By Gabriela Zavala
In Family Ties, writer-director Anderson West follows Andrew, a confident outdoorsman, who drags his phone-obsessed son Nicky on an overnight hike to reconnect after long months indoors. When an accident upends the trip, the roles reverse: Dad’s plans fall away, and Nicky’s calm thinking—sharpened by the tools he knows best—helps navigate the crisis. West keeps the stakes human-scale and relatable, showing how guidance, humility, and smart use of technology can coexist. At eleven brisk minutes, the short lands as a thoughtful reminder that connection isn’t about unplugging entirely—it’s about trust, skills, and meeting each other where we are.
Credits: Written, Produced & Directed by Anderson West
Starring Tre Grant-Barton & Sofian Francis • Cinematography Mark Kuczewski • Music Michael Tedstone
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Gabriela Zavala is a recent graduate from Florida International University, where she earned a B.A. degree in Graphic Design.
