Two young brothers who are also the sons of a funeral director find themselves facing death in different ways in Luis Gerard‘s short drama THE WAKE. The film is Oscar-qualified for the 2023-24 season.
It’s another death in another family – and the threat of both being grounded if the deaf younger brother hasn’t completed his homework – prompts the eldest to go and look into the house of a recently deceased woman, whilst their father preps her body for the wake. Seems simple enough, but the pair are about to be taught a lesson in grievance…
Gerard’s atmospheric and solid noir benefits from good performances from the two young leads and a stylish music and sound pallet, coupled with Christopher (STAR TREK DISCOVERY) Mably‘s rich and smooth camerawork.
ABOUT THE FILM:
Luis Gerard‘s latest film, THE WAKE, has qualified for the 95th Academy Awards®. This timely short shares the story of a young deaf boy Martin (played by Zander Colbeck-Bhola) who looks up to his older brother and follows him, even at times when he shouldn’t. Zander Colbeck-Bhola comes from a large deaf family. All the cast learnt sign language for this film.
After being selected for Hollyshorts Film Festival and winning honourable mention at Cleveland International Film Festival and a Jury award at Thomas Edison Film Festival, this topical film will now play at Cinelounge in Los Angeles and will qualify to be considered for the 95th Academy Awards®.
Writer, director, and producer Luis Gerard studied at the University of Puerto Rico where he began making films. His very first film QUE SERA was in the official selection of the prestigious Venice Film Festival and his second short ABSOLUTION was selected at The Sitges Film Festival. Branching into feature work, Gerard recently directed the second unit for HUSTLE, a basketball drama starring Adam Sandler, produced by Netflix, released in June of 2022.
THE WAKE is Gerard’s third short film, a proof of concept for a feature film currently in development. Luis is currently preparing his first film WHERE ONLY THE DEVIL DARES, which he wrote and plans to go into production in 2023.
The stunning cinematography was created by Christopher Mably (Star Trek Discovery), who also serves as the film’s Executive Producer. Josias Tapia (She’s Gotta Have It) joins Mably as EP. THE WAKE was expertly crafted by Adam Schwartz and the beautiful music by Jay Wadley.
- Cleveland International Film Festival (Oscar Qualifier) — (WINNER: Honourable Mention)
- HollyShorts (Oscar Qualifier)
- Tirana International Film (Oscar Qualifier)
- Cordillera International Film Festival — (Nominated for best drama and Best of Fest)
- Thomas Edison Film Festival (WINNER: JURY AWARD)
- BIFFF (Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival)Â
- Shorts Mexico
Now read Film And TV Now’s interview with Luis Gerard:
