CREDIT:
Writer / Director / Producer / Actor / Editor

THE ASK:
Fully write, produce, direct, star in, and edit a LGBTQ+ short film depicting the fallout from mental health struggles, bringing awareness to suicide-prevention organizations such as The Trevor Project

THE HOW:
As someone who has had mental health struggles, writing has often been an outlet for me to express myself. After writing this +20 page short film, a fellow filmmaking friend of mine, Jasad Pearson, insisted that we bring it to life. From July to December 2024, the two of us co-produced the film, accomplishing tasks such as fundraising, casting main talent and background actors, hiring crew, locking in locations, acquiring necessary permits, and ultimately filming the entire short film over the course of three days. On-set, I not only directed and produced but also starred in the film as one of the main three roles, playing double and sometimes triple duty. Now in post-production, the short film enters my editing room where it will eventually find its way to festivals both domestic and international to truly impact audiences globally.

THE RESULT:
While Who He Was is not quite completed, it has already attracted attention. The script alone made it onto the prestigious Barnstorm Fest 2024 short list. Hopefully, when you add in 3 main cast members, a professional crew of over 30 individuals, and high-quality filmmaking, the story will leap off the page and find its way into festivals all across the world. As more information comes in, the results here will be updated.