This mesmerizing block features two short films delving into hidden truths and fantastical realms. Zach Schy’s Make No Change follows a reclusive coder who builds a ‘pleasure machine’ that disconnects him from reality, forcing him to confront his chronic escapism. Jordan Studdard’s Keep of Secrets transports us to a fantasy world where diverse jobs define society, and one character manages everyone’s secrets, navigating the burden of trust and power. Schy and Studdard, both innovative storytellers, craft compelling narratives that explore isolation, responsibility, and the weight of hidden knowledge. From a coder’s detachment to a secret-keeper’s duty in a magical realm, this block unveils the tension between inner worlds and external realities, offering festival attendees a thought-provoking journey through stories that blend the cerebral with the fantastical.
