SHORT DOCUMENTARIES C
Branching Narratives: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of the Tappan Oak
Directed By: Jennifer Proctor, 12 minutes
When a majestic oak tree finally dies on a college campus, it leaves behind a complex legacy woven from the lives it silently witnessed over generations. A lone undergraduate found solace communing with the tree when the campus felt alienating; a professor used it to foster students’ connection to Michigan’s natural world; and a student society built rituals around its trunk—rituals that created belonging for some while excluding others. Through these converging stories of sanctuary, tradition, and activism, the film reveals how a single tree became an unwitting witness to the enduring human struggle to find where we belong.
Below the Surface
Directed By: Nathan Hall, 9 minutes
Kyle Dedert is a water polo player unlike any other, competing at the highest levels of the sport with only one leg. Living with Ollier’s disease since childhood, Kyle has refused to let his condition define his limits, embracing the philosophy that all limitations are ultimately self-imposed. His extraordinary mindset has propelled him further in the sport of water polo than many thought possible and continues to shape every dimension of his life.
From The Ashes
Directed By: Jaden Mason, 10 minutes
After a family tragedy, a mother learns how to persevere with the help of family and community.
Calling the Wild
Directed By: Brynn Smarrella, Madelin Crawford, 12 minutes
A devoted wolf trainer pushes the boundaries of animal medical care by relying on an unconventional approach: listening. Through patience, intuition, and a profound bond built on trust, she navigates the delicate line between the wild and the domestic. This captivating documentary short explores the extraordinary relationship between humans and wolves, revealing what becomes possible when we choose understanding over control.
Our Backyard Hist’ry
Directed By: Christopher Anderson, 7 minutes
Scott F. McFadden, a conductor of Ann Arbor’s Underground Railroad Tour and one of the last surviving voices of his generation, delivers history with a clarity and passion that commands attention. His vivid, unflinching accounts bring the past roaring to life, telling it exactly as it was—and in many ways still is. This powerful short documentary invites viewers along on a tour through the hidden chapters of American history that lie just beyond our own back doors, narrated by a voice that speaks for an era without bitterness or self-pity.
Resilience Revealed: Ann Arbor’s Disability Legacy
Directed By: Zachary Damon, 24 minutes
This illuminating documentary explores the rich and often overlooked history of disability advocacy in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a city that played a foundational role in shaping the broader disability rights movement. Through deeply personal narratives, historical accounts, and expert insights, the film traces the building blocks of a legacy that transformed not only a community but an entire national conversation about accessibility and inclusion. It is a vital and inspiring testament to the activists whose courage continues to impact future generations.
Lincoln National
Directed By: Lee Odeja, 10 minutes
For over a century, Lincoln Park Golf Course has served as far more than a place to play a round—it has been the beating heart of Milwaukee’s community fabric. Generations of players have gathered on its greens in fellowship, forging connections that transcend backgrounds and bridge worlds. Tended by locals who pour immense pride into every fairway, Lincoln Park stands as a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of shared spaces and the city its people fiercely love.