The Decision
After eight years of trying to start a family, a couple faces the heartbreaking decision of whether to continue with a pregnancy that could change their lives forever, after discovering their baby has severe congenital and cardiac problems.
This is the most recent release film by the writer, director and producer, Susibel Espaillat, with the main acting lead by Lily Ball and Miguel Hernández, the photography of Víctor Grullón and editing of Tomás Elisaul Reyes, plus a talented crew of actors, actresses and technicians.
This short film is now traveling through the world festivals, starting in February 2025 with its first official selection in the Christian Family Film Festival 2025 WinterFest. The film has been submitted for competition in several high quality film festival that will be notifying during the calendar year and the news will be posted in the social media, so we encourage the public, to stay tune with this film and don’t miss any post!
Susibel Espaillat is a Dominican director, screenwriter, and producer with over 10 years of experience in film, TV, and advertising. Educated at INCINES, PUCMM, and UNEATLANTICO, she has directed and produced award-winning short films such as *Inseparables* and *Chino-Dominicano*. A founding member of ACÚ and an active member of ADOCINE, she contributes to the growth of Dominican cinema through her work and cultural management abroad.
As a director, my passion lies in exploring difficult topics—those raw and profound conversations that are often avoided but are essential to our humanity. My work confronts reality and pain with honesty, acknowledging that while suffering is inevitable, it is also a catalyst for finding hope and rediscovering joy. This balance between the rawness of life and an optimistic perspective defines my narrative approach.
I am a lover of details, convinced that every visual element serves a narrative purpose. I use the tones of my characters’ costumes to reflect their essence and emotions, while the lighting in my work is closely tied to the central emotion of the main theme. My cinematic language is deeply visual, always striving to build atmospheres that immerse the audience in the story in a sensory and intimate way.
As a filmmaker, I am decisive, clear, and determined in my vision. I have a very personal style, with a feminine perspective that informs every creative decision, from composition to storytelling. While I remain open to suggestions and collaboration, my approach is defined and focused on doing justice to the stories I tell, giving them an authentic and emotionally resonant voice.
My ultimate goal is for my work to inspire deep reflections and emotions, guiding the audience to confront both the shadows and the light of life, with the certainty that both are necessary for growth and moving forward.