Grief, Loss, and Healing Shorts — A Moving Collection of Stories About Love, Memory & Resilience
HAAPIFEST 2026 invites audiences to experience an emotional and thought-provoking shorts program with “Grief, Loss, and Healing Shorts” screening on May 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase.
This 126-minute showcase brings together powerful independent short films exploring grief, memory, trauma, family, survival, and healing through deeply personal storytelling and cinematic artistry. Featuring filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, the program highlights stories of emotional resilience, human connection, and the difficult journey toward acceptance and recovery.
Featured Films in “Grief, Loss, and Healing Shorts”
Sonata
Directed by Jinoo Eljin Yoo
Korean American sisters and classical musicians Viv and Gia struggle with diverging ambitions while caring for their ailing mother. Through music, tension, and family obligation, the film explores sisterhood, sacrifice, and emotional distance.
Life Support
Directed by Jamon Tolbert
Inspired by true stories, this gripping drama follows an emergency doctor carrying the emotional burden of life-and-death decisions while mentoring a young medical student. As hidden personal traumas surface, the film explores the emotional realities behind saving lives and caring for others.
You Left Me A Ghost
Directed by Kristy Hyunsoo Choi
After the death of her brother, Bennie Kim imagines traveling into the afterlife to reunite with him. As she navigates the fragile rules of his imagined “heaven,” she must confront grief, memory, and what it means to continue living after devastating loss. Blending surrealist horror with emotional storytelling, the film offers a haunting yet hopeful meditation on healing.
Sound of Fire
Directed by Mingjie Li
Set in Manhattan Chinatown, the film follows a neglected young girl who discovers her best friend has a hidden past connected to crime and survival. Blending childhood innocence with emotional tension, the story examines trust, fear, and resilience.
Correct ME IF I’m WRONG
Directed by Hao Zhou
Part documentary and part personal reflection, the film follows a Southwest Chinese family struggling between tradition and acceptance as they attempt to “purge” an entity from their queer heir — who is also the filmmaker behind the documentary. Honest, intimate, and deeply personal, the film explores identity, family expectations, and self-understanding.
Healing Lahaina
Directed by Laurel Tamayo
This moving documentary highlights the personal stories of Lahaina survivors and how a community finds resilience, connection, and strength through healing after tragedy. Through firsthand experiences and reflections, the film captures the enduring spirit of rebuilding and recovery.
A Powerful Shorts Showcase at HAAPIFEST 2026
The “Grief, Loss, and Healing Shorts” program offers audiences a powerful cinematic experience filled with emotional honesty, artistic storytelling, and unforgettable performances. From family conflict and personal trauma to healing and hope, these short films invite viewers into intimate stories that resonate across cultures and experiences.
HAAPIFEST 2026 continues its mission of showcasing innovative filmmakers and meaningful storytelling through narrative films, documentaries, shorts programs, filmmaker Q&As, panels, and cultural events.
Event Details
📅 May 30, 2026 @ 1:30 PM
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase
📍 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX
🎬 “Grief, Loss, and Healing Shorts”
⏱ Runtime: 126 minutes
🎟️ Tickets and festival passes are available now at:
HAAPIFEST Official Ticket Website
About HAAPIFEST
HAAPIFEST 2026 takes place May 29 – June 14, 2026, featuring in-person screenings, filmmaker Q&As, cultural events, and select online programming available in Texas. The festival celebrates bold storytelling and creative voices through film, media, and community engagement.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by Houston Arts Alliance through the City of Houston.