MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL: States of Becoming

A mysterious hypnosis session, a swimmer’s memories and an unexpected loss place characters at turning points in four international short films. States of Becoming takes place Saturday, November 14, at Deering Estate as part of the 25th MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL. A cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the screening at 8 p.m. inside the Visitor Center Theater.

The program includes:

• The Oracle — JJ Adler’s U.S. narrative follows a psychiatrist whose hypnosis session with a con artist produces an apparent message from the doctor’s deceased twin.
• La luna que amamos como a un hermano — Iñaki Velasquez’s Chilean film follows two exchange students who turn to an AI assistant after being kidnapped by a xenophobic driver.
• Papillon — Florence Miailhe’s French animation traces a swimmer’s life through memories connecting childhood, athletic competition, wartime persecution and the waters that hold his history.
• First Summer — South Korean filmmaker Gayoung Heo follows an older woman confronting her longtime partner’s death when his memorial service coincides with her granddaughter’s wedding.

The films run approximately 80 minutes, with English subtitles for dialogue in other languages. Tickets cost $16–$20. Free parking is available in the Visitor Center lot on SW 168th Street, just west of SW 72nd Avenue.