2024 Film Schedule
The 9th annual Hobnobben Film Festival is going to be incredible! With a staggering number of submissions from talented filmmakers worldwide, we have curated 32 film blocks featuring 141 outstanding films. 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 3 - 6, 2024. If you can’t make it in person, we offer virtual tickets to stream the films through October 19th.
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, October 3, 2024: OPENING NIGHT
Spectator Lounge & Main Theater • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Celebrate Hobnobben 2024 and the remarkable filmmakers who make our festival possible. The festivities will kick off with an Opening Night Reception in the Spectator Lounge, where guests can enjoy a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres provided by Acme by Full Circle. Following the reception, we will screen a block of 10 short films from local and Indiana filmmakers followed by the feature film, Last Days of Summer.
Opening Night Shorts • Main Theater • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
These ten shorts showcase a wide variety of stories, characters, and themes. Together, they showcase the depth and versatility of Indiana storytelling, making this block a celebration of homegrown talent.
Short Films: A Warm Meal, Order for Brulie, Destiny, Stacks, Beyond Silence, We Will Find a Way, Samuel Plato: Preserving a Legacy, The Escort, The Roommate
Opening Night Feature: Last Days of Summer • Main Theater • 8:45 pm - 10:00 pm
In a sleepy midwestern neighborhood where nothing exciting ever happens the girl next door goes missing. This is the first feature film from Indianapolis filmmaker, Alex Rodgers.
Opening Night Reception will be from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. followed by the screening of the Opening Night Short Films and Last Days of Summer in the Main Theater.
Friday, October 4, 2024
The Exchange. In White America. Kaukauna & King 50 Years Later • Main Theater • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
This is the story of an exchange between Black and White high school students in Wisconsin in 1966, during the Civil Rights Movement. The participants lived in each other's homes, attended classes in each other's schools, and performed the groundbreaking play In White America in both cities. For some of the students from Kaukauna, it was the first time they had ever seen Black people in person. For the Black and White students from Milwaukee, it was their first experience living in a small, all-white town in central Wisconsin.
More than 50 years later, a new generation of high school students restages the play. Hear all their stories in this documentary.
NATURE’S PLACE + PANEL DISCUSSION• Spectator Lounge • 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Nature forms the backbone of our economy, society, and our very survival. Explore one woman’s deep connection with forests and trees, the terrifying lives of wasps, how someone's relationships with birds can reflect their place in the world, and learn more about one of the most misunderstood, and surprisingly adorable, marsupials.
Stay following the block of films for a short panel conversation.
Short Films: Between Earth and Sky, Sandcastle: The Secret Life of Wasps, The Splint, Shorebirds, FÁR, Playing Possum
FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER • Main Theater • 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Where did we come from, where will we end up, and who will we impact along the way? From the unconditional love between pets and their owners to the complex bonds between grandmothers, mothers, and (grand)daughters, each of these seven short films invites audiences to reflect on the multifaceted nature of family connections and the impact of personal struggles on these relationships.
Short Films: Ah-Mà: A Tale of Two Generations, Misu-Misu, No More Sad Songs, The Weight of A Dog, Autumn, And that's for this Christmas, Grown F*cking Kids
LIVING…EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD • Spectator Lounge • 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Things that are tough: Being a woman, poverty, seeing your loved ones struggle, feeling stuck, and having options available taken away instantly.
Things that are incredibly well done that you need to see: All of the films in this block.
Short Films: Courage, Skettel, The Invisible Crown, Hemorrhage, You Deserve it, Remember Me
ARTISTS GOTTA ART + PANEL DISCUSSION• Main Theater • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Art has the power to open our minds to fresh perspectives, ideas, and values. It can transport us to the past for reflection or propel us into the future with new insights. The art and artists showcased in these eight short films are visually stunning, deeply connective, and demonstrate the profound impact that various mediums can have on us, whether it be film, poetry, sculpture, sartorial style, music, or more.
Following the film, we will have a panel conversation with the filmmakers on their films and about art and artists in Fort Wayne.
