'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.
'Bijupirá' Review: The Sea and a Sense of Belonging
The sea provides a poignant life lesson in filmmaker Eduardo Boccaletti's short drama, Bijupirá. Making its World Premiere at the 2025 Avanca Film Festival, Bijupirá is a soulful and meditative exploration of quiet estrangement within a family unit, and the world at large.
Lost at Sea Gives Way for Reflection
10-year-old Tomé (Enzo Gois) spends his days on a small trawler boat with Reinaldo (Heraldo de Deus), a fisherman. Day in and day out, he watches Reinaldo, nicknamed "The King of the Sea," tirelessly chase and catch fish, attempting to evade him. It's a trade that supports his livelihood. One afternoon, Reinaldo catches a small, strange fish called Remora. Tomé is curious about the animal's origins, especially because of Reinaldo's disgust towards it. He tells Tomé it's a useless fish that can't be sold or eaten and is commonly found attached to whale sharks. This sentiment strongly impacts Tomé, as he forms an analogy to his own life by seeing himself as a Remora: parasitic and dependent on Reinaldo as his provider.
After reflecting on his own existence, Tomé makes the drastic decision to get on a dinghy boat and release the rope. He drifts out to sea alone, and the day quickly turns to night. Meanwhile, Reinaldo is unaware of this dangerous and potentially dire situation. Once he discovers Tomé is not on the boat, he panics and desperately tries to find him.
Director's Statement
Says Eduardo Boccaletti: "My films have always sought to portray the feeling of being an outcast. The feeling of seeing things from the outside, a quiet estrangement from a world that feels both familiar and foreign... In Bijupirá, I was finally able to bring these universes together, translating them into images that reflect both the immensity the eyes can see and the depth the characters feel. It is, for me, a redemption and an embrace of the outsider who, at last, finds a place of belonging."
close up of whale sharks
Takeaway
Stunning cinematography by DP Renan Benedito makes for a breathtaking visual experience. The vastness of the ocean is captured in exquisite detail and heightened by the rich, deep color grade. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring shots are the underwater closeups of the whale shark, a majestic creature that commands the screen. Backed by powerful performances by its two lead actors, Bijupirá is an intimate story about quiet encounters that define our existence.
'Seeds From Kivu' Review: A Compassionate Doctor Turns Tragedy into Hope
The award-winning independent short Seeds from Kivu is a small film, but it carries a big message. The first European film screened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Vatican, and the European Parliament, Seeds from Kivu opens our eyes to the horrific and ongoing sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The result is an explosive exposé that acts as part humanitarian rally cry, and part investigative journalism.
A Compassionate Doctor Turns Tragedy into Hope
Seeds from Kivu focuses on the work of Dr. Denis Mukwege, world-renowned gynecologist, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who runs the local hospital. In the opening scenes, several women arrive at the hospital after being gang-raped by local militiamen. Mukwege explains that the hospital opened in 1999 to prevent maternal mortality. However, doctors were noticing that most of the women coming to the clinic weren't there to give birth. Rather, they were suffering from the aftermath of violent gang rapes. He recalls treating patients as old as 80 and as young as 6 months, a horrific statistic that is enough to send tangible chills down your spine.
Not only do the women experience physical torture by their abusers, but a great deal of emotional and psychological torture as well. After addressing their trauma and wounds, which often include a detached uterus and vaginal canal tears, they are confronted with whether to accept the babies they have given birth to as a result of the rapes. It's a heavy dilemma that comes with unimaginable stress and confusion. The main takeaway to this point is that regardless of how they came into the world, these children are the seeds of the future. They bear no responsibility for being born in such a tragic way, but their presence is nonetheless a gift worth honoring.
Risking Lives, On Screen and Off
The filmmakers hope Seeds from Kivu will leave a lasting impact to stop the world from turning a blind eye to the moral, ethical, and humanitarian discrimination happening in the DRC. It's so important and personal to them that they risked their lives to film in an active war zone. Spanning nine years of production to offer a brief insight into this horror, the filmmakers plan to return next year to shoot the feature-length version in the same territory.
Takeaway
Says Dr. Denis Mukwege, “Seeds from Kivu captures the heart of our work at Panzi: restoring dignity, healing deep wounds, and standing with survivors as they rebuild their lives. In a time when conflict is intensifying, this film is a vital call for solidarity and for peace in Congo.” Winner of the 2025 Goya Award for Best Documentary Short Film, Seeds from Kivu is now playing on YouTube. It was first released on November 25th, to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
'In Need of Seawater' Review: Poetry Comes Alive
A good film is not only cathartic to watch, but can also be therapeutic to create. This is no more apparent than in the short documentary In Need of Seawater, a deeply personal look into the life of poet and producer Mark Anthony Thomas. Directed by Richard Yeagley, In Need of Seawater is a moving portrait of Thomas's vulnerability and creative self-expression. Through poignant poetry, Thomas uses his voice to connect with the viewer as he reminisces about being a young black man navigating his identity in this country.
This is America
In Need of Seawater marks the beginning of a trilogy of documentary short films produced and written by Thomas. Filmed within the confines of a small apartment filled with friends, Thomas – nicknamed "The Poet" – reads aloud from the original works he created in his early twenties. Two decades after the release of his book The Poetic Repercussion, described as a lyrical triumph, Thomas recites poems like "Ocean Tides," "Child Support Checkmarks," and "Ink Blot Testing" to a captivating audience. He speaks about various aspects of culture, including nature, love, politics, spirituality, racism, and more. His poems may be derived from past experiences, but it's evident that those early works continue to resonate today.
