldrop (Killer at Large). This documentary depicts the friendship between animator & creator Gabor Csupo (The Simpsons) and the legendary musician Frank Zappa. With Gabor Csupo.
9 at 38
Short Documentary Directed by Catherine Lee. Juilliard-trained violinist Hyungjoon Won is about to realize a dream seven years in the making – a joint concert by North & South Korean musicians straddling the 38th parallel. But military aggression and apathy soon threaten to derail his plan. With Hyungjoon Won. In English, Korean with English subtitles.
The Last Storm
Short Documentary Directed and written by Liam Saint-Pierre (The Reinvention of Normal). Mark – a 60-year-old fledgling storm chaser who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer – sets out across the Midwest with his friend's nephew to search for a twister before the two-month season comes to an end. With Mark Zabawa and Mike Marz.
Adventure Not War
Short Documentary Directed by Max Lowe. Three U.S. veterans travel back into the mountains of Iraq on a mission to heal wounds and to experience the country and its culture, relieved of the shadow of war. With Stacey Bare, Robin Brown, Matthew Griffin.
Home Sweet Home: From small towns to planet Earth, docs that celebrate home
Hey Ronnie Reagan
Short Documentary Directed by Maurice O'Brien. When U.S. President Ronald Reagan makes a visit to his ancestral home in Ireland, the tiny, anonymous Tipperary village is thrust into the world spotlight. Ballyporeen would never be the same.
Wendy's Shabbat
Short Documentary Directed and written by Rachel Myers (Saving Lincoln). After mourning the loss of her husband Jack of nearly 60 years, Roberta Mahler sought to connect with her Jewish community to ease the loneliness. She did so (surprisingly) at her local Wendy’s. With Roberta Mahler, Sharon Goodman, Michael Goodman, Lou Silberman, Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, Gerrie Gussman, Winston Bannister.
Destination Park
Short Documentary Directed by Andrew Cohn. Deep within Trump’s America, a camp of destitute truck drivers confide their anxieties, frustrations, hopes, and fears in the chaplain of a Midwest mobile chapel. With Chad Roedema.
Homeless: The Soundtrack
Short Documentary Directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (Beware the Slenderman). Thirty years after being taken away from her parents by the state and given up for adoption, singer-songwriter Jenni Alpert went searching for her father. She finally finds him – homeless, toothless, addicted, and a musician, just like her. With “Cami” Jenni Alpert, Don Logsdon, Jill Alpert.
The River of the Kukamas (The El Río de los Kukamas)
Short Documentary Directed and written by Nika Belianina (The Last Mermaids). This film takes a tranquil journey through the waters and history of Kukama people, who inhabit the Amazon basin in Peru. With Pablo Taricuarima Pinedo. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Earthrise
Short Documentary Directed by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, written by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, Adam Loften. The Apollo 8 astronauts recount their memories of capturing the first image of Earth from space in 1968 and evokes the awe of seeing Earth framed against the blackness of space. With Frank Borman, James Lovell, Bill Anders.
Into the Void: Sci-Fi shorts that will rock your multiverse
The 716th
Short Narrative Directed and written by Andrew Bowen. When a small shuttle piloted by an unlikely hero arrives to save them, a poorly planned and at times comical rescue sends these outcasts on an unexpected adventure. With Andrew Bowen (A Boy Called Po), John Asher (Tooken), Lauren McFall, and Taj Speights (Teen Wolf).
Bad Peter
Short Narrative Directed and written by Zach Strauss. An expectant mother is forced into a humiliating birthing regimen by her automated personal assistant, which thinks it knows what’s best for her and her unborn child. With Frankie Shaw (SMILF) and Ross Partridge (Stranger Things).
Exit Strategy
Short Narrative Directed and written by Travis Bible. A man who is trapped in a time loop must work with his brother to prevent a catastrophic fire. With Christopher O'Shea (Madam Secretary) and Richard Kohnke (My All-American).
