Aly Muritiba, the celebrated Brazilian filmmaker known for the Oscar-submitted feature Private Desert, has garnered significant early awards buzz with his latest work, the powerful short film “América.”
The 22-minute drama marks Muritiba’s English-language debut and is a timely, intimate portrait of a same-sex couple under duress from immigration authorities.
“América” stars Luca Castellani and Cheyenne Jackson as lovers whose relationship is tested while they are on the run, caught between the lines of safety and exile.
The film focuses on the human cost of displacement and the emotional toll of strict immigration enforcement (such as ICE raids), and has been hailed by critics for its raw, unflinching intimacy, which anchors the universal themes of belonging and love.
The short format has been described as a “full-length tragedy condensed into pure feeling,” with Castellani’s performance, in particular, being singled out as a standout.
The film is confirmed to be eligible for the Best Short Film (Live Action) category at the Academy Awards, which strongly indicates it will be strategically screened at various qualifying festivals across the country.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
