LOGLINE
A young man, haunted by online grooming, navigates a strained relationship with his father and superficial encounters in his search for connection.
SYNOPSIS
CONNOR, haunted by the lasting effects of online grooming, drifts between fleeting hookups and his father’s awkward attempts at connection. As memories resurface through everyday triggers, Connor confronts the buried pain that shaped him. Through fractured family bonds and fleeting encounters, he seeks meaning in a world that feels alien—a raw exploration of trauma, intimacy, and the longing to be seen.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
In the early 2010s, many parents were unaware of the dangers lurking on the internet, where groomers operated on popular social media platforms like Kik, Omegle, and Ask.fm. For countless children, this period marked a vulnerability to exploitation. As I delved deeper into understanding the long-term impact of online grooming, I recognized how these experiences shaped unhealthy patterns in victims’ lives, with many tracing their struggles back to such encounters.
KEY CREW
Cormac Fingeret - Writer / Director
CORMAC FINGERET is the WRITER AND DIRECTOR. He is a New York-based filmmaker specializing in thought-provoking narratives that explore complex themes. His projects, including Reach, have been recognized at festivals such as the Austin Film Festival and San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival. Cormac thrives on the creative challenges of storytelling, blending authenticity with emotional depth. His filmmaking style is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a passion for addressing societal issues, as seen in his exploration of themes like societal dependence on technology. With extensive experience directing shorts and live performances, Cormac is committed to crafting impactful stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Steven Zambon - Director of Photography
STEVEN ZAMBON is the DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY. He is a New York-based cinematographer specializing in both commercial and narrative work. He has collaborated with fashion brands like Reece Cooper Inc. and Laurel Blue, as well as musical artists such as Hannah Jadagu and Pluko. This year, he completed cinematography for his first feature film, currently in post-production, and is now in production on his second. With experience shooting dozens of short films, Steven thrives on the challenges of both long and short-form storytelling. He enjoys the fast-paced, collaborative nature of film production and is passionate about crafting evocative images.
Martin Byrial - Composer
MARTIN BYRIAL is the COMPOSER. He is a composer and orchestrator with extensive experience in film, games, and live performance. Collaborating with Jesper Kyd on major projects like Assassin's Creed and Hitman, Martin was also commissioned for the Concerto for Strings and Organ No.1, premiering to acclaim in Denmark. His work spans multimedia, including audio movie pilots for Flash Fiction Entertainment, developed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Martin will also experiment with authentic Hebrew and Torah vocal elements from a synagogue choir, adding a culturally rich dimension.
Mary Perrino - Colorist
MARY PERRINO is the COLORIST. Mary Perrino is a distinguished independent colorist based in New York City, celebrated for her exceptional talent in bringing visual narratives to life with vibrancy and depth. With over a decade of experience, Mary expertly combines artistic vision with technical skill, crafting color palettes that are both vivid and nuanced, resulting in a strikingly unique aesthetic. Her multifaceted portfolio highlights her distinctive approach, creating visuals that are as engaging as they are emotionally resonant. Demonstrating mastery of color storytelling, she thoughtfully selects and manipulates hues to evoke specific emotions and embody brand identities. Mary's unwavering commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail reflect her dedication to transforming creative visions into captivating works of art. Mary Perrino also contributed as the colorist for the 2024 Sundance Award-Winning film, Viaje de Negocios, solidifying her reputation as a leading talent in the industry.
Amanda Acosta - Co-Writer / Producer
AMANDA ACOSTA is the CO-WRITER AND PRODUCER. She is a New York-based filmmaker with a passion for creating character-driven narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships. With extensive experience in directing, writing, and editing, she has worked on both narrative and documentary shorts, bringing a thoughtful, nuanced approach to each project. She is committed to addressing socially relevant issues through her work, always striving to create films that spark conversation and challenge conventional perspectives. Amanda thrives in collaborative environments, believing that the best ideas come from working alongside diverse voices and perspectives. She is committed to carefully guiding each story from its concept to its final form, ensuring that it leaves a lasting emotional impression on audiences.
ACCOLADES