Midnight, The Stars and You, 2023

Written By Christopher Hernandez
Midnight, The Stars and You (2023): Official Trailer
"Midnight, The Stars and You" is a short film that explores the themes of regret, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection. Richard Davis, a man diagnosed with a late-stage brain tumor, finds himself reflecting on his life and seeking redemption.

Synopsis:

Upon receiving the devastating news from his doctor, Richard is confronted with his mortality and the limited time he has left. Seeking solace, he frequents a flower shop where he encounters Elise, a young woman who unknowingly becomes the catalyst for his self-discovery.

the idea:

The film's title, "Midnight, The Stars and You," metaphorically alludes to the fleeting nature of life and the vastness of the universe, underscoring the idea that everyone's journey is interconnected in some way. It beautifully weaves together the themes of mortality, introspection, and the universal human need for forgiveness and redemption.

In summary,

 "Midnight, The Stars and You" is a touching and introspective short film that invites the audience to contemplate life's complexities. Through the character of Richard Davis, the film emphasizes the significance of addressing regrets, seeking forgiveness, and cherishing human connections in the face of mortality. It leaves the viewer with a profound sense of empathy and a reminder to live life with authenticity and compassion.
As "Midnight, The Stars and You" embarks on its film festival run, it is sure to leave a lasting impact on its audience. Through its poignant storytelling, emotive performances, and thoughtful exploration of life's most profound themes, this short film offers a moving visual experience. It is an invitation for viewers to contemplate their own lives, relationships, and the importance of embracing each moment with authenticity and love.

Behind The Scenes Photography

Director's Statement

Hello! I am very honored to present you with my first directorial film, "Midnight, the Stars and You." This project holds a special place in my heart as it allowed me to delve into various facets of my personal experiences and emotions. Through this film, I aimed to craft a narrative that resonates on multiple levels, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and the stories we all carry within us.
Creating "Midnight, the Stars and You" was a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. It was important for me to translate my own introspections into a cinematic experience that speaks to universal themes of love, longing, and the beauty of connections. With a dedicated and talented team by my side, we embarked on this creative endeavor together, each person contributing their unique skills to bring the story to life.
Collaboration played a pivotal role in shaping the final result. The synergy between the team members brought about a harmonious blend of ideas that enriched every aspect of the film. The performances of our cast, guided by their deep understanding of the characters, breathed life into the story and conveyed the genuine emotions that lie at its core.
The art direction and cinematography were meticulously designed to complement the narrative's emotional arcs. Every visual element, from the set design to the lighting choices, was carefully curated to enhance the storytelling and evoke a strong sensory experience for the audience. The editing process, too, played a crucial role in refining the pacing and emotional resonance of the film.
As the director, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. "Midnight, the Stars and You" stands as a testament to the dedication and passion that each team member poured into the project. It's a film that not only reflects my personal journey but also celebrates the collective effort and artistry that went into its creation.
I hope that "Midnight, the Stars and You" resonates with you as much as it does with me. It is a story of connection and vulnerability, of finding solace in the darkness and seeking comfort in the beauty of the universe. Thank you for joining us on this cinematic journey, and I look forward to sharing this piece of my heart with you.
Warmly,
Christopher Hernandez
Director, "Midnight, the Stars and You"

Credits

“Midnight, The Stars and You”

Written, Directed, and Produced by

Christopher Hernandez

Starring:

ARA MOVSESIAN as Richard Davis

MARLEY REY as Elise Davis

with

GAGAN SINGH as Dr. Norman S. Khar

Production Crew:

FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Katerina Lingenfelser

SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: 

Gordon Lombos

CASTING by Christopher Hernandez and Katerina Lingenfelser

ART DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION DESIGNER:

Jennifer Marenco

PROPERTY MANAGER:

Lizzy Burch

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Damien Sloan

FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA: Jeliza Dolatre

SECOND ASSISTANT CAMERA: Maya Hennessey

LOADER/STILL PHOTOGRAPHY: Alex Valadez

SCRIPT SUPERVISOR:

Aria Haley

KEY SET COVID COMPLIANCE OFFICER:

Isabella Lingenfelser 

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR:

Aiden Delfin

GAFFER:

Dev Baurua

KEY GRIP:

Jayden Douglas

BEST BOY GRIP:

Gagan Singh

PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER: Chris Khashan

BOOM OPERATOR: Kane Thompson

SECOND UNIT BOOM OPERATOR: Eric Hernandez

COSTUMES DESIGNER / WARDROBE:

Liliana Marenco

HAIRSTYLIST / MAKE-UP:

Kimberly Werner

“Ending at the Beginning (intro)”

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY 

Christopher Hernandez

TO EVERYONE THAT GAVE THEIR TIME AND ASSISTED DURING THE MAKING OF THIS PRODUCTION ~

Isabel Garcia Fidel Pulido Angel Manuel-Pulido     Eric Hernandez Angela Bojorquez Jeffrey Rivera    Jennifer Marenco      Lilliana Marenco      Katerina Lingenfelser Isabella Lingenfelser   Damien Sloan   Deb Burua    Noe Torres    Brenda “BRENSTARR” Montenegro Angie Gonzalez

~ FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL, THANK YOU.

©Copyright 2023

SAD_MACHINE PRODUCTIONS

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The California Young Artist Expo & the Richard Yutaka Fukuhara Award