The following films have been selected for the 2026 DFF Student Short Films Festival (subject to change due to availability and time constraints):
Arachne
A delightfully askew interpretation of a well-known Greek myth by the 4th and 5th grade students of Crestwood Elementary school in Madison. The tale of a girl with a talent so great it threatens the gods, told with just the right amount of Gen Alpha twistedness. Crestwood Elementary, Madison Read more
Pressure Mixtape
Off-kilter and inventive animation by 2nd-5th graders at Lindbergh Elementary School in Madison Wisconsin, set to music from the Madison East High School Hip Hop Studies program. Working alongside teaching-artist Dawry Ruiz (D.A.R.S.), the high school students found samples, produced beats, wrote verses and put together a mixtape called “Da Pressure.” Students at Lindbergh meanwhile, listened to the tracks, created their own art, and brought it to life with stop-motion animation. Lindbergh Elementary, Madison Read more
Dalia
When a Latin Immigrant girl, Dalia, is invited into the home of an English-speaking family, they must learn what it means to empathize and connect without speaking the same language. DePaul University, Chicago, United States Read more
Party Foul
Reid, a love-lorn young adult with a balloon for a head, works up the courage to talk to a girl at a party. But when he finally crosses the room, he has a fateful encounter. DePaul University, Chicago, United States Read more
Soldiers
In a time of political turmoil, a striking factory worker struggles to find sexual satisfaction. As unrest turns to violence, his desire takes him down an unexpected path. DePaul University, Chicago, United States Read more
Pianissimo
After a dedicated pianist suddenly loses the rest of his hearing on the day of the biggest performance of life, an audition with a live audience and a full orchestra, Kevin must race against time to adapt his music or risk losing everything he spent his whole life working for. DePaul University, Chicago, United States Read more
Pebble
In a world where moss-covered rocks depend on a flowing spring to survive, a massive stranger takes control of their only source of water. When the spring begins to dry, a brave pebble must find the courage and ingenuity to challenge the giant and restore life to his community and bring back peace to his world. Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt Read more
Roses
The film tells the story of a young waiter and a female photographer. The young woman’s camera bears witness to their story. This small device serves as a vessel for the feelings and memories that matter most. University of Silesia, Poland Read more
Language Back
A short documentary about the importance of Native American Language Revitalization shot in Milwaukee, Keshena and Bjorklunden with Indigenous Nations Poets Read more