Becoming is messy. Becoming is brave. Becoming changes everything. This dynamic morning shorts block explores transformation in all its forms — artistic, emotional, cultural, and political. Through surreal animation, sharp satire, intimate family drama, and globally celebrated festival hits, these films capture the fragile and fearless moments that shape who we are becoming. Featured Films & Filmmakers: Pearl (BC Premiere) — Directed by Alice Shin A grieving jeweller confronts loss and desire in this visually poetic meditation on mortality and memory. Don’t Think About the Pink Dolphins (BC Premiere) — Directed by Anthony Lee A young woman’s obsession with exotic dolphins spirals into something far more personal and revealing. ripe (chin) (Surrey Premiere) — Directed by Solara Thanh World Premiere at TIFF and selected for Canada’s Top Ten Showcase. A young Vietnamese woman must decide whether to enter an arranged marriage, guided by land, family, and spirit. Art Connoisseur (World Premiere) — Directed by Hugh Liu A biting satire that exposes society’s most erratic impulses through an art appraisal game show. ENIGMA (Surrey Premiere) — Directed by Anya Kapustianyk A mysterious pill meant to spark confidence unleashes unexpected chaos. Our Long Goodbye (Surrey Premiere) — Directed by Dave Beamish A musician caring for his father with dementia finds fleeting connection through music. Praying For Love — Directed by Sofia Tonin A darkly comedic animated tale of a praying mantis navigating love — and her cannibalistic tendencies. IF (Surrey Premiere) — Directed by Tathagata Ghosh World Premiere at BFI Flare and screened at multiple Academy Award® Qualifying festivals including Uppsala and SHORTS MÉXICO. An arranged marriage threatens to separate a lesbian couple — unless a mother’s love can change their future. Lateral (BC Premiere) — Directed by Loken Charon A mixed-Asian writer’s pitch descends into a surreal alternate dimension where hidden truths are exposed. Sing to the Wind (BC Premiere) — Directed by Yaffa Aboudib Husseini A powerful animated story following two displaced brothers from Gaza navigating survival and resilience. Obscura — Directed by Arnold Lim A Leo Award–winning short about isolation and connection as a shut-in builds a camera obscura to reconnect with the outside world. Across cultures and continents, these films explore ambition, grief, queerness, family obligation, displacement, and creative risk — proving that becoming is never linear.