Las Cosas Que Brillan (2025)

This magical coming-of-age film follows a curious Trans Latinx mermaid who dares to surface.

Las Cosas Que Brillan (2025) poster

When a trans Latinx mermaid defies her mother’s warnings, she is forced to confront the violent legacies of colonialism, environmental destruction and the danger of being desired in the human world. The BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab is presented with support from Independence Public Media Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation. This project has been supported by The Philadelphia Independent Media Fund administered by Scribe Video Center with funds provided by the Independence Public Media Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.

Director: Kristal Sotomayor
Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Runtime: 11 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Editing: Andrea Cruz
Production: Sotomayor Productions
Language: English
Original Language: en

Themes

Mermaid Tales and Ocean Magic, Underwater Kingdom and Sea Magic

Keywords

sea, mermaid, puppet, conquistador, hand puppet, water

More Films by Director: Kristal Sotomayor
More Films in Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Las Cosas Que Brillan about?
When a trans Latinx mermaid defies her mother’s warnings, she is forced to confront the violent legacies of colonialism, environmental destruction and the danger of being desired in the human world. The BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab is presented with support from Independence Public Media Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation. This project has been supported by The Philadelphia Independent Media Fund administered by Scribe Video Center with funds provided by the Independence Public Media Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.
Who directed Las Cosas Que Brillan?
Las Cosas Que Brillan was directed by Kristal Sotomayor.
Who stars in Las Cosas Que Brillan?
Las Cosas Que Brillan stars Josielyn Aguilera, Asia Monroe, Brad Wakeman.
How long is Las Cosas Que Brillan?
Las Cosas Que Brillan has a runtime of 11m (11 minutes).
What genre is Las Cosas Que Brillan?
Las Cosas Que Brillan is a Drama, Family, Fantasy film.
What are the themes of Las Cosas Que Brillan?
The themes of Las Cosas Que Brillan include: Mermaid Tales and Ocean Magic, Underwater Kingdom and Sea Magic.