In Lainey Wagoner’s poignant short film, a young boy named Leo, played by Kennedy Smith-Geldmacher, finds his world turned upside down when his family faces an unexpected financial crisis. Forced to move into a makeshift shelter made of cardboard, Leo struggles to reconcile the stark reality of his new life with the memories of the home he once knew. His only solace comes from his loyal friends, portrayed by Gavin Quinnett and Steven Romero, who refuse to let their circumstances define their spirits. Together, they navigate the harshness of their environment, finding small moments of joy and resilience in the face of uncertainty. As Leo’s mother, played by Celeste Lee, works tirelessly to provide for them, and his younger brother, played by Jacob Encinias, looks to him for strength, Leo must confront the daunting task of holding his family together. Blending a tender, realistic tone with an undercurrent of hope, “Cardboard Skies” is a heartfelt exploration of childhood innocence tested by hardship, reminding audiences that home is not a place, but the people who share it.