Encore presentationS: TO THE WEST, IN ZAPATA with LIKE FRIEND, LIKE DEER

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hollywood Theatre

We proudly present encore screenings of our curation community’s Black Merlin (Grand Prize) Award winner, TO THE WEST, IN ZAPATA (Cuba) and Best Short Film Award winner, LIKE FRIEND, LIKE DEER (Iran).

TO THE WEST, IN ZAPATA

(AL OESTE, EN ZAPATA)

Winner, Black Merlin Visionary Film Award (Grand Prize, Curation Community)

Directed by David Bim
2025 | Cuba, Spain | 75 minutes
Spanish with English subtitles

Official Selection | Regional Premiere

Landi is a father who secretly camps in the marshlands of Zapata, Cuba, where he hunts crocodiles with his hands to feed his family. The radio reports hundreds of daily deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic and strong social tensions in the country. On the coast, his wife Mercedes searches for charcoal to cook and takes care of their son, who lives with severe autism. Days go by, and Mercedes becomes impatient. Landi should have returned by now, and there is no news of him. She fears something has happened to him, but she cannot say anything and risk giving away the details of their survival in the marshlands.

David Bim’s immersive documentary, released only recently, has already become the stuff of legend among cinema lovers.

LIKE FRIEND, LIKE DEER

Winner, Best Short Film Award (Curation Community)

Directed by Malek Eghbali
2025 | Islamic Republic of Iran | 13 minutes

Official Selection | USA Premiere

Iranian filmmaker Malek Eghbali spent five years meticulously hand painting this short film. Simultaneously soft and somber, it explores the deep connection between humans, animals, and the environment we all share, inspired by the story of a wildlife ranger who killed an illegal hunter during a confrontation.