2023 Film Schedule
The 8th annual Hobnobben Film Festival is going to be amazing! With a staggering number of submissions from talented filmmakers worldwide, we have curated 33 film blocks featuring 144 outstanding films from 30 countries in 27 languages. You can purchase passes and hang out with us for a day or the full festival or grab tickets to a block that piques your interest. The in-person festival will take place at Fort Wayne Cinema Center October 19-22nd. If you can’t make it in person, we offer virtual tickets to stream the films through October 31st.
In addition to the chance to celebrate and watch all the amazing films, there are several workshops and special events to enable filmmakers to network and flex their filmmaking muscles.
Thursday: OPENING NIGHT
Spectator Lounge & Main Theater • 6:00 pm - 9:45 pm
Celebrate Hobnobben 2023 and all the amazing filmmakers who make our festival possible. Join us in the Spectator Lounge for a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres from local caterers. To kick off this year’s festival, we’ll screen a block of 13 shorts from local and Indiana filmmakers followed by the feature Liminal, which will have a live score performance by Metavari.
Short Films: FLOWER, Spring Cleaning, Aisle 5, Princess Muffin, It’s Not Goodbye, It Could Be Any One of Us, The Fox’s Wedding, First Date, Troll the Dice, A Quest For Kindness, chrystAlistic, Romanus, The Deaners of Fairmount
Feature Film: Liminal: Indiana in the Anthropocene
Using beautiful drone footage and an original score by Fort Wayne's own Metavari, this meditative documentary showcases the state of Indiana in all its features and forms, illustrating the impact our economy has had on the land. Screening will include a live performance by Metavari.
Opening Night Reception will be from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. followed by the screening of the Short Films and Liminal: Indiana in the Anthropocene in the Main Theater.
Friday, October 20, 2023
The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story • Main Theater • 11 am - 12:15 pm
The life and journey of Fort Wayne native Johnny Bright, a star football player at Drake University. As a walk-on in 1949, he shattered college records. But in 1951, an act of violence by an opposing player put an end to his college career. Despite facing racial challenges, Bright persevered, becoming a Hall of Fame athlete and an award-winning educator.
A Q&A session with the filmmaker and Johnny Bright’s family will follow the screening of this film.
Solar Wind Alley • Spectator Lounge • 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
In a rural Finnish village, Alice lives with her younger sisters in the house their late mother built. As the head of the family now, Alice is determined to shield her siblings from the world's hardships. But when a solar storm strikes the village, plunging everyone into darkness and causing a community crisis, Alice's strength and resolve face an unforeseen test.
HUMAN STORIES: COOL PEOPLE EDITION 😎 • Main Theater • 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Explore the worlds of beauty salons, bowling alleys, young Black women’s relationships with their hair and hair stylists, and street art. From tales of resilience and triumph to poignant explorations of daily struggles, these films offer an authentic and relatable portrayal of the human experience, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of storytelling to connect us all. The shorts Friday Night Blind and Inside the Beauty Bubble are documentaries that follow individuals whose authentic lives make a big impact in their communities.
Short Films: Central, I Am Light, Crown., Flint. For Those Who Dare, Friday Night Blind, Inside the Beauty Bubble
TOUGH TOPICS: FROM LIFE TO DEATH • Spectator Lounge • 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Prepare to go on an emotional and meaningful journey with these six shorts. Through international storytelling, these shorts will leave a lasting impact. Follow along to explore the raw complexities of addiction, postpartum depression, toxic masculinity, capitalism's impact, and other moving themes that challenge and shape our understanding of ourselves and society.
Short Films: Same Old, Scale, Rock the Cradle, FAIRPLAY, A Matter of Luck, On/Off
Bloom • Main Theater • 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
A drama that follows the life of Kate, a mother of two children and a poodle. Stirred by the desire to flee her small-town Indiana life, this ambling Midwest tale begins with Kate in her late 60s, on the eve of an impromptu vacation that quickly snowballs into an adventure across America. Driven by memories from her past, we learn how Kate once broke free from her hometown and toured with a band on the road. Unfortunately, this dream came to an abrupt end, leaving her right back in the stagnant, small-town life she sought to escape. With her children’s inadvertent guidance, Kate’s attempt to live freely brings her face-to-face with her deepest regret in life.
(RE)CONNECTION • Spectator Lounge • 3:30 pm - 5:15 pm
The (bitter)sweet stories of re-establishing connections with those in your life… and even those who have passed from this life. Sometimes (re)connection comes where you least expect it – on the other side of a barbed wire fence, from your boyfriend's dead ex, or by finding a new way to relate in the wake of a mother’s passing. This block of five shorts is all about navigating the complexities and joys of life and relationships.
