August at twenty-two – Sophia Castuera (Brooklyn, New York)

Cal, a floundering actress, must reevaluate her priorities when she discovers that her childhood “soulmate,” Jacob, has a serious girlfriend, Emily. Feeling unfulfilled by disappointing auditions, pressure to succeed (whatever that means), and failed attempts to reconnect with Jacob, Cal seeks a new companion in Em. As Cal gets swept up in her exciting new social life, she begins neglecting her best friend Bobby, who is becoming increasingly concerned about her rapidly changing focus. As Bobby and Cal's friendship disintegrates, so does Cal's sense of self. Meanwhile, her relationship with Em develops in unexpected and incendiary ways. 2022; 86 min.