Auditory Problems, The Donut Hole, Debbie Walks Her Duck, American Woman, Trouble, Just Us, The Millennial Trap, I F*cking Hate You! A Paradox of Quantum Superposition, A Comfort - Block run time 1:30:58
This collection presents strong, distinctive stories from filmmakers of the Alliance of Women Directors. Spanning comedy, drama, fantasy, and the unexpected, these shorts explore family, identity, ambition, resilience, and the complicated world around us.
Auditory Problems - dir. Lorin Davis - 10:55
Wrapper rage, slurping fury and tapping torture are assaulting Lisa’s nervous system. She wants to fight, she wants to flee, she’s got problems . . . AUDITORY PROBLEMS.
The Donut Hole - dir. Giselle Vazquez - 03:25
At a donut shop, a sharp-tongued young Latina turns a petty feud into a sweet-and-dirty power play, serving her novela-loving grandma as the unexpected real winner.
Debbie Walks Her Duck - dir. Nikki Braendlin - 06:45
Debbie walks to the nail salon, oblivious to the crises unfolding around her.
American Woman - dir. Matison LeBlanc & Ashley Wehrs - 07:47
A qualified young woman interviewing at a male-dominated corporation must embrace her violent fantasies to secure a job offer and gain the respect of her sinful, misogynistic interviewers.
Trouble - dir. Annetta Marion - 08:11
A high school teacher is confronted by what trouble means and who gets to define it.
Just Us - dir. V.C. Rhone - 14:03
After a devastating loss, childhood sweethearts retreat to the mountains to confront their shared past and decide whether their marriage can survive.
The Millennial Trap - dir. Giselle Vazquez - 05:36
A millennial is forced to choose between work or her mother's birthday brunch.
I F*cking Hate You! - dir. Gabriela Paciel - 11:32
After a flat tire leaves Michelle and David stranded in the desert on their way to Michelle’s wedding, simmering tensions erupt. Still mourning a recent loss, the siblings’ emotional wounds explode into a visceral confrontation inside an abandoned house, forcing them to fight for their lives, and ultimately, for each other.
A Paradox of Quantum Superposition - dir. Sandy Parker - 07:49
When a woman realizes her cat is missing, it will take a dream of a memory of long-ago dreams to bring her into a better reality.
A Comfort - dir. Jenny Curtis - 16:23
Set against the backdrop of an authoritarian regime, a young girl and her estranged aunt must find in each other what it means to feel safe.
Screenings are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
About SIMI Film Fest
Now in its fourth year, SIMI Film Fest returns for nine extraordinary days with its most ambitious program yet: 103 films, 69 music videos, youth filmmaking, industry events, and live orchestral film music, all brought together in one festival built to celebrate every craft of filmmaking.
At its heart, SIMI Film Fest is about putting great movies on the big screen and giving the public the opportunity to discover original work from filmmakers around the world. From features and shorts to documentaries, animation, genre films, youth projects, and music videos, the festival offers audiences stories and creative voices they may not encounter anywhere else.
But screening exceptional work is only part of our mission. SIMI Film Fest is equally committed to helping filmmakers propel their careers. This year’s expanded program includes meaningful industry connections, filmmaker field trips, panels, networking opportunities, more than 25 awards, and the new SIMIFF Jury Prize: a three-month mentorship with CAA agent Matt Smith for one standout filmmaker.
The 2026 festival also introduces the SIMIFF Film Music Competition, culminating in a live concert with the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra. Selected composers will hear their original scores performed before a live audience, highlighting the essential role music plays in bringing stories to life.
SIMI Film Fest is where audiences discover remarkable films, where every filmmaking discipline is valued, and where talented artists gain recognition, relationships, and real opportunities to move forward.
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