'How I Spent My Summer Vacation' Review: You Only Live Once
For most thirteen-year-old girls, the biggest worry is about making friends at school. Or, trying to keep up with the latest trends. In filmmaker Kenneth R. Frank's How I Spent My Summer Vacation, the young protagonist has bigger issues on her mind. This tenderly told coming-of-age film spends the summer with Grace, a teenager who struggles with the anxiety of her own mortality.
You Only Live Once
Grace (Raquel Sciacca) is a young girl who loves routine. Having control over an outcome is a way to ease her fragile mind, which is why structure has become increasingly more important, as life's disruptions become more frequent. Grace is also entering the eighth grade next year, which is already proving to be problematic. Her younger brother Richie's (Dawson Sciacca) disruptive behavior in class makes things difficult for Grace and her mother (Christina Elise Perry) to handle. Needless to say, everyone is looking forward to a break during summer vacation. Grace can only keep her sights set on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands with her dad (Chris Mollica), which she has been planning for years. Still, an ever-present sense of fear creeps into this otherwise exciting upcoming trip.
Plans are disrupted, however, once news of her grandfather's (Jerry Colpitts) illness spreads. Grace and her family move to Long Island for the summer to care for him. Straying from her original expectation and into the unknown is a scary thing for Grace to accept, but it's exactly the thing that pushes her to explore a whole new world of possibilities. Through unexpected challenges and newly formed relationships, Grace finally confronts her anxieties and fears. She soon realizes that life is too short to worry about strict routines and playing it safe. After all, you only live once, so instead of fearing death, Grace learns to embrace life.
A Traditional Coming of Age Film with Heart
How I Spent My Summer Vacation is writer/director Kenneth R. Frank's third feature film. He tackles the themes of adolescent curiosity and fears in such a precious and nuanced way. The script tackles traditional coming-of-age themes, led by an empathetic performance by Raquel Sciacca. Her sensitivities are palpable, similar to Elsie Fisher's performance in Bo Burnham's 2018 film Eighth Grade. For an independent feature, How I Spent My Summer Vacation is a solid execution. What could have enhanced the film's onscreen charisma is a smoother dialogue flow between characters, whose interactions, at times, can come across as slightly robotic and unnatural. The film could have also benefited from a more consistent score, instead of mainly relying on it as a transition device between scenes.
Director's Statement
"The story for this film is rooted in a personal experience I have long wanted to examine: the death of my grandfather when I was eleven years old. While this period was my first intimate contact with death, it also seems, in retrospect, to be my entry into the world of adults. In this regard, there are then two periods of my life: everything before my grandfather’s death and then everything after it... And so, sitting behind the camera on this film, I found myself directing two of my own experiences: that of my own younger self and that of my current reality as a father... This examination of my own past (and my own present) has been a most satisfying artistic experience, and I am proud to share this film."
Takeaway
The biggest lesson in the film is a universal one, a powerful sentiment that bears repeating. As Grace's father says, “It’s okay to be scared, but you can’t let fear keep you from doing the things you want.” This film offers audiences a reminder that the purpose of life isn't to live small; rather, it's to live out loud.
'A Week' Review: Revenge is a Dish Best Served Hot
Seven days is all it takes for one woman to reach her breaking point in filmmaker Tony Rakshith's short film, A Week. This intimate, micro-budget independent film chronicles a week in the life of Rebecca, a waitress who is facing the return of her abusive husband. The film won Silver at the Independent Shorts Awards and premiered at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival. It continues to make the rounds on the festival circuit.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served Hot
The film begins on a Monday, and Rebecca (Neva Leoncini) is already facing a difficult day ahead. She tells her colleague at Cadillac Jack's diner that her volatile husband will be coming home after spending four years in prison. Since his incarceration, Rebecca has been living peacefully, but his impending release sends chills down her spine. Her worst fears come true when her husband (Amir Yassami) suddenly appears at the diner, unannounced and threatening.
