CK Films, part of CK Productions, has officially released the critically acclaimed short film “COSQUILLAS”, directed by Ethan Felizzari-Castillo and starring Gil Perez-Abraham (The Batman, Carry-On). The short is now available for streaming on YouTube and Vimeo, opening its thought-provoking narrative to audiences worldwide.
Produced in association with the Australian-founded Street Kid Collective and Queens-based FLESH Films, “COSQUILLAS” boldly addresses the vital yet frequently neglected discussion of mental health, particularly within the Latinx community and among men. Starring in the short film alongside Gil Perez-Abraham are Stefanie Colón, Fin Moulding, and Patricia M. Lawrence.
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A Story of Resilience and Rediscovery
At the heart of “COSQUILLAS” lies the poignant story of Gio Hernandez, portrayed by Gil Perez-Abraham. A man weighed down by depression and anxiety, Gio struggles to keep his life afloat. Behind on his bills, disconnected from his daughter, and drifting through a series of unfulfilling jobs, he embodies the harsh reality faced by many who silently battle their mental health.
Shot in striking black and white, the film visually mirrors Gio’s bleak mental state. Viewers are drawn into his world, where getting out of bed feels insurmountable and hope seems out of reach. Yet, despite the darkness, Gio finds a spark of determination and accepts an unlikely job in the bustling heart of New York City—Times Square.
The location underscores the contrast between the chaotic, energetic environment of Times Square and Gio’s personal isolation, highlighting his internal struggles amidst the bustling cityscape. As he navigates this new role, a pivotal encounter with a young girl evokes cherished memories of his daughter, serving as a turning point. In a powerful visual metaphor, a flash of colour emerges on screen—symbolising Gio’s rediscovery of hope and his readiness to fight for a better future.
The film’s narrative is both inspirational and deeply relatable, shedding light on the societal pressures that often deter men, particularly within the Latinx community, from addressing their mental health. “COSQUILLAS” offers an honest portrayal of the resilience required to break that cycle, presenting a message of hope that resonates universally.
A Trail of Awards and Acclaim
“COSQUILLAS” has already made waves on the festival circuit, earning the Best Short Film award at the Lonely Seal Film Festival in Boston and the Jury Award: Best Short Film at the inaugural Queens Film Festival. It also secured the Jury Award: Best Short Drama at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), where it received additional nominations for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Editing (Rosie Dean), and Best Cinematography (Anthony Fioto).
The film debuted to sold-out audiences at NYC’s Quad Cinemas, dazzled LA attendees at LOOK Cinemas during the NoHo Mini CineFest, and was a feature at the prestigious GALIFF—a Latin Film Festival in Atlanta.
A Personal Story with a Universal Message
Felizzari-Castillo has described “COSQUILLAS”—which translates to “tickle” in Spanish—as deeply personal. “It’s a bridge between the deeply personal narratives we’ve brought to life in our short films and the broader stories that we’re excited to explore in our next project, feature film “Backyard/Desert”. We’re honored to finally share it with audiences online,” he shared.
This release is part of the filmmaker’s mission to make art accessible. By choosing to distribute “COSQUILLAS” freely online, Felizzari-Castillo hopes to spark essential conversations around mental health. “I’ve always loved the idea of films getting an opportunity to be accessible, especially one like this that covers an important issue: mental health,” he explained. “While I am a fan of so many different distribution platforms for short films, a piece like this one is important to be as accessible as possible for all.”
What’s Next for CK Films?
As CK Films celebrates the online release of “COSQUILLAS”, the company is already preparing for its debut feature film, “Backyard/Desert”, produced alongside Arte Video (Italy). Directed by Felizzari-Castillo, this new project is set to begin production in mid-2025 in Yuma, Arizona, and Los Angeles. The film will feature an impressive cast, including Academy Award-nominee Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, Runaway Train), Rosie Dean (Last Christmas Party), Juanes Montoya (HBO’s Fantasmas), David DeLuise (Wizards of Waverly Place), and Peter-William Jamieson (United Solo 2024 Best Actor).
The description of “Backyard/Desert” states that the film “tells the story of a border patrol agent who discovers a young migrant on the brink of death, forcing her to confront her place in the world.” In addition, CK Films plans to release the film’s haunting score, composed by Christopher Madison and Richard Tang, through CK Records on all major streaming platforms.
Supporting Mental Health Through Film
In a meaningful partnership, CK Films has joined forces with Fountain House, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy and support. As part of the “COSQUILLAS” release, audiences are encouraged to donate to Fountain House, with proceeds going directly toward its transformative programs.
Where to Watch
“COSQUILLAS” is now available for streaming on YouTube and Vimeo, offering audiences an unmissable exploration of mental health, identity, and resilience. Don’t miss this powerful short film that has already captured hearts and sparked important conversations worldwide.