OSCAR CONTENDING SERIES – The Mourning Of: A Quiet Triumph of Grief and Grace

By Jane Fitzgerald The award-winning short film The Mourning Of has officially qualified for the 2026 Academy Awards®, marking a milestone in its remarkable journey through international film festivals. Written and directed by Mexican-American filmmaker Merced Elizondo, The Mourning Of tells the story of Maribel, a young woman mourning the tragic loss of her mother in an unusual way, by secretly attending the funerals of … Continue reading OSCAR CONTENDING SERIES – The Mourning Of: A Quiet Triumph of Grief and Grace

OSCAR CONTENDING DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT – The Mourning Of’s Merced Elizondo “I underestimated the power of grief”

Fresh off its Oscar® qualification, The Mourning Of has emerged as one of the most powerful short films of the season, a deeply intimate exploration of grief, healing, and the unspoken rituals that bind families across generations. Written and directed by Mexican-American filmmaker Merced Elizondo, the award-winning film has captivated audiences worldwide with its quiet emotional resonance and cultural specificity, while breaking ground as a rare Latino-led, independently … Continue reading OSCAR CONTENDING DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT – The Mourning Of’s Merced Elizondo “I underestimated the power of grief”