Indeed’s belief in the universality of talent given the paucity of equal opportunities served as the reason behind the creation of the ‘Rising Voices‘ program. Created in collaboration with Lena Waithe, Hillman Grad Productions, Ventureland, and 271 Films; the program aims to discover, invest in, and share stories created by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers and storytellers. In this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Rising Voices premiered four short films: “My Nights Glow Yellow,” “Last Days of the Lab,” “Sarajin,” and “The Ballad of Tita and the Machine.” All these short films revolve around the idea that jobs have the power to change us all.
Here’s what we thought of the two shorts, “My Nights Glow Yellow” and “Last Days of the Lab.”
‘My Nights Glow Yellow’: A Tale of Isolation in the World of Online Dating
“My Nights Glow Yellow,” a short by writer-director Hannah Bang, is a thought-provoking short film that explores the themes of isolation and connection; contextualizing the delicate boundaries between professional detachment and personal longing.
A genuine longing for connection is the main theme of “My Nights Glow Yellow.” (Photo: Toronto International Film Festival 2023.)
The short film introduces us to Kacie, who works for a company called Platony. Her work involves becoming a paid platonic companion for different people to help the latter do their everyday routines. These include joining a lonely man for a meal; accompanying an old man to do his groceries; exercising out with a woman as she relates her family problems; and joining someone else’s birthday party.
While this premise might sound unconventional, writer-director Bang delves into the complexities of human connection and the universal yearning for something deeper. Indeed, what makes “My Nights Glow Yellow” to work is its ability to embrace its premise and infuse it with the core emotions that humanize the story. As we follow Kacie’s life, her chance encounter with a former client becomes the catalyst for her introspection and ultimate realization for a need for genuine connection.
Director Bang employs nuance in her characters, which allows the audience to soak in the feelings of loneliness even before the short’s big reveal. Somehow, the filmmaker invites us to explore her characters’ inner worlds and emotional struggles. This, in turn, makes for a good examination of vulnerability and desire – both in the context of wanting to connect with someone.
When the yellow texts in the end appear on screen, “My Nights Glow Yellow” reiterates its stand; that of a refreshingly honest short film that encourages us to reflect on our own desires for genuine connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
‘Last Days of the Lab’: Grief and the Persistence of [Photographs and] Memories
A film by Cuban-Dutch filmmaker María Alvarez, “Last Days of the Lab” focuses on a mother and daughter on the last day of operating their family business. As the short film progresses, we see the mother Lucia and daughter Isabel coming to terms with their personal loss. That, along with the fact that their business (named Hugo’s Camera) is a photo lab succumbing to the digitized world around them, makes it easier to permanently close the business down.
Alex Felix plays Isabel in the short film “Last Days of the Lab.” (Photo: Toronto International Film Festival 2023.)
Isabel’s discovery of an old tape, however, uncovers old memories. This forces both of them to confront their demons, amid a promise of a better tomorrow they can only achieve by moving forward.
Director María Alvarez tells a touching film that invites the viewers to embark on a short, albeit emotional journey about grief, family, and the passage of time. And with her exquisite storytelling, the film strikes a chord with anyone who understands that grief and healing are two emotions worlds apart; and yet both can meet halfway with a little dash of nostalgia to facilitate much-needed closure.
Finally, “Last Days of the Lab” is anchored by riveting performances from its leads Alex Felix and Arianna Ortiz. Their characters’ shared journey to confront their grief while holding onto hope is a touching testament to the enduring power of love and family bonds. After all, it’s a universal theme that resonates deeply with viewers, as we all grapple with the inevitability of change.
The Rising Voices program screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Both ‘My Nights Glow Yellow’ and ‘Last Days of the Lab’ qualified for next year’s Academy Awards.
