Christmas Presence Wins PBS Thirteen's Reel 13 Shorts Contest

Recorded in January 2021, Henrique begins with an outcome he had never experienced before: one of his films has won a contest. Minutes earlier, the audience vote closed with his 2015 Christmas-horror short Christmas Presence in first place. The relief arrives after days of anxiety, reduced sleep, constant score-checking and an upset stomach that he believes flared as the pressure finally lifted.Henrique explains that he submitted Christmas Presence months earlier and largely forgot about it until a brief selection notice arrived. The short later appeared as one of three choices in PBS Thirteen's Reel 13 Shorts audience competition. Once Henrique reread the terms and learned that a future broadcast slot and cash prize were involved, a casual entry became something he was determined to win.The victory depended on an intensive social-media campaign. Henrique says he contacted hundreds of acquaintances individually, kept asking followers to vote and watched the lead whenever a competing film gained ground. He thanks everyone who took a few seconds to help. Michelle contrasts his persistence with her own discomfort promoting creative work, explaining that she can push harder for somebody else's band or event than for herself.At recording time, the audience vote is complete, but the expected television appearance and payment have not happened yet. The episode therefore preserves the immediate celebration rather than claiming a later outcome or inviting listeners into a current contest. It is also a candid portrait of the exhausting work behind online promotion—not medical guidance for stomach symptoms, a recommendation to mass-message contacts or a judgment on the other filmmakers in the competition.LinksEmail the hosts: [email protected]