Short Films: 3 Poems by Dickinson, Le Son des Pinces (The Sound of the Claws), Layered Like a Wig: Bryan Ballinger, Top Secret Jazz, Finding Venus, Kimono, My Grandmother's Story, Sack Race With Knives: The Curious Art of Kevin Titzer
That Alien, Sound • Spectator Lounge • 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm
An alien sound wave appears to take over a woman's body through a radio broadcast. Her disbelieving boyfriend struggles to accept her identity and save their relationship.
IRANIAN FILM SHOWCASE • Main Theater • 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
The five films in this block highlight rich characters and offer a window into the complexities of Iranian society. Watch as a woman creates a birthday meal for her daughter and adjusts as the awful happens, a young child struggles with his family, a father and daughter attempt to work through generational differences, a woman tries to resist oppression, and another person seeks to find themselves and community in a parking garage.
Short Films: The Steak, Yashar, Sordine, The Sunset of Green Snails, The Birth of a Girl
THESE FILMS PUT THE SCI IN FI • Spectator Lounge • 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Dystopias, AI, scarce resources - these five short films highlight human nature at its best and potential worst. In the futures presented in these films, the stakes are high as technology and disasters change how people work, live, and love.
Short Films: Apocalypse Dreams, You Think Although You Are Not, Genesis, Voyager, Hamelin 77
DARK & TWISTY & (SOMETIMES) PRETTY FUN • Main Lounge • 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm
Zombies, cuckoo clocks, singing pastries, epic fights, murder, and the inevitable corruption that comes with absolute power and privilege! Fun times. You’re allowed to laugh during some of these six short films that will allow you to dive into your dark and twisty side.
Short Films: Onward Ye Costumed Souls, Cuckoo, Cakes!, The Taken, Bin Day, Nothing in the Middle of Nowhere
Awards Ceremony + Party • Spectator Lounge • 7:00 pm - 7:30 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 a catered party and networking opportunity in the same space, the Spectator Lounge.
This is an event you won't want to miss as we come together to “See and be seen.” SEE you there! 👀
A Long Way from Heaven • Main Theater • 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
This feature-length documentary tells the story of Brigham Young University’s (BYU) queer underground, demanding their place in the sunlight. It focuses on the students who lit the school's iconic "Y" in rainbow colors, and the resulting fallout of this event.
BYU is a university sponsored by the Church or Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (LDS) and their members are known colloquially to many as Mormons.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
IT’S COMPLICATED • Main Theater • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Forging meaningful connections with others can be complicated: what are you looking for in the relationship? What are your boundaries? What do your friends think? Whether it’s two people forming a bond with one another to work through feelings of listlessness, belonging, heartbreak, betrayal (perceived or otherwise), loneliness, or miscommunication/interpretation - it’s sometimes heartwarming - and sometimes heartbreaking.
Short Films: The Therapist, About Love, Friendship and Work, Lockdown Romance, Perspective, With You Now, The Space Between
THIS BLOCK IS SO LGBTQIA+ • Spectator Lounge • 11:15 am - 1:00 pm
This block is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories, embracing every letter in the spectrum, including the often underrepresented “I.” Each film explores the unique challenges faced by queer individuals, exploring themes of family dynamics, learning to love yourself, societal misconceptions, personal identity, and the quest for community.
Short Films: Theeye, Queen, Boy Mode, Kaina, Misery Loves Company, Common as Red Hair, If
Loud Enough + PANEL DISCUSSION • Main Theater • 12:45 pm - 2:30 pm
In the shadow of the fifth year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, this intimate, personal film following a sexual assault survivor and her family explores and reflects the Herculean effort still required in America for a survivor of sexual violence and their loved ones to hold an attacker and the judicial system accountable.
Join us for a panel conversation about the film and how it relates to Fort Wayne and the state of Indiana.
