Experiencing Interruptions?

Mary the Widow

An aging widow begrudgingly goes to a speed-dating event at her daughter’s request. Among a string of dud dates, one gentle stranger lingers in her mind. Mary the Widow is a tender look at love, memory, and the echoes of what we’ve lost.

  • Ryan Noufer
    Director
    The Hereafter
  • Ryan Noufer
    Writer
  • Amina Fishburn
    Producer
    The Hereafter
  • Trevor Alper
    Producer
    The Hereafter, Dave
  • Brian Buxton
    Producer
    The Hereafter
  • Julie Ariola
    Key Cast
    "Mary "
    Sons of Anarchy, Baskets, Deadwood
  • Stephen Tobolowsky
    Key Cast
    "Ed"
    Groundhog Day, Memento, Seinfeld
  • Jean Villepique
    Key Cast
    "Penny"
    A.P. Bio, Sharp Objects
  • Arianna Ortiz
    Key Cast
    "Colleen"
    Nine Days, This Is Us
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Cinequest Film Festival
    San Jose, CA
    United States
    March 15, 2026
    World Premiere
    Best Narrative Short Film (Drama)
  • Cleveland International Film Festival
    Cleveland, OH
    United States
    April 14, 2026
    Midwest Premiere
Director Biography - Ryan Noufer

Ryan Noufer is a filmmaker from Maui whose award-winning shorts have screened at top festivals like Hollyshorts and Leeds. His work blends surreal genre elements with grounded emotion, exploring the oddities of modern life. His films have been featured on Omeleto, Film Shortage, and more.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Mary the Widow is inspired by my late grandmother, Mary. Watching her memories fade while she was alive was harder to process than her passing. This film comes from that place: the ache of seeing someone you love vanish in everyday moments.