Los Angeles, CA – June 2025 — Opalescent, a visually captivating and emotionally resonant short film, premiered at Cine Gear Expo Los Angeles 2025 at the iconic Universal Studios Lot. The film was selected as an Official Finalist in the Expo’s esteemed Film Series, a designation that recognizes innovative storytelling and technical artistry in contemporary short-form cinema.
(Liz Mealey, Lamar Glover, Historia Yi Wang, Caleb Aaron)
Written, directed, and shot on 35mm film by emerging filmmaker Liz Mealey, Opalescent follows a young woman whose internal struggle with societal expectations and personal identity takes a surprising and transformative turn. In a seemingly mundane laundromat, she encounters a glowing, otherworldly stranger who represents unapologetic difference. This surreal but meaningful meeting sets off a chain of subtle emotional shifts, prompting the protagonist to reconsider her place in a world that often values conformity.
Mealey’s choice to shoot on 35mm film not only adds texture and warmth to the visuals but also subtly underscores the film’s thematic contrast between the mechanical routines of daily life and the glowing presence of individuality and freedom. The use of celluloid enhances the dreamlike quality of the film, blending magical realism with a deeply human emotional arc. The result is a cinematic experience that feels both timeless and relevant, evoking a sense of the ethereal while remaining grounded in emotional truth.
The film stars Caleb Aaron as Alon, known for his performance in My Synchronization Workshop Experience with TEAL SWAN (2019), and Ari Kraiman as Opal, recognized for the 2025 short Folded. Both actors deliver performances that capture the delicate tension between repression and liberation, bringing vivid life to the film’s quietly powerful message.
Behind the scenes, the creative team brought together talents from various disciplines to realize a unified vision. The film was produced by Historia Yi Wang and Yang Qian, whose leadership fostered an environment where artistic exploration and emotional honesty were prioritized. Editor Yufei Fu contributed a rhythmic, almost poetic quality to the storytelling, ensuring that every visual beat resonated with intention. From production design to color timing, every element in Opalescent was carefully considered, contributing to a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.
Filming took place at Desi’s Coin Laundry, a real public laundromat whose vibrant character and lived-in textures added authenticity to the story’s surreal yet grounded atmosphere. The location itself became an integral part of the film’s visual identity. Shooting on-site presented some unexpected challenges — from managing tight space and sound in a working environment to adapting to interruptions — but the team met these challenges with flexibility and a sense of humor. These unplanned moments ultimately enhanced the sense of realism and intimacy that defines the film.
The film premiered as part of the Cine Gear Expo Los Angeles 2025 Film Series, an annual event renowned not only for showcasing cutting-edge production technology but also for highlighting bold and creative works from emerging voices in the film industry. Being named an Official Finalist in this curated lineup was a significant milestone for the Opalescent team, affirming their commitment to storytelling that challenges convention and celebrates emotional depth.
The screening and post-screening Q&A took place during the morning and early afternoon, offering a focused, interactive setting for conversation and reflection. The filmmakers engaged with audience members and fellow creators, discussing the film’s visual language, themes of identity, and the decision to shoot on film. The Q&A sparked thoughtful dialogue and facilitated meaningful connections, reflecting the film’s own message about courage and communication.
The day’s events concluded with a group photo of the Film Series finalists, capturing a shared moment of recognition and celebration. Later that evening, the team joined other finalists, jurors, and industry guests at the Cine Gear VIP Awards Party, a lively and well-attended gathering that marked the close of the Expo’s programming. Conversations continued late into the night, as filmmakers reflected on their work, celebrated each other’s achievements, and exchanged ideas for future collaborations.
(Liz Mealey, Lamar Glover, Caleb Aaron, Historia Yi Wang, Yandy Liu)
As it embarks on its wider festival journey, Opalescent continues to gain attention. Most recently, the film received an invitation to be included in the Palm Springs International ShortFest’s Film Market Video Library, a curated platform that connects outstanding shorts with buyers, distributors, and programmers around the world. This opportunity further extends the film’s reach and positions it for continued momentum.
At its core, Opalescent is a meditation on self-discovery, visibility, and the quiet bravery of becoming — themes that resonate with many in a world increasingly shaped by curated appearances and social conformity. Through its striking imagery and emotionally layered storytelling, the film offers a compelling invitation: to embrace what sets us apart, and to find beauty in what shines through the ordinary.
