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Shorts: What We Fight For

  • September 19, 2026 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM

  • Theater 5, Studio Movie Grill

    1555 Simi Town Center Way
    Simi Valley, California 93065
Ticket Price $16.88 Buy Tickets
Description

Rise, Heart on the Diamond, A New Day, Something Pointless, Piroba, Dying for Love - Block run time 1:32:59

In the face of loss, fear, injustice, and uncertain futures, we discover what matters enough to fight for. These powerful shorts explore courage, love, family, redemption, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when life changes everything.

RISE - dir. Jessica J. Rowlands - 21:34

A charismatic young boy living on a rubbish dump in Zimbabwe convinces a reclusive boxing coach to train him, discovering strength, belonging, and the courage to confront his fears. Inspired by true events and shot entirely in Zimbabwe with an all-African cast and crew.

Corazon en el Diamante (Heart on the Diamond) - dir. Martha Rodriguez - 12:56

When tragedy strikes during Cecilia's big baseball game, 15-year-old Cecilia and her mom Gloria face an uncertain future.  

A New Day - dir. Benjamin Santgerma - 20:28

Following his mother’s death, Thomas withdraws into himself and abandons his passion for the piano. His father, Joseph, wants a fresh start, but anger and a desire for revenge resurface when Thomas encounters the man responsible for his grief.

Something Pointless - dir. Asa Bailey - 14:21

When a bullied young boy discovers an elderly man quietly covering a forgotten brick wall with painted eggshells, an unlikely friendship forms — and a “pointless” act becomes something transformative.

Piroba - dir. Matthew Arkema - 06:48

An emotionally drained young fighter carrying the ache of her late father must summon the strength to outlast her bitter rival in the stale heat of an empty gym.

Dying for Love - dir. Gabriel Conte - 16:52

In 1991 Miami, a young Latina secretly dying of HIV finally finds the man of her dreams, and risks the only thing scarier than her diagnosis... telling the fatal truth to the man she loves.

Screenings are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

Date & Time

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM

Venue Details

Theater 5, Studio Movie Grill

1555 Simi Town Center Way
Simi Valley, California 93065 Theater 5, Studio Movie Grill
SIMI Film Fest

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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