In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Eduardo Braun Costa to discuss his short film The Liars, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Argentine short follows two boys, Matías and Jaime, who suddenly find themselves navigating the confusing responsibilities of adulthood. When Jaime is detained by a mall security guard, Matías must quickly improvise and convince a stranger to pretend to be their father in order to get him released. What unfolds is a tense, quietly humorous moment that explores friendship, adolescence, and the fragile line between childhood and adulthood.

Running 19 minutes and performed in Spanish, The Liars stars Noah Roja and Filippo Carrozza alongside Esteban Bigliardi, Mariana Chaud, and Pablo Fusco. The film’s performances were widely praised, earning Roja and Carrozza the Short Film Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance for their naturalistic portrayals that blur the line between fiction and reality.

During our conversation, Braun Costa discusses the inspiration behind the story, working with young actors, and crafting an intimate coming-of-age moment within the short film format. We also talk about the experience of premiering the film at Sundance and what this recognition means for the film’s journey on the festival circuit.