Mexican-American filmmaker Merced Elizondo is based in Texas and his work focuses on intimate, character-driven narratives. He is a Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Directing Fellow and recipient of the NewNarratives Filmmaker Grant through NewFilmmakers LA and Warner Bros,. Discovery. 

His previous film, Manos de Oro, screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals including HollyShorts, LA Shorts International, and LALIFF, and won Best Short Film at Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today.

His newest short, the award-winning short film The Mourning Of has officially qualified for the 2026 Academy Awards, marking a milestone in its remarkable journey through international film festivals.

THE MOURNING OF, is a story about a young woman who has been mourning the tragic loss of her mother in the most peculiar way imaginable- by secretly attending the funerals of strangers. After weeks of lying and searching for solace through the grief of others, her inability to move on finally catches up with her.

Written and directed by Mexican-American filmmaker Merced Elizondo, The Mourning Of tells the story of Maribel, a young woman mourning the tragic loss of her mother in an unusual way—by secretly attending the funerals of strangers. 

As she searches for solace through the grief of others, her fragile coping mechanism unravels, forcing her to confront the weight of absence, memory, and reconciliation. The film is both a meditation on the unspoken rituals of grief and a study of how families carry pain across generations. With restrained yet deeply emotional storytelling, The Mourning Of illuminates the resilience and fragility of family bonds, and the enduring power of memory to sustain love.

With a deeply personal voice and perspective, The Mourning Of also stands out as a rare Oscar-qualifying short that is both Latino-led and independently produced in the United States - made entirely in Texas, by and with members of the Latino community. 

At a time when Latino representation remains disproportionately low in major awards campaigns, the film’s ascent into Oscar consideration represents a significant and inspiring milestone. It’s a story rooted in cultural specificity but resonant with anyone who has ever experienced loss, memory, or the unspoken complexities of family.

Overall, this film moves you. The acting is true, authentic of someone dealing with grief and trying to find a way to move on. 

The cinematography is as good as any top feature film and the camera work is an absolute joy to watch. 

We will all learn and take something away from this film and that the greatest gift of all in film. THE MOURNING OF is an award winning film and I can see why, so make sure you see this film. 

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