The Reale specializes in short films and runs a monthly award program, with the top honorees screened at its annual November festival. Buckley has submitted “The Farewell” to ten festivals across the United States, Europe, and Australia, with the Reale being the first to respond. The remaining festivals are expected to announce nominations throughout the year.

“Submitting helps to get the film public exposure, as well as help with future film production,” Buckley said. He also noted plans to submit to additional festivals in the coming months.

The honor came as a surprise to Buckley, particularly given the category.

“I guess I’m somewhat shocked and surprised, particularly as it was in the best director category,” he said. “At the time, I didn’t know the category, only that the film had earned an honorable mention.”

Opening title card for The Farewell. (Submitted)

Buckley has been selective in which festivals he targets. Festivals that give awards based on merit were his priority, alongside a mix of regional, national, and international events designed to give “The Farewell” wider exposure. One submission came at the direct request of the festival.

“If I can dream, having it nominated for the Film Short – Live Action Academy Award category in 2027 as a result of film festival viewing would be the ultimate goal,” Buckley said with a laugh.

Notified just recently, Buckley says it’s too soon to know the full practical impact of the honor. 

“Having proven myself with this film short, I know I’m eligible for a higher arts grant and hope additional funding sources will follow,” he said. The cast and crew of “The Farewell” were excited to learn of the recognition, especially meaningful since many of them will be working on his next project.

That next project is “Day of the Jaekelopterus,” a significantly larger undertaking than “The Farewell.” 

Charlie Mihlbauer, Katie Lynn Schwartz, Charlie's father, Lucas Youngerberg, Dan Crandall, and actor/director Peter Buckley on the final day of filming. (Photo by Peter Buckley)

Filming began last August with a single scene due to location availability, but the project is now fully cast with locations secured. Production is set to resume this coming June and July, involving nearly 50 cast and crew members, including local talent as well as actors from the Twin Cities, South Dakota, and beyond. 

“It’s a mixture of seasoned and aspiring actors in the mix,” Buckley said.

Looking further ahead, Buckley is already at work on a third film, “Pushing Time,” which he is currently writing. 

“I’m trusting that each film builds on the previous film’s success,” he said.

Cinematographer Dan Crandall shoots B-roll on location. (Photo by Daryl Hrdlicka)

Filmmaker Peter B. Buckley, whose short film "The Farewell" recently earned an Honorable Mention at the Reale Film Festival in Milano, Italy.