Short Films: Jouissance, A Few Steps Further, Love at Fifty, Seed, The Unexpected Expectant Father
IRANIAN FILMMAKER SHOWCASE • Main Theater • 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
For decades, Iranian cinema has contributed to the world of filmmaking. The nine films featured in this block span genres and highlight stories that showcase a rich cultural tapestry, captivating narratives, and the ability to evoke profound emotions. These films serve as a powerful window into the intricacies of Iranian society and the universal human condition. With all of the films featuring female leads, this block is an opportunity to gain insight into often untold and silenced stories. Ending with When the Tea Gets Cold, this progression of films will take you through the fight for freedom and unsung stories of personal revolution.
Short Films: Unnamed, Ice Blonde Hair, DAYBREAK, I’m Pregnant with Time Here, Nahid, Giti jan, Paper Doll, Yellow Line, When the tea gets cold
REALITY CHECK: SET LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES • Main Theater • 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Long days, long hours, big name actors and directors… but sometimes the most important person on set is not who you think it is. Gain a unique perspective into filmmaking with our behind-the-scenes film block. These four shorts take audiences deep into the film industry from the perspective of struggling yet relatable characters. From following an extra film actor fighting for roles and respect, to the experience of an intern who finds himself filling in for a much bigger role than expected, this block serves up a reality check for life behind the scenes.
Short Films: Live in 5, Background, RE:ACTING, The Chromakey Man
LIVING EVEN WHEN IT'S HARD • Spectator Lounge • 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Life is filled with both grief and opportunities to change. Expectations weigh heavily, especially from parents. Navigating spaces and relationships can lead to more questions than answers. Each of these shorts takes a unique path to investigating the experience of living as your true self, even when things get hard. Watch as everyday people struggle to break away from family to join a rap session on the subway, maintain their true identity, live with grief for lost daughters, and smash gender norms through a game of basketball.
Short Films: Phoenix, Torn Together, Two Shall Become One, I Want to Undie You, I AM POEM, Slam Dunk Sehaj!
Everybody Wants to Be Loved + Awards Ceremony• Main Theater • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Celebrate all the nominees and the winners! Don’t miss this chance to honor creativity, talent, and storytelling at its finest during the Awards Ceremony, followed by the screening of Everybody Wants to Be Loved. This is an event you won't want to miss as we come together to “See and be seen.” SEE you there! 👀
On a blisteringly hot summer day, psychotherapist Ina notices something is wrong with her. But she doesn't have time to worry about it: Patients are waiting at the practice, her daughter is threatening to move in with her father, her boyfriend wants to emigrate to Finland, and her self-centered mother is celebrating her 70th birthday. Ina wants to please everyone. But then everything changes.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Greener Pastures • Main Theater • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
An intimate look at the day-to-day lives of four small, multigenerational family farms over the course of four years. The film examines the various farm stressors, policies and politics that farmers must maneuver to survive, connecting the dots between mental health, industrialization, food production and climate change. It's a story of perseverance, patience and determination that tackles nothing less than the future of farming in America.
RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT • Spectator Lounge • 11 am - 12:30 pm
Film has the power to tell some incredibly moving stories. Young people of Myanmar standing up against a military regime, a village’s harmful superstitions against twins, the horrific aftermath of burn pits, children playing at cardboard war, the evils of big oil companies against unprotected peoples, and refugees sharing their new beginnings. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as these six impactful films from six countries explore deeply compelling concepts and extraordinary people.
Short Films: Invisible Wounds: The Story of Matthew Fast, Immortal Rose, Kogershin, Mirrors (Espejismos), Kambana, I Am More Dangerous Dead
STORIES FROM UKRAINE • Main Theater • 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
This three-film block starts off with an unexpected and marvelous superhero film set in Brovary, Ukraine, a city east of Kyiv. The mockumentary follows Captain Brovary, a do-gooder who actually does something heroic while trying to make a name for himself. The final two films explore the Russian invasion of Ukraine through a fictionalized narrative and a documentary. Prepare to leave this block with a deeper understanding of the war's impact on civilians and the resilience it takes to rebuild.
A panel conversation will follow the screening of these three films.