Blue Sunshine • Spectator Lounge • 1:15 pm - 3:00 pm
Aravind, a high school teacher in a small town in South India, wishes to transition from male to female while working at the school. Aravind's parents are unaware that he has already begun hormone treatment for this transition. When his parents, due to financial pressures, force him into an arranged marriage, Aravind finds the courage to live as a woman named Bhanu with the help of his friend Haritha. However, the school administration refuses to acknowledge Bhanu as a woman, creating significant obstacles.
As Bhanu struggles to find happiness after her transition, she encounters Karthik, a student who is being bullied for his feminine demeanor. In response to the bullying, Karthik retaliates by wearing makeup and nail polish to school. The administration blames Bhanu for the issues, complicating matters further. The story unfolds as Bhanu and Karthik navigate these challenges together.
COMING OF AGE: ACROSS THE GLOBE • Main Theater • 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Each of these five short films explores the universal quest for self-understanding. They present a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the multifaceted process of maturing and carving out one's unique path while grappling with identity, friendship, family dynamics, love and relationships, and societal expectations.
Short Films: Midnight on MSN, Sunflower Girl, Ritual for the Rainbow, TITS, A Joke
BLACK STORIES IN THE AMERICAS • Spectator Lounge • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
These three films shed light on the rich yet often oppressive experiences of Black people in the Americas. Blueprint for My People lyrically intertwines poetry with contemporary imagery and rare 19th-century cyanotypes, offering a poignant reflection on the African-American experience. Nyanga tells the powerful story of an enslaved man’s fight for freedom. How to Sue the Klan chronicles the courageous efforts of women and a young civil rights lawyer as they seek justice against the KKK for their violent crimes.
Short Films: Blueprint for My People, Nyanga, How to Sue the Klan
PARTY QUEENS • Main Theater • 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm
Hampus Klang, the guitarist for the hard rock band BULLET, leads a life that starkly contrasts with the rock-and-roll lifestyle often associated with his profession. While on tour with his band, Klang’s true passion reveals itself in the Swedish countryside where he dedicates his time to raising and showing chickens. Competing in poultry shows, Klang’s ambition drives him to innovate, even creating his own breed known as Party Queens, which are uniquely tailored to embody his hard rock spirit. This warm and engaging documentary explores the duality of Klang’s life, highlighting his pursuit of happiness and success in two seemingly disparate worlds. It ultimately reveals that these worlds might not be as different as they appear, showing that true fulfillment often lies in embracing one's passions across various facets of life.
TAKING CARE • Spectator Lounge • 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Taking care of yourself and others, both mentally and physically, is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each journey is unique, shaped by different backgrounds, challenges, and triumphs. Celebrating even the smallest accomplishments is an essential part of this process. These six films explore the many paths people take in their pursuit of well-being.
Short Films: Abnormal, Unsinkable Mac, A Place at the Operating Table, Team Dream, Ask Me How I Am, Sit With it
DO WE LAUGH… OR CRY? • Main Theater • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
How do you cope when faced with an overwhelming situation—like the looming threat of your own murder, sudden paralysis, or the unsettling reality that everyone around you looks flawless, their skin tinged gold from "drinking water," while you feel like an outsider? Do you confide in a therapist, seeking guidance to navigate your unique passion? Dance? Or do you find solace in humor, using jokes as a shield against absurdity and fear?
Short Films: The Murder, Chairs, Gold Rush, Ave Marie, Caller Number Nine, What Happened To You
SATURDAY NIGHT SCARIES • Spectator Lounge • 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm
For those looking for a spooky and scary Saturday night, this block is right up your alley. These seven films take you on eerie adventures where characters encounter parents with dark secrets, nosey neighbors, voices from beyond, demons - both literal and metaphorical and - most horrendously - navigate the perils of camping with an influencer (shudder).
Short Films: Yikes!, Glamping, Forever Flowers, Pretty Hands, You're on Your Own, Kid, Strange Creatures, Chute
THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: SATURDAY NIGHT EDITION! • Main Theater • 7:45 pm - 9:30 pm
Dive into a world of fun and creativity in what truly are some of our favorite things! Break free from monotony, your preconceived notions of success & family, your clothes (not literally, please stay dressed in the theater - this is a cute and pithy reference to a film in the block), and enjoy these ten quirky and delightful stories. Enjoy the ride!
