A Lien
Introduction
Today’s America is grappling with shifting immigration policies and stories of families torn apart. Nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, A Lien brings you into the tense, intimate moment of a green card interview that could change three people’s lives forever.
From critically acclaimed directors Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz, this award-winning short is part love story, part urgent commentary on a system designed to separate rather than unite.
Watch The Trailer
Nominated for
Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards
SAM & David CUTLER-KREUTZ
SAM & DAVID CUTLER-KREUTZ are an award winning writing, directing & producing team based in NYC and LA. As brothers, they grew up making films together. Their first short film FLOUNDER premiered in the Clermont-Ferrand International Competition 2022. Their second A LIEN is Shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards. Their third short TRAPPED premiered at SXSW 2024 Narrative Shorts Competition, where it won the Special Jury Prize and Palm Springs ShortsFest Best US Short.
Their work together has been shown at SXSW, Palm Springs ShortsFest, Clermont-Ferrand, SIFF, Austin, Vancouver, Hamptons, Rhode Island, Oldenburg, Brooklyn Film Festival, Flickerfest and Festival Regard, among others. Their work has premiered online with Vimeo Staff Picks, Short Of The Week, Director’s Notes & Director’s Library features.
Why This Film Matters
Topical & Timely
Families across the country face uncertainty and separation every day. A Lien spotlights the personal toll of an unforgiving bureaucracy.
Human Stories, Universal Emotions
At its core, this is a story of hope, resilience, and the lengths we go to protect those we love.
Spark Dialogue
Through its narrative, A Lien opens the door for deeper conversations around immigration reform, policy impacts, and social justice.
Highlights & Recognition
Critical Acclaim & Accolades
“Will leave you breathless as it unravels the harrowing reality of the immigration process.” – Vimeo Staff Pick
“This nail-biting thriller about a family’s green card appointment gone terribly wrong will have you at the edge of your seat from the go.... Expertly directed and acted, we need films like this to awaken us to the inhumanity of our nation’s policies and spark necessary change.” – Kath Tolentino, Programmer, Salute Your Shorts Film Fest
Critical Acclaim & Accolades
- RHON TRAVELTA
- SARAH MONICA
- ARNOLD SWASANASEGAR
“A gripping portrayal of how a bureaucratic process can turn into psychological warfare.” – Film Review Outlet “This short reminds us that behind every policy are real families fighting to stay together.” – Social Justice Publication
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Watch Now
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