Domestic Animals Set to Screen at International Film Festival The Hague
- Alex Mendez Giner
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 10
I'm thrilled to share that our short film Domestic Animals, co-directed by me and the extraordinary Sandy Siquier, featuring the exceptional performances of Ignacio García-Bustelo and Sandy Siquier, and made with the collaborative efforts of the talented film students from Syracuse University’s Department of Film and Media Arts, is official selection and finalist at the International Film Festival The Hague (IFFH) in the Netherlands. The film will premiere this November in a city known worldwide as the International City of Peace and Justice—home to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
The International Film Festival The Hague has been a festival committed to meaningful cinema, providing a platform for emerging talent and underrepresented voices. Every fall, international filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts gather in this historic Dutch city to celebrate diverse storytelling and foster meaningful connections around their shared passion for film. IFFH serves as a creative hub where audiences experience carefully curated independent films from across the globe while engaging in discussions that matter.
Our film explores domestic and family violence as both a pressing social and public health issue. We crafted the narrative from real events, creating characters trapped in cycles of violence who struggle to recognize themselves as both victims and, at times, perpetrators. With statistics showing that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States alone, this film serves as a wake-up call that confronts deeply held beliefs about acceptable behavior. It helps build understanding, encourages empathy, and inspires positive change in the world.
The International Film Festival The Hague runs from Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, offering three days of thought-provoking cinema and meaningful dialogue. For us, this represents more than just a premiere—it's an opportunity to reach audiences ready for challenging content and important conversations.
I want to express my deep gratitude to the selection committee of the International Film Festival The Hague for recognizing the importance of this story. Special thanks to Ignacio García-Bustelo, whose exceptional performance brought the husband character to life; the talented film students of Syracuse University’s Department of Film and Media Arts, who worked as crew members on this film; Javier Weyler, musician extraordinaire, who created the powerful soundtrack; super talented Leo Zuloaga, for the exceptional color grading; and my co-director, extraordinary actor and partner in everything Sandy Siquier, whose acting talent, vision, and dedication to addressing domestic violence through storytelling made this film possible.
