”ALY,” the latest genre-blending short film from writer, director, and editor Kevin L. Lee, is making the rounds on the festival circuit. The short film premiered at the EB Indie Film Festival on August 3, 2024, and has since been showcased at the 2024 El Paso Film Festival, the 2024 New York Shorts International Film Festival, and the 2024 Sherman Oaks Film Festival, among others. “ALY” is starting 2025 off strong with its screening at Short. Sweet. Film Fest. on March 2, 2025.
A captivating mix of comedy, romance, and horror, ”ALY” explores the nerve-wracking excitement of new love with an unexpected twist. The 14-minute short follows Michael and Aly on what could be the most significant night of their relationship—until Aly’s unsettling revelation threatens to change everything.
“Even though ”ALY” is technically a horror film, my hope is for the story to feel down-to-earth and relatable,” says director Kevin L. Lee. “I want the audience to have a good laugh and see themselves in these characters in their own weird, unique way.”
Lee, an Asian-American filmmaker based in New York City, has spent over a decade immersed in film criticism and journalism. Lee brings a deep understanding of genre and narrative to his directorial work. With an MFA in film producing from Columbia University, he continues to develop innovative projects across film and television. Lee’s latest film, “ALY ,” has garnered widespread acclaim, not only for its compelling storytelling but also for his directorial approach, which has been praised by the film’s lead cast. Max Schuster, lead actor, shared, “Kevin is one of the most caring directors I’ve ever worked with.” Angela Wong Carbone, lead actress, added, “You can’t ask for anything more in a director or writer.” Their words reflect Lee’s dedication to his craft and the collaborative environment he cultivates on set.
A Festival Favorite
Since its premiere, ”ALY” has garnered numerous accolades, including:
- Best Acting (Angela Wong Carbone) – EB Indie Film Festival 2024
- Best Short Film – EB Indie Film Festival 2024
- Programmers Prize, Exceptional Filmmaking – Sherman Oaks Film Festival 2024
- Award of Merit – Global Shorts 2024
- Best Directing – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival 2024
- Best Actor (Max Schuster) – One-Reeler 2024
- Award of Excellence – One-Reeler 2024
- Best Romantic Comedy Short — Indie Short Fest 2024
- Best Student Male Director (Kevin L. Lee) — Indie Short Fest 2024
- Best Acting Duo (Max Schuster, Angela Wong Carbone) — Indie Short Fest 2024
- Best Romantic Short — IndieX 2024
”ALY” has also received glowing reviews, with critics praising its sharp pacing, natural chemistry between the leads, and genre-bending storytelling.
“A perfect example of a short film done right.” – Film Inquiry Review
“A perfectly paced, unpretentious genre exercise.” – Jeff Zhang of Strange Harbors
“Tantalizing, funny, and entertaining.” – Karen Maine, director of Rosaline and Yes, God, Yes
See more reviews of “ALY” on Letterboxd .
A Talented Filmmaking Team
The short film’s stars, Max Schuster (High Fidelity, Love Life) and Angela Wong Carbone (Chicago Med, WeCrashed, Resurrection), bring an undeniable chemistry to their roles. Their performances have been widely praised, with both actors earning festival nominations and awards for their work in the film. Reflecting on their collaboration, Carbone shared, “ Max is honestly the best scene partner anyone could ask for ,” while Schuster echoed the sentiment, saying, “ I’ve known Angela for a long time, and getting to work with her made the experience that much better. ” Their deep-rooted connection and mutual admiration undoubtedly translate to their compelling on-screen dynamic.
About The Actor (Michael in “ALY”)
Max Schuster (he/him) is an actor from upstate New York. He holds spots on Hulu (High Fidelity) and HBO (Love Life), and can be seen in a handful of films. He was nominated for an indie film award for his film Homecoming.
About The Actress (Aly in “ALY”)
Angela Wong Carbone (she/her) is an actor and writer from New York. She has starred in NBC’s Chicago Med, AppleTV+’s WeCrashed and IFC Films’ Resurrection starring Rebecca Hall. In 2020, she was selected for the 19th annual ABC Talent Showcase. She has been a finalist in programs such as AT&T’s Hello Lab and Untold Stories, Hillman Grad’s mentorship, The Gotham, Slamdance, Mentorship Matters etc.
About The Director
Kevin L. Lee is a film producer, screenwriter, and critic with over a decade of experience in storytelling and cinema analysis. Based in New York City, he has worked on multiple short films and is dedicated to crafting innovative and emotionally resonant stories across film and television.
See a list of the full cast and crew on IMDB .
Where to Watch
Watch ”ALY” at Short. Sweet. Film Fest. 2025, on March 2, 2025. Find details on future showings and additional release updates on the official website of film director Kevin L. Lee .
For media inquiries and interviews with Kevin L. Lee or if you are interested in learning more about ”ALY” and viewing a private screener, contact us.
Learn more about “ALY” and its festival journey on Cinevite .
