Flip the Script Fest 2026

Shorts 4: Altered Realities

Available in 26d 18h 05m 42s
Available October 2, 2026 12:00 AM UTC
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These filmmakers take inventive approaches in their storytelling, creating heightened realities and fearless fantasies that transport us far from our seats. This collection of short films showcase powerfully imagined futures, living daydreams, titillating escapes and dizzying departures.


TOTAL RUNTIME: 1h 30m

A curious trans mermaid defies her mother’s warnings to venture up to the surface, only to discover the world above is not what she dreamt. Las Cosas Que Brillan explores the impacts of environmental destruction, and the danger of being desired in a postcolonial world.

  • Year
    2025
  • Runtime
    11 min
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    Minnesota Premiere
  • Awards
    Nominated - Best Short Film, Imagen Awards (2026)
  • Social Media
  • Director
    Kristal Sotomayor
  • Screenwriter
    Kristal Sotomayor
  • Producer
    Kristal Sotomayor, Bettina Escauriza, Kris Mendoza
  • Executive Producer
    Maori Karmael Holmes, Caroline Kim
  • Co-Producer
    Sydney Rodriguez
  • Cast
    Josielyn Aguilera, Asia Monroe, Brad Wakeman
  • Editor
    Andrea Cruz
  • Production Design
    Lenore Romas, Paul Triggiani, Kevin Kelly
  • Composer
    Ariel Loh
  • Sound Design
    Ben Wong
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