The Warmth of an Empty Teacup (2026)
A narrative short film from writer-director Zegan Doyle
A hyper-independent woman risks missing a holiday party in order to save a bird trapped inside her bedroom wall.
The story takes place on Christmas Eve.
The film begins with a sound we often overlook, the delicate song of a bird. It ends with a touch, the warmth of an empty teacup.
The Warmth of an Empty Teacup is a narrative short film by non-binary writer-director Zegan Doyle.
The film unfolds as an intimate experiment in visual and auditory storytelling through a delicate interplay of atmosphere and performance.
Featuring deeply moving performances by Eve Lindley (Dispatches from Elsewhere, National Anthem) and Krysta Gonzales (Elemental, Inside Out 2), the film offers a quiet but powerful reminder: we are never truly alone. The bonds we share within queer and trans communities, can hold us, guide us, and bring us back toward the light.
The Warmth of an Empty Teacup is for anyone who has ever felt lost in the darkness. It is a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone. There is warmth waiting for us in the hands of those who choose us, again and again…
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LITTLE PAWS PICTURES & ROW Z STUDIOS
EVE LINDLEY as WENDY
KRYSTA GONZALES as PENN
Written and Directed By ZEGAN DOYLE
Produced By SELENA LEONI
Cinematography By LUCIA RINALDI
Production and Costume Design By COURTNEY TANIGUCHI
Edited By SKYLAR LIN
Music & Sound Design By MATTHEW WANG
First Assistant Director CRAIG BLAIR
First Assistant Camera PAVEL GAZDYUK
Still Photographer RASUL KIPKEEV
DIT FRANCES CHIU
Script Supervisor LIA DURHAM
Gaffer NICK CONROY
Production Sound Mixer CORY BAKER
Art Director JOSUE BERRA
Set Dressers KELLEY SILVERMAN
Fabricator ERIC SILVERMAN
Hair and Make-up LAURA RACZKA
Production Coordinator SETH SAM
Production Assistant RASUL KIPKEEV
Assistant Editor FRANCES CHIU
Visual Effects Supervisor IVY LIAO
Colorist TIANYI LIU
Music Composed by MATTHEW WANG
Music Performed by SHARON CHA