A Second Goodbye
United States, 12 mins, Digital
In-person & Online
An unexpected school call pulls Janet into a tumbling afternoon with her eight-year-old stepdaughter, Charlotte—one that gently deepens their bond despite the tensions of blended family life.
Director: Shuyin Zheng
Writer: Shuyin Zheng
Producer: Nicole Pagonis & Ola Pater
Director of Photography: Adam Zhao
Editor: Ailin Huang
Production Designer: Vivienne Liu
Cast: Charlotte Ramsay; Abbey Dubin
Contact: shuyinzheng98@gmail.com
Program G
Sunday, May 18th at 7:00 PM
About the Writer/Director
Shuyin Zheng is a Chinese writer and director based in NYC. A graduate of Columbia University’s MFA Directing program, she blends her playwriting roots with a passion for socially engaged storytelling. She programs for the New York International Children’s Film Festival and is developing her debut feature, Betta, believing in storytelling’s power to challenge stereotypes and spark change.
About the Producer
Nicole Pagonis began her journey as a filmmaker in documentary after graduating with honors in Social and Cultural Analysis from New York University. While pursuing her MFA in Creative Producing for narrative filmmaking at Columbia University, Nicole produced award-winning short films that have been showcased at festivals worldwide. Raised in the Washington Metropolitan area in her family’s restaurant business, she deeply appreciates community and storytelling rooted in her Greek heritage from Sparta, Athens, and Skyros.