Waiting For Nia, 16min., USA
Directed by Maurice Simmons
Nia Kim, a 16-year-old girl, is rushed to Brookshire Hospital after a severe car accident. Her divorced parents, Justin and Tanya Kim, anxiously await news of her condition. As they confront their past issues and fears, they find moments of revolution, connection and understanding.

Get to know the filmamker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? The story is a tapestry of personal memories that stayed with me for years. I finally felt compelled to weave them together after seeing the Oscar-nominated short A-lien last year; it served as the creative spark I needed to finally bring these lived experiences to the screen.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It moved relatively quickly once the momentum started. I wrote the script in February 2025, moved into production in June, and we wrapped the final edit by September 2025.

3. How would you describe your film in two words? Family Drama.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? My biggest challenge was in the writing—specifically, ensuring each character possessed a distinct, individual voice. I wanted to provide the actors with enough subtext in the dialogue to keep the audience leaning in, avoiding anything that felt repetitive or predictable.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It was incredibly validating. I felt the comments were deeply honest, and it was a relief to see that the audience truly “got” the picture I was trying to paint.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? The spark was there from a very young age. While life circumstances forced me to take a detour and start later than some, the delay hasn’t diminished the passion. Finally doing this now is immensely satisfying.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? The original The Magnificent Seven. It was the first movie I ever watched in a theater alone. To this day, if it’s on TV, I’ll stop everything to watch it. It’s the quintessential “good vs. evil” story.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? As a filmmaker, I value any opportunity for direct networking and distribution resources. At this stage, however, I’m simply enjoying the platform provided to share this story.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site? It’s an invaluable tool. Without FilmFreeway, I wouldn’t know where to begin in terms of contacting global festivals or tracking my submissions. It streamlines the business side of filmmaking so I can focus on the creative side.

10. What is your favorite meal? A great Pasta dish.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I’m currently in development for a courtroom drama. It’s a compelling project, and I’m currently looking for the right partners and support to help bring it to life.