The film unfolds over the course of several days, with her husband growing increasingly agitated as time passes. On Thursday morning, Rebecca shows up to work with a bruise on her eye. She claims to have fallen down the stairs, but her boss (James Tolley) knows the real culprit is likely her husband. On Sunday morning, he's back at the diner again, but this time it's different. After offering him a plate of hot pancakes, Rebecca smirks as he begins to choke. Her revenge is all going according to plan.
Director's Statement
"This film was born from a simple yet ambitious idea: to create something that is both fun and profoundly serious at the same time. In a world often divided between light-hearted escapism and heavy drama, I wanted to blend the two, crafting a story where laughter and tension coexist, reflecting the absurd complexities of real life. Suspense forms the backbone of the narrative. I built it deliberately through the structure: careful pacing, escalating stakes, and unexpected turns that keep audiences on edge. At the same time, comedy emerges organically from the actors' improvisations. By giving them freedom to play within the scenes, we captured spontaneous, authentic moments of humor that feel fresh and unpredictable, turning potentially dark situations into opportunities for wry smiles or outright laughs.
Ultimately, I hope viewers experience that rare thrill of being surprised by joy in the midst of unease. This project is a reminder that life’s most serious moments can also be its funniest and vice versa. It’s an invitation to laugh uncomfortably, question deeply, and embrace the chaos."
Takeaway
A Week pays homage to the goriness of Tarantino films, while managing to stay contained within the micro-budget space. The production takes place in one location and features a very small cast, resulting in a tight-knit narrative from start to finish. Most notably, Tony Rakshith's directing ability proves that you can tell a very compelling story with limited resources.
'The Elephant in the Room' Review: Finding Mr. Right (Literally)
Are political differences enough to end an otherwise great relationship? That is the conundrum filmmaker Erik Bork spotlights in his red-blue romantic comedy, The Elephant in the Room. Both lighthearted in nature and contemporary in its themes, Bork uses humor to look at very real and complex issues facing couples today. As if dating in Los Angeles isn't hard enough, adding political tension makes for a complicated connection in these divided times.
Finding Mr. Almost Right
The film takes place in Los Angeles during December 2020, a time when COVID-19 is still a threat and dating remains a somewhat risky endeavour. Leah (Alyssa Limperis) is a proud progressive woman who believes she has finally found the perfect guy. After a quick flirty exchange on Christmas Day with Vincent (Sean Kleier), Leah is smitten. He's handsome, charming, and witty. On paper, he's perfect; however, things take a dramatic, if not horrifying, turn when she discovers he was a Trump voter.
Still, not ready to give up hope, Leah launches a mission to fix this “problem." She feels cautiously optimistic that she will be able to shift his perspective and get him to align with her values so they can work past these fundamental differences. However, after Vincent shares that he is planning to attend the Washington D.C. protest on January 6th with his right-wing grandmother, Leah believes that all hope is lost. Her vision of this dream man is turning into a nightmare, but it may not be too late to change his mind once and for all.
Divided We Stand?
Though not technically a "horror film," The Elephant in the Room does portray one woman's worst-case scenario. Written & directed by Erik Bork, the film is a funny and smart exploration of political polarization that genuinely caters to a non-partisan audience. Leah and Vincent's political tiffs bring up interesting points, ones that both sides of the aisle should be able to acknowledge as valid. It is appropriate to draw the line at the January 6th riots, which the film allows audiences to do without much convincing.
Director Statement
"My idea for the film originally was that political differences in the age of Trump could be a great 'complication' for a potential romantic comedy. As I began raising money to make the film, and meeting people from organizations concerned with trying to do something about political polarization, I started to feel heartened that they thought this film is the kind of thing we need more of today - where people from opposite sides talk to each other and have an incentive to find common ground.
