These short films highlight perseverance against injustice,&nbsp;through intimate stories of homelessness, sex trafficking, breaking silence, and poisoned environments.

“From Darkness to Light” follows Martin Gunn in Val-d’Or, offering a glimpse into Indigenous and non-Indigenous homelessness. The film showcases shelter staff at Le Nomade and La Piaule and helps young people understand the reality of homelessness.

From Darkness to Light

The film showcases shelter staff at Le Nomade and La Piaule and helps young people understand the reality of homelessness.

If an aggressor's strength lies in his victim's silence, speaking out is an indispensable weapon for the victim to break free. Silence is the first step towards liberation.

Después del Silencio

If an aggressor's strength lies in his victim's silence, speaking out is an indispensable weapon for the victim to break free. Silence is the first step towards liberation.

There’s been another toxic spill. For the city councillor responsible, it’s just a big nuisance, having to endure media scrutiny until the crisis has passed. For the creatures in the lake, however, it’s a catastrophe. One turtle, in her desperate hour, summons up the courage to leave her home and speak truth to power. Turns out there’s more at stake than just the lake.  Animated directly under the camera by Lynn Smith using paint and collage, What Rhymes with Toxic is both funny and deadly serious, and a sharp reminder that we are all interconnected.

What Rhymes With Toxic

Chemical sludge is spilling into the lake. For the city councillor responsible, it’s just a big nuisance. For the wildlife, it’s a catastrophe. One turtle, in her desperate hour, summons up the courage to leave her home and speak truth to power. Turns out there’s more at stake than just the lake.

My senior thesis film conveys the environmental health challenges West Oakland residents face, focusing on the community’s fight against diesel pollution and the progress of a 2020 resolution to address it.

The Fight to Breathe

My senior thesis film conveys the environmental health challenges West Oakland residents face, focusing on the community’s fight against diesel pollution and the progress of a 2020 resolution to address it.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, recently recognized as North America's first National Park City, is known for adventure and affordable living. However, alongside daily routines, the city confronts ongoing sex trafficking in its streets and motels.

there's evil here.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, recently recognized as North America's first National Park City, is known for adventure and affordable living. However, alongside daily routines, the city confronts ongoing sex trafficking in its streets and motels.

The Sacrifice Zone is a documentary on the Aguirre family, Chicano activists from Kern County, California. It portrays their fight against Big Oil's Carbon Capture and Storage plan and their pursuit of community health and justice in a neglected region.

The Sacrifice Zone

The Sacrifice Zone is a documentary on the Aguirre family, Chicano activists from Kern County, California. It portrays their fight against Big Oil's Carbon Capture and Storage plan and their pursuit of community health and justice in a neglected region.

Social Justice with a View - Shorts 1

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Watch most films in the 2026 SJFF program at home on our Eventive Virtual Cinema platform from April 20 – 25. TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 15

Join us as we celebrate another year of insightful storytelling, amazing visuals, and memorable moments in social justice film. 

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.