Let Them Die Like Lovers
Short Narrative Directed by Jesse Atlas (Angels in Exile), written by Jesse Atlas and Aaron Wolfe (Record/Play). A body-jumping soldier grapples with the morality of her missions in this emotionally charged sci-fi thriller. With Mustafa Shakir (Brawl in Cell Block 99), Angela Lewis (The Last Ship), Bradley Fisher (Westworld).
UI – Soon We Will All Be One
Short Narrative Directed by Johannes Mücke, Patrick Sturm, written by Johannes Mücke. When hard-bitten ranger Kira is sent out to retrieve a drone that has gone astray, she discovers a mysterious, large object in the vast icelands of Antarctica. Little does she know that inside this object waits a lethal trap not only for her, but for mankind. With Tanja Petrovsky, Dennis Kozeluh, Michael Smulik.
Laboratory Conditions
Short Narrative Directed by Jocelyn Stamat (Night of the Living Deb), written by Terry Rossio (The Lone Ranger). A physician investigating a missing body disrupts an unlawful experiment. With Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Paulo Costanzo (40 Days and 40 Nights), and Robert Scheid (Cold Water).
Lighten Up!: Have some fun with comedic & offbeat stories
The Last Romantic (El Último Romántico)
Short Narrative Directed by Natalia García Agraz, written by Natalia García Agraz, Gerardo Lechuga. Hector – the employee of the month at a bowling alley – is in love with his co-worker, Magda. With Ulises Galván, Lorea Montemayor, Enrique Arreola, Raúl Briones. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Five Minutes
Short Narrative Directed and written by Justine Bateman (Californication). A “parenting class” at a progressive elementary school takes an unexpected, dramatic turn. With Rob Benedict (Not Another Teen Movie), Rae Dawn Chong (Commando), Bre Blair (Last Vegas), Aimee Graham (From Dusk Till Dawn), Steve Agee (You're the Worst), and Seana Kofoed (30 Miles from Nowhere).
Love-40
Short Narrative Directed and written by Harry Israelson (Paranormal Activity 4). A friendly tennis match between Alice & Andy takes an abrupt turn when Alice goes to retrieve a stray tennis ball and is bitten by a rattlesnake. With Lola Kirke (Gone Girl) and Jack Henry Robbins (Opening Night).
Ugh!
Short Narrative Directed by Jimmy Marble, written by Jimmy Marble, Doug Sacrison. 1990s. Los Angeles. The Future Is Repeating Itself. Oh My God. With Nika de Carlo and Carly Foulkes.
Black Label (Etiqueta negra)
Short Narrative Directed by David Vergés, written by Guillermo Tato, David Vergés. Erik is a night-shift employee from a lonely gas station; Alex is a regular at the shop. One night, something happens that gives them the opportunity to discover who they really are. With Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist), Andrés Herrera (Night and Day), Macarena Gómez (Shrew's Nest), and Cristina Brondo (Russian Dolls). In Spanish with English subtitles.
Welcome Home (Velkommen til oss)
Short Narrative Directed and written by Armita Keyani. An Iranian refugee couple living in the North of Norway invite in two Jehovah’s Witnesses when they knock on their door. With Ashkan Ghorbani, Elnaz Asgari, Marianne Lauritsen, Ole Jorgen Farstad. In English, Farsi, Norwegian with English subtitles.
So You Like the Neighborhood
Short Narrative Directed and written by Jean Pesce (The Place Beyond the Pines). After Wendy gets dumped and then evicted from her Brooklyn apartment, she befriends some locals, who offer to help with the eviction. The thing is, they’re Mafia members, and by “help”, they mean something rather more nefarious. With Sarah Stiles (Unsane), Carmine Raspaolo (Last Letters from Monte Rosa), Ernest Mingione (Obvious Child), and Vince Bandille (Amongst Friends).
