Death of James, The
Based on a true story, “The Death of James” tells the unique journey of two young friends grappling with mortality as they are confronted with the impending loss of a cherished pet ferret. Humorous, awkward, and deeply heartbreaking, the film takes an unflinching look at death, loss, euthanasia, and the uncertainties that may or may not follow.
Derby
In Derby, Kansas, summer is coming to an end, and nine-year old Percy is confronted with the harsh reality of his mother’s addiction. Student Film – Columbia University.
Devil is Busy, The
As the director of operations and security of a clinic in Atlanta, Tracy doesn’t take any chances when it comes to the safety of both the patients and the staff. Executive produced by Soledad O’Brien and directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn Hampton, this short documentary is an eye-opening portrayal of the shifting landscape for abortion providers in America.
Diciannove
A curious student embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that the path, no matter how unfamiliar or daunting, is worthwhile.
Documentary Shorts 2025: Program 1
As an Academy Award®-qualifying festival, RiverRun is proud to present a powerful selection of documentary shorts that shine a light on untold stories, diverse perspectives, and impactful moments from around the globe.
Documentary Shorts 2025: Program 2
As an Academy Award®-qualifying festival, RiverRun is proud to present a powerful selection of documentary shorts that shine a light on untold stories, diverse perspectives, and impactful moments from around the globe.
Dragfox
Sam’s search for identity gets interrupted by a mysterious neighbourhood fox. Together, they embark on a magical journey to the attic to discover the surprising things they might have in common, and how to celebrate the ways in which they differ.
Driver
After losing everything, Desiree Wood takes a second lease on life as a long-haul truck driver. Alongside an irreverent group of women truckers, she fights for a life on the road. Using an intimate and observational approach, “Driver” captures the experience of Desiree and her fellow drivers within a system that routinely promises and denies them the safety and autonomy that they desire.
Eastern Western
Set in the 1880s, “Eastern Western” follows Igor, a recent immigrant and widower who struggles to raise his two-year-old son Ivo in the mountains of the American West. The harshness of winter brings new challenges, testing Igor’s parenting and survival skills.
Easy Kind, The
Directed by Katy Chevigny, this hybrid film is a rollicking journey inspired by and starring Nashville singer Elizabeth Cook, as she breaks through the constraints of country music to become the artist that she’s meant to be. Also featuring performances by RiverRun 2023 Master of Cinema Karen Allen, Melissa Jackson, Charles Esten, and David Letterman.
Éiru
Éiru is the smallest child in an Iron-Age clan. All she wants is to be a mighty warrior who is taken seriously by her kinfolk. But when the village’s well mysteriously dries up, only she is small enough to descend into the belly of the earth to investigate and bring the water of life back to her people.
Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting
An allegorical, 1930s-set, coming-of-age fable about mothers, daughters, & the beasts they hunt.
Etherea
Cloud formations converge and transform into shapes of two transient dancers in the sky. The beautifully surreal illusion displays the ephemeral nature of relationships and life.
Everything and the Universe
Two strangers en route to a wedding in North Carolina discover they are both in love with the bride.
Familiar Touch
This groundbreaking, coming-of-(old)-age film follows an octogenarian woman’s transition to life in assisted living as she contends with her conflicting relationship with herself and her caregivers amidst her shifting memory, age identity, and desires.
