20 min · Telugu · Drama
Spardha means a fight within. This Telugu drama follows a would-be world kickboxing champion whose biggest opponent is himself. Nineteen minutes, with English subtitles and festival recognition its makers list.
Inspiring short films
41 Inspiring short films in the cafe, running 5 to 40 minutes. Many are thought-provoking or feel-good. They span 10 languages. Each is a complete standalone short film, chosen by the cafe and played through its original video provider.
23 min · English · Documentary
Meet Lusia Harris in her own words. A short introduction to a basketball life that deserves to be better known.
36 min · English · Science fiction
Jason Carman's ambitious sci-fi for DUST, set in the year 2730: a scientist proposes building an artificial habitable planet. Thirty-six minutes in the project's final century.
35 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “The Barber of Little Rock” to see the world from another angle. A barber builds a nonprofit community bank to close the racial wealth gap.
40 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “The Last Repair Shop” to see the world from another angle. The craftspeople who repair every instrument for Los Angeles public school students.
20 min · Tamil · Drama
Lakshmi Devy directs and stars in this Tamil drama about a bright young woman raised never to have an opinion. Its makers report awards at several international festivals.
10 min · English · Drama
Hop in for “Jalebi!”, a warm Indian-Australian short where one car ride is enough to shift how someone sees the road ahead.
31 min · Tamil · Drama
A mother backs her daughter’s dream while remembering her own. Try this if stories about ambition and family encouragement speak to you.
25 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “Joe's Violin” to see the world from another angle. A Holocaust survivor donates his violin to a Bronx schoolgirl.
15 min · Bengali · Drama
Promita Bhowmik's Bengali drama stars Madhabi Mukherjee as Mrinmoyee, 75, who has lost loved ones to the pandemic and decides to start life afresh. Fourteen quietly hopeful minutes.
8 min · English · Animation
Small paws, big determination. Follow Andy's journey for an animated story about perseverance, help and finding a purpose.
11 min · Telugu · Drama
Written, directed and edited by Rudra Jakka; the description lists festival awards including the International Silver Screen Film Awards 2025.
15 min · Marathi · Drama
A child's wish to give his teacher a painting becomes an act of determination. Watch for a Marathi short about dreaming beyond the limits others see.
17 min · Tamil · Drama
Anu wants a say in the shape of her own life. Watch for a Tamil short about ambition and the right to choose motherhood.
19 min · Tamil · Drama
Try Avaladhigaaram for a Tamil drama centred on women's safety and standing up to intimidation.
18 min · Malayalam · Drama
The Moon is far away, but a child's dream can last for years. Try Badru for a Malayalam story about imagination, perseverance and an ambition that begins with a bedtime tale.
18 min · Hindi · Drama
Three women reach the moment when enduring is no longer enough. Watch for a story about finding the strength to challenge the lives imposed on them.
7 min · English · Drama
Watch this shortfilm on what happens when a young teacher with a different perspective meets a class of rowdies.
13 min · English · Comedy
Kenza's family underestimates her, and she wants to prove them wrong. Try this for a BBC comedy about striking out on your own.
21 min · Hindi · Drama
One necessary step outside becomes the start of finding herself again. Watch Renuka Shahane in a story about confidence and everyday independence.
33 min · Tamil · Drama
Try a Tamil short built around women's resilience, pain and pride. A pick for exploring Balu Sailash's storytelling with Kutty Story.
16 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “Frank” to see the world from another angle. Ninety-nine-year-old lawyer Frank Lucianna prepares for his final case, reflecting on a lifetime of work and his reluctance to retire.
16 min · Gujarati · Comedy
Why tell a story in your own language? Two friends find their reason in this Gujarati short about valuing a mother tongue.
6 min · English · Documentary
A habit formed in solitude turns out to matter far beyond one cabin. Watch for a short documentary about curiosity and the value of careful observation.
10 min · No dialogue · Animation · Drama
A playground becomes a place to rethink who gets included. Watch Ian for an animated story told without dialogue about reaching out to a child who wants to belong.
8 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “Ian” to see the world from another angle. A 72-year-old rock climber who defies age and keeps chasing his passion.
14 min · Telugu · Drama
Make time for a Telugu short centered on a woman's independence. A pick for stories about finding your own way.
27 min · Malayalam
A young man chasing his dream of becoming a film actor keeps trying to break into the mainstream industry. Through setbacks and self-doubt he holds on to his passion and confidence, in a light, warm story of ambition.
22 min · Hindi · Drama
Try an FTII short about women's struggles and the wish for change. A Hindi-language pick for viewers interested in social awareness.
21 min · Hindi · Drama
What would it take to leave a secure job for an idea of your own? Follow Aarti as she weighs uncertainty, ambition and a new beginning.
6 min · German · Documentary
Denise visits Vienna's Prater amusement park almost every day. Riding the Tagada carousel helps her cope with her past and find balance in her life.
14 min · English · Animation · Romance · Drama
Miss Todd has the imagination to fly—but the world has other expectations. Watch for a stop-motion musical about determination and making room for a woman's ambition.
8 min · English · Comedy
A businessman swaps routine for a series of unusual costumes. Try Revive for a short built around taking the first step towards change.
17 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “Slomo” to see the world from another angle.
13 min · English · Drama
Justin Carlton's English drama about a singer-songwriter stuck in a creative block, until a chance meeting in a park brings the music back. Twelve warm minutes for anyone who has ever stalled.
27 min · Telugu · Drama · Comedy
Give a young Telugu filmmaking team's story a little of your time. A pick for discovering independent voices.
15 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “The Man Who Climbed Everest 21 Times” to see the world from another angle. A breathtaking look at the life of a Sherpa who has climbed Everest 21 times.
16 min · English · Documentary
Take a short break with “The Many Lives of a New York City Doorman” to see the world from another angle. Yves Deshommes - doorman, art dealer, violinist - and his many lives.
19 min · Malayalam · Drama
What does it take to break a damaging silence? Try this Malayalam short for a story centred on speaking up and reclaiming a voice within a difficult relationship.
12 min · English · Documentary
Step inside a bookstore built against the odds. Watch for a portrait of Josh Spencer and the community finding a home among his shelves.
Related guides
Thought-provoking short films · Bittersweet short films · Feel-good short films · Suspenseful short films · Light-hearted short films · Emotional short films · All guides