1, 2, 3, All Eyes On Me (2020) is a gripping 15-minute short film directed by Emil Gallardo. The narrative unfolds within a fourth-grade classroom, where Ms. Leena, a compassionate art teacher, faces an unexpected crisis that threatens her students’ safety.
The story begins with a seemingly ordinary school day. Ms. Leena steps outside to address a student’s concerns, only to notice a teenager marking “X”s on classroom doors—a subtle yet chilling indication of a potential threat. Upon returning to the classroom, an alarm sounds, signaling an emergency. Instinctively, Ms. Leena instructs her students to hide under their desks and turn off their phones, aiming to keep them calm and secure.
As the tension escalates, the children’s fear becomes palpable. One student reassures another, saying, “It’s okay, my dad is coming,” highlighting the vulnerability and uncertainty they face. The film masterfully captures the raw emotions of the children and the teacher’s unwavering determination to protect them.
The narrative’s power lies in its realism and the unresolved ending. The film does not provide a neat conclusion, reflecting the unpredictable nature of such crises. This open-endedness serves to immerse the audience in the characters’ experience, leaving them to ponder the outcome alongside the teacher and students.
“1, 2, 3, All Eyes On Me” has been lauded for its poignant portrayal of a school emergency, earning recognition at various film festivals. Its impact is amplified by its brevity, delivering a powerful message about courage, fear, and the unpredictability of life-threatening situations.
