THE DAUGHTER

THE DAUGHTER

Directed by Zac Villanueva
Screenplay by Zac Villanueva

13 MIN | DRAMA | UNITED STATES | 2023
NY PREMIERE

REGAL 14TH ST. | Saturday, October 14th | 1:15PM
Plays in SHORT FILM SERIES #8
Auditorium 12

Cast: Alexandra Tejada, Sarah Perry, Jarrod Riggs 

Synopsis: Jade, a half Filipina teenager, finds herself in the midst of drama when she gets into an altercation at school. Sent to the principal’s office, she is met by her step-father, Jerry, who calls Jade’s mom, Sarah, to come to the school’s office despite listening to her side of the story. After Jerry doubts Sarah’s parenting abilities during a private conversation, Sarah decides to take Jade home early. During their car ride, we learn that they have recently moved in with Jerry and that Sarah is struggling with the stress of the blended family living situation. Jerry, who challenges Sarah’s parenting abilities, is seen to be overbearing and controlling, causing tension between the three of them. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Jade is struggling with the change in her life and is sneaking out at night. Sarah, who is trying her best to be a good mother, is caught in the middle of the situation of defending her daughter and appeasing to her partner, Jerry, leading to an argument that ultimately makes Sarah sleep on the couch. In the middle of the night, Sarah discovers that Jade has snuck out and Sarah gets in her car to find Jade to bring her home. Meanwhile, Jade arrives at an outdoor party and is unexpectedly runs into her high school bully. She quickly realizes that the party was an ambush to make Jade get into a fight. But, just before the fight turns violent, Sarah arrives on the scene and rescues her daughter. Sarah and Jade embrace each other, bringing closure to the family’s struggle.

Followed by Q&A with Filmmaker & Cast.