The 2025 Love Your Shorts Film Festival began last night at the historic Ritz Theater in Sanford, Florida, with Education Day.

The fest screened five short films, followed by a discussion panel with four local filmmakers: Albert Gonzalez, Kimberly Di Persia, Jason True and Parissa Glaser. Local filmmaker TL Westgate moderated. The screening and panel were hosted by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers (OIF).

I attended as both a festival judge and a sponsor, on behalf of Paul Meier Dialect Services and the International Dialects of English Archive (IDEA). The five films were screened out of competition, but I would like to commend them all, especially Jason True’s documentary, Embracing the Silence, which might be the best OIF film I have ever seen.

For my festival coverage, go here. I hope to see you all at the fest, which continues today through Sunday.