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MOM'S SECRET

MOM'S SECRET

MAMA'S GEHEIM

Short, Youth, drama, family, mystery

Netherlands

2024

Runtime, min

15

Yara, a 13-year-old girl, has lost her mother without being able to say goodbye. When she returns with her father to the campsite where she has been camping for years, she notices strange things at night. These things point to her old caravan. Together with her best friend Deon she starts an investigation in which she learns to accept the loss of her mother.
Matthijs Van Esveld

Director:

Matthijs Van Esveld

Film Reel
Film Reel
Film Reel

Selections and Awards:

Cinekid Film Festival 2024 Amsterdam October 31, 2024 Premiere Netherlands 5th Kerala Short Film Festival Kochi March 29, 2025 Selection best 'children's film' & best 'child actor'. India Medusa Film Festival March 31, 2025 Winner 'beste actress'. Selection 'best short film' United States Inner City Film Festival Los Angeles November 4, 2025 Selection 'best child actor' United States

REVIEWS:

A very good psychological film about experiencing the loss of a loved one. So real, heartfelt, and positive. Thank you!

Live Screenings Attendee

The mystery around the caravan was such a cool idea. Kinda spooky, but also sweet. The whole detective part made it fun even though the topic is super serious.

Oscar Fernandez Rodriguez

This project being born from a 13-year-old director's personal experience is astonishing. It carries more soul than many professional adult films. Raw and beautiful.

David Torres Fernandez

The way the campsite and the woods were filmed added so much to the mood. You could feel the emptiness and the memories everywhere. Great cinematography.

Víctor Jiménez

I liked the girl! She’s so funny and random. The whole film was a mix of sad and fun, and that’s what made it cool.

Jennifer Wang

My daughter is the same age as Yara and I couldn’t help but see her in every frame. It was beautifully done, and I think every parent should watch this to understand how kids process loss.

Canis Lupus

Impressive how much nuance and sincerity this short delivers in just 15 minutes. The theme of grief through the lens of a child is handled with grace and surprising maturity.

Samantha Davis

I really felt like I was watching real kids my age, not actors. The story hit hard, especially when Yara hears the message. I got emotional for real.

Marie Meroni

It made me think of my granddaughter. Kids grow up with such strong emotions, and this film shows that perfectly. I was very touched.

Angel Pelé

I didn’t expect much but wow. It was short but powerful. The ending left me thinking about my own mom. Respect to the young team behind it.

Avery Tremblay

I cried. The note from her mom just broke me. This film was so soft and kind but also so painful. I loved it.

Daniel Sanchez Fernandez

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