LOS ANGELES, CA – Wild Rumpus — a powerful new short film written, directed, and produced by Yiana Pandelis — is making waves on the festival circuit with its raw portrayal of three young addicts struggling to survive on the margins of 1990s Los Angeles.
The film has already received critical acclaim — being selected for Best Short, Best Ensemble, and Best Female Director at the IndieX Film Festival — and earning Best Ensemble and Best Screenplay at the Cinema World Festival.
Set entirely in one room, Wild Rumpus creates an immersive experience through long, unbroken tracking shots that follow the characters through chaos, addiction, and fragile connection.
“I wanted the audience to feel like they were in the room with them,” said Pandelis. “It’s about being present in the intensity of it all.”
Pandelis was inspired to write the script shortly after moving to Los Angeles, driven to tell a story that touches on addiction, mental health, disability, and the LGBTQIA+ experience. She recalls collaborating with cinematographer Hiram Borges in a café, storyboarding the entire film on foot.
“I laugh thinking back on it,” she said. “Not only was I impressed by his ability to remember which take led to what, but also by his skill and dedication in achieving the vision.”
A Standout Cast Brings Grit and Heart
Elisha Moore stars as Nova, an agoraphobic woman clinging to childlike comforts in a chaotic world. Moore expanded her character’s pink, pop-filled aesthetic to reflect Nova’s inner world of guilt and longing.
Yiana Pandelis takes on the role of Blake, the weary anchor of the household, navigating the moral gray areas of survival while shouldering both addiction and toxic work environments.
Jenna McCarthy plays Jesse, Nova’s sister, who battles resentment and sacrifice as she dreams of escaping and becoming an artist — but remains tethered by love and responsibility.
Bonnie McNeil plays Heather, the sisters’ late mother, whose presence lingers as a symbol of love and memory. Her warmth brings emotional balance to the ensemble.
A Personal Vision Behind the Camera
As a filmmaker living with hearing loss, Pandelis brings a unique sensitivity to physicality, body language, and unspoken emotional cues.
“Because I rely more on visual observation, I always strive for authenticity between characters,” she said.
With Wild Rumpus gaining attention, Pandelis is now focused on securing distribution and building momentum for her upcoming short film, Where’s Charlie?
Cast Details
Yiana Pandelis
Elisha Moore
Jenna McCarthy
Bonnie McNeil
Crew Details
Cinematographer: Hiram Borges
Sound: Zach Simao
Gaffer: Nasser Akkari
Colourist: Sid Singh
Focus Puller: Erick Solis
1st AD: Elizabeth Salazar
Set Dress: Hunter Carey
Production Assistant: Zachary Scott King
Hair/Makeup: Alicia Kidman
Craft Services: Taylor Dark
