We proudly highlighted a diverse group of creators from around the world who are telling compelling stories in every genre with unique voices and perspectives. Our 2019 pilot selections represent the very best of independent television in every genre.

Ups and Downs

Director: Eoin Cleland
Writer: Eoin Cleland
Starring: James Martin, Rosie Barry + Susan Lynch

*U.S. Premiere* A young man with Down syndrome tricks his sister into a road trip to go to a concert while being pursued by their mum. With no phones, no money, and no plan, can they make it?

distemper

Written by: Maxwell Pitagno
Directed + Produced by: Elias Plagianos, NFTV Festival Director of Programming

We premiered the pilot for emerging author Maxwell Pitagno for his script Distemper, winner of the Science + Technology Script Competition. Distemper tells the true story of pathologist and LGBT icon Louise Pearce as she works to find a cure for African Trypanosomiasis as it infects millions across the Belgian Congo.

otis

Directed, Written + Starring: Alexander Etseyatse
Written + Directed by: Alexander Etseyatse
Producers: Ebony Lewis + Lily Johnson
Starring: Alexander Etseyatse, Dwinsley Homere, Keithen Hergott, Murray Adams, Brian Hibbler, and Jenelle Simone

A young, calm, and mentally unstable man attempts to convince his new buddy that they don’t belong at a psych ward by inciting an uprising while trying to win back the affection of his ex-fiancée and daughter.

M

Director: Javier Devitt
Writers: Mateo Ingouville + Ezequiel Schmoller
Starring: Alena Chinault, Jon McCormick, Marcelo Melingo, Heinz K. Krattiger + Juan Alari

Diane and Tim, a young American couple, give up their search for Tim’s father in Patagonia only to encounter a local conman, Alejandro, who lures them back into their journey. As the three travel deeper into the woods, mysteries abound and the forest plays tricks. Each is searching for something — and ultimately discovering much more. They may be hunting a man. But what’s hunting them?

PErCEPTION

Written + Directed by: PJ Posner 

What happens when a neuroscientist who’s devoted her entire career to proving you can never believe your own eyes witnesses a murder?