THE GIFT

Description:  A jaded alcoholic has his worldview challenged by an unexpected act.

Director Commentary: This film was based on a real experience our screenwriter (Al Julian) had while leading group therapy sessions several years ago.  The project went through a few iterations, and my involvement changed at different steps along the way.  Eventually, I realized I had become attached to the characters, the story, the atmosphere, and the central questions to such a degree that I needed to direct the piece.  This wasn’t an easy decision, especially since I had signed on to act in it.  I guess sometimes you just have to go all in. 
The story for me was always about a simple question:  what does it take for people to really change?  A lot of these characters are locked in – mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  They have decided what life has to offer and aren’t interested in looking beyond their current views.  I’m sure we all know people like that – or believe we do.  Perhaps we feel that way ourselves.  Hopefully this short will provide some answers we hadn’t considered.  Or maybe it will just raise the right questions.