Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Everyone in the room thinks they’re right.
When a high school committee gathers to debate whether a transgender athlete should be allowed to compete on the girls’ team, parents, students, and faculty arrive armed with firmly held beliefs. What begins as a heated clash takes an unexpected turn when they’re challenged to stop arguing and start listening.
Inspired by the tension of a jury-room drama, The Machine explores what happens when certainty gives way to curiosity—and people on opposing sides are forced to confront the humanity behind the argument.
Written and directed by Mason Bendewald
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From the filmmaker:
“This is not a film about providing answers; it’s about the value of questions. I wanted to create a space where nuance could live, where people can soften not because they were persuaded, but because they were heard.”
A FILM SHORTAGE SELECTION
#FilmShortage #DramaShortFilm #IndieFilm
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Twitter: twitter.com/filmshortage
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Website: filmshortage.com
Film Shortage is home to the next generation of filmmakers, premiering some of the best and diverse short films online
Everyone in the room thinks they’re right.
When a high school committee gathers to debate whether a transgender athlete should be allowed to compete on the girls’ team, parents, students, and faculty arrive armed with firmly held beliefs. What begins as a heated clash takes an unexpected turn when they’re challenged to stop arguing and start listening.
Inspired by the tension of a jury-room drama, The Machine explores what happens when certainty gives way to curiosity—and people on opposing sides are forced to confront the humanity behind the argument.
Written and directed by Mason Bendewald
SUBSCRIBE for Your Daily Dose of Inspiration ➠
youtube.com/channel/UCpa2QppVwCuivaWe5qfVY_Q
SUBMIT your film ➠
filmshortage.com/submit
From the filmmaker:
“This is not a film about providing answers; it’s about the value of questions. I wanted to create a space where nuance could live, where people can soften not because they were persuaded, but because they were heard.”
A FILM SHORTAGE SELECTION
#FilmShortage #DramaShortFilm #IndieFilm
FILM SHORTAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: instagram.com/filmshortage
Twitter: twitter.com/filmshortage
Facebook: facebook.com/filmshortage
Website: filmshortage.com
Film Shortage is home to the next generation of filmmakers, premiering some of the best and diverse short films online
