A short film, based on a true story.

Popcorn Memories was born out of a desire to explore what trauma really looks like from a child’s perspective—not in dramatic monologues or exaggerated violence, but in the small, quiet moments that leave lasting scars.

This is a story about cycles: pain handed down, and the strength it takes to break that pattern. It’s about the moment when someone truly sees what they’ve become and takes their first real step toward change.

At its core, this is a story about a child who doesn’t fully understand what’s happening—only that something once safe no longer feels that way. It’s a short film with a simple message: even when things break, healing is possible.

Logline

Popcorn Memories is an emotionally charged drama about a father whose alcohol-fueled rage shatters a quiet family movie night, leaving his young son shaken and confused. The trauma of that moment forces the father to confront the wreckage of his addiction and depression — and begin the painful journey of becoming the man his son once saw through innocent eyes.

Synopsis

Popcorn Memories tells the story of Bill, a father spiraling from addiction and depression. After his alcohol-fueled outburst disrupts a peaceful family evening, the safety and trust in his son’s eyes are shattered.

As the trauma ripples through the family, Bill is forced to reckon with the version of himself he’s become. Meanwhile, Carter, just seven years old, is left trying to understand why his world cracked open in a single moment. With the quiet strength of a grandfather standing between chaos and innocence, the film explores the emotional cost of addiction, the scars it leaves on children, and the slow, difficult journey back toward healing.

Grounded performances, a tight visual structure, and a deeply personal message drive this short film forward, offering a glimpse into the pain of reckoning and the fragile hope of redemption.