September 15, 2018 at the historic Eloia Theater
in Calvert, Texas
Tenderheart Film Festival
My Friend Max
After the loss of her father, young Thea has lived a secluded life without any friends, except for one. Her imaginary friend, Max, is a cause for concern for Thea's mother, who drastically intervenes with Thea's solitary social life. As a result, Max finds himself competing for Thea's attention, and his own existence.
Directed by Mikeal Burgin - Mount Vernon, Iowa
Close Your Eyes Well
Hamoody is a teenager that plays the violin but lives in a garbage dumpster. Still, he has a dream someday he will play in a concert. With the help of some dumpster kids, his little sister seeks to make his dream come true.
Directed by Ali al-Bayati - Bagdad, Iraq
2017 Program
Highlights from the 2017 Tenderheart Film Festival
Roll Call
A high school student with a physical disability auditions for an A Capella group and finds that she'll need more than her good voice to be accepted.
Directed by Ben Reingold - Sharon, Massachusetts
Reminiscence
Andre, a rich Wall Street executive travels back home to mourn his sister's death. Arrogant and oriented solely around money, Andre is forced to confront the truth behind his sister's death, his mother's poverty, and alcoholism, all while learning to accept his past in a place he detests with a passion.
Directed by Bishrab Sen & Yayati Tanwar - Coppell, Texas
All About Emily
A modest housekeeper keeps being bullied by an hysterical bourgeois for no apparent reason. Forced to endure these abuses in order to avoid being sent back to Cuba, she
makes a discovery that will change everything.
Directed by Valentina Casedei - Paris, France
In A Small Town
Through newly filmed footage, archival film and photographs, In a Small Town is about life in a late 1950’s Illinois community as told by an immigrant looking back on how, as a child, he got there through unexpected circumstances, and the profound effect it had on him. It is also an appreciation of a certain time and place in America dear to his heart. But the film transcends his personal journey because we all have a special place in our youth that shaped us and helped make us who we are.
Directed by John Ferry - Los Angeles, California
Braver Than You Believe
Thirty-years, 3000 miles and one cigarette apart, a Venezuelan high school girl and a disillusioned American teacher get caught in a conversation about cartoons and life that leads to a realization of what it takes to grow up at any age.
Directed by James Froeschle - Austin, Texas
The Story of Her
A boy and girl write a love story that seems rather familiar.
Directed by Conner Williams - California
Australian Penguins
Australia is truly a beautiful and amazing place. It is made even more unique by the presence of Little Penguin colonies along the Southern Coastline. These Little Penguins are the smallest species of penguin in the world, and are the only species of penguin that live and breed in Australia.
Directed by Rob Nichols - Australia