The Escort at Regal Cinemas at Sherman Oaks Galleria

Oscar-Qualified Animated Short The Escort to Compete at the 2026 LA Femme International Film Festival

Rick Williamson’s hand-animated film explores innocence, trust and life’s unexpected journey

Animated Shorts Competition sponsored by TMS Entertainment

Writer-director Rick Williamson’s award-winning animated short The Escort will compete in the Animated Shorts Competition at the 22nd LA Femme International Film Festival, screening Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. at Regal Cinemas at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The animated shorts program is sponsored by TMS Entertainment, one of Japan’s largest animation companies.

The Escort follows a young boy through the romantic moments in his life, guided by a mysterious companion that is hand animated in child-lie 2-D with a beautiful original soundtrack. No AI was used.

“‘The Escort’ is a short, animated film that I wrote for my wife many years ago on Christmas Eve when I didn’t have the funds to buy her a gift. Now, it’s our gift to you,” says Williamson.

Williamson wrote and directed the film and co-produced it with his wife, Regina McKee Redwing, through their company, Black Triumph Productions. The original score was composed by Valery Goldes and Drew Tretick.

Williamson’s current project Combat Nuns All or Nothing (on Fawesome TV) is looking for a production deal.

Williamson’s career spans acting, writing, directing and stunt work, with acting award nominations for both stage and screen. His writing and directing credits include the action-horror film The Seventh Man and the black-and-white drama The Gift, which earned him a Best Screenplay award. His first comedy, A Short Film, won multiple awards at festivals in Los Angeles and New York City.

Redwing had the extreme pleasure of being the first Black Barbie doll named Shawnee, the first Storm Superhero at Universal Studios Hollywood and acting in great roles on both the small and big screen with award winning directors and actors. When her writer/actor/director husband Rick decided they should create media they loved, it just seemed natural for her to accept the role of producer. Regina has now produced multiple award-winning short films for Black Triumph Productions and loves the filmmaker life.

Tickets at www.lafemme.org