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

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 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.

‘BeHEARD! I Am Who I Say I Am,’ Offers Personal Stories of Why Gender Affirmation Matters

by Cheryl D. Fields | July 07, 2023

Cheryl D. Fields from Black Public Media talks with "BeHEARD! I Am Who I Say I Am" director, Sophia Clark, about their approach to making a film on the timely topic of gender affirmation.

Meet the Artist Behind 'Monograph: Lo Harris'

by Kelsey Harrison | July 15, 2022

Kelsey Harrison, the director and editor of "Monograph: Lo Harris" catches up with the subject of her film, illustrator Lo Harris.

Mitchel Merrick and Lopaka Kapanui Share the Inspiration Behind 'Ka Ho'i'

by Megan Hearst | July 12, 2022

Director Mitchel Merrick and Producer Lopaka Kapanui discuss the making of "Ka Ho'i," and the stories which helped to inform this short film.

Filmmaker Q&A: Stevie Cavalier Looks Back on the Childhood Experience Which Inspired 'The Piñata'

by Jonathan Nickens | July 12, 2022

Filmmaker Stevie Cavalier reflects upon the creative process and the real-life inspiration behind her short film "The Piñata."

The '17 Year Locust' Team Reflect on the Conversations That Inspired Their Film

by Jonathan Nickens | July 12, 2022

Filmmakers Logan LeBlanc, Allison Bohl DeHart, and Peter DeHart share their experience making "17 Year Locust," and the value of sharing such stories with the world.

Allison Walsh and Alexander Martin Speak on Film, Art, Inspiration, and Collaboration

by Nicole Tillberg | July 11, 2022

In an interview, Allison Walsh and Alexander Martin discuss how their friendship and art inspired the creation of "The Daily Aesthetics of Alexander Martin."

Filmmaker Vashni Korin Finds Courage in Herself and Other Baby Dolls in 'You Can't Stop Spirit'

by Nicholas Price | Reel South | July 11, 2022

Filmmaker Vashni Korin introduces the audience to the Mardi Gras Baby Dolls, a group of empowered Black women playing upon New Orleans masking traditions, in her short film, "You Can't Stop Spirit."

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.