A young girl embarks on an unexpected detour, both literally and figuratively, in filmmaker Ali Marsh’s short dramedy, Pittsburgh. Set in 1979, Pittsburgh explores the moment of disillusionment for a child who realizes that the adults in her life may not be as dependable as she has been conditioned to believe. Originally devised as a feature-length film, this shortened version of Pittsburgh serves as the preview of a concept story that audiences can hope to see expanded in the near future.

An Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery

Mints (Delaney Quinn) is a nine-year-old who is wise beyond her years. Her maturity seems to surpass her father’s, who has been a basketcase of emotion ever since his divorce from her mother. Post-separation, Mints has had to split her time between both parents, who live hundreds of miles apart. During this recent visit, her father has been especially needy, and Mints can’t wait to return to her mother’s house. Traveling solo, she boards her flight with the expectation that the worst is behind her. However, the pilot announces that the plane is rerouting to Pittsburgh overnight, as groans of disappointment erupt from the passengers. Mints is annoyed, but faces this unexpected adventure head-on.

Given that she is a minor, Mints is legally left in the care of Leslie (Nadia Quinn), a flight attendant. What transpires after that is a chaotic, emotionally-fueled night complete with her guardian’s drunken shenanigans. Mints finds comfort in the presence of a fellow passenger from the plane who resembles a grandmotherly figure, but even this woman’s companionship can’t alleviate Mints’ sudden, life-changing realization: the adults in her life may be older, but that doesn’t mean they know better. Mints recognizes that from this point on, she cannot blindly rely on adults. She must be her own protector.

For Fans of Little Miss Sunshine

In Pittsburgh, writer/director Ali Marsh transports audiences back to the 70s with great attention to detail. From the authentic production design and costumes to the overall aesthetic of the film, Pittsburgh feels like a cinematic time capsule. Bringing the story to life is the spunky Delaney Quinn, who perfectly embodies Mints. Mints is a dynamic character; the juxtaposition of her innocence and independence is reminiscent of another fabulous young protagonist, Olive (played by Abigail Breslin), in Little Miss Sunshine. In fact, the film as a whole has a similar tone to the 2006 Academy Award-winning feature.

Director’s Statement

“I hope people are moved and entertained by this coming-of-age story. This inflection point in a child’s life when they realize that the adults in the room not only do not have all the answers, but that the child herself might actually have access to a purer font of knowledge than the adults around her. So, it’s a bit heavy in a way, but also, hopefully, somewhat funny!” – Ali Marsh, writer/director

Takeaway

This coming-of-age story is a true indie gem that tackles emotional growth with humor and heart. Pittsburgh will make its World Premiere at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival.