spilled milk
~
spilled milk ~
In my directorial debut, I explore the blurred lines of a budding relationship, where inexperience can be weaponized.
~~~
When faced with haunting memories of her complicated relationship with Mark, Kate is forced to decipher if what she believes happened between them is reality.
Festivals
2026 New York Indie Shorts Awards - Semifinalist
New York New Waves Online Showcase Event - NomineeAll semifinalist films are invited to take part in the NY New Waves Online Event. These projects will compete for the NY New Waves Award, with the winning film earning a screening at the Live Event.
2026 Big Apple Film Festival FIRST TIME DIRECTORS AND WRITERS EDITION - Official Selection
All selected films are screened in front of a live audience at Village East Cinemas in NYC on March 25th, 2026.
**BAFF SCREENING SERVED AS OFFICIAL PREMIERE OF THE FILM**
Reviews
“…This delicate, moving drama is tightly controlled and admirably restrained from its first frame. In the hands of a less aware, assured director, the trauma that Kate endures would likely be played up… Through non-linear editing, use of negative space, and a meditative perspective on the story, we’re given an introspective look at the chaos and dread that trauma leaves us with. In this regard, Kaye skillfully controls each aspect of the film. The technical elements are not utilized for maximum spectacle or dramatic punch, but to quietly and effectively investigate the inexplicable but omnipresent weight of trauma…”
— Theo Whitehead, via Take 2 Indie Review
“... The film requires its audience to reexamine what they have just been a part of.… A film filled with nuance that packs a punch.”
— David Walters, via The Front Row Center
Film Stills
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Film Stills *
Cast and Crew
Cast
Emma Stetser as Kate
Juan Teisaire as Mark
Renata Gabella as Natalie
Kobe Patrick as Andy
~
Matt Haverty as Shawn
Rafeeqa Teo as Becca
Holden Goldberg as Satch
Extras
Mercedes Riege ~ McKenna Merriman ~ Colin Eckardt ~ Jessie Keogh ~ Kili Maye Marinelle ~ Davis Lowe ~ Dixie Elkins ~ Elizabeth Irvin ~ Millie Rose ~ Patricia Soledad ~ Ellie Sims ~ Ella Braff ~ Augustina Casella ~ Malgorzata Jasiniak ~ Eduardo Machado ~ Patrick O’Neill ~ Ria Yamdagni ~ Janin Anna Matt ~ Daniela Pelegrin ~ McKenna Kaye ~ Isabella Schwind
Special Thanks
Anthony Wilder ~ Nathan Fitch ~ Hanna Obradovich ~ Edgar’s Cafe Staff ~ Susan Kaye ~ Thorsten Kaye ~ Emma McCarthy
Crew
McKenna Kaye ~ Writer and Director
Mercedes Riegé ~ Producer and 1st AD
McKenna Merriman ~ Associate Producer and 2nd AD
Owen Bradner ~ Director of Photography
Maryam Alkhaja ~ Editor, Colorist, and Gaffer
Natalia Canon ~ Key Grip
Anna Yiannikos ~ Production Sound Mixer
Kili Maye Marinelle ~ Production and Sound Assistant
Isabella Schwind ~ Production Designer
Jessie Keogh ~ Production Design Assistant
Vanessa Darko ~ 1st AC
Colin Eckardt, Evelyn Grace Pereira ~ 2nd ACs
Sabrina Carlier ~ Intimacy Coordinator
Davis Lowe, Rafeeqa Teo ~ Production Assistants
Sarah Case ~ Location Assistant
Marlowe Kaye ~ Original Music, “Wait in Line”
Liam Canet Leiva ~ Original Score
Anaïs and The Hoops ~ Featured Song, “Stick to the Script”
Alex Amen ~ Featured Song, “Got To Go”