Global Shorts Block 2 | DIFF 2026

THE 2026 DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PROUDLY PRESENTS GLOBAL SHORTS BLOCK 2

A collection of 6 unforgettable shorts that hail from everywhere from Canada, to France, to South Africa to the U.S. One thing these films all have in common is their ability to expand our thoughts through the culturally expansive artform that is independent cinema.

*Some films may contain mature content (Adult themes, Language, Violence)       

The short films are as follows;

"Micheline" | 6 Mins | Canada | Utah Premiere

Directed by Maude Demers-Rivard

Starring Lise Roy, Jean Harvey, Diane Langlois

Micheline, a lonely woman, seeks to inject a touch of whimsy into her monotonous life. Her journey leads her to a joke shop, where she meets Richard, a salesman as charming as he is manipulative. Between a magic ball and whoopee cushions, Micheline gets carried away by her dreams of adventure and romance. But behind the laughter and hopes lies a bitter truth.

"Jazz Infernal" | 16 Mins | Canada | French | No Premiere - 2026 Sundance Winner

Directed by Will Niava

Starring Ange-Eric Nguessan, Alexis Belhumeur, Kalombo Kasongo

Koffi, a young Ivorian trumpeter, arrives in Montreal with nothing but the legacy of his father to guide him. Lost between the city's noise and the silence of his past, he must confront his roots to finally find his own voice.

"The Loon" | 20 Mins | Canada | U.S. Premiere

Directed by Paula Bourgie

Starring Éléonore Loiselle, Marguerite D'Amour, Thomas Delorme

When her childhood best friend falls in love, nostalgic teenager Dodo struggles to let go of the past and goes to increasingly dangerous lengths to secure her affections, threatening to spoil their idyllic lakeside holiday.

"Siren" | 15 Mins | Canada | U.S. Premiere

Directed by Marilou Caravecchia-Pelletier

Starring Émilie Savaria-Carrière, Mia Rose Langevin, Dany Placard

On the eve of an important synchronized swimming competition, Mathilde is drowning in glitter and pressure. She must choose between shining for others or blossoming for herself.

"Vultures" | 15 Mins | France/South Africa | Afrikaans, English | Utah Premiere - 2025 Cannes Winner

Directed by Dian Weys

Starring Edwin van der Walt, Jill Levenberg

In the volatile moments after a car crash, before the authorities arrive, a hot-headed yet desperate tow truck driver fiercely protects his tow. But the situation quickly spirals out of his control. "Vultures" played at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

"No Left Turns" | 32 Mins | U.S.A. | Utah Premiere

Directed by Douglas Ryan

Starring Alexandra Grace

*Writer/Director Douglas Ryan will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A

After receiving traumatic news about her brother, a recovering addict is thrust into crisis. Her friends desperately try to talk her out of relapse in this story of separation and connection, and of how far people will go to protect the ones they love.