Stories That Stay Shorts Block | DIFF 2026

DESERTSCAPE PROUDLY PRESENTS THE "STORIES THAT STAY" SHORTS BLOCK

Thoughtful, poignant, and deeply personal stories that touch on love, family, and the power of human connection. 

*Some of these films may contain mature content (Language)

The shorts in this block are as follows;

Serenity | 23 Mins | Canada | Utah Premiere

Directed by Frank Tremblay

Starring Kamilla Kowal, Judith Baribeau

A funeral home employee must put her own personal struggles aside to help a grieving woman who just lost her daughter.

No Matter The Weather | 14 Mins | Canada | French | Utah Premiere

Directed by Florence Lafond

Renée, 83, broke her ankle. Fortunately, she can rely on her granddaughter Florence, who steps in as her caregiver. While this ordeal brings them closer than ever, it inevitably confronts them with the reality of Renée's decline.

3 Minutos | 5 Mins | U.S.A. | Spanish | Utah Premiere

Directed by Douglas Ryan Starring Alexandra Grace, Austin Barnes

*Followed by a filmmaker Q&A

Under the time pressure of a potentially life changing test, a young couple unexpectedly takes a quick but meaningful look at their past, present and potential future.

The Mountain Keeps Watch | 15 Mins | Mexico | Spanish | World Premiere

Directed by Caleb Hatton

*Followed by a filmmaker Q&A

Deep in the remote canyons of Mexico’s Sierra Madre lies the town of Batopilas, a place defined by isolation, poverty, and resilience. Even farther, in the hidden village of Huymaivo, Felipe, a Rarámuri runner who once competed in races in the United States, lives with his family on land accessible only by foot. Through the lens of Felipe’s life and the enduring spirit of the Rarámuri people, this film explores the harsh realities of survival in one of Mexico’s most remote regions, marked by staggering poverty and one of the country’s highest infant mortality rates.

Tomorrow's Shame | 20 Mins | Canada | U.S. Premiere

Directed by Alexandre Lefebvre

Starring Luc Senay, Kathleen Fortin, Micheline Bernard

Realizing that he won't be able to pay his mortgage, Pierre must face a heart-wrenching decision; to evict Micheline, his tenant and friend who’s been unable to pay rent.

Extraordinary Character | 17 Mins | U.S.A. | World Premiere

Directed by Alex Astrella

*Followed by a filmmaker Q&A

A documentary highlighting how a San Diego theater company is bringing community and passion to the special needs world.