Although that conflict is explored mostly comedically in the film, I do recognize it as a serious issue - the huge divides between the "two sides" in our culture. And while I mainly hope the film entertains and engages audiences as a story, I also like thinking that it will spark conversations about this ever-present issue in people's lives today, as it has done during all its screenings thus far."
Takeaway
Lead actor Alyssa Limperis steals the spotlight with her authenticity and bubbly demeanour. Her chemistry with co-star Sean Kleier and supporting actor Dominic Burgess is strong, and gives The Elephant in the Room a real blockbuster feel. No matter what side you lean politically, there is much to admire in this charming indie feature.
'Hamnet' Review: Shakespeare in Mourning
Hamnet, at its core, is a story about suffering and silence. It is also a story of perseverance, maternal ferocity, and human connection. Through mesmerizing visuals and striking performances, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao tells the powerful story that inspired Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. Hamnet is an emotional tour de force that will have you longing for your mother's embrace.
Born From Pain, Birthing an Artistic Masterpiece
Hamnet takes place in the 16th century in rural England. Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare, a struggling Latin tutor who is besotted with Agnes (Jessie Buckley), a free-spirited outsider. They are each other's twin flames, who quickly marry and start a family. Their relationship is unconventional but strong; their mutual support encourages harmony and love inside and outside of the home. Always fond of William's writing, Agnes inspires her husband to pursue his creative ambitions in London, so William takes the opportunity, delves into the theater, and quickly becomes a successful playwright.
Back home, Agnes feels his absence tremendously. Their children, Susanna, Judith, and Hamnet, particularly mourn his presence. Agnes does the best she can to keep her children happy and healthy, but when a horrific tragedy strikes, her maternal fortitude and confidence are shaken to the core. Agnes and William's once-unwavering bond is put to the test, as well as their roles of spouse and caretaker. However, William turns this shared pain into art as he sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
To Be or Not to Be
Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider) knows how to sensitively observe moments of deep reflection, and the same is true here. While the film is a slow burn, the journey is never dull. Beautiful cinematography by DP Łukasz Żal brings this old English world to life in vivid detail. Aiding in the emotional storytelling is a quietly stirring score by composer Max Richter. Yes, it is a bit overplayed to sync one of his most famous works, On The Nature of Daylight, in the finale scene, but Hamnet can get away with it. The final pieces of the puzzle are the phenomenal performances by Buckley and Mescal. Raw, animalistic, and deeply human all at once, they give the film a life well beyond the two-hour runtime. Their intensity will stay with you for a long time.
Director Statement
Says Chloé Zhao: "I don’t often have words to describe why I choose a project. I’m often guided by instinct, a tight pull on my heart center. Stories appear in my life as if they have chosen me, and I have no choice but to surrender to them. Hamnet came into my life like a whisper that grew into a hurricane. By the end of the journey, I was tenderized. I had truly experienced what it feels like to live with an open heart in the eye of a storm - the beauty, the pain, the thrill at the edge of annihilation, and the silence."
Takeaway
Universally considered an early awards contender following its debut at the Telluride Film Festival, Hamnet is poetic cinema. It dutifully crafts a complex tale of love, loss, and the healing power of art and creativity.
Exclusive: Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch Debuts Track from 'H is for Hawk'
Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch's score took audiences on a journey through a tapestry of big emotions in the 2023 drama, All of Us Strangers. Using a mixture of synths and strings, she effortlessly evokes the “texture” of memory. Before that, she leaned into the traditional classical genre in Living, the 2022 drama starring Bill Nighy. Her most recent work soars once again in filmmaker Philippa Lowthorpe’s H is for Hawk. Using a string ensemble, she crafts an expansive, yet unforced piece that acts as a sonic meditation on grief, nature, and the father-daughter bond.
