The MPI Original short film Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up, written and directed by MPI filmmaker Trần Hoàng Calvin, has been chosen as an official selection at the New York Shorts International Film Festival, the Black Bear Film Festival, and the Lake Placid Film Festival this October.

The film will screen first at the New York Shorts International Film Festival on Wednesday, October 15, at 6 p.m. Recognized as one of the largest showcases of short films in North America, the festival has built an international reputation for discovering and elevating exciting new filmmakers. Its focus on global perspectives and innovative storytelling makes it a key launchpad for short films seeking recognition and distribution opportunities. Tickets will go on sale on October 2—stay tuned to get yours here.

Founded in 2000, the Black Bear Film Festival has become one of Pennsylvania’s most respected cultural events, celebrated for its commitment to independent voices and its ability to draw filmmakers and audiences from across the region. The film will screen there on Sunday, October 19, at 1:15 p.m. Watch the trailer below and get your tickets here.

The film was also selected to screen at the Lake Placid Film Festival in New York, known for its stunning setting in the Adirondacks and its strong focus on emerging talent and bold storytelling. Over the years, the festival has built a reputation as a destination for filmmakers and cinephiles, offering an intimate yet high-profile showcase connecting new voices with established industry leaders. Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up will screen there on Friday, October 31, at 9:00 a.m. Secure your seats here.

The story follows the Clifford family, who hope to start a new life by selling their dilapidated farm. But when the discovery of an endangered bird on the property threatens to collapse the sale, their son Andy must decide whether to make the bird’s presence known—or to shoot, shovel, and shut up.

First developed in the 2021 MPI Short Film Lab and later produced through the Production Lab as an MPI Original, the film’s festival selections mark a significant step in bringing the project from script to screen.