Seahorse (SXSW)

Seahorse is a Canadian drama making its world premiere at SXSW 2026, screening on March 13 at the Alamo Lamar 5 theater in Austin.

Directed by and starring Aisha Evelyna, this intimate film follows Nola, a sous chef struggling to rebuild her life after a mental health crisis. Her fragile stability is tested when her estranged father, now living unhoused on the streets of Toronto, unexpectedly reappears. As past and present collide, the story explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing.

The film features an impressive cast including Ruth Goodwin, Brett Donahue, Joseph Marcell (known from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), and Alden Adair. Evelyna developed the screenplay through the Whistler Film Festival's Screenwriters Lab, a crucial stepping stone that shaped the project from its early drafts to the screen.

Seahorse represents a significant milestone for this Canadian indie production, showcasing bold storytelling and the authentic indie spirit that defines the filmmaking process.