Heather K. Dahlstrom

The Day Santa Didn't Come

In the final days before Christmas, young Curtis is concerned about his status on Santa's List and, despite his good intentions, Curtis gets roped into doing questionable acts by his evil older brother and delinquent father. With the help of his best friends, "Rex" the dog and his "Canuck-Man" action figure, Curtis come up with a plan to turn things around, but their odds of success are pretty low. "The Day Santa Didn't Come" is a story of dearly dysfunctional family life in small-town Canada and the little guy's struggle to overcome it all.

Empire of Dirt

Like many Native families, Lena Mahikan grew up in the cycle of abuse. Her father, a residential school survivor, was an alcoholic until he killed himself when Lena was 10. Her mother, only 14 years her senior, turned to the slots. By the time Lena was 15, she was pregnant and, before giving birth, was kicked to the curb by her mom. The cycle continues and Lena is now watching helplessly as her own daughter, Peeka, spirals out of control, landing herself in the hospital following a drug overdose. As a final attempt at survival, Lena decides to return home and face her own mother and a past she’s desperate to escape.

Servitude

A group of frustrated waiters at a kitschy steakhouse take over their restaurant for one final, glorious, revenge-filled night when they discover they are all about to be fired.

How to Rid Your Lover of a Negative Emotion Caused by You!

Short - Love can make us do weird things. Sadie does a weird thing. She does it to her boyfriend Dennis. Keep in mind she only wants what's best for both of them-a perfect relationship. It could be the perfect relationship, too, as long as nobody bleeds to death. - Sarah Allen, Joe Cobden