Pencils

Director: Robert Mandelberg
Narrative Short
Avant-Garde, Tragicomedy | USA | 7 min

After an arduous journey, two downtrodden vagabonds plead with a desperate merchant for salvation. This absurdist piece focuses on our collective existential angst and the yearning for genuine human connection.


Screens in Shorts Program: Finding Focus

Saturday, June 6, 2026 8:00 PM
Shorts Program: Finding Focus
Basie Center Cinemas

Shorts Program: Finding Focus

Saturday, June 6, 2026 8:00 PM

Basie Center Cinemas

Ticket Type Price Qty. Add To Cart
Shorts Program: Finding Focus 6/06 8:00PM Basie $20
Add to Cart

Director’s bio:

Robert Mandelberg is a filmmaker, published author, and comedic writer with over 20 years of experience bringing heart, humor, and humanity to the stage and screen.

His latest experimental piece, “Pencils,” is an absurdist tragic farce, highlighting man’s quest for meaningful connection while evoking conflicting emotions. This short film is a work of passion for Robert, bringing to life his unique style of tragicomedy.

Robert’s first film is the sports documentary, Extra Innings: Grandpa Got Game. It showcases his signature blend of storytelling and warmth as he follows a group of senior softball players who refuse to let age bench them.

A lifelong observer of the absurd and the inspiring, Robert has written and performed in hundreds of live comedy shows, authored six books on magic and mysteries, and directed everything from a regional comedy troupe to an award-winning film.

Whether he’s crafting a punchline or capturing a powerful moment on camera, Robert’s work is driven by one goal: to tell stories that make people feel something—and maybe laugh a little along the way.