A young woman begins to have doubts while waiting to meet the adoptive parents of her unborn child. This expressive short directed by Anamari Mesa and Kevin Rios creates an instant atmosphere and lingers on well after the credits roll. The pregnant woman (played by Mesa) is on a train to meet the couple who will raise her child. She’s filled with insecurity. About her child of course, but also about herself: “I shouldn’t have worn this dress,” & “they’re going to hate me for sure.” When she arrives, she checks into a hotel and her inner monologue of uncertainties only intensifies, culminating in a haunting vision. Aided by lovely Super 8mm visuals, “Maternal” evokes the feeling of a memory, or a dream, equal parts haunting and heartbreaking. As a writer/director, this is Mesa’s first credit, but she starred in Erin Vassilopoulos’ (another NB favorite) "Superior", which premiered at Sundance 2015 before heading to the Berlinale and many more. Rios is another talented young filmmaker whose work we’ve had an eye on. Their collaboration here is a beautiful match.