Angels Unaware (Sundance Project: Direct 2009)

NOTE: Please watch in high quality for the full impact of this film. A lot of emotion and camera work is sacrificed in standard mode.

Angels Unaware was created for Project: Direct for the Sundance Film Festival 2009, by Michelle Lokelani, featuring Gene Eilebrecht. Music by Kevin MacLeod.

Thank you to those who supported us through the creation of this project and a special thanks to Todd for letting us borrow your gun.

Project: Direct info - Props used: Red phone, African Drum, and Basketball

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Short
• Film
• Sundance
• Project
• Direct
• drama
• suicide
• gun
• phone
• canon
• hv30
• premier
• pro
• cs3
• michelle
• lokelani
• gene
• eilebrecht

[keithwuzhere]

That Was Great!!!!!!!!!!!!1 the only thing i was wondering about was why use the drum prop? and how did he save her life? great job other than that

[TwoCatsFighting]

Thank you. :) We used the drum prop because it was part of the rules. Out of 25 props to choose from, we had two available to us - a basketball and a drum. Using the drum is also paying homage to an incredible Sundance film called "The Visitor." We highly recommend it.

[n16pr]

very interesting. the concept itself was a little strange but the emotion expressed made up for it. Also the random props were a little distracting, i know you had to use em but still y a drum ? Also when trying to communicate a powerful emotion u gotta watch out for little errors that can break the moment. an example here is at the point where he takes out the rifle and ammo. the introduction of such a significant prop kinda breaks the moment. thats y usually movies use revolvers instead.

[TwoCatsFighting]

Thank you so much for the constructive feedback! We actually wanted to use a pistol initially, but were on a deadline and didn't know anyone who had one that we could use. But I have to say, I like the shotgun better now, anyway. And I guess as far as the prop goes, why not a drum? It's what the item represents to him that is key. And though we never find out exactly what that is, the emotional connection to the item is clear. And there are clues, if the context is important to you. :)

[bisquitshog123]

wow. this totally could have been a great short film. but it just wasnt. who feels better after getting a telemarketer call? also, if he was seriously going to kill himself...why not just accept the shit to make the girl happy and then kill himself? idk, it seems like they had a lot of good directions they COULD HAVE gone with this, and chose this shity road instead. so...fuck the fuckin fuckers

[TwoCatsFighting]

He didn't feel better because of the content of the call. The point is, this woman forced him to make some sort of connection to life again, no matter how tiny and trivial, and it was enough to make him reevaluate things. I'm sorry you didn't like it.

[gretswatch]

I think you did a good job.  Very simple but a strong message.

[aybmab2]

i liked it...good job!!

[neroopa]

When it happens like this, one should call upon god, Start checking out the Krishna Consciousness movement and you will start living again. All it takes is one visit to one of the ISKCON temples around the world. Help is there, pure and sacred devotees of god from all walks of life. Especially the young generation who doesn't know where to turn in a time of need!!! God bless us all!!! Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. Help is near and god becomes nearer.

neroopa 52 seconds ago

[MyrnaMinx1]

While it took two viewings to understand the drum prop and our protagonist's connection to it, I thought this was a well executed short film. I truly respect a short with a minimal set and a small budget and this film hit the all the marks for sound, lighting, camera, acting, music, direction and in essence, storytelling. Extra marks for the poignancy during these woeful economic times. Well done. I rated 5 stars.

[oskinzee24]

There were aspects I liked, and the direction was really decent. However, I'm not entirely convinced a suicidal man would stay on the phone with a telemarketer.

[pepeledog]

Good work. A little dark for my taste but enlightening and pointed. One never knows how one's life and actions can affect others.

[citoldyaso]

Gripping! I thought it was very well acted, including the telemarketers voice. I liked the shot of his wedding band on his hand during the dialogue about the telemarketer wanting to go home to her kids.

[gemmasoleil]

If I may, I didn't make the video, but what this is what I got from it.

He didn't literally "save her life". It's something that people say, like if someone does them a huge favour. She just got finished saying that she needed one more sale so she could get home to her kids. He didn't realize the impact that his life and actions had on another, and so it made him re-think his decision to kill himself. I could be wrong, but that's how I interpreted it, and it seemed pretty clear to me.