Beyond the Pane

Director: Shahab Zargari
Writer: Ekam Singh
Lead: Jacob Gallegos
Voiceover: Alicia Borja
Composer: Mo Milan

Plot summary of this micro short film: David is enjoying a calm day at home reading and relaxing until he spots something unusual outside his window: a suspicious stranger hanging out on the corner in front of his house. Who is this hooligan, and what is he doing here? David intends to find out.

This film and its characters are a metaphor for the endless cycle of child abuse where most children who are abused tend to grow up and abuse their own children.

Awards:

Audience Award – South Film and Arts Academy Festival – Feb. 2026
Best Original Score In A Short Film – South Film and Arts Academy Festival – Feb. 2026
Cinematography Honorable Mention In A Short Film – South Film and Arts Academy Festival – Feb. 2026
Best Director In A Short Film – South Film and Arts Academy Festival – Feb. 2026
Best Social Short Film – South Film and Arts Academy Festival – Feb. 2026
Best Original Score – Anatolia International Film Festival 16th Season 2026
Best Psychological Thriller – Bangkok Movie Awards – January 2026
Best Short Honorable Mention – Asian Independent Film Festival – 2026
Special Mention – One-Reeler Short Film Competition – 2026
Honorable Mention – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival – 2026
Honorable Mention – East Village New York Film Festival – December 2025