Lights, Camera, Action!

The filmmakers of the 2020 PBS Short Film Festival take us behind the scenes, sharing the inspiration behind their stories, the process that goes into the production of their films, new projects and more.

Behind The Lens Blog

McKinleigh Lair Reflects on 'You Know the Drill'

by McKinleigh Lair | July 22, 2020

In "You Know the Drill," a normal school day in Wyoming becomes combative as students flip tables, dog-pile on trainers with plastic guns, and ponder whether they could fight back in a real shooting.

Survivorship Meets Sportsmanship Meets Filmmaking

by Illinois Public Media | July 17, 2020

Illinois Public Media spoke with Katie Prentiss Onsager on the making of "Paddle Together."

'The History Of White People In America,' Episode Two: How America Outlawed Interracial Marriage

by Jackie Bruleigh | July 15, 2020

WGBH's Jackie Bruleigh spoke with art director and editor Drew Takahashi and producer Clementine Briand to learn more about the series — and this episode, in particular.

'Everything Fell into Place': Jeff Chang and Bao Nguyen Gon’ Be Alright

by Craig Phillips | July 13, 2020

Filmmaker Bao Nguyen and Writer Jeff Chang talk about connecting with people and with each other, in the making of "We Gon' Be Alright."

Behind the Scenes: 'Standing Above the Clouds'

by Jalena Keane-Lee | July 08, 2020

Director Jalena Keane-Lee gives us an inside look at her film "Standing Above The Clouds."

Director Ben-Alex Dupris Reflects on His Film 'Sweetheart Dancers'

by Ben-Alex Dupris | July 07, 2020

In his own words, Director Ben-Alex Dupris takes us through the creation of his film, "Sweetheart Dancers."

Filmmaker Interview: Olivia Merrion of 'Quilt Fever'

by Heather Leighton | July 07, 2020

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Olivia Merrion captures the "Academy Awards of quilting" in her film "Quilt Fever."

Jonathan Munoz on His Short 'One Way'

by Harris Pacey | July 07, 2020

Director Jonathan Munoz reveals "The Twilight Zone" and his dad’s old office inspired his short film “One Way.”

Filmmaker Interview: 'Knocking Down the Fences'

by Nicholas Price | July 07, 2020

Filmmaker Meg Shutzer and Rawlings Gold Glove-winning softball player AJ Andrews discuss their new Reel South SHORT film, "Knocking Down the Fences."

About the Festival

The 2020 PBS Short Film Festival is a celebration of independent films and filmmaking, and a love for the craft. Each year the films highlight topics like social injustice, religion, addiction, public policy, love and all things inspiring.