Poetry Comes Alive in Stunning Visuals
The way filmmaker Richard Yeagley captures this moment is incredibly intimate; it's like we're there in the room with him. While Thomas reads various passages aloud, the documentary cuts to different montages with thematic relevance to the poem being recited. These stunning visuals bring the poetry to life. The incorporation of archival footage adds a backstory that complements his lifelong desire and passion to express himself through words.
Takeaway
Mark Anthony Thomas is a true Renaissance man whose career spans journalism, public service, in addition to his creative work. In this inspiring short documentary, he returns to the poems that shaped his early creativity. In Need of Seawater is set for release on January 10, 2026.
'Rebuilding' Review: The Beauty in Beginning Again
The undeniable parallels between Max Walker-Silverman's Rebuilding and the catastrophic events that took place in January 2025 can be described in a word as existentialist. The Palisades and Altadena fires ripped through communities with reckless abandon, leaving a trail of destruction, heartache, and tears in their wake. But from the rubble emerged a sense of community and optimism that continues to defy expectations. In his follow-up to A Love Song, Walker-Silverman returns to the familiar genre of quiet drama in Rebuilding, opening in Los Angeles on Friday, November 21st.
From Death Comes Rebirth
Starring Josh O'Connor as Dusty, a divorced and introverted cowboy, Rebuilding takes place during the aftermath of devastation. The sound of burning embers and images of trees charred to their core evoke a visceral unease. Homes are in stages of demolition, and what was once a small but lively community has now been abandoned. Dusty finds himself in despair, forced to live out of a FEMA camp after his ranch went up in flames. Instead of tending to his horses and maintaining his ranch, he lives out of a government-owned micro trailer in the middle of the desert, where the ceiling barely clears the top of his head.
Dusty has lost a lot, but not everything. His ex-wife Ruby (Meghann Fahy) and their young daughter Callie-Rose (Lily LaTorre) offer physical and emotional support, which is invaluable. Dusty's relationship with Ruby is empathetic and good-natured, a sign of their true character. Outside of this untraditional dynamic, Dusty's spirits are lifted by the local community who also reside at the FEMA camp, and specifically, the sweet-souled Mila (Kali Reis). The group's bond of togetherness offers a poignant reminder that from death always comes rebirth.
Lingering in the Stillness
Rebuilding plays like an aesthetic companion to Kate Beecroft's East of Wall, a fellow desert drama that rings with humanist truths. The authenticity in the script that translates to the screen is largely due to Max Walker-Silverman's stoic yet tender vision. He doesn't rush through the quiet moments, instead choosing to linger on the in-between. As Dusty, Josh O'Connor's performance is a steady force, drawing us into his pain and ultimately, his gratitude. The acoustic soundtrack by composers Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington complements the film's Southern roots. It reminds me of early Bon Iver, which is always lovely.
Takeaway
Breathtaking scenery and strong performances make Rebuilding a sensational watch. Leaning more introspective and meditative than most modern-day releases, Rebuilding is also a nice reminder that slowing down is a crucial, and often overlooked, joy of life.
'Christy' Review: A Subpar Retelling of a Knockout Story
Filmmaker David Michôd's docudrama about the famous boxer Christy Martin hit theaters last week, and its journey from TIFF darling to social media punching bag devolved quickly. Still, much like the film's titular protagonist, Christy isn't going down without a fight. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Christy tells the true story of one woman's battle for victory within the boxing ring while simultaneously fighting to reclaim her identity outside of it.
The Biggest Fight Lies Outside of the Ring
Christy Martin's (Sweeney) rise to fame as the most successful female boxer of the '90s wasn't without its setbacks. Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, Christy – nicknamed the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – is plucked from obscurity once she catches the attention of trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim Martin (Ben Foster). Christy's incredible strength and ability to outperform her counterparts are unlike anything Jim has ever seen. His dreams for Christy's future become his sole focus, which eventually creates a rift in their already fraught relationship.
An important characteristic to note about Christy is that she is queer. Before leaving West Virginia and entering the elite boxing world, she had a romantic relationship with another woman. This, however, is not considered acceptable by her family or management. As Jim so eloquently summarizes early on in their professional relationship, "Nobody wants to see a butch girl fight." Determined to win while avoiding social stigma at all costs, Christy suppresses her true identity and morphs into a figure who is unrecognizable by her former self. Ignoring her instincts, she agrees to marry Jim. The manager/husband dynamic works for some time, but Jim's controlling and manipulative behavior continues to worsen the more successful Christy becomes. She eventually realizes that the biggest fight lies ahead of her, and that is going against her husband.
A Phenomenal Story That Falls Flat
Balancing two themes, one of a rising boxing star and the other a domestic abuse victim, requires very delicate storytelling. Writer/director David Michôd attempts to nail this balance, but the film ultimately ends up lopsided and flat. Removing two or three boxing montages from the final cut would potentially have allowed time to dive deeper into Christy's internal struggles. What we have instead is a status quo and paint-by-numbers feature that lacks electricity and memorability. With a lengthy two-hour and fifteen-minute runtime, the film could have also benefited from a pared-down score. Sweeping and triumphant music is best used in select scenes for the highest emotional impact, but Christy suffers from using the score as a crutch.
Takeaway
Does Christy need over two hours to tell this story? No. Will Sydney Sweeney be anywhere in the conversation for Best Performance, like once alleged? Again, no. What Christy does offer audiences is a traditional biopic about an inspiring woman who defied the odds, yet unfortunately, it didn't come close to matching Christy's fiery persona.