L.A. feature film "If I Go Will They Miss Me" premieres at Sundance Film Festival - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jason Parham

January 27, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Walter Thompson-Hernández’s debut feature film *If I Go Will They Miss Me* made its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, marking a bold and unconventional storytelling effort. The film follows Lil Ant, a 12-year-old boy from South Central Los Angeles, as he navigates themes of family, identity, and belonging through the lens of Greek mythology. Unlike traditional coming-of-age narratives, Thompson-Hernández avoids sensationalizing trauma and instead focuses on preserving the complexity and nuance of Black family life. The story centers on Lil Ant’s relationship with his father, Big Ant, who returns home from prison, and the emotional journey of reconnection and healing that ensues. Thompson-Hernández breaks away from traditional three-act structures, opting for a more novelistic approach that mirrors the film’s intimate and introspective tone. The director draws inspiration from his own experiences growing up in Los Angeles, where he and his friends would imagine escape through flight, much like Lil Ant’s fascination with airplanes. This imaginative lens allows the film to explore themes of freedom, identity, and belonging while celebrating the resilience of Black Angelenos. The story avoids clichéd portrayals of urban decay, instead highlighting the richness and complexity of life in South Central, including the

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 1/27/2026