Short Film
EMPATHY REHEARSALS
Directed by 
Jacopo Cullin
AFIN 2026 Nominee · 2 nominations
- 2026
- 20m
-
Italy - Italian
- PG
- Drama
Stills
6 frames Nominee
Best International Short Film
Antro Film
Still in the running. Winner announced at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.
Part of this film's cast or crew? Let us know to add or correct credits, genres or details. Filmmaker sign-in opens with the claim email at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.
Credits
Written by
Produced by
- Antro Film
Starring
Cinematography
Editing
Music & Sound
Production Company
- Antro Film
Synopsis
Tommy is the school bully, convinced that strength and fear are the only ways to earn respect.After yet another act of aggression, the principal forces him to attend a theater workshop.There, he meets classmates he once ignored and, through acting exercises, is pushed to step into their shoes.Facing those he hurt and confronting his own vulnerabilities gradually changes how he sees himself and others.Through struggle and discovery, Tommy takes his first uncertain steps toward empathy.
On the nomination
A teenage bully is forced to attend a theatre workshop and, through confrontation with those he has hurt, discovers the value of empathy and responsibility.
What makes this one special
- Australian PremiereThe filmmaker tells us this is where it happens
- Nominated in 2 AFIN categoriesBest International Short Film · Best Youth Performance
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EMPATHY REHEARSALS was an official Nominee for Best International Short Film and Best Youth Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2026, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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