Austin Cauldwell talks about his Powerful Short Doc Co-directed with Nat Wolff - “WHERE WE PLAYED: VOICES FROM THE FIRE" competing for Oscar Qualification at FLICKERS RHODE ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL 2026

Today's guest Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles–based writer/director/actor and acting teacher. His short film IDYLL premiered at the Florida Film Festival in April 2026. He has appeared in various stage, film, and TV roles.   In January 2025, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles. Through firsthand interviews, children reflect on what they experienced, what they lost, what they carried with them, and how their lives have been forever changed; while simultaneously holding onto hope for what comes next. Co-directed by Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell, the film was produced by Mina Sundwall and her company Zenosyne Media, along with Eliza Paprin and Julia Pitch, who also served as Cinematographer. The film was edited by Ben Schwaeber. According to Wolff and Cauldwell: “In the wake of the fires, much of the conversation focused on what had been lost: homes, schools, and a sense of stability. What felt missing were the voices of the children living through it. Rather than speaking about them, we wanted to listen to them. So we set out to create a space where kids and families could share their experiences in their own words.  What we found was not only grief, but resilience, optimism, and humor. Even in the aftermath of tragedy, these children continue to imagine, adapt, and grow. Their stories reminded us that they are not just witnesses to disaster, but rather, they are participants in the future being shaped around them. Our hope is that this film encourages audiences to think about the world we are leaving for our children. It will be their world. They deserve to have a voice in it.”   Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles based writer, director, actor, and acting teacher. His short film Idyll, which he wrote and directed, premiered at Florida International Film Festival earlier this year and was an official selection at Fantasia Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival. As an actor, he has worked on stage, most notably opposite Edie Falco in the Off Broadway production of The True. His TV credits include Switched at Birth (ABC Family), NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, and Monster. About the Film The project documents the experiences of children during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Through firsthand interviews, the film captures what the children lost, what they carried with them, and how their lives have changed — while also highlighting their resilience, optimism, and humor. The directors aimed to give voice to the children who were often absent from public discussions about the disaster, focusing on their personal stories rather than just the aftermath      THE DIRECTORS: Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell Producers: Mina Sundwall, Eliza Paprin, Julia Pitch (Pitch also served as cinematographer Editor: Ben Schwaeber Presented by: Zenosyne Media  About the Directors Nat Wolff is an American actor, musician, and writer/director. He is known for films such as The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Palo Alto, and for composing music for The Naked Brothers Band.  Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles–based writer/director/actor and acting teacher. His short film IDYLL premiered at the Florida Film Festival in April 2026. He has appeared in various stage, film, and TV roles For tickets: Burbank International Film Festival 2026   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org