Short Films: Captain Brovary, Hedgehog, Mariupal Ukraine
Safe Place • Spectator Lounge • 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
A short documentary about a southern Indiana man who endured a fatal night of torture after being arrested for a routine traffic stop. Even though Jerod Draper had experienced a lifelong battle with pain and trauma, he had a normal childhood. His life started to derail after losing his best friend at age 14 and his first love at 15. To cope with the losses, Jerod began using drugs. Throughout his 20s and 30s, Jerod fought for sobriety while marrying and having a daughter. After getting divorced and losing visitation rights due to substance abuse, he vowed to stay clean. Jerod was over a year sober on October 4, 2018, when he was arrested for a routine traffic stop and wound up dead in prison.
A panel conversation will follow the screening of this film.
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES: TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND • Spectator Lounge • 2:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Changing and growing relationships can be difficult, but sometimes you gotta put yourself out there even if that means jumping on a longboard and participating in an advanced dance competition on wheels. This block of six short films follows characters as they try to delve into the vulnerability and sweetness of human relationships. Watch as a young woman chooses her own path forward with her sister’s assistance, a grandfather finds comfort during his daily park visits, a man discovers a love of gardening through the passing of his father, and more moments celebrate uniquely human experiences.
Short Films: The Killjoy (Ingen tid å miste), Dadu, Soil, AUXILIAIRE, Good Cuban Girls, Last Chance
DREAMING OF LOVE • Main Theater • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Love can definitely put you in a dream state. Get ready to dive into surreal experiences of people finding, ending, and creating romantic connections. Indulge your inner daydreamer and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of heartwarming, poignant, and sometimes bittersweet shorts.
Short Films: to my next lover, EITR, Dream Soda, Kiss ‘n’ Ride, Cos-Played, Metanoia, In The Wash, My little sanctuary (Autism isn’t what you see)
CONTENT: DYSTOPIAN WORLDS, TIME TRAVEL, CAPITALISM, AND SCROTUMS • Spectator Lounge • 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
A world where content rules all. A sperm named Erik finds his purpose. A man gives life advice to his clone. A woman travels back in time to exterminate her future. A corporation offers money in exchange for years. A group of college friends reconnect at a bar and get trapped. These six films showcase the ways in which sci-fi can unveil human nature and its struggles.
Short Films: CONTENT: The Lo-Fi Man, Time Spent, C L O N E , Erik, Can’t Go Home Again, Closing Time
THIS BLOCK IS CHAOTIC GOOD • Main Theater • 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Prom antics, a justice-enforcing clown, loud music, impressive culinary prowess, magnificent stage performances, men in skirts fighting dress codes, real talk about vaginas, hotdogs being shoved into faces, one giant 💩 joke, and some office romance sweetness – THIS BLOCK HAS IT ALL AND WE LOVE IT. Every film is an amazing, delightful gem. Watch it because we said so!
Short Films: Clown West, Eaten, Betsy, Adrian Christian: A Song For You, The Pleated Activists, Fuzzysurf – “Sheep Shed” (Music Video), Breakfast To Go, Loosen Up: The Short Film, Bro Code, Junebug, ANACONDA
Perfectly Good Moment • Spectator Lounge • 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm
This psychosexual thriller asks the question: What happens when the things that make your relationship passionate and exciting are the same things that make it toxic? Ruby and David have been together on-and-off for eight years, since she was 19 and he was 34. Six months after Ruby last ran out on him, she has returned. Once the initial bliss of the reunion wears off, old toxic patterns re-emerge. Is David too demanding and controlling, or is Ruby just too sensitive? Is Ruby as delicate and demure as she appears to be, or is there something more sinister behind the surface?
A Q&A session will follow the screening of this film.
NOT ALL BLOCKS OF FILMS NEED TITLES: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE EDITION • Main Theater • 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
This seemingly random block of ten shorts has a unifying thread among them: They stir up immense joy and deep reflection. Ever wonder how Carens perceive the world? What is the future of our malls? Should professors invest in security systems? Why shouldn’t men just dance? And does art inspire more art? While we can't claim to have definitive answers, these films might help you find answers. Or maybe more questions. Watch and feel some feels.
Short Films: Compassionate Caren in the Big, Bad World, The Mall Man, Paper Chasers, Flames, First Love, Why The Dogs and Wolves Fear Each Other, Beate sits in the bathroom in silence, The First Gardener, Dreaming of You(th), A couple of songs away
SATURDAY SCARIES • Spectator Lounge • 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
For those who are looking for horror with a slightly lighter twist, this block is for you. These six films follow the frightening journeys of individuals as they navigate new and old worlds, including a wall-papered room, faceless evils, social media, bad bosses, and unknown creatures.
