We’re taking Film Independent Presents on a summer getaway… but don’t worry, we’re bringing the movies with us.

This August, settle in for a curated lineup of acclaimed new independent films, each paired with filmmaker conversations. Whether you’re watching from your couch or your own vacation destination, the Out of Office series is your passport to great independent cinema.

No commute. No dress code. Just great stories.

 
Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to watch Mouse in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room, powered by Vision Media, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with writer/director/actor Kenny Riches, moderated by Jenn Wilson (Senior Programmer, Film Independent).

Please note: This screening is available only to individuals located in the state of California.
 
Between stealing bicycles and breaking into cars, Denny’s only social outlet is spending time with his mother who loves reading correspondence from their Japanese family overseas. Denny’s loneliness pushes him to sign up for a pen pal service from a classified ad. He begins writing letters to a woman named Tess, for whom he develops feelings, but lies to about his nonexistent wealth and success. Unbeknownst to Denny, the pen pal service is a scheme Tess and her real-life boyfriend, Maury, run to take advantage of the lonely. Tess and Maury find themselves in financial trouble of their own and decide to travel to Denny to take him for all he’s worth. Upon arrival they find that things aren’t what they seemed in Denny’s letters.

Mouse premiered at the 2025 Brooklyn Film Festival, where it won the Grand Chameleon Award and Best Narrative Feature. The film also played at the Miami Film Festival and the Cleveland International Film Festival this year.
 
2025, 104 minutes, color | English and Japanese with English subtitles | Written and Directed by Kenny Riches | Main Cast Kenny Riches, Sarah Coffey, Kimball Farley, Hiroko Riches | Produced by Jack Hessler, Dave Moppert, Jesse Brown, Kenny Riches | Executive Produced by Matt Wigham, Brook Dorsch
 

Registration Information

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 10:00 am PT on Wednesday, July 29. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.

Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access to this screening. For information about Arts Circle, contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

How to Watch

On the first day of screening availability, registered Members (and guests, when applicable) will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch this title in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the Member who completed the registration. Limit one link per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.