About the Film

2008 is a 10-minute comedy-drama written and directed by Maya Weldon-Lagrimas, starring Michaela Jill Murphy and Anja Kao Nielsen, and produced by Dalin Nelson.

Set against the backdrop of California’s 2008 vote to repeal gay marriage (Prop 8), the film follows a young girl navigating her dysfunctional queer household during a turbulent political moment. The film uses animation and live-action to combine poignant drama and humor, all while exploring themes of identity, family, and personal growth.

Awarded the 2025 Audience Choice Award at the NFFTY Festival, 2008 offers an authentic, youthful perspective on a crucial time in LGBTQ+ history.

Watch the Trailer!

Read more about the film’s journey on IMDb and check out our reviews on Letterboxd.

Official poster for "2008" – a queer coming-of-age short film directed by Maya Weldon-Lagrimas and produced by Dalin Nelson.

Cast & Crew

Written, Directed and Produced by

Produced by

Director of Animation

Starring

Maya Weldon-Lagrimas

Dalin Nelson

Tessa DeHart

Michaela Jill Murphy
Anja Kao Nielsen

Editor

Director of Photography

Production Designer

Original Score by

Emily Jacobson

Maria Raad

Hugo Francisco Martinez

Cameron Adams

Learn About the Team

Official Film Poster
Designed by
Olivia Yee & Tessa DeHart

Actress Anja Kao Nielsen in a dramatic scene from the short film "2008" set during California’s 2008

Actress Anja Kao Nielsen in a dramatic scene from the short film "2008" set during California’s 2008 gay marriage repeal vote

Producer and 1st Assistant Director Dalin Nelson, on set filming "2008", a queer coming-of-age short

Producer and 1st Assistant Director Dalin Nelson, on set filming "2008", a queer coming-of-age short film

Production Sound Mixer PJ Schulsky on the set of "2008", an award-winning queer coming-of-age short

Production Sound Mixer PJ Schulsky on the set of "2008", an award-winning queer coming-of-age short film

Actress Anja Kao Nielsen in a dramatic scene from the short film "2008" set during California’s 2008

Actress Anja Kao Nielsen in a dramatic scene from the short film "2008" set during California’s 2008 gay marriage repeal vote

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Photos by Angel Huang

Go Behind the Scenes

Proud Sponsors

Name: 2008
Director: Maya Weldon-Lagrimas
Genre: Drama, Comedy, LGBTQ+
Released: 2024-01-01
Cast: Michaela Jill Murphy, Anja Kao Nielsen