Lights, Camera, Action!

The filmmakers of the 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

Sneaker Enthusiast and 'DC's Shoe' Filmmaker Jacob Garibay Talks New Balance in DC

by Chelsea Bandi | July 18, 2023

Chelsea Bandi chats with "DC's Shoe" Filmmaker Jacob Garibay about his DC background and passion behind New Balance.

Q&A: Gina Basso Speaks With Director, Producer Paula Eiselt About Her Film 'Under G-d'

by POV Shorts | July 12, 2023

"Under G-d" Director and Producer Paula Eiselt shares her experience documenting the impact of Roe v. Wade on the Jewish community in her interview with Gina Basso.

How the Asian Lesbian Coming of Age Film 'Lucky Fish' Went Viral on TikTok

by Grace Hwang Lynch | July 11, 2023

Emily May Jampel chats with Grace Hwang Lynch about her inspiration for "Lucky Fish" and the shock of going viral on social media.

'Brother' Filmmaker Joanna Rudnick on How We Feed Our 'Hungry Ghosts' and the Misunderstood Pain Behind Addiction

by Ivonne Spinoza | July 07, 2023

"Brother" filmmaker Joanna Rudnick discusses the intimate portrayal of addiction in her interview with Ivonne Spinoza.

Filmmaker Feature: 'WINN' Creators Work as a Team to Create Inspiring, Winning Short Film

by Heather Nunerley | Reel South | July 07, 2023

Before the PBS online streaming premiere, Reel South Digital Producer Heather Nunerley connected with the filmmakers to highlight the behind-the-scenes details of the film's creation.

Filmmaker Interview: Sara T. Gama of 'Miss Chelove' Wants Us to Hear From Diverse Voices

by Heather Nunerley | Reel South | July 07, 2023

Reel South Digital Producer Heather Nunerley connected with film director Sara T. Gama to get insight to the creation of the short.

Filmmaker of 'Lucie and Annie' Amy Oden Speaks with Cooper Reed on LGBTQ+ Rights in Maine

by Amy Oden | July 07, 2023

Amy Oden chats with Cooper Reed about the film “Lucie and Annie” and LGBTQ+ rights in Maine.

Filmmaker Q&A with Nicholas Manuel Pino, Director of 'The Funeral Band'

by Jonathan Nickens | July 07, 2023

Jonathan Nickens interviews Director Nicholas Manuel Pino about his film “The Funeral Band.”

Filmmaker Q&A with 'Plum Town' Director, Kelly Yu

by Jonathan Nickens | July 07, 2023

Jonathan Nickens interviews director Kelly Yu about her inspiration and experience creating “Plum Town.”

About the Festival

Now in its 12th year, the PBS Short Film Festival is a celebration of independent films and filmmaking. Join us in exploring an incredible selection from talented filmmakers, showcasing films about family, identity, culture, inspiration, society and more.