Ever Since The Wink
Directed by Kate Kim
United States · 2026 · 2 min 16 sec · Comedy
Submitted to RTV International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
After receiving a random wink from a stranger, a girl becomes determined to master the art of winking herself. What starts as a simple moment quickly turns into an obsession involving countless failed attempts and one dramatic breakthrough.
Credits
Directed by Kate Kim
About the film
While driving home a girl is suddenly interrupted by a loud car horn from a nearby driver. Confused and slightly annoyed, she rolls down her window to see what is happening. The driver realizes he has caught the attention of a young woman, quickly apologizes, and gives her a wink before driving away. What seems like a completely insignificant interaction becomes a defining moment for her. She replays the wink in her head over and over, becoming fascinated by how effortlessly the stranger managed to pull it off. Before long, she decides that she needs to learn how to wink just as well. What begins as a casual attempt quickly becomes an obsession. She practices in front of the mirror, tries winking at her brother, in different outfits, the more frustrated she becomes. After what feels like an eternity of practice, she finally decides to give it one last serious attempt. Standing in front of a mirror, she takes a deep breath, concentrates, and finally succeeds. Shocked that she has actually done it, she tries again to make sure it wasn't a fluke. This time, she knows she has mastered it. Proud of her accomplishment, she walks away with newfound confidence, repeatedly winking as she celebrates her victory. But just when it seems like the story is over, she sits down at her desk, looks at a blank piece of paper and a pen, and prepares to write something. The scene cuts to black, leaving viewers with a mysterious question: what could possibly come after mastering the wink? (It is a continuation for the next episode)
Director(s)
Kate Kim is a freshman at Valencia College studying media production in Orlando, Florida. She developed a passion for television, film, and entertainment through her experience in student broadcasting, where she worked as an on-camera anchor and gained hands-on experience with production, editing, and storytelling. Kate enjoys creating comedic content and bringing her ideas to life both in front of and behind the camera. She directed, produced, and starred in "Ever Since The Wink", a short comedic skit inspired by an ordinary moment that turns into an unexpectedly serious obsession. She has also performed in The Lightning Thief, where she was cast as Thalia Grace. Kate thrives in front of an audience and is interested in the intersection of entertainment, acting, and social media. She hopes to continue developing her skills as a performer and creator while pursuing opportunities in television and entertainment.
Publicity materials supplied or expressly authorized by the rights holder. Publication is separate from festival selection.
RTV International Film Festival — Inaugural Online Edition · 2026