Life & Liberty Shorts: Claiming Space

From Fields to Flight

Directed By Ipshita Bhattacharyya

11:10 • India

INTERNATIONAL, LIFE & LIBERTY, WOMEN IN FILM

In a world ruled by patriarchy, one woman from India's hinterlands finds the courage to challenge gender norms to achieve her dream of becoming a drone pilot.

Faithful Defenders

Directed By Barbara Jean Hall

17:15 • United States

WOMEN IN FILM

In a challenging and inspirational approach, "Faithful Defenders" suggests that Christianity and reproductive rights can co-exist.

White Nine

Directed By Nilou Safinya

29:15 • United States • Southern US Premiere

WOMEN IN FILM

Meet Joe, Christos, and Charlie, three teenagers whose lives were forever changed by devastating spinal cord injuries in the 1960s. Bound by survival, friendship, and a shared refusal to be marginalized, they became leaders in Massachusetts’ independent living movement and helped fight for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Oceanbone

Directed By Lani Cupchoy

09:16 • United States • Alabama Premiere

WOMEN IN FILM

Stolen ancestors lie in museum vaults, waiting to return home. "Oceanbone" is a poetic reckoning with history, confronting the colonial theft of Indigenous remains and the urgent fight to bring them back.

HER BABY DIDN'T BLOCK HER JUMP SHOT

Directed By Emily M Lobsenz

25:00 • United States • World Premiere

WOMEN IN FILM

In 1969, high school freshman Jane led her basketball team to a state tournament. In 1970, she scored over 40 points a game. In 1971, when she gives birth, state rules make her ineligible to play. In 1972, with the backing of her coach and friends, she continued to play and began a landmark challenge to a rule that allowed boys involved in a pregnancy to continue playing while refusing the same privilege to girls.