“Small Town Heroes” consists of six films that give viewers a new insight into the criteria of a hero. The short films present both comical and heartwarming characters to impart their ultimate message to their audiences: pursue your passions.

The first film entitled “Stewart Summer,” directed by Thomas Britt, introduces a small town band, Southeast Engine, working on an album in an old schoolhouse. The film takes viewers through the band’s “garage stage,” or in this case, schoolhouse stage, as the members embark on their musical endeavors. The 15-minute piece laces together the band’s production time and leisure time through an up-close and personal lens as the audience journeys with the members through their frustration and success. Though the film’s dialogue and message are excellently conveyed, both aspects become muffled at times when the background music overwhelms the characters’ voices. Also, the film ends unexpectedly and seems to leave the story incomplete.

Director Andrew Sobey conveys his passion for filmmaking through the people, landscape and culture of a rural Western town in “An Ethnography of Ellensburg.” Both the craftily shot scenes of the town buildings and the townspeople’s interesting and absorbing recollections make the short film a pleasant 12 minutes.

“Oaks,” directed by David Cress, and “From Wood to Singing Guitar,” directed by Shawn Lind, emphasize the pure happiness that is gained by pursuing one’s passion. Both films tell the delightful tale of musicians devoted to their craft. The documentary “Oaks” explains, from the perspectives of two musicians, how the magic of a pipe organ gives roller rink skaters an enchanting experience. The film keeps viewers’ visual interest with beautiful scenes of skaters’ dark silhouettes against swirling, colorful lights. “From Wood to Singing Guitar” provides moviegoers with a luthier’s insight to guitar making. His humorous comments and attention to detail accent his already charming story.

The charming tales continue with Jean Andrew’s “Ora Anderson: The Soul of the Woods.” Ora Andy Anderson, age 93, shares his tree farm and nature preserve in Appalachian Ohio foothills with viewers. His passion for nature is apparent in his explanations. The view of wildflowers and greenery is aesthetically pleasing, but the continuous sight of trees becomes a bit repetitive.

The competition’s hero theme took a diverting and amusing twist with “Sapsucker,” directed by Christopher Holmes. One man’s obsession to track down a woodpecker takes him on a surreal hunt for reality. The superb acting and peculiar plot make this brief film comical and entertaining. The 12-minute piece does not fail to hold the audience’s attention and keeps viewers giggling.

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Speakeasy Rating: B