The Never List: A Loss That Changes Everything
📅 June 6, 2026 | 10:45 AM
🎥 Narrative Feature | English | Runtime: 102 mins
HAAPIFEST 2026 presents The Never List — a heartfelt and empowering coming-of-age story about grief, courage, and the freedom to redefine your life.
💔 A Loss That Changes Everything
After the sudden and tragic loss of her best friend, a straight-A, rule-following teen finds her carefully structured world turned upside down.
In the wake of heartbreak, she uncovers a secret list — a collection of bold, rebellious, and “never-ever” actions the two friends once promised they’d never do.
Now, faced with loss and uncertainty, she sets out to complete the list — one daring step at a time.
✨ A Journey of Self-Discovery
The Never List is more than a story about grief — it’s about transformation.
As the protagonist pushes beyond her comfort zone, the film explores:
Letting go of perfection and expectations
The pressure to live up to societal and academic standards
The emotional complexity of loss and healing
Finding identity, freedom, and purpose in unexpected places
With humor, heart, and honesty, the film captures the universal experience of growing up — and breaking free.
🎥 A Director with a Powerful Voice
Directed by Michelle Mower, The Never List reflects her commitment to telling stories centered on strong female protagonists navigating identity and independence.
An award-winning writer, director, and producer, Mower’s work spans theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and television networks including Apple TV, Amazon, A&E, and Lifetime.
Her films often spotlight women challenging societal, cultural, and personal expectations — and The Never List is no exception.
Notably, the film was released in over 100 theaters nationwide and featured a production team composed of 73% women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ creatives — underscoring Mower’s dedication to inclusive storytelling.
🌟 A Voice for Houston’s Film Community
Beyond her work behind the camera, Michelle Mower is a leading advocate for filmmakers in Houston and beyond.
As the founding president of the Houston Association of Producers and a board member across multiple arts and film organizations, she continues to support and elevate the next generation of storytellers.
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss this inspiring and emotionally resonant film at HAAPIFEST 2026.
🎟️ Secure your tickets now:
www.HAAPIFEST.org
Experience a story about loss, courage, and the power of saying “yes” to life.
🌏 About HAAPIFEST
Founded in 2004 by OCA-Greater Houston, HAAPIFEST was created to celebrate the diversity of AAPI culture, food, and family while supporting AAPI artists and filmmakers.
Today, HAAPIFEST is an immersive, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — amplifying voices and sharing the untold AAPI experience through edutainment.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.