Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/22/2025 — It’s rare that a three-minute film can pack in the emotional complexity and narrative misdirection of a feature-length drama, but Travel Plans, which made its world premiere at LA Shorts, does exactly that. Directed by Zoey Sidwell and written by Krista Amigone, the short had its debut screening Friday night at The Regal at LA Live—and the crowd stayed rapt and engaged the entire time.
Sidwell, who was born in Israel to a Moroccan mother and a Polish father, credits her multicultural upbringing for her taste in layered stories. “I grew up with wildly different perspectives on everything,” she said in an interview with The Hollywood Times. “That taught me there are at least three sides to every story.” Her directorial debut leans into that ethos, exploring themes that are socially charged, emotionally unsettling, and ripe for interpretation.
The film takes place in the interior of a car: two people having a conversation outside a wedding reception. But over the course of a few sharply written lines and subtle performances, the viewer begins to question everything. “There’s a reveal,” Sidwell explained, “and then another one layered on top of that.” What starts as a simple interaction develops into something unexpected.
The original script from Krista Amigone was a good match for Sidwell.
One of the simple images that was full of symbolic weight is an apple. “The apple is the original symbol of a simple act,” she said. “It gave us a visual anchor and a little pop in an otherwise muted setting.” That small change transformed a prop into a powerful metaphor—one that resonates even after the credits roll.
The short stars Krista Amigone, Jared Boghosian, and Sean Michael Boozer. All three performances are grounded and arresting, particularly Amigone’s, who also wrote the script. Sidwell called the collaboration “a dream,” praising her cast and cinematographer Marilyn Flores for their commitment and creativity. “A project is nothing without an excellent cast and crew,” she said. “I’ve heard horror stories, but I got lucky.”
Though Travel Plans was made to be small and contained—“training wheels,” as Sidwell jokingly put it—its reception has been anything but modest. The short was accepted to the Academy Award® and BAFTA-qualifying LA Shorts, with more festival appearances pending.
As a first-time director, Sidwell said she wasn’t sure how she’d feel about being at the helm. “I didn’t know I was going to like directing this much,” she admitted. “But once we wrapped and I got some sleep, I immediately started thinking about the next project.” That next project, currently in script development, is a longer short film co-written with Amigone. It will include multiple locations, a larger cast, and both interior and exterior shots—a step up in every way.
As for her artistic approach, Sidwell says she’s drawn to stories that surprise audiences, but not simply for the sake of shock. “I like when I think a story is going one way and then—just kidding—it’s not. That makes me happy as an audience member,” she said. “That’s the kind of work I want to direct.”
Audiences see that in the few minutes of Travel Plans she manages to disturb, amuse, and provoke reflection—all while leaving the viewer with more questions than answers.
“It was a joy to bring this little gem to life,” she said. “I hope the audience is surprised—not just by how the story unfolds, but by their own reaction to the characters and the situation.”
With this first directorial outing, Zoey Sidwell has established herself as a voice to watch. And if her next project builds on the emotional precision and layered narrative of Travel Plans, we’re in for another ride.
I caught up with Zoey Sidwell during LA Shorts Film Fest and got her take on the experience:
Travel Plans – Director: Zoey Sidwell, Writer: Krista Amigone, Producer: Zoey Sidwell,, Rachel Stander, Tracy Clifton, Cast: Krista Amigone, Jared Boghosian, Sean Michael Boozer. After her wedding ceremony, a bride must extricate herself from an unfortunate entanglement before she can honor her vows.
Links:
• LA Shorts International Film Festival
• The Hollywood Times
• Zoey Sidwell – Official Website
• Zoey Sidwell on X (formerly Twitter)
• Krista Amigone on Instagram
