Rachel McDonald’s 'Hermanos' Selected as Finalist at Ciclope 2024

Hermanos, a short film directed by Rachel McDonald, has been honoured as a finalist in the 2024 Ciclope Festival's Short Film category. Inspired by true events, Hermanos shines a light on the harsh realities faced by immigrant families at the U.S. border. The film, driven by the real-life stories of those separated by immigration policies, is especially timely with over 1,400 children still awaiting reunification as the 2024 U.S. election approaches.

The film stars Jorge A. Jimenez (Narcos, Queen of the South), Grant Harvey (Animal Kingdom), and introduces newcomers Seth Gutiérrez and Carlos Sanchez as brothers Santino and Tomás, whose bond is tested after being separated at the U.S. border. Selected from over 1,700 entries, Hermanos’ recognition at Ciclope—a festival known for celebrating craftsmanship in storytelling—underscores the film’s powerful narrative and emotional impact. The film will be released online in the coming weeks, ahead of the U.S. elections.