Here are a few of the documentary shorts playing at Slamdance 2026.

Leveret Road (Rang du Lièvre), 14 minutes, directed by Tim Bouvette. In Quebec, a ten year old who has ADHD, dyscalculia, and other learning issues, struggles to find a way to succeed in school. Her parents want what is best for her which may mean (gasp!) going to a different school. Although school is a struggle, in all other ways, this is a normal pre-teen who cares not just about school, but friends as well.

Sweet Water, 16 minutes, directed by Ali Nabeel. In Iraq, sixte year old beggar Qisma leads a very unenviable life. Most people look down on her. She has nothing, but her dog, Bobby. In spite of this, Qisma has a fiery attitude. She is loud and demanding. She longs for death, but then what would happen to Bobby? And if something were to happen to Bobby, what would that mean of Qisma?

For Every Apricot, 6 minutes, directed by Kaia Fortis Scott. This is the story told by an older woman of her attempt to find a miracle cure for her father’s cancer. Fifty years ago, when her father was dying, she heard about laetrile, an alternative treatment made from apricot pits. It was available in Mexico, but not in the US or Canada (where she lived). She recounts her trip to Montreal, where there was a source of this illegal medicine. Her worries about what it meant to be “smuggling” this drug for her father are a bit humorous. But the idea of hoping for a miracle cure is heartwarming, especially when she speaks of her own miracle.

La Mayordomía,  23 minutes directed by Martin Edralin. In Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City, there are four icons of the Christ child, that date back 400 years. These dolls and their elaborate clothing are each cared for by a family for a one year period. This film introduces us to some of the out-going and in-coming stewards. They approach this task with devotion and dedication. An interesting look at the intersection of folk and traditional religion.

Ramón Who Speaks with Ghosts. 7 minutes, directed by Shervin Kermani. On the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, a man spends his day wandering over the volcanic ruins with a microphone listening for the voices of ghosts. He says they don’t want to scare people, only to be heard.

Correct Me If I’m Wrong, 22 minutes, directed by Hao Zhou. In China, a family tries to exorcise the demon from a man who is 32 and unmarried. A demon is the only way they can understand the man’s queerness. We are a bit unsure if he tolerates all of this because he loves his mother and grandmother, or if he is a willing participant hoping for change.