Posted by Indie Short Fest is pleased to recognize Once More, Like Rain Man as the Best Short of the Season (Special Jury Award) for the May 2025 edition.
Directed by Sue Ann Pien and written by and starring Bella Zoe Martinez, the film follows a day in the life of Zoe, a young autistic actress navigating the challenges of auditioning in Los Angeles. Through a series of encounters and conversations, Once More, Like Rain Man offers a candid, character-driven exploration of how neurodivergent performers are often met with limiting roles and expectations—and how one individual pushes back against that narrative.
The story draws inspiration from Martinez’s own experience as an autistic performer, lending the film a strong sense of realism and lived perspective. In addition to her performance in the lead role, Martinez’s screenplay stands out for its dry humor, emotional nuance, and insight into the complexities of identity, representation, and resilience. Her ability to balance vulnerability with quiet strength helps ground the film in a way that feels both intimate and accessible.
Director Sue Ann Pien – known for her role as Violet in the Amazon Prime series “As We See It” – also autistic, brings a clear, empathetic vision to the project in her directorial debut. Once More, Like Rain Man benefits from a close collaboration between Pien and Martinez, supported by producer Darren Dean (whose credits include The Florida Project and Tangerine), contributing to a polished and thoughtful final product. The film also features veteran actor Joe Mantegna, whose presence adds a notable dimension to the film’s cast.
Once More, Like Rain Man was recognized by the Indie Short Fest jury for its authenticity, narrative clarity, and strong performances. Balancing humor, honesty, and emotional depth, the film makes a compelling contribution to the ongoing conversation around inclusion in storytelling and the evolving landscape of on-screen representation.
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