Film

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Returning to Work



Returning to Work
Documentary Short Films
valentines day, grief, documentary, non-fiction, stories, workplace, resilience
25 minutes
United States
2026
English

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Wed, Nov 25, 2026 12:00 am - Sun, Jan 3, 2027 11:59 pm



Synopsis:

Returning to Work is a deeply compassionate short documentary about navigating the return to work after the death of a loved one. Through intimate, first-hand accounts, the film follows individuals who have lost a child, a spouse, a parent, a sibling, or someone close to them, as they share how grief reshaped their relationship to work, purpose, and daily life.

Created as a gift for anyone grieving and facing the daunting question of how—or whether—to return to work, the film offers no simple answers and no promises of ease. Instead, it holds space for honesty. Whether returning to an in-person workplace, working remotely, running a business, attending school, or finding a new rhythm altogether, participants reflect on the quiet, unseen challenges of continuing on while carrying loss.

Returning to Work is a collective portrait of shared grief journeys—an offering of connection, validation, and presence for those learning how to show up again in the world after profound loss.

Credits:

Director: La-Tonya Hatcher
Cinematographer: Craig Boudreau

Cast:
Angelique
Karen
Kathy
La-Tonya
Maria
Sandra
Augusto