DocFest ‘25

Students in the 2025 Documentary Specialization program cohort honed their in-depth reporting and visual storytelling skills for a year and a half. On Dec 6, they return to Pulitzer Hall to share intimate narrative visuals featuring artists, leaders and everyday people driving change in their communities.

This year’s five master’s project short films offer deep explorations of character and critical issues facing society. Visit https://www.cjsdoc.com/ to register for tickets. 

Read on to learn more about each project: 

Bindings

Directed by Susan Pinchiaroli and Lucy Spahr

The Scranton family wrestles with an uncertain future for their adult son, Christian, who has autism, turning to their small craft business as a catalyst for his independence.

The Final Bow

Directed by Iona Horton and Luisa Barone

A rare wood, a disappearing forest and the music that could vanish with it.

Revival

Directed by Claudia Rosel and Nicola Sitch

After a terminal diagnosis, Chris, a solitary New Yorker, joins a senior dance troupe finding meaning and community while preparing for a final performance.

Daylight

Directed by Anna Heisterkamp and Lidia Goldberg

Observing the demolition of the Tombs in Manhattan to make way for the fifth iteration of a jail on the site, “Daylight” archives how “justice” architects approach new jail construction projects.

Spotlight

Directed by Ken Wu and Almar Ahad

As Hanui Jeong prepares for a major K-pop competition, she balances her love of dance with pressure to fit into an industry built on perfection.