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Vijay Mohan Social Change Award

Vijay Krishna Mohan was a filmmaker, musician, activist, author, and beloved member of the PAAFF staff who passed away after a cycling accident. His belief that it is possible to build a better community through the arts was a shining beacon for hope and his work touched the lives of many in Philadelphia and beyond. Starting in 2015 we began giving an award in his name to the film or filmmaker who best embodies Vijay’s passion for transformative change through media.

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Short Film Nominees

Each short film nominee is part of a full shorts program. To watch each nominated short you must purchase access to the full shorts program. Short film nominees are considered for the following awards: Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Experimental Short, Best Student Short, and Best Animated Short.

Murder Tongue

Murder Tongue

Film Murder Tongue Directed by Ali Sohail Jaura May 1992. The state sanctioned “Operation” has put Karachi at unrest. Abdul Aziz Ansari is awakened by his…
Kalam

KALAM

Film KALAM Directed by Prabin Kumar Rawat Set during the outset of the Nepali civil war, "Kalam" follows a teenager who remains in his village…
Bayard Street

Bayard Street

Film Bayard Street Directed by Cindy Chu Two Chinese restaurant workers find love while chasing their American dreams in 1980's NYC.
Unfamiliar Familiar

Unfamiliar Familiar

Film Unfamiliar Familiar Directed by Hae-Sup Sin A middle aged Swiss-Korean woman flies to Korea during the pandemic after receiving news of her mother's death.…
Seasons

Seasons

Film Seasons Directed by Gabriella Canal, Michael Fearon A matriarchal Korean family farm navigates an uncertain future.
The Doll (Arousak)

The Doll (Arousak)

Film The Doll (Arousak) Directed by Elahe Esmaili After consulting with his relatives, a 35-year-old father consents to the marriage of his 14-year-old daughter. As individuals…
Kāhuli

Kāhuli

Film Kāhuli Directed by Chris Johns A cinéma vérité documentary that offers a glimpse into this largely unknown and complex world through the eyes…
The Feeling of Being Close to You

The Feeling of Being Close to You

Film The Feeling of Being Close to You Directed by Ash Goh Hua Documenting an attempt at healing the trauma of touch between mother and child.
Tapa: The Cloth That Binds Us

Tapa: The Cloth That Binds Us

Film Tapa: The Cloth That Binds Us Directed by Nancy Thompson A journey through the life of a young Pasifika woman as she learns the traditional practice of making…
Jal-Jinae/Spend Your Life Well

Jal-Jinae

Film Jal-Jinae Directed by Janice Chi A girl with chronic nosebleeds takes an especially long bathroom break.
Perfect Restaurant

Perfect Restaurant

Film Perfect Restaurant Directed by Aiken Chau A fly wreaks havoc on a family's dinner at a restaurant.
Umbilical

Umbilical

Film Umbilical Directed by Pavit Panag A short film that deals with loss and a metamorphosis of self following the act of letting go—featuring…
Virus

VIRUS

Film VIRUS Directed by Yuri Sapre A depiction of the filmmaker’s experience being mentally ill, exploring both the good and bad sides of neurodivergence…
Eureka

Eureka

Film Eureka Directed by Miida Chu A young, indentured Chinese prostitute must overcome her toxic dependency on the brothel madam on the eve of…
Where No One Lives

Where No One Lives

Film Where No One Lives Directed by Li Anne Liew One night, three lonely neighbors find themselves in search of connection, forgiveness, and company in an old apartment…
Last Flight

Last Flight

Film Last Flight Directed by Tianyi Jiang On Chinese New Year’s Eve 2019, a young journalist receives the opportunity to report on
COVID-19 in Wuhan, but…