The 12th annual PBS Short Film Festival “Stories in Bloom” begins Monday, July 10th and lasts through Friday, July 21st on all PBS digital platforms, including PBS.org, YouTube and the PBS App.

The festival features 25 short-form independent films and celebrates independent films and filmmaking. Twelve of the 25 short-form films exploring identity, culture, family, society, and the environment will be showcased during a free screening in D.C. next week.

On Monday, July 10th, you’ll get the chance to watch these uplifting stories for free at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market located at 550 Penn St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. The show runs from 6-9 p.m. ET. Grab your complimentary popcorn and drink and enjoy the show!

“Every year, the PBS Short Film Festival seeks new ways to celebrate various filmmakers from across the country,” says Taryn Jackson, Director, Audience Engagement at PBS. “This year’s festival theme, ‘Stories in Bloom,’ is intended to plant seeds of inspiration for future filmmakers and champion the growing and changing narratives that blossom from participants at each festival.” In addition to online and in-person audiences, a panel of seven jury members will select their favorite film of the festival for the Juried Prize.

“Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of films celebrating love, acceptance, family, strength, equality, friendship, loyalty, and more have been presented under the festival’s banner.”

You can learn more about the Annual PBS Short Film Festival and all the films that will be screening online now.