Loose Ends: Life is unravelling
The Goodnight Show
Short Narrative Directed by Charlie Schwan, written by Charlie Schwan and Wyatt Miller. Being a virgin isn't the end of the world, but when the world is actually ending, the stakes are raised. As such, tragic hero Samuel embarks on a quest to lose his virginity before it’s too late. With Spencer Flynn and Ellie Dubin.
Paper Roof
Short Narrative Directed and written by Judith Tong. Two young sisters – Pamela & Abigail – decide to run away from trouble at home to build a cardboard house together. However, reality soon catches up with them and threatens to put an end to their escapade. With Lee Min Xin and Zhang Zhirou.
We Were Three
Short Narrative Directed by Caroline Ingvarsson (Hundvakten), written by Caroline Ingvarsson, Gunnar Järvstad (The Bridge). In this true story, three young girls arrive at the airport after a long night of partying during a parent-free trip to England. But a naive joke in the wrong place shatters their friendship. With Selma Modéer Wiking, Sofie Nilsask, and Livia Liedholm.
Phone Duty (Дежурство)
Short Narrative Directed and written by Lenar Kamalov. A Donbass rebel fighter whose nom de guerre is Cat receives orders to sit on phone duty, which he quickly learns is not as easy as it first seems. With Zakhar Prilepin (Break Loose), Oleg Chernov, Gleb Kornilov, Mikhail Sivorin (Transit), and Yuriy Maslak. In Russian with English subtitles. Phone Duty took home Tribeca’s Best Narrative Short award.
Salam
Short Narrative Directed and written by Claire Fowler (Noodles). A female Lyft driver navigates the night shift in New York City while waiting to hear life-or-death news from her family in Syria. With Leslie Bibb (Iron Man), Hana Chamoun (Medinah), Khaled Al Maleh, and Jessica Damouni (Like Salt). In Arabic, English with English subtitles.
The Motion of Stars (Die Bewegung der Sterne)
Short Narrative Directed and written by Jan Prazak-Zoufaly. Eight-year-old Lena’s favorite book about the secret relationship between stars and humans gains special significance when she watches a solar eclipse with her father – an event that changes both their worlds forever. With Ulrich Reinthaller (Lieber Karl), Lena Madsen, Rainer Doppler, Martina Spitzer (Cracks in Concrete), Aaron Friesz, and Vivienne Causemann (Mademoiselle Paradis). In German with English subtitles.
Souls of Totality
Short Narrative Directed by Richard Raymond (Desert Dancer), written by Kate Trefry and Ben Bolea. Set during the Great American Eclipse, Souls of Totality is a relationship story about the sacrifices we make, the things we don’t say, and love’s seemingly supernatural ability to conquer all. With Tatiana Maslany (Picture Day), Tom Cullen (Knightfall), Helen Shaver (The Amityville Horror), and Mike Tague.
Magic Act: Everyone can enjoy these family-friendly films
How Tommy Lemenchick Became a Grade 7 Legend
Short Narrative Directed by Bastien Alexandre, written by Nicolas Billon (Elephant Song). Eleven-year-old Ophelia has never been kissed, but she has the perfect plan to remedy that. She finds a suitable candidate – Tommy Lemenchick – and at school the following day, he describes how he became a seventh-grade legend. With Charli Birdgenaw, Sam Ashe Arnold, and Caroline Dhavernas.
Mirette
Short Narrative Directed and written by Helen O'Hanlon (How to Be a Villain). In 20th-century Paris, a young girl’s life is changed by the arrival of a mysterious man, who she discovers is a wirewalker. With Tom Conti (Derailed), Miriam Margolyes (Romeo + Juliet), Dixie Egerickx (The Little Stranger), Jean-Marc Desmond (Boomerang), and Bebe Cave (Great Expectations).
Earthy Encounters
Short Narrative Directed and written by Sam Johnson (Billy the Kid). Fifteen-year-old Kyle believes he can save his dying older brother with a plant he found in the garden center where he works. The problem is, a shadowy government agency is out to destroy it first. With Fionn O'Shea (Handsome Devil), Jessica Barden (Hanna), Peter Sullivan (The Limehouse Golem), Luke Baverstock, Nathalie Armin (Grow Your Own), and Johnny Palmiero (Green Street Hooligans).
Make or Break: Aspirations and complications
The Love Letter (Michtav Ahava Lam'em Sheli)
Short Narrative Written and directed by Atara Frish (Heroine). When Noa finds a special love letter in her locker, she struggles to reconcile her safe, restrained world and her urge to feel – at least for a brief moment – loved. With Gili Beit-Halahmi, Ravit Dor, and Shir Abramov. In Hebrew with English subtitles.
Time Traveller
Short Narrative Directed and written by Steve Kenny. A Back to the Future-obsessed young Irish Traveller strives to finish building his own DeLorean replica before he and his family are evicted from their halting site. With Barry Ward (Jimmy's Hall), Tom Doran (Glue), Liam Doran, Denise McCormack (A Date for Mad Mary), Barbara Bergin (Intermission).
Knuckles
Short Narrative Directed and written by Laura Groombridge (Life Swap). A man entangled in the violent criminal underworld of bare-knuckle fighting pursues a misguided attempt at redemption. With Tim Phillipps (Animal Kingdom), Mirko Grillini (The Suicide Theory), and Laura Jane Turner (This Little Piggy).
Blind Audition
Short Narrative Directed by Andreas Kessler, written by Linda Kokkores. When violinists and partners Ari & Ron both get invited to audition for the same solo part in an orchestra, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. With Han Nguyen, Simon Kluth, Horst Kotterba, Sven Gielnik, and Tine Kiefl. In German with English subtitles.
The Life of Esteban (Het Leven van Esteban)
Short Narrative Directed and written by Inès Eshun. A future Olympic swimmer, Esteban, has grown up with a single mother and doesn't know who his father is. As he searches for his identity in this poetic short film, he determines swimming is a metaphor for life itself. With Noah Mavuela, Mathis Mavuela, Joshua Tassin, Tine Cartuyvels, Goua Grovogui, Lamine Diouf. In Dutch with English subtitles.
Rise of a Star (Naissance d'une Étoile)
Short Narrative Directed by James Bort, written by Stéphane Landowski. Emma is about to be the new Ballerina at Paris Opera. But something upsets her – a secret liable to undermine what she has spent a whole life on. With Dorothée Gilbert, Catherine Deneuve (8 Women), Antonia Desplat (Victoria), and Pierre Deladonchamps (Stranger by the Lake). In French with English subtitles.
NY Shorts, Homemade: World premiere docs from our New York-based filmmakers
I Heart NY
Short Documentary Directed by Andre Andreev, written by Dan Covert. This documentary short examines the life of the creator of the infamous I Heart NY symbol and his struggle to find love for the city during a trying time. With Milton Glaser.
Saul's 108th Story
Short Documentary Directed and written by Joshua Carlon. A story wherein Saul recalls fixing a window. With Saul Moroz.
Into My Life
Short Documentary Directed by Sarah Keeling, Grace Remington, and Ivana Hucikova. From 1965 to the present, two African-American women – M. Elaine & Cassandra Bromfield – made joyful documents of their lives in Brooklyn’s Lindsay Park Housing Cooperative on 8mm film. Into My Life pays tribute to their drive for self-preservation and self-representation, highlighting the memories, identities, and relationships housed within their archive. With Cassandra Bromfield.
Big Elvis
Short Documentary Directed by Paul Stone, written by Mark Winegardner. A 960-pound Elvis impersonator becomes convinced he is Elvis Presley's secret love child. With Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee, Brendon Paul, Ron Decar.
Sidelined
Short Documentary Directed by Galen Summer. In 1978, several NFL cheerleaders posed in Playboy magazine, having received approval from team management. But when the issue hit newstands, it unleashed a wave of repercussions for the women themselves and their team.
Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival (Sports Shorts, sponsored by Mohegan Sun): A spectrum of stories, styles, and sports, this collection of athletically-minded short films will take audiences on the exciting personal journeys of four athletes
Locked In
Short Documentary Directed and written by Alison Ellwood. After falling victim to a pair of illnesses at age eleven, Victoria Arlen lived with locked-in syndrome for four years. Locked In tells the story of her recovery and eventual gold-medal victory in swimming at the 2012 London Paralympics. With Victoria Arlen.
A Mountain to Climb
Short Documentary Directed by Kristen Lappas, written by Tom Rinaldi. A Nepali teen named Pratima Sherpa works to become her country’s first golf star. With Pratima Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Kalpana Sherpa.
Run: The Robert Young Story
Short Documentary Directed by Todd Kapostasy. Ultra-marathon runner Rob Young attempts to set a record running across the United States, but his efforts are marred by allegations of fraud.
Sonic Break
Short Documentary Directed by Stevan Riley. Sonic Break explores the sports psychology and mental training that helped Felix Baumgartner to jump from the Earth’s stratosphere. With Felix Baumgartner, Joe Kittinger.
Special Screenings
Lesson from a School Shooting
Short Documentary Directed by Kim Snyder. Following the Sandy Hook Massacre, a priest from Dunblane, Scotland reaches out to Father Bob offering support sixteen years after a school shooting in his own town. The men bond over personal trauma and responsibilities. In the aftermath the UK reformed its gun laws; the U.S. responded with inaction. With Monsignor Bob Weiss, Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan. Following the screening there will be a conversation with director Kim Snyder, producer Maria Cuomo Cole, along with Sandy Hook, surviving teacher Mary Ann Jacob, and Parkland, Florida student Ryan Deitsch. Moderated by actor & director John Slattery.
RX: Early Detection A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee
Short Documentary Directed and written by Cathy Chermol Schrijver. RX: Early Detection A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee follows the intense and intimate journey of a woman whose life becomes dramatically altered when her routine medical check-up delivers a cancer diagnosis. Executive Produced by Sandra Lee and Sheila Nevins.
Academy Recognition and Legacy
Bao’s Oscar win put a spotlight on Tribeca’s growing role as a launchpad for short-form talent. The 2018 festival also introduced a dedicated Best Animated Short category with built-in Academy eligibility, a move that has since become standard across the program. Several other 2018 entries picked up Tribeca awards that sent them into wider release or qualifying runs, underscoring how the downtown slate feeds bigger conversations.
Gun Violence Documentaries: Lasting Impact
Lesson from a School Shooting, later retitled Notes from Dunblane, reached Netflix after its Tribeca win and helped director Kim Snyder continue the conversation with her later feature Us Kids. The Aftermath block showed how short-form work can move from festival screen to sustained advocacy, keeping the subject visible long after the 2018 screenings ended.
Tribeca Shorts Program Evolution
Since the 55-film 2018 slate, Tribeca has steadily enlarged its shorts footprint. The 2026 edition will present 86 titles, grouped into thematic blocks that mirror the festival’s focus on urgent cultural questions. The structure keeps the original mix of narrative, documentary, and animated work while giving programmers room to spotlight emerging formats and global perspectives.
Recent Tribeca Shorts Winners
The 2026 awards went to 32B for Best Narrative Short, Listen for Best Documentary Short, and Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank for Best Animated Short. Those titles reflect the same competitive energy that marked the 2018 winners, now playing out on a larger stage with continued pathways to Academy consideration.
Looking back at the 2018 program shows how Tribeca’s short film slate functions as both a time capsule and a springboard. The films that premiered that year carried personal stories, global viewpoints, and formal risks straight into wider awards seasons and distribution deals, and the festival’s expanded reach keeps that pipeline active for new generations of filmmakers.
