NoBudge is happy to present a new program of twelve short films from a group of emerging indie filmmakers mostly based in New York. This edition explores a range of unusual relationships and questionable behavior that finds its characters in modes of scheming and rationalizing. A mix of drama, comedy, and animation, the program moves between naturalistic, strange, absurd, and provocative. Eight of the films are premieres and each director will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A and Afterparty.

NoBudge is an online platform spotlighting the best in low-budget indie filmmaking. “One of the best places to sample what’s happening in low-budget cinema worldwide,” says Glenn Kenny of The New York Times. Its mission is to provide a supportive home for emerging indie filmmakers working with limited resources and without major industry connections, and to be a trusted discovery platform.

Ola Ola
Director Adesola Thomas present.
One evening in Brooklyn, two queer Nigerian cousins have a meditative evening after one returns from a tumultuous party.
(9 min)

Angel Wings and Open Wounds
NYC Premiere
Director Mathilde Hauducoeur present.
Maud, 13 and devilishly charming, is the leader of her group of girlfriends in the 7th grade. When she abuses her power during a game, her friends turn against her.
(13 min)

Rumpelstiltskin
Director Ethan Fuirst present.
A filmmaker compares his love life to the Rumpelstiltskin fable.
(8 min)

Telling George
U.S. Premiere
Directed by Fergus Campbell.
Anton writes to George about isolation at his uncle’s castle-mansion-faux-mountain estate.
(2 min)

Wise Words
NYC Premiere
Director Samuel Centore present.
After hearing a priest’s uncanny sermon to “help the strippers,” Peter decides to focus all his energy on a birder named Maude.
(15 min)

A Men
NYC Premiere
Director Ava Burka present
A young Jewish woman does not know the mourner’s kaddish. She is also sleeping with a lot of sadistic catholic men.
(5 min)

Oh Man Magdalena
U.S. Premiere
Director Ryan Wagner present.
Magdalena runs out of things to talk about with her therapist.
(8 min)

Francesca
U.S. Premiere
Actor Francesca D’Uva present.
Francesca practices a wedding speech for her sister’s wedding.
(6 min)

Telling George Again
U.S Premiere
Directed by Fergus Campbell.
Anton writes to George about spending New Year’s at his uncle’s fantastical castle-canyon-modernist complex.
(2 min)

Normal Guys
Brooklyn Premiere
Director Michael Rees present.
Will channels his genius into a money-making scheme, meanwhile, Kyle commits a faux pas at the park.
(9 min)

Scotty’s Vag
Director Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz present.
On the night of a sorority hazing event, a college freshman learns just how far she’s willing to go to impress an older girl.
(16 min)

The Event
Co-director Hugo De Sousa present.
It’s 2 AM and Vince just wants to know why his best friend hasn’t watched his short film yet.
(11 min)