Short Films: Everything is the Same, Beromut, Shannon is Strange, La Recette, Fred the Super Computer, Rocks, Pickleball Baby, The Indulgence of Viv Le Vac, Coffee Grapefruit Cacao, World Naked Bike Tour
Dracula: The Count’s Kin • Spectator Lounge • 8:45 pm - 10:15 pm
A century after his legendary death, Dracula's blood sister has emerged with her own nefarious plans. Will a newly minted private detective with a mysterious past put an end to these malevolent intentions?
Sunday, October 6, 2024
FINDING HOME + PANEL DISCUSSION• Main Theater • 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
These narrative and documentary shorts explore the unique, yet universal struggles, of immigrants throughout the world as they face hurdles unique to their circumstances: from trying to follow your passion, to doing what you think is best for your children, to trying to reunite your family from a continent away.
Stay following the film for a conversation about the films and about the communities and resources available to immigrants in Fort Wayne and Indiana.
Short Films: Gabriela, Go in Peace, Expanding Sanctuary, The Poem We Sang
TOUGH TOPICS: FROM LIFE TO DEATH • Spectator Lounge• 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Grief is a profound and transformative emotion that deeply impacts those who experience it. Each of these four fictional shorts delves into the intimate and personal journeys of individuals grappling with the death of a loved one. Through their stories, we witness the unpredictable ways in which grief can manifest, revealing the raw and often hidden struggles that accompany the process of mourning.
Short Films: Blue Hour, Scherben, As Easy As Closing Your Eyes, Last Call
LONGING TO BELONG • Main Theater • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Grappling with the effects of colonialism and imperialism involves confronting the complex legacy of historical domination, which often includes cultural displacement, economic exploitation, and social inequality. The struggle to reclaim and redefine cultural identity becomes paramount in these documentary and narrative films as individuals and communities work to reconnect with their heritage and find their own place in the world.
Short Films: Points of Origin, Stay Awhile, Shoes, Dammi
EMBRACING THE SPECTRUM OF LIFE + PANEL DISCUSSION • Spectator Lounge • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Whether you’re a normie, on the spectrum, or have a physical or intellectual disability, your stories deserve to be told and celebrated. These narrative and documentary films explore the full spectrum of human experience, highlighting the importance of connection and inclusion for everyone.
Stay following the film for a panel discussion about the films and about resources and communities available in Fort Wayne and the region.
Short Films: Breaking Normal, Unsorted, Can't Wait to See You, Love Sweet Sound, El color de la habitación, Saving Superman, Nuestro Reino
MAKING THE JOURNEY • Main Theater • 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Migration shapes societies, cultures, and economies as individuals and communities seek new beginnings in unfamiliar territories, bringing with them their unique experiences, skills, and traditions. The journey, however hopeful, can be fraught with unimaginable hardships and dangers. These five short films delve into the challenging process of migration and the courage of those who dare to make the journey.
Short Films: Forsaken, Abrazo, Beirut 2030, I Promise You Paradise, Eldorado
DADDY ISSUES • Spectator Lounge • 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
The relationships we have, or don’t have, with our parents can shape the way we navigate the world. In these five films, experience a wide representation of paternal relationships: a woman discovering a connection to music and her stepfather after his passing, a couple that is forever changed by a knock on their door, a father struggling with his morals and protecting his son, a man seeking connection with his father, and a woman grappling with her elderly father's request.
Short Films: The High Life, Simon, The Only Son, Cottage Grove, In 100 Years
This Town Rocked • Main Theater • 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
A community of misfits converged in the late 80's and early 90’s Fort Wayne, Indiana to create a punk scene that shook stages, bar floors and changed a city forever.
Game Over • Spectator Lounge • 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Wojtek, an unemployed gamer, receives a court order to leave the house of his mother, Joanna, within a month. Upon returning home an argument occurs between them, after which Wojtek finds Joanna unconscious at the entrance to the staircase. The diagnosis shows a brainstem injury, resulting in the so-called "locked-in syndrome. Joanna is conscious, but other than eye movements she is unable to move. Her chance of recovery can be increased by expensive rehabilitation. Wojtek is forced to take matters into his own hands.
