WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester International Short Film Festival is back for its 19th year, running from Friday, April 25, to Sunday, April 27, 2025. The festival will showcase 67 short films through a packed schedule of show blocks, pop-up events, and engaging panel discussions, offering a global perspective on contemporary storytelling.
This year’s lineup highlights diversity in storytelling, featuring films from across genres, cultures, and countries. Among the event’s standouts is In the Shadow of the Cypress, winner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The piece offers a poignant exploration of trauma, family, and the lasting effects of war.
Other notable selections include the offbeat dramedy LYZ, which tells the story of a mental health worker balancing her demanding career with a promise to her daughter, and The Last Ranger, a South African Oscar-nominated drama shedding light on the fight against rhino poaching. The festival also presents Crust, a lighthearted tale of a twelve-year-old’s efforts to prove himself to his family, and The Third Country, a documentary on young Burmese refugees striving for a better future. Another highlight is Beside Myself, a poetic film that invites the audience to engage in a unique creative experience.
The festival remains a hallmark of cultural enrichment in the West Chester community, offering audiences the rare chance to celebrate innovative storytelling. With its range of themes and artistic visions, the event continues to attract both seasoned film enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of short films.
The full lineup for the Westchester Film Festival, along with the complete Festival schedule, is now available for viewing. Details can be accessed on the official website through the following links: 2025 Films and Festival Schedule. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased directly via the Festival’s ticketing page here.
Attendees should anticipate an exciting weekend of international cinema and engaging conversations, as the West Chester International Short Film Festival solidifies its place as one of Pennsylvania’s standout cultural events.
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