Tears of Knowing 

Director and writer, Miles Marti, brilliantly created a film that captures the story of a kid that learns a new reality all within the walls of her classroom. Tears Of Knowing lightly steps into the devastation of loss through a childhood lens, and presents a perspective that is not often acknowledged. Though grief and loss are important aspects, the film also showcases excellent portrayals of trust, innocence, and naivety. 

The heart-felt seven minute short film begins by introducing us to the main character, Ava (Soleila Shea), who is a young, bright kindergartener who starts her school day early by being dropped off before anybody else. We quickly see in her hands that she’s holding a drawing of her and her teacher, Ms. Price, and an apple to give her. This evidently displays the admiration Ava has for her teacher, and the determination she has in showing her appreciation. Walking the empty halls, Ava is met with a sign on Ms. Price’s door, stating that no students are allowed in the classroom without a teacher present. Ignoring the sign, she confidently opens the door and places her gifts on the teacher’s desk.

Ava becomes even more delighted when she makes her way over to greet the classroom’s pet guinea pig, but only to notice that it is not moving. Before thinking anything of the situation, she hears the footsteps of her teacher nearby, and immediately hides under a table. Ms. Price enters the room frantically with a box that has a new guinea pig, which looks identical to the deceased one. Ava closely watches as her teacher, with no remorse, swaps the guinea pigs places, and leaves the classroom. Leaving her in shock under the table, and later on, during the class session when chosen to play with the new guinea pig. Ava ends up refusing, and retrieves her gifts from the teacher’s desk. The film ends with her eating the apple while staring at the picture she drew for Ms. Price.