All the Empty Rooms (2025)★ 7.7/10
- Documentary
- Short
Directed by: Joshua Seftel
Follows correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they embark on a seven-year-long project to document the empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings.
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Cast & crew
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Steve HartmanSelf
Lou BoppSelf - PhotographerFrank BlackwellSelf - Dominic's FatherNancy BlackwellSelf - Dominic's MotherRose BoppSelf - Lou's DaughterChad ScruggsSelf - Hallie's FatherJada ScruggsSelf - Hallie's MotherJohn ScruggsSelf - Hallie's BrotherCharlie ScruggsSelf - Hallie's BrotherGloria CazaresSelf - Jackie's MotherJavier CazaresSelf - Jackie's FatherMeryl HartmanSelf - Steve's DaughterAwards · 1 wins, 1 nominations
See all ›- WinnerAcademy Awards, USA 2026Oscar · Best Documentary Short Film
- NomineeToronto International Film Festival 2025IMDbPro Short Cuts · IMDbPro Short Cuts Award for Best Film
Reviews
F
FlemishCatFebruary 28, 2026
FlemishCatFebruary 28, 2026The best film so far in the 2026 short documentary Oscar selection. I dreaded watching it, as I knew it would be a painful experience.
However, the film is so well done. It’s very cinematic and respectful. It’s done with feelings but without pathos. The journalist and photographer come across as genuine. And the families of the murdered children deserve their story to be told. I hope the Oscar run and the Netflix availability provides a chance for people across the world to think about gun restrictions.
However, the film is so well done. It’s very cinematic and respectful. It’s done with feelings but without pathos. The journalist and photographer come across as genuine. And the families of the murdered children deserve their story to be told. I hope the Oscar run and the Netflix availability provides a chance for people across the world to think about gun restrictions.
