Curfew (2012)
An Oscar-winning short drama about an unlikely afternoon between a broken man and the young niece who quietly changes everything.
Curfew - Movie Information
- Original Title: Curfew
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Shawn Christensen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 19m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Fuzzy Logic Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Curfew - Plot
At the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister asking him to look after his nine-year old niece, Sophia, for a few hours.
Curfew - Trailer
See the official trailer for this Academy Award-winning short film:
Where to Watch Curfew
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Curfew - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shawn Christensen
Main Cast
- Fatima Ptacek
- Shawn Christensen
- Dana Segal
- Kirsten Holly Smith
- Kim Allen
- Helga Athineos
- gino patti
Writers
- Shawn Christensen
Producers
- Andrew Napier
- Damon Russell
- Mara Kassin
Curfew - FAQs
What is Curfew about?
Curfew follows Richie, a man at the absolute lowest point of his life, who receives an unexpected call from his estranged sister. She needs him to watch her nine-year-old daughter, Sophia, for just a few hours — a simple request that quietly becomes a profound turning point for both of them.
Did Curfew win any awards?
Yes — Curfew won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2013 Oscars. It's a remarkable achievement for writer-director-star Shawn Christensen, whose deeply personal short film resonated strongly with Academy voters and audiences alike.
Who directed and stars in Curfew?
Shawn Christensen wrote, directed, and stars in Curfew, playing the troubled protagonist Richie. He's joined by Fatima Ptacek, who delivers a wonderfully natural performance as his nine-year-old niece Sophia. Christensen's triple role makes this short film a genuinely personal creative statement.
Where can you watch Curfew for free?
You can stream Curfew for free on Kanopy, a library-supported streaming platform available to anyone with a public library card. It's a great way to catch this Oscar-winning short film without spending a dime.
How long is Curfew?
Curfew runs just 19 minutes, making it a compact but emotionally rich short film. Despite its brief runtime, it manages to build genuine character depth and deliver a quietly moving story about connection, redemption, and the unexpected bonds between people.
Is Curfew based on a true story?
Curfew is not based on a specific true story, but writer-director Shawn Christensen has spoken about drawing on personal experiences and emotional truths when crafting the film. The raw, intimate tone of the story gives it a deeply autobiographical feel, even if the events themselves are fictional.
What is the age rating for Curfew?
Curfew is rated PG in the United States. While the film opens with a dark, intense moment, its overall tone is thoughtful and restrained, making it broadly accessible. Parents may want to preview it given the mature emotional themes touched on at the start.
What are some movies similar to Curfew?
If Curfew moved you, you might enjoy Anuja (2024), Eleanor the Great (2025), or Wicked Little Letters (2024) for their emotionally grounded storytelling. For short films with a similar intimate, character-driven feel, Pre-Drink (2017) and août. septembre. (2019) are worth exploring.
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