Inspired by Helen Macdonald’s beloved memoir, H is for Hawk stars Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe award winner Claire Foy (The Crown) as a grieving woman who finds renewed purpose through falconry. After the sudden death of her father (Brendan Gleeson), Helen (Foy) loses herself in the memories of their time birding and exploring the natural world together. To navigate her profound loss, she turns to training a wild goshawk named Mabel. As she teaches Mabel to hunt and to fly, Helen discovers how deeply she has neglected her own emotions.
EXCLUSIVE: Cinemacy is proud to debut ‘Feathers’ from Roadside Attractions’ H is for Hawk, below:
The Ivor Novello–nominated composer initially conceived the soundtrack as a small chamber piece. However, to match the film's emotional depth, the music grew into a 12-piece string ensemble. The result is what we hear in Feathers: an organic acoustic sound that embodies the film’s exhilarating sense of emotional release. She uses techniques like heavy detuning, extended bowing, and abstract verbal direction to shape the music. This gives the sound an animalistic quality that almost feels as if it's breathing. Using minimalist instruments, Levienaise-Farrouch crafts a sound that is so wonderfully wild, strange, and alive.
H is for Hawk will have a limited run in mid-December. The film opens theatrically on January 23, 2026.
'It Happened In August' Review: Navigating Life's Unpredictability
One woman gets a second chance at fulfilling her lifelong dream in filmmaker Artima Sakulkoo's short drama, It Happened In August. Written, directed by, and starring Sakulkoo, this inspirational story explores the ups and downs of navigating life's unpredictability. The film made its premiere at the 2025 Reeling LGBTQ Film Festival.
No Dream is Impossible
The film opens on Aimme (Artima Sakulkoo), a queer Thai immigrant, who receives a life-changing phone call. On the other end of the line is her brother, informing her that their mother is dying. Moments later, Aimme's girlfriend Sandra (Linsy Segarra), unaware of the devastating news Aimme has just received, excitedly shares her latest professional acting win. It takes everything in Aimme to appear happy for Sandra, all the while fighting an overwhelming feeling of sadness, jealousy, and defeat.
Time passes, and when we meet Aimme again, she is single and living with her brother. Since their mother’s passing, Aimme ignores her dreams of being a successful artist. Instead, she works at a local Thai restaurant to cover the mounting bills. One late-August evening, Sandra, Aimme's now ex-girlfriend, walks into her restaurant. They are both caught off guard yet welcome the unexpected reunion. Sandra, a professional acting coach, effortlessly brings out the spark in Aimme that had been dormant for too long. As old feelings resurface, Aimme must navigate family responsibilities and her longing for a life in the arts, discovering the courage to open herself to that possibility again.
Director Statement
Says Artima Sakulkoo, "It Happened in August is a deeply personal film. I lost my mother at the same time I was discovering my queerness. For years, I never felt fully comfortable in my body or my sexuality. Making this film became a way to honor that journey and reconnect with the parts of myself I had kept small. One of the most meaningful discoveries I made as a filmmaker was finding my audience. This film is for queer people and for Thai immigrants in the U.S.—for anyone yearning to be seen, loved, and understood. It’s for those whose stories deserve to exist on screen."
Takeaway
Navigating family dynamics, exploring self-identity, and rekindling old relationships is a trifecta of emotional challenges. It Happened in August doesn't shy away from these difficulties, but reflects the growth potential that can be achieved in challenging times. Artima Sakulkoo leads with vulnerability and heart both in front of and behind the camera. The result sheds light on experiences that are deeply personal to Sakulkoo and, most likely, will resonate with audiences too.
'Flight 182' Review: Relives the Moments Before Unspeakable Tragedy
Filmmaker Rippin Sindher revisits one of the world's deadliest airline attacks in her heartbreaking short film, Flight 182. Famed producer Ridley Scott also lends his expertise to the indie production as an executive producer. This partnership adds immediate leverage and authenticity to the film's visibility. Turning personal tragedy into a sign of support and remembrance, Flight 182 is a sincere and poignant homage to the victims of this horrific act of violence.
