Littermates - Co-directors Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson

Set against the backdrop of a mysterious war, LITTERMATES follows two disoriented survivors who take refuge at an isolated cottage in the English countryside. After Liam and Mel arrive bloodied, speechless, and unable to fully understand what has happened to them, they are taken in by Chester, an enigmatic caretaker who bathes, feeds, and teaches them how to speak again. As sirens, smoke, and distant threats press closer, Liam and Mel go about their days relearning the most simple tasks inside Chester’s carefully controlled world, while earning “nifties” for good behavior that can be traded for small comforts like karaoke, hot tub time, dance parties, and favorite meals. Co-directors and co-writers Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson join us for a spirited conversation on the inspiration and execution for this darkly comedic but still grounded in the emotional film experience. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Manchester Film Festival '26, and anchored by three incredible lead performances, Littermates combines dystopian tension, absurdist humor, and a controlled visual style to create a darkly funny, cinematic mystery about what is real, what is safe, and who can be trusted. About the filmmaker - Scott Tinkham is a writer and director from Minnesota. His work lives at the intersection of dark comedy and emotional sincerity, often exploring characters who are spiraling and searching for meaning in the strangest of places. His short film 24 Hours After Reading Tuesdays with Morrie had its world premiere at SXSW in 2025. He recently wrapped production on his latest film, "Two Schizos Take a Walk," and is in development on his next feature, "Good Life," both under Haley Nicole Johnson’s Under The Shell banner. About the filmmaker - Michael Woloson is a writer, director, cinematographer, and producer from Las Vegas, based in Los Angeles. His work combines precise visual storytelling with intimate, character-driven narratives, often exploring the complexity of memory and time. A SXSW alum, he served as cinematographer and producer on Scott Tinkham’s "24 Hours After Reading Tuesdays with Morrie," which premiered at SXSW in 2025. His latest directorial work, "Broken Branches," was produced under Haley Nicole Johnson’s Under The Shell banner, and is set to begin its festival run in 2027. He will serve as a producer on Tinkham’s upcoming feature "Good Life," also under Under The Shell.