Short Films: Thank You For Watching, Jane, You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me, What the Hell!, Bump in the Night, Creatures Part 1
NOTHING BETTER THAN REVENGE • Main Theater • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Now sit in a chair (restrained) and think about what you did. You know what’s great about these four short films? They allow you to live out your darkest, most satisfying revenge fantasies about some real big scumbags. Get ready to eat your popcorn, drink your tea, and watch some appendages go boom.
Short Films: Black Maria, Popcorn, Finger, Talión
DARK & TWISTY & (SOMETIMES) PRETTY FUN • Main Theater • 9:15 pm - 10:45 pm
Don’t worry. You are supposed to laugh during some of these – we won’t judge. In fact, we encourage you to fully succumb to these dark and sometimes twisty films. These films are gospel about the delights of darkness. Whether it’s through thievery, fighting slum lords, or participating in a ham radio adventure, this block of seven films will leave you reeling.
Short Films: Deadline, First Time Caller, Dead West, Solitude, Midnight Ride, Pigeon, There are no ghosts
SATURDAY SCARIES: SLIGHTLY LATER NIGHT EDITION • Spectator Lounge • 9:45 pm - 11:15 pm
Zombies. Death cults that promise a lifetime of riches. An odd obsession with pregnant people and water babies (you’ll figure out what that is if you don’t know). The unending joy of friendships that go far beyond the grave. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as these six films unleash a spine-chilling curation of horror films that delve into the macabre.
Short Films: The Day “IT” Came, Pete and Re-Pete, Trapped, The Unquiet Dead, Water Babies, Jingle Hell
Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Era of Giants • Spectator Lounge • 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Southern Italy has been hit by the most serious and devastating phytosanitary emergency of the century. A quarantine bacterium, called Xylella Fastidiosa, has killed 21 million olive trees, disrupting landscapes, economy, and human relationships. There is still no cure for this botanical infection, and the epidemic is advancing north, threatening the territories of the European Union.
A destiny that suddenly brings forgotten issues close to the political agenda of our country: desertification, climate change, global warming, globalization of markets, and the arrival of new pathogenic organisms imported from distant countries.
Elephant • Main Theater • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Poland's answer to Brokeback Mountain. Bartek, 22, runs a small horse farm in the mountains in Poland. He is forced to become head of the family when his father leaves and his mother has a breakdown. One day, their neighbor dies and his son Dawid, 32, comes home for the funeral. Bartek becomes fascinated with Dawid and his carefree ways. First love will force Bertek to decide if he’s ready to choose his freedom over family obligations.
More Than Corn • Spectator Lounge • 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Genesis and Eli, husband and wife farmers based in Noblesville, Indiana, share their journey to produce delicious, local food. While some may call it "the simple life," More Than Corn explores the challenges of starting and operating a produce farm in the Midwest.
CATHARSIS: THE PROCESS OF RELEASING STRONG OR REPRESSED EMOTIONS • Main Theater • 1:15 pm - 3:30 pm
These films explore, through narrative and documentary techniques, the complicated ways in which we carry our baggage and trauma with us, especially when it’s the people closest to us who hurt us, dismiss us, or tragically leave us. The films serve both as a therapeutic process and a window into dealing with those hurts and relationships.
Short Films: Let’s talk, Figure It Out, Little Girls Past, SOLO UN ENSAYO, Gun Control, Mylar Balloon, Attendant – Shell of a Life
A panel conversation will follow the screening of these films.
The scent of the wormwood • Spectator Lounge • 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
In a secluded village surrounded by mountains, three teenagers find solace in playful games, temporarily escaping the problems in their families. But as they grow older, the harsh realities of adulthood begin to encroach. Fathers fight for their place in society or succumb to alcohol, while mothers, in search of happiness, overlook the innocence of their young children at home.
No No Girl • Main Theater • 3:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Eighty years ago, on the eve of war and incarceration, a Japanese American family buries a secret in their backyard garden. Three generations later, a clue is discovered, unearthing the trauma and truth of their historic past.
Not Just a Picky Eater • Spectator Lounge • 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Eric thought he was just a super picky eater his whole life. Follow him on his journey as he discovers that he is not a picky eater, but has a little known eating disorder that may affect millions unknowingly.
Workshops & Special Events
Supporting Creative Communities: Visit Fort Wayne
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 @ 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Erin Okeson with Visit Fort Wayne will tell you about how their organization can support your current and future film projects. Come prepared with questions and to also provide feedback on how Visit Fort Wayne can better serve Fort Wayne, Indiana, and other filmmakers.
About Erin: Erin has been working with Visit Fort Wayne for almost eight years and is a professional storyteller. She strives to craft messages to inform, engage and inspire.
