In Ash Wednesday, writer and director Grace O’Brien delivers a vibrant, funny, and heartfelt portrait of teenage awkwardness, budding faith, and the bonds of friendship. Set in a Catholic school on one of the holiest days of the liturgical calendar, this coming-of-age short uses humor to explore how periods, rituals, and identity intersect in unexpected and entertaining ways.

Bridget (Leah De Rosario) is a Catholic schoolgirl expecting a typical Ash Wednesday Mass. Though when she gets her period in the middle of the service, the day quickly takes an unexpected turn. She sets off on a mission to find a tampon and return in time to receive her ashes, or risk getting suspended. Her hilarious and outspoken best friend Erin (Maia Sanaa) is at her side, and her unholy sense of humor keeps the mood and pace playful.

What sets Ash Wednesday apart is its joyful portrayal of queerness. There is no dramatic coming out scene and no clash with religious authority. Bridget’s identity is not framed as a moment of crisis or personal struggle. Her queerness is present, seen through an awkward but sweet interaction with Mary (Emma Weller), a girl she likes. The film allows Bridget to be a teenager first, navigating a mildly chaotic day, rather than placing her identity at the center of the story.

What makes Ash Wednesday special is how it was made. This student-led project, produced by Delta Kappa Alpha at Boston University, shows remarkable thoughtfulness in every scene. O’Brien draws on her own Catholic school experiences to tell a story that feels personal yet widely relatable, especially for anyone who has menstruated, felt embarrassed, or faced the awkward realities of growing up. Many production team members are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, bringing authenticity and care to how the story treats queerness, friendship, and identity. The result is a short film that balances comedy, sincerity, and representation without ever feeling forced.

At the heart of the film is the friendship between Bridget and Erin. Their connection feels genuine, built on comfort and trust. Erin stands out as unfiltered, quick-witted, and always ready with a joke in the moment. Her constant teasing of Bridget is full of affection. Bridget complements Erin’s energy, and it is where her confidence shines through within the safety of their friendship. It is the kind of banter that only exists between close friends. Their relationship is not just entertaining to watch; it feels true to life, capturing a teenage bond built on trust and loyalty. De Rosario brings a gentle warmth to Bridget, making her awkward moments feel honest rather than overdone. Sanaa is equally compelling as Erin, bold and effortlessly entertaining with great comedic timing. Together, the two leads carry the film with chemistry and charm.

Visually, the film has a clean, thoughtful style that matches its tone. The pastel color palette and soft lighting create a youthful look, while the cinematography remains intentional and straightforward. The shots are well framed, and when the camera draws attention to itself, it does so in a playful way that adds to the comedy and light awkwardness of the story. The visuals make even small moments feel engaging and fun, matching the film’s humor, awkwardness, and focus on friendship.

Ash Wednesday is a refreshingly grounded short film that finds humor in discomfort and joy in the unexpected. It offers a well-paced and engaging glimpse into the realities of being a queer Catholic schoolgirl, brought to life through witty writing, standout performances, and a playful visual style. The film explores friendship, identity, embarrassment, loyalty, and growing up, showing how everyday moments can feel enormous when you're young and still figuring things out.

Ash Wednesday screens at the 2025 New Jersey International Film Festival on Thursday, June 5th.  The film will be Online for 24 Hours . Tickets are available for purchase here.

The 30th annual New Jersey International Film Festival will be taking place between May 30-June 13, 2025. The Festival will be a hybrid one as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person when both are offered. Plus, we are very proud to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter Mike Kovacs will be doing an audio-visual concert on Friday, June 13 at 7PM! The in-person screenings and the Mike Kovacs concert will be held in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ beginning at 5PM or 7PM on their show date.  General Admission Ticket=$15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$120; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program.

For more info go here: https://2025newjerseyinternationalfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome