Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Gloria explores the intersection of aging and cultural identity, highlighting the often-overlooked narratives of older women and immigrant communities.
- Shooting on film added a tangible quality to Gloria, enhancing the storytelling through its texture and visual depth.
- Independent filmmaking thrives on community support, as exemplified by the collaborative efforts behind Gloria.
Bay Area native Kim Blanck steps into the spotlight at the HollyShorts Film Festival with her debut short film Gloria.
This poignant narrative, inspired by her mother's life and experiences, has already won accolades at the 2025 Austin Asian American Film Festival.
Kim brings her unique perspective as an actor and creator to this project, alongside the talents of Emily Kuroda and Hernán Angulo, and cinematographer Caitlin Machak.
The film's intimate exploration of aging and cultural identity resonates with authenticity, a testament to Kim’s dedication to telling stories from marginalized voices.
What inspired you to create Gloria? Why this story and why now?
Gloria is inspired by my mom, with all her tenacity and love for community. Like our main character, she lives in the Bay Area and was a dedicated Spanish student earlier in life. I wanted to explore what it's like to be a Chinese woman living alone late in life, pursuing something new in her 70s. It's a story about accessing childlike curiosity and finding joy despite mental decline. My aim is to spotlight stories of older women and the intersection of Asian and Latine communities, which are often underrepresented.
BTS shots from Gloria
What was the most surprising aspect of the filmmaking process for you?
There were euphoric moments on set where intuition guided me, despite not having the words to describe why certain moments felt right. Shooting on film meant staying present, which was challenging but rewarding. I vividly remember filming a final shot where Emily Kuroda's expression brought us to tears, confirming we were creating something deeply meaningful.
"There were times on set when I felt a euphoric sense of 'yes,' of tapping into my own intuition."
Is there a scene in Gloria that feels uniquely yours?
The musical moment after our main character opens the Spanish textbook for the first time feels so me. It's funny and captures the character's sense of transport into language learning.
What was the hardest creative decision you faced?
Transitioning from an actor's point of view to a director's was tough. I dealt with self-doubt, wondering if anyone would want to work with me or if I had the eye to bring it all together. Despite the anxiety, I focused on clarifying the story and communication with collaborators.
What do you hope audiences take away from Gloria?
I hope audiences leave with a renewed sense of possibility regarding aging, connection, and purpose. Gloria is about how it’s never too late to grow, learn, and feel deeply alive.
"I hope audiences come away from our film with a renewed sense of possibility, especially when it comes to aging, connection, and purpose."
How did shooting on film shape the project?
Our cinematographer Caitlin Machak's passionate pitch to shoot on film was initially daunting, but it was perfect for Gloria.
Film's tangible quality aligns with the story's themes of memory and holding onto something real. Caitlin was right about the texture beautifully capturing the California Bay Area.
Independent filmmaking often means rewriting the rules. How did you embrace this?
Leaning on my community was essential. Independent filmmaking is driven by support systems, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of friends. It was a gift to feel lifted and cared for during such a focused time.
"To other directors making their first film, I'd say: call in your community and ask for help."
What does the HollyShorts selection mean to you?
It's thrilling to screen at the historic Chinese Theater and bring our Bay Area project to Hollywood. It’s a first-time filmmaker's dream come true.
Where do you see Gloria going next?
We're headed to Mexico City for Shorts México next. I hope Gloria will be part of outreach programs involving conversations around dementia and Alzheimer’s, touching on loneliness and the community's role in cognitive health.
Learn more about the film through their website and Instagram.
