At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Argentine filmmaker Eduardo Braun Costa unveiled his debut short film, "The Liars," a poignant narrative steeped in the complexities of childhood during a turbulent economic period in Argentina. Set against the backdrop of the early 2000s, the film echoes the director's own experiences growing up in Buenos Aires, where his family faced the repercussions of a severe economic crisis. In December 2001, Argentina was grappling with a significant economic downturn that led to widespread protests and the eventual resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa. The government had imposed restrictions on bank withdrawals, creating a sense of desperation among citizens. Costa, who was just ten years old at the time, vividly recalls the turmoil. "My father lost his job, and my parents divorced shortly after. For me and my six siblings, this meant a mixture of freedom and frightening independence, often navigating a world we couldn’t fully grasp," Costa expressed in an interview. "The Liars" centers on the adventures of two brothers, Matías and Jaime, as they explore a dilapidated shopping mall, which serves as a microcosm of their realities and the economic decay surrounding them. The mall, a once-thriving cultural hub, is now portrayed as cold and nearly deserted, with shopkeepers struggling to survive. "This setting reflects the challenges that many faced during that period in Argentina," Costa noted. The film begins with the brothers attempting to sneak into a screening of Jim Carrey's film "Me, Myself & Irene." Costa shared that this choice resonates with audiences, revealing how children are often drawn to films that are deemed inappropriate for their age. "As children, we are attracted to the intimacy of cinema, often gravitating towards what we don't fully understand yet," he explained. The stark contrast between the innocent curiosity of childhood and the adult themes presented in such films is a recurring theme in the narrative. In a pivotal scene, the brothers' escapade takes a turn when Jaime is detained by mall security for shoplifting. Matías, faced with a predicament, seeks help from a stranger who turns out to be an aggressive man, further emphasizing the harsh realities of their environment. The encounter symbolizes the potential paths that boys like Matías and Jaime could follow as they navigate their formative years amidst societal pressures and expectations of masculinity. The film also pays homage to cinematic influences, with Costa drawing inspiration from the Dardenne brothers' short film "Dans l’obscurité." This visual reference highlights the brothers' triumph in sneaking into the theater, where they finally manage to watch their film amid a backdrop of complex adult discussions about fatherhood and memories, contrasting sharply with the film's overall lack of depth. In crafting this narrative, Costa chose to minimize adult faces on screen, a deliberate decision aimed at immersing the audience in the children's perspective. He reflects on his own childhood experiences, noting, "I wanted the camera to capture that sense of detachment and wonder that children feel in their world. Even a small room can feel like an expansive landscape when viewed through the eyes of a child." The performances of the young actors, Noah Roja and Filippo Carrozza, who portray Matías and Jaime, are central to the film's emotional depth. Their compelling portrayals earned them the Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance. Costa emphasized the authenticity brought by the actors, particularly Roja, whose quiet demeanor and internal complexity added significant layers to the character. "Noah was not just acting; he was embodying a child’s emotional landscape, which is crucial for a film with such a simple plot." The film's final shot encapsulates its poignant exploration of childhood and the looming presence of adulthood. Roja's character, sitting in the theater, turns to face the camera with a look of trepidation, signaling both an end and a beginning—a moment of realization that resonates with viewers. As Costa reflects on his past, he invites audiences to connect with their own experiences of growing up and the challenges that often accompany the transition into adulthood. "The Liars" is not just a film about childhood escapades; it is a profound commentary on the influences that shape young boys in a world marked by instability and uncertainty. The film is currently available to stream as part of the Short Film Program through February 1, providing audiences the opportunity to experience this intimate portrayal of childhood against the backdrop of Argentina's economic crisis. For more information and to reserve tickets, interested viewers can visit the Sundance Festival website. This debut from Costa not only captures a moment in time but also resonates with universal themes of childhood, resilience, and the complexities of growing up in a world fraught with challenges.