About Visit Fort Wayne: The Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the nonprofit organization whose purpose is to expand Fort Wayne's economy by attracting convention and leisure visitors.
Filmmaker Speed Dating
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 @ 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us upstairs for an hour-long networking opportunity to meet other Hobnobben-selected filmmakers and local Fort Wayne filmmakers. Learn about what they do, what projects they’re working on or have submitted to the festival, and chat about your shared love of independent filmmaking. It’s a fast, fun way to meet other filmmakers and make valuable connections before the Awards Ceremony and party at JK O'Donnell's.
The Many Paths to Filmmaking in Fort Wayne (and beyond)
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 @ 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Filmmakers Victoria Britton and Lauren Arnold will speak about how they found their filmmaking spaces in Fort Wayne. Come and be prepared to talk about best practices when it comes to resumes, reels, networking and more.
About Victoria: Victoria Britton is an award-winning Producer, Director, and 1st AC committed to telling personal stories that unpack themes of grief, spirituality, and womanhood.
About Lauren: Lauren Arnold is an Independent Artist & Producer, Creative Community Leader, and Healing Arts Advocate. In her twelve-year career she has found many creative spaces, stories, people, mediums, and ideas that have ignited a passion in her to continue sharing and working with the arts indefinitely ever since.
Pro-Tip: BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS, SWAG, AND REELS IF YOU HAVE THEM!
Hobnobben Film Festival After Party @ JK O’Donnell’s
Friday, Oct. 20 @ 7 p.m. - close
121 West Wayne Street | Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Join us at JK O'Donnell's for the ultimate after-party following the Hobnobben Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 20! Starting at 7 p.m., gather with fellow film enthusiasts in the beautifully renovated outdoor patio at JK O'Donnell's, 121 W. Wayne St.
Indulge in a delightful selection of Irish pub fare and refreshing beverages as you mingle with filmmakers and festival-goers alike. This is your chance to connect, unwind, and discuss the remarkable films you've experienced during this year's festival.
Also, catch exclusive film trailers from this year's festival lineup. It's the perfect way to cap off an incredible day of film appreciation and celebration.
THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND AND OPEN TO ALL!
Editing Workshop with PUNCH Films
Saturday, Oct. 21 @ 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
CEO of PUNCH Films, Derek Devine, and Editor + Colorist Christine Taylor will talk about how they stay on top of editing technology and software. They’ll also share their editing tips and tricks.
PRO-TIP: Come prepared to talk about your editing tips and tricks!
About PUNCH Films: PUNCH FILMS is a Midwest-based production company with a global reach, providing production support across a wide spectrum of digital content creation. Their productions span the country and the world. We team up with agencies, marketing teams, directors, producers, not-for-profits, business owners, and individual creators to merge our capabilities and achieve goals.
How to Pitch Yourself, Then Your Project with Comet Pictures’ Russell Goldman
Saturday, Oct. 21 @ 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Join a Comet Pictures executive in a casual workshop on how to pitch your work to potential funders and producers. Whether you're looking for advice on adapting the project you're presenting at Hobnobben, or just want tips for putting your best foot forward in a pitch, come with questions, and Russell will hope he has answers!
PRO-TIP: COME PREPARED WITH A PITCH AND GET FEEDBACK ON THE SPOT!
About Russell: Russell Goldman is a writer and filmmaker from Virginia, now based in Los Angeles. He is the writer of Mother Nature, a graphic novel inspired by the screenplay he wrote for his Comet Pictures producing partner Jamie Lee Curtis.
About Comet Pictures: Founded by Jamie Lee Curtis in 2019, Comet Pictures is a film, television and podcast production company with a first-look deal with Blumhouse, where Curtis has produced and starred as Laurie Strode in the Halloween trilogy.
Creator Space Brunch
Sunday, Oct, 22 @ 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Live DJ from J.Tubbs • Brunch provided by Mercado
Network, brunch, and brainstorm future projects while enjoying a Sunday Brunch as we begin to wrap up Hobnobben 2023. Brought to you by Creator Space’s Zach Vessels.
Stay tuned for giveaways that will happen during this Brunch!
About Zach: Filmmaker Zach Vessels works at One Lucky Guitar in downtown Fort Wayne and runs his own business,TopSphere Media. He loves to work with local artists and express himself through film. He started Creator Space as a way to help likeminded individuals come together to make art in Fort Wayne.
About Creator Space: Creator Space is a monthly social and networking event where Fort Wayne creators (and visitors!) can make connections and share ideas.