2025 Voices Heard Film: So Others May Live

So Others May Live by Löki Ferno, Will Kaftan

Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Horror/ Sci-Fi  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

In the 1980s, a guilt-ridden firefighter, haunted by those he couldn't save, battles an ever-mutating horde of shadow entities—manifestations of his past failures. Riddled by survivor's remorse, he must confront his deepest fears or discover that the true horror lies in the blurred line between reality and his own haunted mind.

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Against The Ropes

Against The Ropes by Kleyon Prince Hampton
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Sports Documentary  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The Journey of Javier Zamarron, a boxer from Milwaukee, WI, making it to the professionals and the adversity he faced to achieve this level in his career.

2025 Films: Morning Yoga

Morning Yoga by Darrin Lile
Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 9 minutes
Comedy 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A yoga class takes an unexpected turn when the new instructor introduces some novel techniques.

2025 Film: Divide

Divide by Jeanette Buck

Muncie, IN (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 9 minutes
Drama/ LGBTQ

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Two estranged siblings of opposing political persuasions clean out their mother's home after her death. They feel closer until a fight over the inheritance of a sentimental souvenir triggers their unresolved childhood issues and illuminates the political divide between them. Maybe the divide is too big to cross.

2025 Films: La Petite Grenouille (The Little Frog)

La Petite Grenouille (The Little Frog) by Claudia Krogmeier

Wisconsin (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Comedy 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Be careful what you order, and how. Exploring the surreal world that is French boulangeries.

2025 Films: Sucky

Sucky by Tommy Simms, Joe Ludwig
Wisconsin (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 6 minutes
Music Video/ Kaiju  

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Trudging through the daily grind, a trio of average joes chance an opportunity of winning the lottery. What could go wrong?

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Dreams Fuel Greatness

Dreams Fuel Greatness by Justin Jackson

Wisconsin

Running Time: 4 minutes
Sports/Inspirational

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Dreams Fuel Greatness tells the story of a young athlete’s relentless pursuit of making it to the Show. Inspired by the journey of former professional baseball player and Director Justin Jackson, this film is more than just a reflection on baseball—it’s a celebration of the grind, resilience, and unwavering belief required to turn a dream into reality.

Set on the fields where aspirations are forged through sweat and sacrifice, Dreams Fuel Greatness follows a young Black athlete as he navigates the highs and lows of chasing his goal. Through powerful storytelling and striking visuals, the film highlights the dedication needed to push forward, even when the path is uncertain.

At a time when fewer young Black athletes are entering baseball, this film serves as both inspiration and a conversation starter—reminding athletes everywhere that the journey is just as important as the destination. While representation remains an underlying theme, the heart of Dreams Fuel Greatness is about the universal pursuit of excellence and the sacrifices made along the way.

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Director Bio:

Justin Jackson is the Co-Owner of Media Bolt Productions, born and raised in Asheville NC. He moved to Milwaukee in 2016.

Prior to Justin’s film career he played Professional Baseball for 10 years. At the end of his playing days he grabbed a camera to record coaching content for YouTube and fell in love with the craft. 3 years later he graduated cum Lade with a Bachelor’s of science degree in Digital Filmmaking from The Los Angeles Film School.

Being a Director and Cinematographer at heart Justin has written and Directed short films, shot music videos, and created corporate commercials and documentaries for brands like the Milwaukee Brewers & Northwest Mutual.

2025 Films: Tricked Out Tailspin

Tricked Out Tailspin by Mark G.E., Alexander Eberhage

Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 4 minutes
Music Video

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The official music video for the Xposed 4Heads song.

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2025 Films: The Cormorant's Shadow

The Cormorant's Shadow by Barbara Peikert

Switzerland (World Premiere)

Running Time: 1 minute
Animation/ Experimental

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A funny cormorant relaxes on a buoy in the lake and watches an animation that reveals a plan behind it: AI or the urge to take part in the spectacle?

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2025 Films: i hope you're happy.

i hope you're happy. by Gretchen Mahkorn
Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 14 minutes
Drama/ Relationship/ Addiction

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Under the shadow of the opioid crisis, four friends come together to grieve the loss of their friend to addiction. When more is revealed, tensions run high, anger and blame are reckoned with.

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2025 Voices Heard Film: Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain

Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain by Hisonni Mustafa
Wisconsin (World Premiere)

Running Time: 16 minutes
Sports Documentary

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

From childhood dreams to Olympic triumphs, Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain unveils the resilience, sacrifice, and heart of an athlete whose pursuit of greatness redefined what it means to be a legend.

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Director Bio:

Hisonni Mustafa is a Guyanese American filmmaker hailing from the city of Milwaukee, WI, which has been labeled as one of the most segregated cities in America. With a remarkable range of skills, Hisonni has made significant contributions to the world of filmmaking as a writer, director, cinematographer, editor, and producer. He has successfully crowdfunded numerous projects, resulting in the creation of a dozen award-winning films.

Hisonni's work has garnered recognition from over 200 festivals, including renowned events such as Cinequest, Hollyshorts, Frameline, and Urbanworld. His short films and web series have collectively amassed more than six million views online, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. In acknowledgment of his talent, Hisonni's works have received award nominations from esteemed organizations like LA Webfest, The VH1 Streamy Awards, Marseille Webfest, The International Academy of Web Television Awards, and even Marvel's Stan Lee.

Among his notable achievements, Hisonni's independent film titled "Take Out Girl" can now be enjoyed on Hulu. This film has been bestowed with accolades from The Bentonville Film Festival, Dances With Films, Ashland Independent, Cinequest, and Indie Memphis. Furthermore, Hisonni's directorial skills have been recognized with the Best Director award at the American Black Film Festival and the HBO feature film competition at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. He was also honored as a Gemstones Rising Storyteller Search Finalist.

Continuing to make strides in his career, Hisonni was selected as a fellow of the 2023 Commercial Directors Diversity Program. In a remarkable feat, he became the first filmmaker from Nevada to secure victory in the prestigious $175,000 Cordillera Film Festival pitch fest.