About mid-way though the ‘7eventh 7irkle’ film festival run, the 2025 Ty Brueilly experimental film has been picking up much momentum and racking up a few dozen awards on the way, the most recently being the ‘Visionaries’ award at the 2026 Bocas Film Fest in Merritt Island, Florida.

‘7eventh 7irkle’ is the eleventh installment in Brueilly’s ‘Shucks’ cinematic world, one he created ten years ago, filming his debut feature, ‘Shucks’ followed by a 2017 theatrical premiere and a three year digital distribution deal.

“I would be lying if I said it’s been a long road here. In all honesty it feels like last month when my wife and my cousin decided to film such an unorthodox, off the wall, strange and experimental film. I still consider it new, and I oftentimes forget the length of time it’s really been from then until now, where ‘7eventh 7irkle’ is really getting out there in front of people’s eyes and ears.” Brueilly said.

‘Shucks’ was initially written, filmed and finished as a coping mechanism for Ty and the small cast and crew of five, all family members or close friends that had been impacted by various forms of tragic loss, and hearing from Ty himself, it could have easily been a one and done.

Brueilly expands, “I had no intentions one way or the other to expand on the story, characters and the film beyond what ‘Shucks’ had. I had notes jotted down and backgrounds for each character that could eventually lead into things, but I just knew it was therapeutic for us to do what we did and in my mind it fulfilled it’s purpose and those notes were just used as fuel for the initial filming process. It wasn’t until film festivals around the world caught ‘Shucks’ on Amazon Prime that I understood that the 50 minute runtime was too short for a true feature and too long for a traditional short. So I took some advice and followed up with, ‘Meng Hua Lu’ that could easily fit into a dream sequence for ‘Shucks’ to make a director’s cut type film that would fit the specs of a feature. After that I couldn’t put down the camera and I couldn’t stop creating characters in this venture that is inspired by addiction awareness and various forms of PTSD.”

Now in 2026, ‘7eventh 7irkle’ has done what Brueilly didn’t think of, expanded on the lore and the cinematic world, with nearly 100 people helping make the vision a reality, quite a difference from the five person cast/crew in the beginning.

The maturity and confidence levels are evident with each installment of Brueilly’s cinematic world, with what we feel is his best work to date in ‘7eventh 7irkle’ yet could easily be misunderstood or neglected. Nonetheless he holds astonishingly and relentlessly dear to his unique approach, distinct style and conception that no doubt finds it’s way in the conversations of visionaries.

“After some screenings in the Los Angeles/Hollywood scene, I started hearing people use the word visionary to describe my directing approach, as well as my all around grind and hustle. I have extensive experience in many aspects of the entertainment industry and I make sure I use everything I’ve learned in the way I move and maneuver, both behind the camera and in the real world, so when I heard that term, “Visionary” multiple times from people describing me, I started using it all the damn time and take a ton of pride in using it. I found out earlier this week that I was the ‘Visionaries’ award winner at last weekend’s Bocas Film Fest, it just felt right, and certainly one of the awards that mean the most to me thus far in my career because of how tight I hold onto that word when used in describing me.” Brueilly said.

This edition of Bocas Film Fest took place on November 7, 2026 at the GQT Merritt Square 16 IMAX in Merritt Island, Florida. The festival, directed by Jake Estrada, is a global movement spotlighting the most passionate and groundbreaking independent filmmakers from around the world. Born from the same creative spirit that fuels Space Coast Comic Con, this festival is curated for creators by creators.

Brueilly chimes in, “Jake does a superior job in putting together these festivals. He doesn’t stop working for what he is aiming for, and he yearns to improve every time. I first ran into him over the internet during his time as the program director for the Krampus Kon Film Festival back in 2023 where ‘Shucks’ and ‘A Night In Charlotte With Sweeney Ty’ was selected and awarded. I quickly connected with him because he also wears a myriad of hats, one of those being an actor, and we played with the idea of him being in one of my films, which one day I really hope can come into a reality.”

Bocas Film Fest looks like a really great time. Aside from the screenings, there were live stunt demonstrations, table readings, lifetime award recipients, and much more. From the outside looking in, this is certainly an event that is now on our radar, with the next event being in the Spring of 2027, on May 1.

Estrada explains, “Our goal is to continue growing Bocas Film Fest into something more than just a one-day event. We want to build a community where filmmakers, writers, actors, and audiences can come together, network, support one another, and celebrate the art of independent cinema.”

As for Brueilly’s award winning experimental film, ’7eventh 7irkle’ the next two screenings will be. Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1pm at The Cat’s Crawl – 660 Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA. and Thursday November 19, 2026, 9:30pm at Sunset Theatre- 234 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC.