Join us for Between Worlds, featuring a theatrical screening of eight curated short films, followed by an in-person conversation with the filmmakers, moderated by Angela Lee (Director of Artist Development, Film Indepndent). From mystical landscapes and unexpected romance, to supernatural encounters and pivotal moments of change, this collection of shorts explores identity, belonging, resilience, and human connection across cultures and communities.

Four of the films – The Coin, Emergency, Liberty and Single Residence Occupancy – were created in Film Independent’s Project Involve program.

Support for this program is provided by Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, Ministry of Culture, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

A reception for all attendees will follow the screening.

Total runtime: 114 mins
 

The Films

The Coin
(dir. Siqi Song, 2019, 7 min)
On Chinese New Year, finding the coin hidden in a dumpling (Jiaozi) brings good luck. A girl loses a jar on her journey to a new country, which contains the lucky coins she has been collecting growing up. Her new life begins with a search for the coin.

Emergency
(dir. Carey Williams, 2017, 12 min)
Faced with an emergency, a group of young Black and Latino friends weigh the pros and cons of calling the police.

Falling Mist
(dir. Yu-Jin Zhuang, Taiwan, 2026, 6 min)
A road home from work stretches from the bustling city alleys to a desolate industrial road, passing through a railway crossing along the way. As I cross the tracks, the thick fog rolling in makes me contemplate the end of life and a deep reverence for the living beings of nature. Here, there is a polluted environment, yet also the human soul that dwells within it. Grand Prize, 2026 Golden Harvest Awards.

Liberty
(dir. Faren Humes, 2019, 17 min)
Alex and Milagros deal with great life upheaval as they prepare to dance at the groundbreaking ceremony for their community’s redevelopment.

Single Residence Occupancy
(dir. Omer Ben-Shachar, 2024, 10 min)
A Chinese immigrant living in a Single Residence Occupancy apartment receives news that her family’s application for better housing is denied, and grapples with how to share the news with her children.

Somewhere in Time, River and Stone
(dir. Paulie Huang Chih-Chia, Taiwan, 2026, 24 min)
Two movers struggle to haul a grand piano up a stubborn staircase – only to discover a passion neither of them saw coming. Best Narrative Short, 2026 Golden Harvest Awards.

This Is NOT My Cow
(dir. Kevin Lin, Taiwan, 2026, 23 min)
“Stone and River… They used to be together for the past lives. This life, they haven’t recognized each other yet.” Today, Stone goes spelunking in Shoushan with River, surrounded by lovely animals. When they sit in nature, they encounter the most beautiful moment. However, River is afraid that Stone might leave her one day…

Till Next Time
(dir. Schantelle Alonzo, Taiwan, 2026, 15 min)
As the boy group SPARK celebrates its 10th anniversary, superfan Xi finally achieves her dream of joining their management team.
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email [email protected] for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 6:00 pm PT on Thursday, September 17. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

SAG-AFTRA Plaza provides parking for $22 in the structure behind the building. Enter from Curson Ave. or Masselin Ave. Street parking is also available.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in s6spension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.