How I Learned To Die
Directed by Manya Glassman
Seen through the eyes of 16 year old Iris, who discovers she must undergo a high-risk surgery with a 60% chance of dying. She dives into a four-day whirlwind of “firsts”, but the moments she doesn’t plan for—losing a pet, seeing her parents age with fears and flaws—are what truly shake her. Brave and overflowing with soul, her journey isn’t about escape or survival; it’s about the courage to face life with eyes wide open.
About How I Learned To Die
How I Learned To Die is a 19-minute short film from the USA directed by Manya Glassman. It screened at the 2026 San Jose International Short Film Festival in the “And So It Begins” program and won Best Student Film.
- Director
- Manya Glassman
- Program
- And So It Begins
- Award
- Winner, Best Student Film 2026
- Country
- USA
- Run time
- 19 mins
- Genre
- Festival Favorites
