Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/21/26 – Some films speak quietly but leave a lasting impact. Writer-director Jay Pendarvis Jr.’s See You, Soon is one of those films.
Following its appearance at the Palm Springs International ShortFest, See You, Soon has been selected for the 22nd annual HollyShorts Film Festival. The Oscar-qualifying festival takes place August 13–23, 2026, at the TCL Chinese Theatres and other venues throughout Ovation Hollywood.
Starring Asante Blackk and Isaiah John, See You, Soon tells a deeply moving story about grief, memory and brotherhood. What begins as a late-night conversation between two brothers gradually unfolds into a poignant examination of loss, healing and the choices people make when confronted with heartbreak.
During an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Times, Pendarvis shared that the film grew from his own experiences with grief and loss at a young age.
“I started to see the difference in grief,” he explained. “The difference between losing someone unexpectedly and losing someone you know is going to leave. I wanted to tell a story that centered around grief and what it feels like to lose somebody, especially in a violent way.”
Editor’s Note: This interview with the filmmakers was originally conducted in connection with the film’s appearance at another film festival. Because the conversation focuses on the film itself and remains relevant to its HollyShorts screening, we are pleased to include it as part of our HollyShorts coverage.
Click below to watch our exclusive interview with Jay Pendarvis Jr.:
That emotional honesty gives See You, Soon its remarkable authenticity. Instead of relying on dramatic action or spectacle, Pendarvis strips the story down to its emotional essentials. Much of the film unfolds through an intimate conversation in a diner, allowing audiences to focus entirely on the weight carried by its characters.
The minimalist approach was intentional. The short serves as a proof of concept for Pendarvis’ upcoming feature film, Brother’s Keeper, which he originally wrote while attending the University of Virginia. Developed through Antigravity Academy with producers Carlos López Estrada and Valerie Bush, the feature is currently in the financing stage and has already attracted significant talent.
“We thought the best way to encapsulate all the emotions and themes was by stripping it down to a conversation between two brothers,” Pendarvis said.
The casting is one of the film’s greatest strengths. Blackk and John deliver nuanced performances that elevate the material beyond a simple conversation. Their chemistry feels natural and lived-in, creating the sense of shared history that only siblings can possess.
Pendarvis praised both actors for bringing their own perspectives to the roles. Blackk contributed a deeply personal energy and emotional spark to his character, while John immersed himself in the material, asking thoughtful questions that helped shape and expand his character’s emotional landscape.
Their collaboration will continue beyond the short film. John is attached to Brother’s Keeper not only as an actor but also as an executive producer, helping guide the larger project toward production.
At its core, See You, Soon asks difficult questions about grief, trauma and cycles of violence. Pendarvis hopes audiences will reflect on how isolation can affect a person’s decisions after experiencing a devastating loss.
“Grieving alone can sometimes lead to rash decisions,” he said. “I wanted to pose the question of what grief can do to you, especially when you don’t talk to people about what you’re going through.”
The film’s emotional resonance has already connected with audiences at several festivals. At the Dallas International Film Festival, Pendarvis observed that viewers from vastly different backgrounds found common ground in the story’s themes.
“It doesn’t matter what your background is,” he reflected. “We’ve all lost somebody. We all know what that feels like.”
That universality may be the film’s greatest achievement. Although rooted in specific experiences and cultural realities, See You, Soon never feels exclusive. Instead, it welcomes audiences into a profoundly human conversation about loss, healing and understanding.
As Pendarvis continues developing Brother’s Keeper, See You, Soon stands firmly on its own as a compelling and emotionally rich short film. It showcases the filmmaker’s gift for character-driven storytelling and his willingness to explore difficult emotional terrain with honesty and compassion.
When asked what he hopes audiences take away from the film, Pendarvis offered a simple but powerful message:
“As human beings, we all grieve. Being able to speak to people about those feelings, even when they’re difficult to communicate, can help us realize we’re not alone.”
It is a sentiment that lingers long after the credits roll, and one that HollyShorts audiences will soon have the opportunity to experience.
See You, Soon is an official selection of the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival, taking place August 13–23 in Hollywood. The festival has not yet published the film’s individual screening date and time. Follow the film’s journey on Instagram at @seeyousoon.film and visit the official HollyShorts website for festival updates.
