Shortlisted from a total of 187 short films, An Avacado Pit (Um Caroço de Abacate) has made its mark, as it currently awaits the results of the final nominee list, to be announced on Tuesday 23rd January. One of 14 nominees currently in the ‘Live Action Short Film’ category, the film places the experience of a trans woman and cis man’s meeting at the fore – a lighthearted encounter free of violence and filled instead with hope and light. Marking trans writer and director Ary Zara’s debut short film, accolades garnered for the project have included wins at Clermont Ferrand, Indie Lisboa, AFI Fest, Brest European SFF and Regard. Ahead of the final nominee announcement, Ary tells us more about what it means to have been recognised by the Academy, exploring the protagonist’s connection further and what he’d like for viewers to take away from watching the film!