joseph gagnon - a self portrait(2025)

Summertime Blues(de)

The life of 15 year old Alex is turned upside down, when his parents are divorced and find new partners right away. After a fight at school, the mother takes him over to England, where Alex chaotic life continues.

Poughkeepsie Crispies(en)

He really likes Poughkeepsie Crispies. Maybe too much. A darkly funny, minimalist loop of repetition, ritual, and barely-hinged performance.

When I Explode(nl)

Chris' thirtieth Birthday party is turned upside down when he finds out there is a ticking bomb growing in his stomach.

Willbaht(de)

KPop Demon Hunters(en)

When K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey aren't selling out stadiums, they're using their secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats.

Misfits(en)

From childhood innocence to the chaos of adulthood, we follow Josh-a widowed father-and his loyal band of misfit friends as they fight to save his family and home. In a last-ditch effort, Josh and his best friend Ryan enter a holiday-themed high-stakes wrestling match. As the crew rallies together, unexpected allies surface and signs from Josh's late wife Sandy appear, guiding their turbulent journey. What follows is an unpredictable mix of calamity, comedy, and camaraderie-leading to a gritty and moving conclusion.

While We're Young(en)

An uptight documentary filmmaker and his wife find their lives loosened up a bit after befriending a free-spirited younger couple.

Jelly Rocket(en)

Tang finding himself lost in a dead-end job, contemplating in an aquarium while helping a boy finding his lost rubber ball. Both get into an introspective conversation.

In the Heights(en)

The story of Usnavi, a bodega owner who has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic or staying in Washington Heights.

Alraune(de)

In the 1800s, a stormy love relationship develops quickly between a young medical student and a woman believing herself to be the daughter of his scientist uncle, the student having never heard of her before their chance encounter and both unaware that she is the result of the scientist's illegal experiments with artificial insemination..

Tender Age(fr)

Sixteen-year-old Diane exists exclusively through her mother's gaze. But this intensely close bond between Diane and her mother, Sophie, is becoming increasingly problematic for the teenager. At high school, she would like to be loved like she is at home and expresses it in an awkward way like when she exchanges a favor for a look, in the toilets. A loudmouth, provocative, and seeking attention, Diane tries to stand apart from her mother and wishes, during a weekend, to live like an adult.

Ayana(de)

Ayana is eagerly anticipating an important relay race. Just before the start, she is confronted with discrimination and self-doubt, which shake her determination. To make it to the starting line, she must recognize her own worth and find new confidence.

Violet(en)

Violet realizes that her entire life is built on fear-based decisions, and must do everything differently to become her true self.

Alexander Not So Great(en)

Alexander, a self-absorbed aspiring model and internet personality, spirals into delusion and self-pity after being dumped by his girlfriend for someone “much less impressive.” What begins as a diary of self-reflection soon mutates into performative egoism as Alexander tries to rebrand his heartbreak into an aesthetic. But the camera catches what he won’t admit — that his obsession isn’t with love, but with the idea of being seen as great. As Alexander's online persona grows more unhinged, hallucinations blur with reality. He records performative breakdowns, fakes emotional confessions, and eventually spirals into a monologue where his reflection mocks him.

The Sunset Limited(en)

A deeply religious black ex-con thwarts the suicide attempt of an asocial white college professor who tries to throw himself in front of an oncoming subway train, 'The Sunset Limited.' As the one attempts to connect on a rational, spiritual and emotional level, the other remains steadfast in his hard-earned despair. Locked in a philosophical debate, both passionately defend their personal credos and try to convert the other.

Redeeming Love(en)

A young couple's relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850. Angel, experiencing love for the first time and facing demons unsurmountable, runs from the new life she doesn't believe she deserves. When Michael sets out to find her, Angel discovers that she indeed has the power to choose the life she wants.

wasted potential(fr)

A documented introspection written, directed, composed, illustrated, and experienced by Riadh Bakache, serving as a transition into a new era for his YouTube channel. Rich in emotion, this piece reflects on his personal experiences and inner journey, supported by his readings. Riadh explores several philosophical and psychological questions about himself, in an effort to better understand and ultimately accept who he is. Taking a step back from his situation became necessary, leading to the telling of his entire journey in this video.

60bpm(en)

A short film by conservatory students.

Way of the Warrior Kid(en)

Jake is an injured Navy SEAL who becomes a mentor for his shy, struggling nephew Marc. Using the principles of his military training, Jake teaches Marc how to be a Warrior Kid as he enters high school.

One Minute in Hell(ko)

A brother takes his younger ten-year-old sister, who is doubting her dream, to "The Box", where you can meet your future self. How will her future self turn out?