2011 San Antonio Film Festival : I attended last night. KATRINA'S SON get's a 10 from me. I was probably the most inexperienced short film reviewer of everyone sitting in that theater last night, but I felt everything that the main character, Ed felt. You see, I am a nurse. I don't know very much about the film industry, but i can certainly give my opinion on the messages, that films send out. With over 30 years of experience as a nurse, I must say, Mr. Yake captured me with this one. I felt the emotions that it wanted the audience to feel, and believe me, I have seen much emotions in my field of work. Mr. Tre, and the rest of the cast deserve an Academy Award recognition, along with Mr. Yake, Mr. Lopez, and others involved with the film. This is coming from an unknown in the film world (although i was an extra in the Jennifer Lopez movie, Selena), but well known in the world of compassion, healing, and wellness. Keep up the good work Mr. Yake. You've touched another. Thanks for sharing this film.

The short film by Award Winning Director Ya'Ke Smith is truly moving and gripping. Its an amazingly shot short that concentrates on a young boy who escapes the ravages of Hurricane Katrina by trying to find his mother in Texas. Ya'Ke doesn't showcase the horrors of New Orleans after the Hurricane, instead we witness how this boy has to fend for himself. We see what happens when someone has to pick up everything they own and just leave.

Its a tough film to watch such a young boy having to grow up so quickly.

I highly recommend Katrina's Son to anyone that likes short films or likes films that ask you to see through the horror to the real heart of a story. This boy's courageous attitude may be sad to witness now, but you leave the film believing he will be a strong willed man in his later life.

Ya'Ke Smith has a unique voice and is a director I hope to watch for a long time.

I've been aware of Ya'Ke's work for about four years. I've met him several times at different local independent film functions. I know his producer, Ralph Lopez, much better. It was through Ralph that I was able to screen this film in comfort of my own home. I'm glad that I was alone because I was on the verge of tears inside of two minutes with the death of Ana (Ed's grandmother). One of the hallmarks of a great film (short or feature) is conveying just as much emotion during the scenes with no dialogue. The establishment of the friendship between Ed and his dog was very touching. Ed finding his mother has slipped and become "nothing" again was difficult to watch. Her choice to chase her addiction rather than comforting her son showed the true epidemic in our country.

I feel proud that filmmakers from San Antonio made this film and that they chose to showcase our city. They deserve all the awards and accolades that come to them.