A crowdfunding campaign has launched on Motion Gallery for Sophia O’Ren’s upcoming 16mm short film, The Double — Before It Unravels, a contemporary adaptation of Dostoevsky set in a working silk factory in Gunma. Selected as one of nine projects from 219 applicants for the Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026, the film received ¥1 million in production support, with crowdfunding helping cover the remaining production costs.

Breaded, a 24-minute black comedy directed by Sophia O’Ren, will screen at the Kobe Independent Film Festival 2026 as part of Program E. The film follows a delivery worker whose personal turmoil leads her and her roommate into an unsettling situation. The screening will include English subtitles.

Insert and Push will be screened as a part VeerFest4 at ShinjukuatTHEATRE in Tokyo on October 17.

Director Sophia O’Ren was selected as one of nine creators for the Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026. Her upcoming short film, The Double: Before It Unravels, will receive ¥1 million in production funding from Gunma Prefecture, along with production support and opportunities for professional development. The completed film is scheduled to be screened in Gunma in February–March 2027.

Between the Red Lights will be screened at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026 as part of the Japan Competition, with a special screening at Euro Live on June 3 and an online screening from May 25 to June 10. The film is the Gold Prize winner of the 6th TYO Student Movie Award.

Announcing the Winners of the 6th TYO Student Movie Award! The Gold Prize went to Between the Red Lights by Sophia Abenova of the University of Tokyo Graduate School.