In the landscape of independent cinema, few films manage to balance raw emotion, cultural authenticity, and social relevance as seamlessly as COSQUILLAS, the latest short film from acclaimed director Ethan Felizzari-Castillo. Starring the immensely talented Gil Perez-Abraham (The Batman, Carry-On), this award-winning short is a gripping, deeply affecting meditation on mental health within the Latinx community and among men—a topic often shrouded in silence.
From its opening frame, COSQUILLAS grips the audience with its intimate cinematography, courtesy of the masterful Anthony Fioto. The film’s visual storytelling is both haunting and poetic, offering a lens into the psyche of its protagonist, portrayed with breathtaking vulnerability by Perez-Abraham. His performance is nothing short of revelatory, embodying the quiet desperation, resilience, and emotional turmoil of a man grappling with his inner demons. It is no surprise that the film has earned accolades, including Best Short Film at the Lonely Seal Film Festival and the Jury Award for Best Short Drama at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).
Felizzari-Castillo’s direction is a testament to his ability to craft narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. His delicate yet unflinching approach to storytelling ensures that COSQUILLAS never veers into melodrama; instead, it unfolds with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s title, meaning “tickle” in Spanish, is a poignant metaphor, reflecting the subtle yet profound ways in which mental health struggles manifest in daily life.
Stefanie Colón, Fin Moulding, and Patricia M. Lawrence round out the stellar cast, delivering performances that add depth and authenticity to the film’s emotional core. Rosie Dean’s editing work is also a standout, weaving together past and present with seamless fluidity, further immersing viewers in the protagonist’s psychological landscape. The film’s score, composed by Christopher Madison & Richard Tang, underscores every moment with a haunting beauty, enhancing the story’s emotional weight without overpowering it.
What makes COSQUILLAS particularly remarkable is its commitment to accessibility and social impact. The decision to release the film publicly on YouTube and Vimeo reflects CK Films’ dedication to fostering conversations around mental health. Furthermore, the film’s partnership with Fountain House, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health support, adds another layer of meaningful advocacy, turning cinematic art into real-world action.
With its sold-out premieres at NYC’s Quad Cinemas and LA’s LOOK Cinemas, alongside its festival triumphs, COSQUILLAS has firmly established itself as one of the most powerful short films of the year. It is a rare gem—beautifully crafted, emotionally stirring, and socially vital. This is not just a film; it is an experience, a conversation starter, and, most importantly, a beacon of awareness for mental health within the Latinx community and beyond.
As CK Films gears up for its next major endeavor, Backyard/Desert, starring Academy Award-nominee Eric Roberts, it is clear that Ethan Felizzari-Castillo is a filmmaker to watch. If COSQUILLAS is any indication of his storytelling prowess, the future of independent cinema is in exceptionally capable hands.
Do yourself a favor and watch COSQUILLAS today—it’s a film that will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after the screen fades to black.
Watch the full film HERE!
Social Media – instagram.com/ckfilmsny
Website – ckproductionsnewyork.com/cosquillas
