If I Go Will They Miss Me
| If I Go Will They Miss Me | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Walter Thompson-Hernández |
| Written by | Walter Thompson-Hernández |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Michael Fernandez |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Malcolm Parson |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Rich Spirit |
Release dates |
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Running time | 95 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
If I Go Will They Miss Me is a 2026 American drama film written, directed, and edited by Walter Thompson-Hernández. It is an expansion of the 2022 short film of the same name by Thompson-Hernández.[2] It stars J. Alphonse Nicholson, Danielle Brooks, Bodhi Dell, Myles Bullock and Bre-Z.
It had its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026. It is scheduled to be limited release in the U.S. on September 11, 2026 before expansion wide release on September 18, 2026 by Rich Spirit.
Premise
In the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, twelve-year-old Lil Ant sees the world and his father the way all children should – full of myth, wonder, and unwavering belief. If I Go Will They Miss Me is a breathtaking father-son story about imagination, family, and the grace we extend to the people we love.
Cast
- J. Alphonse Nicholson as Big Ant
- Bodhi Dell as Lil Ant
- Danielle Brooks as Lozita
- Myles Bullock as JJ
- Bre-Z as Jenn
Production
The film was selected for the 2023 Sundance Institute Screenwriting & Directors Lab.[3][4][5] It also received a $120,000 grant from the 2025 Sundance Institute Filmmakers Fund.[6] and the Michael Latt Legacy 2025 Panavision Package Grant.[7]
Release
If I Go Will They Miss Me premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026.[8] In March 2026, Rich Spirit acquired U.S. and select international distribution rights to the film for nearly $1 million, planning to release it in select theaters on September 11, 2026 in the U.S. and before expansion wide release on September 18, 2026.[9]
References
- ↑ "If I Go They Will Miss Me". Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ Lavalee, Eric (December 10, 2025). "2026 Sundance: Walter Thompson-Hernández, Kogonada & Makoto Nagahisa in the NEXT Section". Ion Cinema. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ Thompson-Hernandez, Walter (June 7, 2023). "Sundance Directors Lab 2023 Diary: Walter Thompson-Hernández". Filmmaker. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Sundance Institute Names 2023 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive Fellows". Sundance Institute. January 13, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Meet the Sundance Institute 2023 Directors, Screenwriters, and Native Lab Fellows". Sundance Institute. April 27, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ "2025 Sundance Institute Filmmakers Fund Sponsored by Chase Sapphire Reserve® Recipients Announced". Sundance Institute. September 30, 2025. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Michael Latt Legacy 2025 Panavision Package Grant". Michael Latt Legacy. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 10, 2025). "Sundance 2026 Lineup Includes Films With Jenna Ortega, Charli XCX, Seth Rogen, Russell Crowe, Ethan Hawke & More In Park City Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ Rubin, Rebecca (March 3, 2026). "'If I Go Will They Miss Me' Sells in Six-Figure Deal Following Sundance Film Festival Debut". Variety. Retrieved March 3, 2026.