In the midst of a global uprising against police brutality and systemic racism, NO VISIBLE TRAUMA is a searing investigation of the deeply troubled Calgary Police Service, which shot and killed more people than the New York or Chicago police departments in 2018. From the kidnapping and beating of a young African immigrant, to the fatal shooting of an unarmed man during a “wellness check”, the film exposes extreme police brutality and a justice system that refuses to hold officers accountable.
Nominee
Her Stories
“Her Stories” narrates the struggles, successes, and dreams of three women from Syria. The unique storytelling technique delves into the challenges Fatma, Weam, and Malake had to face and the choices they were forced to take for their family, self, and land. From motherhood to abandoning families, disability and immigration, “Her Stories” discusses how the war moulded these women into revolutionary beings who defied cultural and societal barriers after living for ten years in a warzone.
The Khe Sanh Peace Garden
A touching and hopeful film about a medevac helicopter pilot who found peace within himself and with his mortal enemies when he tries to build a peace garden at the Khe Sanh Combat Base where he stationed during the Viet Nam war.
Foam
In the peak of summer, a carwash languishes. More than a job, the carwash has become a surrogate family to the small group of men. When Hakim returns to work after serving time, what was supposed to be a long awaited reunion between the workers quickly spirals into chaos.
Mercy
FINN is sent to prison for a crime of mercy. Inside the prison, Finn meets M, a young, charismatic prisoner and the two form an immediate bond. This restricted life grows complicated when Finn meets TONY, a violent, dangerous prisoner who, after a physical altercation between the two, becomes hellbent on taking what little freedom Finn still has.
The Van
The Van finally stops, the doors open and the Son comes out alive. A few more fights and he will be able to pay his way out of Albania, and hopefully, take his Father with him. t