NBPT Docu Fest to present Oscar®-Nominated Documentary Shorts
First ever screening of exclusive program in Newburyport, MA
As part of their year-round Film Series, the NBPT Docu Fest (NDFF) will screen all five of the Oscar-Nominated Documentary Shorts (total program time: 156 minutes) at the Firehouse Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 23 from 5 to 8:45pm. For the last 15 years, the Oscar-nominated short films have screened at selected art house cinemas during “Oscars Season” and NDFF is fortunate to present the documentaries package for the first time in Newburyport. Taking place shortly after this year’s Academy Awards on February 9th allows the opportunity to view the winning film as well as the four other contenders.
The five films to be screened are:
In the Absence: When the MV Sewol ferry sank off the coast of South Korea in 2014, over three hundred people lost their lives, most of them schoolchildren. Years later, the victims’ families and survivors are still demanding justice from national authorities.
Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone (If You’re a Girl): Over the course of 15 years, a class of young girls from disadvantaged neighborhoods in war-torn Kabul, learn to read and write, and grow together in confidence through the joy of skateboarding.
Life Overtakes Me: Hundreds of refugee children in Sweden who have fled with their families from extreme trauma in their home countries have become afflicted with Resignation Syndrome. Facing deportation, they withdraw from the world into a coma-like state, as if frozen, for months or even years.
St. Louis Superman: Bruce Franks Jr., a leading Ferguson activist and battle rapper who was elected to the overwhelmingly white and Republican Missouri House of Representatives, must overcome both personal trauma and political obstacles to pass a bill critical to his community.
Walk Run Cha-Cha: Chipaul and Millie Cao reunited in 1980s Los Angeles after being separated by the Vietnam War. Forty years later, they become ballroom dancers to reconnect again and make up for lost time.
The evening begins at 5pm with a free wine, beer and snacks reception with the films screening at 6pm.
Tickets are $ 20. Visit www.firehouse.org to purchase tickets.
To view the trailers and keep updated regarding upcoming programs and events, visit the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival website .
Follow them on Facebook or on Twitter at @nbptfilmfest.