At a Glance

  • Yana Billé-Chung's 'Till Death' is set for its Los Angeles premiere.

  • The 20-minute dark comedy will screen at the 2026 LA Shorts International Film Festival.

  • The film has already garnered international critical acclaim and awards.

Mina Sawa has announced that Yana Billé-Chung’s award-winning short film, 'Till Death', will make its Los Angeles premiere at the 2026 LA Shorts International Film Festival. The 20-minute dark comedy is scheduled to be showcased from July 30th to August 12th. This premiere follows significant recognition on the international festival circuit, marking a notable milestone for the production company.

International Recognition and Festival Circuit Success

The film has already garnered substantial critical acclaim, including winning Best Screenwriting and Best Actress at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase. These accolades underscore the film's strong narrative and performance quality ahead of its Los Angeles debut. Its selection for the LA Shorts International Film Festival, recognized by institutions such as the Academy Awards and BAFTA, positions it among highly regarded short films globally.

'Till Death' has also been officially selected for several other prestigious festivals, further establishing its international presence. These include the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, the Accra Indie Film Fest, and the Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival. Such widespread acceptance indicates a broad appeal and critical appreciation for the film's themes and execution across different cultural contexts.

The LA Shorts International Film Festival itself holds considerable prestige as one of the world’s longest-running short film festivals. Its status as a qualifying event for Oscar nominations provides a significant platform for filmmakers and their projects. For Mina Sawa, securing a spot at such a renowned festival highlights the company's involvement with high-caliber cinematic works and promising talent.

"I wanted to create a story that explores how long we can hold on to the image of being ‘good people’ when no one is watching."

— Yana Billé-Chung, Writer and Director

Filmmaker's Vision and Production Details

Yana Billé-Chung, the writer and director of 'Till Death', is an award-winning Cameroonian-American filmmaker whose works have been screened at festivals worldwide, including SXSW and the Venice Circuito Off. Her background includes graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and working as an assistant to Oscar-nominated showrunner Michael Green, as well as a writer on Netflix’s 'Blue Eye Samurai'. Her diverse experience is reflected in the film's nuanced approach to human behavior.

The film's plot centers on a darkly comedic exploration of love, ambition, and the fragility of human nature. It follows a young couple who acquire their dream home under the condition that an elderly woman resides with them until her death. Three years later, the arrangement unravels as the octogenarian thrives, pushing the wife to her psychological limits amidst growing family tensions.

Billé-Chung describes 'Till Death' as a "nuanced and darkly funny study of human fragility, empathy, and the quiet battlegrounds that exist within relationships." She aims to challenge viewers to question private impulses and social selves through the lens of two women in co-dependent dynamics. This thematic depth suggests a film designed to provoke thought and discussion among its audience.

The cast features Nancy Ma as River Daniels, Rosie Lee Hooks, a three-time NAACP Image Award recipient, as Mrs. Campbell, and Kieran Roberts as Alex Daniels. The production team includes producers Martina Lee and Constance Ejuma, executive producers Kamron Shariaree and Abbie Chung, with cinematography by Jacki Moonves, editing by Sandrine Isambert, production design by Talal Al Azm, and an original score by Karen Martin. This ensemble of experienced professionals points to a well-resourced and expertly crafted production.

The Los Angeles premiere of 'Till Death' at the LA Shorts International Film Festival represents a significant moment for Mina Sawa and the creative team behind the short film. Its prior international accolades and the festival’s prestigious standing underscore the film's potential to resonate with a global audience. The event offers a prime opportunity for the short film to further cement its reputation and for its creators to gain broader industry recognition.