Whale 52 - Suite for Man, Boy, and Whale
Gay Short | Trans Short | Iris Prize: Shortlist 2026 | Palm Springs International ShortFest 2026 | Tribeca 2026 | Incredible Shorts | OUTshine - Spring Edition 2026 | Teddy Award 2026 | 2026
Original Title
Whale 52- Director: Daniel Neiden
- Writer: Edward Jordon, Daniel Neiden
- Producer: Owen Andrejco, Steven Cambria, Edward Jordon, Daniel Neiden, Bill Plympton, Sebastian Twardosz
CGiii Comment
A mesmerising piece of work.
The depth of emotion and expanse of vision give the subject matter the breadth it so deserves...the vast majority of films that deal with trans issues are sculpted by a debilitating ideology, Whale 52 is a remarkable exception.
This is art...with a beating heart.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
A kind but grieving widower volunteers at a school and meets a quiet third-grade boy who has not spoken all year. Together, they discover a magical pen and a diary, and the boy slowly begins to trust the man. Will he summon the courage to utter the one word that might lift the weight of the world off his shoulders? After all, some of the deepest conversations start with a single word …
Cast & Characters
Bruce Vilanch (as Kaufman)
Parker Allana Hughes (as Enam)