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Rock Paper Scissors
A film by Lauren Ward & Alex Kweskin


At 2 a.m. on a quiet subway platform, an elderly woman waits alone after missing her train. Her solitude is interrupted when a lively young boy bounds up the stairs and spots a girl on the opposite platform. Without speaking, they start a playful game of rock-paper-scissors, their laughter filling the empty station. But as the girl’s train arrives, their connection is cut short. She waves from the window, and he waves back, smiling. The elderly woman, watching from afar, is reminded that even the briefest encounters can create lasting memories of joy and shared humanity.

Lauren Ward and Alex Kweskin are a filmmaking duo celebrated for their ability to weave quiet, human stories that explore fleeting connections, unspoken emotions, and the beauty of everyday moments. With a shared background in visual storytelling, their work reflects a deep fascination with the unnoticed intersections of strangers’ lives and the poignant “what-ifs” that linger in our memories. This film embodies their shared vision, delving into themes of nostalgia, missed opportunities, and the delicate interplay between solitude and connection in urban life. Through nuanced performances and a contemplative visual style, Lauren and Alex invite audiences to reflect on the unspoken bonds that shape our world and the fragile beauty of moments that fade too quickly.

3min • USA • 2025










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From rare, unseen documentaries to visionary works by acclaimed directors and bold new voices, Sixteen Film Institute (SFI) curates powerful cinema that pushes boundaries and invites audiences to explore uncharted visual territory.

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Playing next week: Yandere, a film by William Laboury (2019, 20min, France)  
ARCHIVES
Since 2020, SFI has streamed more than hundreds short films online for free, showcasing the work of acclaimed and award-winning directors including Jonas Mekas, Gjon Milli, Meredith Monk, Laura Samani, Dustin Guy Defa, Mark Rappaport, Haley Elizabeth Anderson, William Klein, Thanasis Neofotistos, Meryam Joobeur and many others.
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