Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó– dir. Sean Wang and Sam Davis, 17 min., USA (in Mandarin)

A personal love letter from director Sean Wang to his Nai Nai and Wài Pó, a grandma super team that dances, stretches, and farts their sorrows away.

The Barber of Little Rock – dir. John Hoffman and Christine Turner, 35 min., USA (in English)

The Barber of Little Rock explores America’s widening racial wealth gap through the story of Arlo Washington, a local barber whose visionary approach to a just economy can be found in the mission of People Trust, the nonprofit community bank he founded. Experiencing the effects of generational poverty and structural racism firsthand, Arlo understands his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas and the profound mistrust of financial institutions that have historically excluded his community from financial stability and economic mobility. Operating as the sole bank within a ten-mile radius, Arlo’s People Trust fosters economic progress for underserved and underbanked residents, providing an economic beacon of hope that could reshape the future of banking.

Island In Between – dir. S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien, 20 min., Taiwan (in English/Mandarin)

S. Leo Chiang reflects on his relationship with Taiwan, the United States and China from the islands of Kinmen, just a few miles from mainland China.

The ABC’s of Book Banning – dir. Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic, 27 min., USA (in English)

Reveals the voices of the impacted parties of books banned from school districts, inspiring hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.

The Last Repair Shop – dir. Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, 39 min., USA (in English)

Tells the story of four unassuming heroes who ensure no student is deprived of the joy of music. It is also a reminder of how music can be the best medicine, stress reliever and even an escape from poverty.

Looking for the other two Oscar Shorts programs? The 2024 Live Action and Animated Oscar Shorts are now playing at the JBFC!