LOVE>> Film Screenings Presents Filmmakers Trumping Hate

"As artists, we have to respond; we have to say something..."

Chandra Thomas, an actor-writer-producer, made that statement to a friend after the 2016 election during the heightening spike in hate and violence against marginalized people in this country.

And that is how LOVE>> Film Screenings started just a few weeks ago.

The LOVE>> Film Screenings (read as "Love is greater than...") is a film festival dedicated to short films that trump hate. The ten UPLIFTING films from the New York City area and beyond were selected from nearly 1400 submissions worldwide. They reflect inclusive voices, content and representation both on screen and off; additionally a majority of the shorts come from female content creators. The short films include comedies, dramas, animation and documentaries that touch many of the issues we're all talking about right now, like gender inequality, immigration, race and ethnicity, the LGTBQ+ community, religion, marginalized communities, and more.

"As always, artists and content creators are at the forefront of speaking up and speaking out. We've seen this recently with the Ghostlight Project, the Women's March Movement and many initiatives where artists are closely linked to changing the narrative. We're honored to do our part with the LOVE>> Film Screenings- to speak from a place of greater love and fundamental respect for each other," says Ms. thomas, producer and curator of LOVE>> Film Screenings.

There are two screenings on February 9th at 7pm and 9:15pm at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, NYC). Each screening is immediately followed by a moderated talkback with the filmmakers and audience. The evening caps off with an official after party at Avenida Cantina. In keeping with their mission, the film festival welcomes a "Spotlight Small Business"-an opportunity to support a local, small business owned by a person or persons from a marginalized community. LOVE>> Film Screenings proudly welcomes Nykki's Cheesecake as this screening's Spotlight Small Business.

Tickets are available now via Brown Paper Tickets at loveisgreaterthan.bpt.me

"We want to do our part to 'build a massive Love Army' (Van Jones)..."

LOVE>> Film Screenings - Full Lineup

(in alphabetical order)

Communication | Comedy | nickmaccarone.com

Director: Anna G. Jones; Writer: Nick Maccarone

Two friends discuss the frustrations of dating before discovering they have feelings for each other in this thoughtful romantic comedy. World Premiere.

English | Drama | amandaquaid.com

Director & Writer: Amanda Quaid

Alenka is a Polish housekeeper living in Queens, NY. As she tries to give her young son a better life in the United States, his quick assimilation threatens to leave her in the distance. She must make the decision to catch up or risk being left behind forever.

Felt Help | Comedy

Director: Nicolas Wendl; Writer: Caroline Simone O'Brien

In a world that is not always PC (Puppet-ly Correct), two puppets must overcome their discrimination and their own awkwardness to find love. Skithouse Productions aims to create laughs with kind humour in this hard-hitting look at a minority that society often forgets. New York Premiere.

Human | Documentary | pacarts.org/reel-voices

Director: Amy Loeber

A documentary filmed at San Diego Pride by teenage filmmaker Amy Loeber, members of the LGBT+ community create change by inspiring the total acceptance of different sexualities and genders. New York Premiere.

Illegal Aliens | Comedy | AbovetheLineEnt.com

Directors: Justin & Kristin Schaack; Writers: Justin & Kristin Schaack and Logan Martin

Due to the recent arrival of undocumented immigrants, the city of Simpletown holds a special-session city council meeting to determine if the town should officially ban the newcomers in this hilarious political satire. New York Premiere.

My Identity| Documentary | fostercarefilm.com/myidentity

Director: Yasmin Mistry; Writers: Maxine Trump & Livia Cheibub

Ashley, a young Native-American Caucasian girl, converts to Islam in hopes of finding structure in a life where it never existed, but with that decision comes the risk of losing one of the few biological connections she still has. This film tells the story of how race, religion, and family heritage can shape one's identity.

No.16, Da An Road | Animation | joannemlin.com/no16-da-an-road

Director & Writer: Joanne Lin

"Open the window so the air can circulate. Keep the letters if you see my name on them, otherwise they are just ads and you can recycle them. There's stuff in the fridge, but I will bring something back. And don't forget to lock the door. I should be home soon sweetie." With a sketchbook in hand, a young girl copes with her longings and loneliness through imagination. New York Premiere.

Self-Preservation | Drama

Director & Writer: Lakisha May

We ask the question: "What if Black people took a weekly class (like a yoga class) to learn how to deal with the police?" This film poses a creative response to the countless Black bodies that have succumbed to police brutality.

The 2nd Sex & the 7th Art: Making movies with women by women | Documentary | the2ndSexandthe7thArt.com
Director: Jennifer Dean

From a larger project on the story of women directors in the U.S., this short focuses on the story behind Nadia Munla's co-directed film "Hannah has a Ho-Phase" that she created with writing partner Jamie Jensen and an all-female crew. New York Premiere.

The Jump | Drama | thejumpshortfilm.com

Director: Jamal Hodge; Writer: Eric Lockley

Young Eric believes the water is magical; in it possibilities are endless. But a harsh encounter with bullies at a pool transforms his belief into fear. In this award-winning film, only one brave act will remind Eric that the magic's been inside him all along.

*Lineup may be subject to change.