In The Still Of The Night

On a Day of the Dead night, Jesús, a 10-year-old Mexican kid, longs to meet his paternal grandfather, Rubén, whom he never met. Convinced that Rubén will visit him that night, Jesus waits anxiously by the altar, but he falls asleep. To his surprise, he is awakened by the figure of his grandfather, who takes him on an emotional night journey where they get to know each other. Jesus finally met his paternal grandfather and Rubén was able to send a last message to his son Mateo, asking for forgiveness. By communicating the message the next morning, Jesus finally convinces his parents of the reality of his encounter with Rubén, confirming the existence of visits from the afterlife on the Day of the Dead, leading them to believe in the colorful Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead and to find reconciliation and healing in the family.

SHORT | 15:30

Director Biography - Aristides Mantilla

Aristides Mantilla, is a Mexican director and producer, originally from Veracruz, Mexico. Now based in Los Angeles, merges his formal education from BFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy.

Currently, Aristides Mantilla is developing, producing and directing projects with his production company “CINEMAR FILMS”, he is also working with his team in the production of short films and the developing of feature films scripts in 2026.