Experiencing Interruptions?

Lola Mama Nanay

A young woman returns home from her grandmother’s funeral. As her day unfolds, she begins to feel the magnitude of her grief when a spirit transports her through moments from her childhood. In every simple thing she does - cooking, watching TV, even brushing her hair, her Lola (Grandmother in Tagalog) is with her.

  • Tyaela Nieves
    Director
    Limón Agrio
  • Sophie Yukimi Gorai
    Writer
  • Sophie Yukimi Gorai
    Producer
  • Tyaela Nieves
    Producer
  • Elizabeth Powell Gorai
    Producer
  • Sophie Yukimi Gorai
    Key Cast
    "Sierra"
    Balikbayan
  • Nora (Mama) Sangalang
    Key Cast
    "Lola"
  • Leanne Parks
    Key Cast
    "Teen Sierra"
  • Riley Squires
    Key Cast
    "Young Sierra"
  • Mika Hawley
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tyaela Nieves

Tyaela Nieves, a Brooklyn-based filmmaker, emerged from NYU's Experimental Theater Wing in 2019. Their debut short film, "Limón Agrio" (2021), garnered accolades from the Best Shorts Competition and the Latino Film Market. Currently a Teaching Artist at Ghetto Film School, Tyaela draws inspiration from her Afro-Latinx heritage and queer identity, aspiring to amplify the narratives of marginalized communities through cinematic storytelling.

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Director Statement

I worked closely with screenwriter Sophie Yukimi Gorai from the inception of the idea for Lola Mama Nanay. This film is her personal reflection on loss, grief, and her connection to her grandmother. Here is a short message from her:

The first time I lost someone close to me was when my grandma passed away in 2021. I started writing down every little thing that reminded me of her to deal with my grief. Looking at this list of memories I had made, I felt compelled to turn it into a film. I knew immediately I wanted to partner with Tyaela as director, who has an intimate understanding of the feelings of loss I was exploring, and a natural talent for meaningful storytelling and collaboration.

Lola Mama Nanay is my love letter to motherhood, to my Lola, and to our Filipino culture she made sure we never let go of.