My Award Winning Short Film
Tai, a bullied teen struggles with his own violent intrusive thoughts as they come to life around him. Will he succumb to his inner demons or will he find a way out of the depths of his own mind?
Production Stills
The film is available through Vimeo, please contact me for the link and password as I plan on putting it in film festivals still.
Director’s Statement
Unlike most kids growing up in the early 2000’s, I never had a smart phone until I was 14 or so. My parents also never allowed me or my siblings to make Facebook or social media accounts until high school. As a 14 year old, I hated this of course, but I think I get it now. I was bullied growing up, switching schools every couple of years. But I realize it could have been so much worse if I was on those platforms. I saw the negative change that social media has brought to our struggling younger population, and for males in particular.
However, whenever I brought it up in social circles or social media, no one wanted to talk about it. It was “too controversial,” “not trendy,” “unimportant,” “not a real problem,” or “misogynistic.” Messages was created to let young boys and men who are in pain know that your pain is real, your pain matters, and that you are not alone on your journey through the all-consuming void that is your own mind. I hope this film can bring awareness to our growing issues created by the age of social media and shine some light on at least one boy’s pain. Even if he’s got a phone for a head.