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 – Dormilón, Emergency, Liberty and Mosh – 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.
 

The Films

Dormilón
(dir. Olivia Marie Valdez, 2024, 9 min)
In a quest to become the performer of his dreams, Dormilón, a starry-eyed and middle-aged janitor living in an abandoned theater, must confront his nightmares face-to-face.

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, 2025, 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.

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.

Mosh
(dir. Portlynn Tagavi, 2024, 12 min)
A desperate father struggles to bond with his son while taking him to a concert for his birthday.

Somewhere in Time, River and Stone
(dir. Paulie Chih-Chia Huang, Taiwan, 2025, 24 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 the beautiful karst and lovely animals. When they sit in nature, they encounter the most beautiful moment. However, River is afraid that Stone might leave her one day…

This Is NOT My Cow
(dir. Chih-Wen Lin, Taiwan, 2025, 23 min)
In a village often disturbed by military drills, the army sends soon-to-retire soldiers to take care of cows and sheep, hoping to build good relations with the locals. But this kind act cannot hide the long-term impact the drills have had on people’s lives. The film starts with a small mistake made by one of the animal caretakers, slowly revealing the hidden tension and conflict between the military and the villagers.

Till Next Time
(dir. Yan-ping Wang, Taiwan, 2024, 15 min)
As the boy group SPARK celebrates the tenth anniversary of their debut, their fan Xi has finally achieved 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 $24 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.