 ▲ Prayer Monterrey Poster © USAjournalist |
<Los Angeles, CA – December 2025> The internationally acclaimed spiritual short film Prayer Monterrey has been awarded Best International Short at the FilmNest International Film Festival 2025, marking a major milestone for the globally filmed Prayer International Series.
Directed by filmmaker Young Man Kang, Prayer Monterrey (Episode 21 of the Prayer International Series) explores themes of faith, love, grief, and spiritual renewal against the vibrant cultural and religious backdrop of Monterrey, Mexico. The film stood out among international submissions for its intimate storytelling, emotional depth, and contemplative visual language.
 ▲ Award Winner Certificate © USAjournalist |
 ▲ Young Man Kang's Prayer Monterrey Winner posting by the Film Festival © USAjournalist |
The story follows Lucía, a joyful woman whose life is suddenly shattered by the loss of her beloved partner, Santiago. Overwhelmed by grief, she isolates herself from the world until her loyal friend Regina gently encourages her to reconnect with life, spirituality, and prayer. Through a dreamlike encounter and a return to the cathedral they once cherished, Lucía begins a quiet yet powerful journey toward healing and hope.
The film stars Bárbara Arriaga, Daniel Alcántara, and Alma Castañeda, whose performances bring sincerity and emotional resonance to the story. Prayer Monterrey was written by Bárbara Arriaga, with music composed by Won Cheol Jeong (WCJ Music), enhancing the film’s reflective and spiritual atmosphere.
 ▲ Young Man Kang & Prayer Monterrey Team © USAjournalist |
Produced by YMK Films, Prayer Monterrey is part of the expanding Prayer International Series, a global collection of short films set in cities around the world, each centered on prayer as a moment of inner transformation. With this latest achievement, director Young Man Kang has now completed 30 episodes in the series.
 ▲ Prayer International Series Posters - 36 Episodes ©USAjournalist |
Most recently, Kang released Prayer El Camino 2, the second chapter of the El Camino journey, continuing the series’ exploration of faith, inner struggle, and spiritual awakening along the historic pilgrimage route. Additional episodes are currently in progress and will follow the journey across Bilbao, El Camino, Santiago, Porto, Lisbon, and Madrid.
Watch Prayer Monterrey:
https://youtu.be/gspbl3GSWBA
Watch Prayer El Camino 2:
https://youtu.be/92Qho9OdiKg
 ▲ Prayer El Camino Series 9 Episode posters ©USAjournalist |
