The End of Death and Making Friends with a Giant Feature in NFMLA International Animation Program

      Films exploring themes such as the end of death and building a friendship with a giant were among the standout features of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’s InFocus: International Animation program, which highlighted animated works from various countries.

      The InFocus: International Animation program showcased a diverse lineup of animated films and stories from Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, France, Korea, Poland, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It commenced with a special presentation featuring the finalists from the past decade of the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students, organized by Legends Animated—a nonprofit that fosters appreciation for animation through collaborative opportunities for impactful creative projects.

      The programming for the August event also included Made In California, a selection of films filmed throughout the state. The narratives in this block covered genres such as horror and drama, exploring complex family relationships and resilience. Additionally, a segment called Made in Los Angeles delved into themes of ambition, dissociation, interpersonal dynamics, coming of age, grief, abuse, and the rich heritage of Los Angeles communities.

      NFMLA continuously showcases films from filmmakers of diverse backgrounds throughout the year, including both the general and InFocus programming. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects for upcoming NFMLA Festivals regardless of the InFocus programming schedule, which highlights representation by featuring various filmmaker communities as part of NFMLA's Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is supported in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

      Below are interviews with the filmmakers along with some insights about them and their films.

      “Gale,” directed by Sean Kim

      About Sean: Sean Kim is a Portuguese-Korean filmmaker, animator, and artist residing in Toronto, with a strong interest in the fantastical and macabre. His work often reflects the interplay between the supernatural and personal experiences, aiming to create captivating narratives and striking visuals through atmospheric and genre-driven design. For his thesis project, Sean wrote and directed the animated short “Gale.” Now a graduate, he is actively writing and has started working in Toronto’s animation and indie sectors as a production designer, storyboard artist, and animation supervisor.

      About “Gale”: Gran, the solitary matriarch of a village destroyed by a well-meaning gentle giant, must lower her defenses if she ever hopes to befriend the enormous being and restore what she has lost.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Sean Kim, the director of “Gale.”

      “Chasers,” directed by Erin Brown Thomas

      About Erin: Erin Brown Thomas is a writer, director, and producer recognized for her genre-fusing “traumadies,” combining comedy and drama to examine authenticity and performance. Her latest work, “Chasers”—a pilot filmed in a single continuous shot—premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was the first narrative project to be accepted at both Sundance and Slamdance festivals. A Nicholl Fellowship Semifinalist, Erin creates films that critique ambition, social inequality, and industrialized Christianity. Outside of directing, she promotes emerging filmmakers as Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Salute Your Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles.

      About “Chasers”: At a house party in Los Angeles, an aspiring musician navigates a crowd of dreamers to pursue her crush.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Erin Brown Thomas, the director of “Chasers.”

      “Marvelous Gift,” directed by Danna Galeano

      About Danna: Danna Galeano is a Colombian animation director and writer fueled by a passion for storytelling infused with dark comedy. She created her first animated short at age 17, winning a national award that propelled her career. Since then, she has collaborated with major companies such as Webtoon, Sony Music, and Netflix, infusing her projects with bold creativity. Her original work has garnered recognition at prestigious festivals, including a selection at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and a win at Pixelatl. Currently, Danna is directing her second animated short and developing a new series for Adult Swim.

      About “Marvelous Gift”: In a reality where death doesn't exist, a haunting journey unfolds to reveal the true essence of living.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Danna Galeano, the director of “Marvelous Gift.”

      “Finding Jamia’s Spirit,” directed by Candace Patrick

      About Candace: Candace D. Patrick is an acclaimed filmmaker recognized with several nominations for her short “The 5th Room.” In 2023, she was a Reel Sisters Micro Budget Fellow for her script “Finding Jamia’s Spirit,” which won “Best Short” at the 2025 Believe Psychology Film Festival. Candace holds a BA in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University, where she honed her storytelling voice focused on authentic human journeys. A queer, neurodivergent matcha latte enthusiast, she creates projects that explore grief, healing, friendship, and joy.

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