Understanding yourself rarely comes easy. Finding out who you are — from which labels you prefer to use, to your relationship to sexuality, and your bodily autonomy — takes time, and discoveries can happen at any age. These short films and web series take you through the winding road to self-discovery.

Rebecca Halfon’s “Esther” explores a Jewish teenager’s sexuality, while Emily Ann Hoffman’s “Bug Bite” shines a light on the patriarchy via a woman who bonds with a female bed bug. In Nora Kirkpatrick’s “Long Time Listener, First Time Caller,” a bored housewife encounters a shocking revelation and finds a new sense of purpose. And Gretchen Wylder’s web series, “These Thems,” chronicles the arduous and awkward process of coming out and finding out who you are.

Here are Women and Hollywood’s latest round of VOD and web series selections.

VOD

“Esther” (Short) – Written and Directed by Rebecca Halfon

Rebecca Halfon’s “Esther” is a fresh and unapologetic look into teen sexuality. After getting her braces off and nearing her bat mitzvah, Esther (Judith Lawrence) tries to seduce her Hebrew tutor. Halfon perfectly encapsulates the awkward minutiae of teen girl obsession: from making a love potion out of lavender to pretending to forget something as to get his attention. “Esther” plays with the notion of becoming a woman at 13 years old, and what that actually means in practice.

Watch “Esther” on Vimeo.

“Bug Bite” (Short) – Written and Directed by Emily Ann Hoffman

“Bug Bite” shines a light on patriarchal forces through an unconventional metaphor: bed bugs. Emily Ann Hoffman’s short follows a young woman (Ruby McCollister) who bonds with a female bed bug after learning about their shared experiences with men and toxic masculinity. Underscored by an animated talk show, the woman comes to comprehend all the ways men have felt entitled to her body. “Bug Bite” is not only inventive in a narrative sense, but also in its complementary use of animation and live-action elements.

Watch “Bug Bite” on Vimeo.

“Long Time Listener, First Time Caller” (Short) – Written and Directed by Nora Kirkpatrick

Sometimes self-discovery is a rude awakening, such is the case with Nora Kirkpatrick’s “Long Time Listener, First Time Caller.” A sheltered, small-town housewife (Breeda Wool) calls into a late-night radio show with questions about her marriage, which inspires her to break from the monotony of her life and find out who she is and what she deserves. “Long Time Listener, First Time Caller” is a fascinating exploration into the unknown and the doubts we all have about ourselves, our worth, and our place in the world.

Watch “Long Time Listener, First Time Caller” on Vimeo.

Web Series

“These Thems” – Created and Written by Gretchen Wylder

Discovering your gender and sexual identities can be a long and constantly-evolving process, but Gretchen Wylder’s “These Thems” makes it fun and full of humor. The series depicts a diverse array of identities and narratives in New York City: Gretchen (Gretchen Wylder) navigates the queer world as a 30-year-old, freshly out lesbian. Meanwhile, nonbinary Vero (Victoria Ortiz) takes her under their wing and Asher (Shaan Dasani) contemplates coming out at work. With its refreshingly authentic cast of characters, “These Thems” puts a comedic spin on the sometimes arduous process of coming out and finding yourself.

Watch “These Thems” on its website or YouTube.