The highly anticipated thriller satire short film, Day9, had its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying LA Short International Film Festival on July 25, 2023. The screening took place at 3:15 p.m. PST at Regal LA Live Cinemas in downtown Los Angeles.
Day9 revolves around Dobroth, a ruthless millionaire who assembles a team of resilient workers and forced them to endure grueling conditions in an uninhabitable wasteland. The short delves into the complexities of human beliefs and self-imposed influences, exploring the struggles, sacrifices, mistakes, and choices they made that seemingly kept their hopes and dreams just out of reach. Watch the trailer below:
Writer and director Dastan Khalili expressed his excitement and honor at having the global premiere of Day9 at the esteemed LA Shorts festival, an Oscar-qualifying event. “I’m honored to have Day9’s global premiere at the prestigious LA Shorts festival, an Oscar-qualifying fest,” comments Khalili. “We filmed the short during the global pandemic when all was uncertain, and when we were sheltered at home, and existing in survival mode. So, being able to finally share my work with a live audience in my hometown is extra special.”
REELated:
Khalili has an impressive filmmaking career, which began in 1995 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the Pomona University Theater Academy.
He has received accolades for his previous works, including Insomnia Manica, which won Best Feature and Best Director at the NYC Independent Film Festival in 2005, and Earth Turns To Gold, which earned Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Director at NYCIFF 2010.
The cast of Day9 includes talented actors Charles Maze, Will Laupardus, and Kelcey Watson, known for their roles in The Way, along with Eric McIntire and Johanna Watts, among others.
With its exploration of human struggles and choices, the film promises to leave a lasting impact on the audience.