Reliving the Moments Before Unspeakable Tragedy
Prior to September 11th, 2001, Air India Flight 182 was the deadliest terrorist attack in the world. 329 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including Sindher's uncle, to whom the filmmaker dedicated the film. The 17-minute short, Flight 182, details the intimate moments shared by a family shortly before the patriarch boards the doomed flight. It's June 22, 1985, in Vancouver, BC. Jeet (Gurinder Sindher) is a devoted husband, torn between visiting his dying mother in India and heeding warnings from a separatist group seeking revenge against the Canadian government.
His wife, Mandeep (Sundeep Morrison), doesn't want him to go. Her intuition tells her something is off, and she is already feeling overwhelmed taking care of their young daughter. Despite this, Jeet decides to take the trip, considering it may be his last opportunity to see his mother. What follows, unfortunately, is a tragic outcome that impacts the entire family.
Director Statement
Says Rippin Sindher, "At its core, Flight 182 is about humanity and empathy. I hope it inspires audiences to reflect on the ripple effects of violence and the resilience of families left behind. It is a deeply personal film too. My uncle, Daljit Singh Grewal, was one of the 329 lives lost on Air India Flight 182. For nearly 40 years, this tragedy has been overshadowed by race politics, geopolitical tensions, and mishandled evidence, depriving it of the recognition it deserves. I chose to make this film as an act of remembrance to fight against historical erasure."
Takeaway
It's clear through the intimate storytelling that Flight 182 is Sindher's way of holding space for grief, love, and generational strength. The film is not so much a vehicle for entertainment but rather an outlet to explore the emotional core of this unimaginable loss. This devastating event remains the largest mass killing in Canadian history. Flight 182 had its World Premiere at the 2024 International South Asian Film Festival. Further screening options are pending.
'Mariana Ant' Review: A Creative Homage to a Spanish Fabel
Drawing on the wild and wacky works of artists Buñuel, Lorca, and Dalí as inspiration, Mariana Ant is nothing short of a visual dream. Filmmakers Maite Uzal and Rubén Pascual Tardío carefully craft a fantastical world in their satiric fable of a contrasting dynamic between mother and daughter. Set to lively music and featuring a colorful palette, Mariana Ant is an uptempo and creative homage to the folklore and culture of Spain.
A Surreal Once Upon a Time
Opening with the quintessential "Once Upon a Time...", Mariana Ant is set in the fictional working-class town of Thorbat. Here, a mother and daughter's growing tension comes to a head when their differences become too big to ignore. Both women survive by begging local townspeople for provisions; it's a hustle that Mother (Maite Uzal) enjoys, and her daughter (Úrsula Tomás Abril) despises. Mother is lazy and hopes to become rich without lifting a finger. Her daughter, on the other hand, is hardworking and empathetic. She admires the grit and drive of worker ants, wishing that she could join them. One afternoon, mother and daughter come across a mysterious woman who is able to grant their wishes. However, their vision of happily ever after doesn't turn out to be the storybook ending they expected.
Director's Statement
Says Maite Uzal: "Many who watch Mariana Ant will indeed say that 'I have no sense. That’s when I’ll say, 'But I don’t care.' In creating and producing this film, I was fiercely determined to do things the way I thought I should do them. Regardless of trends, desires to please, political correctness, or algorithms. With that in mind... I have only aspired to be true to myself. What you have in front of you is exactly what played in the universe of my imagination. Fueled by the sincere and most heartfelt trepidation of an artist who takes full responsibility for remaining forever a child."
Takeaway
Directors Maite Uzal and Rubén Pascual Tardío playfully infuse a comical edge into the surreal world of Mariana Ant. The result is a zany fable about the consequences that can come with getting what you want. There are moments when the filmmakers seem to prioritize aesthetics over storytelling. However, this 16-minute short film embraces its unconventional nature and never gives us a dull moment. Mariana Ant played earlier this year at the 2025 Cerdanya Film Festival in Catalonia, Spain.