UC IRVINE'S STUDENT FILM

A look into the inner workings of a west-coast college rowing team, and the passion that drives them to move forward.

Director: Larry Tang / Producer: Luis Gonzales, Anteater TV / Cast: UCI Rowing Team

NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD

Healing and redemption while pursuing a running record on the 470km Lebanon Mountain Trail.

Director: Bachar Khattar / Producers: Patrick Vaughan, Denise Jabbour, Jerome Gary, Tim Rockwood, Bachar Khattar / Cast: Patrick Vaughan, Avedis Kalpaklian, Ali Kedami, Laurent Esteoule-Bado, Phyllis Neriah Tsang

View the pre-recorded Q&A here.

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE / NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD

Can she move on? Story of a woman athlete from Iran who is trying to get back in fields from her accident and also faces deprivation because she does not agree to compete with hijab in international events and she must confront its aftermath.

Director, Writer & Producer: Saeed Mayahy / Cast: Dorna Mahini

View the pre-recorded Q&A here.

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE / NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD

A documentary about a marine mammal biologist trying to protect one of the last paradises on earth before his age fails him.

Director: Taylor Rees / Producer: Povel Torudd 

View the pre-recorded Q&A here.

UC IRVINE'S STUDENT FILM / LOS ANGELES PREMIERE 

A healing and safe place for women in the mountains of Nepal brings into being the beauty of life.

Director: Ryan Wang

WEST COAST PREMIERE

Jo Swing is an accordionist, native from Lyon and Kessy Mac Queen is a singer, native from the Caribbean islands. Two French artists with disabilities who have passionate dreams in Music but they never met before.

Director & Writer: Nwaye Zar Che Soe / Producer: Benjamin Lemaitre  / Cast: Jo Swing, Kessy Mac Queen

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE 

The story of Jeff Pifher and his band Socrates' Trial and their idea of what jazz can be today.

Director: Alexander Craven / Producers: Jeff Pifher, Merlin Showalter, Jeff Pifher / Cast: Harlan Hodges, Ian Wurfl, Eric England, Misha Bigos, Colin Cook, Corey Coverstone, René G. Boscio, Jason LaRocca

We would like to thank all of 2020 Sponsors for helping us make the 23rd Annual Arpa International Film Festival powered by Seed&Spark possible. Your generous support continues to embrace gifted filmmakers who are trying to make a difference. Thank you!