Yana Billé-Chung’s Till Death lands LA Shorts premiere

Yana Billé-Chung’s 20-minute dark comedy Till Death will make its Los Angeles premiere at the 2026 LA Shorts International Film Festival from July 30 to August 12. The film arrives with awards from Diversity in Cannes and selections at multiple international festivals, boosting its profile ahead of the Hollywood showcase.

Why it matters: - Till Death is headed to LA Shorts International Film Festival, a major Oscar-qualifying short film showcase in Hollywood. - The Los Angeles premiere gives the film a larger U.S. platform after early festival recognition abroad. - The film’s awards and festival run position Yana Billé-Chung as a filmmaker with growing international momentum.

What happened: - Till Death, a 20-minute dark comedy by Yana Billé-Chung, will make its Los Angeles premiere at the 2026 LA Shorts International Film Festival from July 30 to August 12. - The film won Best Screenwriting and Best Actress at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase. - The film was also officially selected for the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, Accra Indie Film Fest, and the Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival, among others.

The details: - The story follows a young couple who buy their dream home from an elderly woman at a bargain price. - The purchase comes with one condition: the woman must live with the couple until her death. - Three years later, the couple’s arrangement unravels as family pressure and tension build. - The octogenarian thrives in their care, pushing the wife toward the brink of sanity. - Yana Billé-Chung said she wanted to examine how long people can maintain the image of being good when no one is watching. - Billé-Chung described the film as a darkly funny study of human fragility, empathy, and the private conflicts inside relationships. - The film stars Nancy Ma as River Daniels, Rosie Lee Hooks as Mrs. Campbell, and Kieran Roberts as Alex Daniels. - The film was produced by Martina Lee and Constance Ejuma. - Kamron Shariaree and Abbie Chung served as executive producers. - Jacki Moonves handled cinematography, Sandrine Isambert handled editing, Talal Al Azm handled production design, and Karen Martin composed the original score. - Billé-Chung is a Cameroonian-American writer, director, and producer whose work has screened at festivals including SXSW and the Venice Circuito Off. - Billé-Chung graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. - Billé-Chung also worked as an assistant to Oscar-nominated showrunner Michael Green and wrote on the first season of Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai. - LA Shorts International Film Festival is one of the longest-running short film festivals in the world. - The festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and serves as a qualifying event for Oscar nominations. - The festival is designed to showcase innovative storytelling and emerging talent and draws filmmakers and audiences from around the globe.

Between the lines: - The festival selection and awards suggest Till Death is moving beyond a niche circuit and into a more visible awards and industry conversation. - The film’s premise uses a domestic setup to explore morality, co-dependence, and social performance, which may help it stand out in the short-film market. - Billé-Chung’s background in both indie festival film and high-profile television writing adds credibility to the project’s creative team.

What's next: - Till Death will screen at LA Shorts during the July 30-Aug. 12 festival window. - The film’s trailer is available through the project’s promotional materials. - The festival appearance may open additional screening and distribution opportunities as the film continues its circuit. - More information is available on the film’s Instagram page.