Vancouver to L.A to NYC
There are many challenges when making a short film as there is no room for ‘filler’ and every moving part to the smallest of details becomes even more crucial.
These ladies along with hard working cast and crew took on that challenge and have conquered with absolute grace.
Huge Congratulations! Director Crystal Lowe took home 4 wins, Giles Panton for Best Supporting Actor as well as to nominee for Best Supporting Actress Sarah Dawn Pledge.
Their production of ‘The Curtain’ has left me thinking much about chance as well as our everyday consciousness to speak or not to speak. A ripple effect can only happen when a stone has been thrown so how can we as individuals be that stone. Producer Ashley Alexander (Becoming Sophie, 2Bullets, The Fuck it List) says, “We’re so closed off and cut off to the world and the people around us and we don’t know how we can impact those people and those people can impact us unless we actually open ourselves up. We could be missing out on some really positive and life changing opportunities in our lives.”
Strange thought isn’t it? Thinking a perfect stranger could possibly know the answers to your angst and have the power to change the course of your life. When we are armed with empathy instead of ignorance for mankind we can start to make a real difference in the lives of one another.
We see this throughout ‘The Curtain’ as it touches on many complex topics of love, abuse and sexuality.
Separated only by a curtain, Jordan played by Sarah Dawn Pledge (World War Anywhere, The Girls Guide, Untold Stories of the ER) and Lucas played by Albert Nicolas (Supernatural, iZombie, Fifty Shades Darker) empathize with each others intimate details revealed during their recovery time together as they formulate a friendship that will change the lives of each other forever.
Director Crystal Lowe (The Curtain, Becoming Sophie) says it’s ‘telephone acting.’ This is a difficult style of shooting where the actors cannot see each other and this was a big challenge to the film as you run the risk of the scenes being ‘boring.’ “It was good that they couldn’t see each other because that’s how the story really was and it made them really connect to there own story,” ultimately luring the audience into their private thoughts and fears. Pledge, expressed that she “was terrified of this character, because it was a true story and I was worried that I wouldn’t do it justice.” Without a doubt both Pledge and Nicolas gave truly convincing performances while possessing a sincere on screen chemistry. They had the audience captivated, as I could hear the gasps of sadness followed by the relief of laughter throughout the entire film. Each delivered perfect comedic timing this story needed to feel the weight of just what these two characters suffered through.
This is a beautiful Short film that takes you through the dark aftermath of what life can sometimes bring only to then deliver us into a more hopeful tomorrow.
One of the best short films I have ever seen.
The Producers wanted to send out a special thank you to everyone for giving up their weekends. To our DOP, Collin Morrison, “whose ‘vision’ for the film is a big reason for its’ success.” As well as Sprott Shaw College and Old Hand Coffee Shop for offering up a place to film.
Check out ‘The Curtain’ on IMDB as well for the latest screenings and festival wins/nominations you can check them out on Facebook.
Elizabeth Lavender
The Actress Reporting