Workshops & Special Events
Friday, October 4, 2024 • Film and Media Tax Credits in Indiana • 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
In the summer of 2022, Indiana passed the Film and Media Tax Credit. Two years later, the kinks in this process are starting to be worked out. Come speak with representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to learn about how you can take advantage of these tax credits for your projects.
Friday, October 4, 2024 • Filmmaker Speed Dating • 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
One of the most valuable things about attending a film festival is the opportunity to connect with other filmmakers, but starting the conversations can be awkward! Let us help!
This hour-long networking opportunity will allow you 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 loved of independent filmmaking. It’s a fast, fun way to meet other filmmakers and make valuable connections before the Awards Ceremony.
Hosted by CollegeTV’s Will Beamon.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • Unlocking Success in the Film & TV Industry with Line Producer Jennifer Haire • 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Expedite the transition from student or hobbyist to professional. Presentation includes tips on freelance employment, tips on getting more industry experience, adapting non-industry work, where to look for work, as well as guidance on networking, resumes and interviewing.
About Jennifer: Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with global feature film and television experience. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America and IATSE. She conducts film and TV production training workshops across the nation and is the co-author of “Keys to the Production Office.”
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • Music In Film: Working with a Composer and Understanding Rights & Licensing • 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Royalty-free music vs. sync licensing rights - how do you find music and compositions that fit your film that you know you have permission to use? And if you have found a composer of your own, what are some best practices for collaboration? Composer Eric Salazer, The Clarinet Guy, will help you answer these questions and more during this workshop focused on how music, recordings, and musicians can amplify the impact of your film.
About Eric: In addition to his work as a performer, chamber musician and career coach, Eric has composed music for several Indiana filmmakers. His recent work includes Hellbender in the Blue with Teardrop Pictures, Dirty Laundry with 12 Stars Media, and Bruce the Juice: An Abstract Biography with Dancer Lauren Curry. As a film composer, he enjoys working with independent directors to enhance their films and stories with his compositions.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • The Comedy Nerd Presents: Characters from Every Genre • 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Join improv aficionado Caitlin Thompson for this genre-inspired character workshop. Learn easy tips, tricks, and exercises that will boost your creative process as an actor or director. Walk away with the skills to generate unique and motivated characters in minutes!
About Caitlin: Caitlin graduated from Purdue University with dual degrees in Communication and Theatre. After college, she trained at The Second City Chicago and performed in comedy shows throughout the city. She currently plays with Fort Wayne's premier comedy troupe Broken Pencil Improv and a new musical comedy duo, Murder House Rock. She also conducts improvisation trainings through her site The Comedy Nerd.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 • Creator Space Brunch • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Join the Creator Space community on the final day of the Hobnobben Film Festival for an exciting brunch and brainstorming session designed to support local filmmakers with their latest projects.
Event Highlights:
Brunch and Networking: Enjoy a delicious brunch while mingling with fellow creatives from the Fort Wayne area.
Project Brainstorming: We are looking for five filmmakers to present their current projects. Each participant will have:
1 minute to introduce their project to the group.
1 minute to share a preview or clip from their project.
Constructive Feedback: After each presentation, the audience will provide constructive feedback, offering insights and suggestions to help enhance the projects. This is a great opportunity to:
Share more details about your project.
Find collaborators for your production.
Highlight something exciting you’re working on.
How to Participate: If you’re interested in being one of the five filmmakers to present your project, please fill out the submission form. We will contact you at least two weeks before the event, which takes place on October 6th, 2024. Link to Submission Form: https://forms.gle/eohF3KREDAwrZgDv8
Even if you’re not sharing a project, come hang out, network with other filmmakers, and enjoy some great food!
About Zach: Filmmaker Zach Vessels runs his own production business, TopSphere Media. He loves to work with local artists and express himself through film. He started Creator Space as a way to help like-minded 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.