KJ Films

Runtime – 12:08

Completed on April 24th, 2026

Exploring my relationship to my deceased fater while admiring the matriarchal family that shaped me.

19 Voicemails is a short film that explores untraditional grief. Growing up, I was surrounded by the unwavering love of my mother and her family. When my absent father suddenly died, I was both shocked and confused. I didn’t fully understand how much his absence had affected me, until he was literally dead. The paradox of loving my life as it was, but also questioning the “what if” became maddening. I had too many feelings and no where to put them, so I made this film. Now I am able to see my father not just as the man who wasn’t there, but as a person who had his own weaknesses. At the same time, I can also recognize that the foundation of my growth stemmed from a support system of resilient women.

MAFF: Fantasma on-campus gallery exhibition features expanded cinema and 2D/3D artworks from select graduating seniors.

Located in the MassArt Student Life Gallery from April 30 – May 8