In Pangea, triple threat filmmaker Mimi Davila captures the essence of a relationship in all of its raw and radical multitudes. As director, writer, and co-star, Mimi dissects the complexities of identity, displacement, and emotional bonds through rich visual storytelling. Strong performances and stunning cinematography makes Pangea a standout short film with big impact.

Reconnection Leads to Reflection

Pangea takes place over the course of 24 hours in New York City. Rita (Davila), an artist, is visiting her ex-lover Echo (Sasha Merci), whose apartment becomes both their oasis and a stark reminder of a relationship that once was. The reunion between the two Latina women wavers between lighthearted fare, intimate conversations, and sexual release. However, their time together isn’t without hiccups, as miscommunication and passive aggressive comments lead to moments of tension. Overall, their reunion is strengthened by their ability to discuss sensitive topics like race, displacement, and desires. This deepens the relationship, leading to compelling revelations and reflections.

Capturing the Elusive Bohemian Spirit

Strongly atmospheric with vivacious performances, Pangea captures an elusive bohemian spirit. This is not an easy feat, but Mimi Davila confidently engages in a black and white visual aesthetic to achieve this. The cinematography, led by Melina Valdez, is very fluid and kinetic. It mirrors the movement between the characters on screen, creating a whirlwind of energy. Certain scenes, like ones that take place in the apartment, have a specific cadence to them that feel more like a stage play than a film. I say this as a compliment; the sharp dialogue and lived-in performances feel unique for a short film.

Director’s Statement

“Growing up in Miami, I was constantly surrounded by lovers and friends whose complex identities triggered similar qualms and I didn’t want to shy away from the tensions around race within the Latino community. Echo is a light-skinned Afro-Latina who doesn’t feel ‘Black enough’ or ‘Latina enough’ to fit neatly into any box. Rita is a white Latina whose perceived whiteness shifts depending on who is looking at her, never quite ‘Latina enough,’ never quite ‘white enough.’

The two women mirror that irritation in each other, an experience ripped straight from my real life. Though their connection is turbulent, the women recognize something familiar in each other: the inherited effects of diaspora, carried not just in memory, but in the body. In that recognition, they briefly find a sense of home in one another, even if only for a moment.” – Mimi Davila, writer & director

Takeaway

There is an aliveness in Pangea that feels electric and fresh, making it a memorable work. Pangea is currently on the festival circuit, recently screening at the 2026 Maryland Film Festival.