A KAB Agency Production 2026

Corky

a short film · directed by Johnny Kessenich & Kyle Buckley
Belonging,
in a language
he couldn’t speak.

In post–World War II Chicago, a scrawny, quiet boy named Corky escapes the chaos of his broken home and discovers a small, glowing garage run by two Japanese mechanics. Despite a language barrier and the weight of recent war-born prejudice, Corky slowly earns their trust — learning their tools, their rhythms, and their quiet camaraderie.

As the bond deepens, the garage becomes a place of ritual, belonging, and silent mentorship, until a devastating loss forces Corky to carry their memory forward in the only way he knows how. A tender, dialogue-light coming-of-age short about resilience, found family, and unspoken connection.

Status

Format
Short film · Period drama
Phase
Post-production · 2026
Lensed
September 2025 · Boulder & Denver
Festival Target
Sundance 2027

Credits

Directed by
Johnny Kessenich & Kyle Buckley
Screenplay
Trice Sweet & Kyle Buckley
Based on
Prodigious Son by John Kessenich
Producer
Sara Shiver
Executive Producers
Lincoln Meredith · Lauren Buckley · Kyle Buckley
Cinematography
Michael Marten
Production Design
Jenni Steinmann
Cast
Tristan Wilder Hallett · Showta Ito · Yun Min
Industry · Press · Programmers
Screener available on request.

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