They'll Know You When You Call
From the Archives
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Short Films, 17-Aug-2026
A young woman discovers that her late father is actually alive and living in Mexico. Luna Garcia directs “They’ll Know You When You Call,” a coming-of-age drama with a multimedia approach. Unnamed, the “Girl” goes about her daily job at a corner store in the L.A. area. Later that afternoon, she helps her mother in preparation for a visitor—a priest coming to their home all the way from Mexico. In a quiet dialogue with the clergyman, the young woman learns that he’s of the same pueblo as her late father. Old photos and home videos flash on screen as she learns that the man might still be alive. Days go by, her boyfriend maintains a lousiness, and her mother’s guilt gets to be a greater burden. Quietly, the girl slips away, heading south of the border with the hope of finding her estranged dad and also answers of her own. Much to tackle within seven minutes, the film focuses on feeling. Garcia collages photo and archival footage alongside the narrative piece, opening an intimate window between us and the young woman’s world. -JM. Director/Writer: Luna Garcia, Cast: Vanessa Cardona, Raylene Marquez Lopez, Francisco Espinoza, DP: Angel J. Hernandez, Editor: Saenah Boch, Producer: Kian Cloma, PD: Olivia Thompson, Guinevere Alcaraz, Composer: EERIE JANE.
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