The Street Photographer (Award Winning Short Film)

#movie #shortfilm #thestreetphotographer
Directed by Benjamin Templar
Written by Jim Norman
Produced by SunBow Media
Cinematography by Garry Medeiros and Benjamin Templar
Cast
Benjamin Templar as "Petzval Angelli"
Shane Smith as "Robert Decker"
Denny Reyes as "Denny"
Shawn Allen as "Shawn"
Michelle Cameron as "Michelle"
R W Martin as "Officer Bosco"
Prachi Nagada as "Ashley"
James Malcolm as "Ashley's Boyfriend"
Danny Flores as "Passerby"
William Kelleher as "Police Voice Over"
Maurizio Zacchigna as "Intro Voice Over"
Gelsey Templar as "Soccer Mom"
Brianna Templar as "Girl 1"
Hazel Templar as "Girls 2"
MacKenzie Templar as "Girl 3"
Overview - Synopsis
Street photographer Petzval Angelli is an old, tired man. His camera equipment is even older. As he sets up his camera, he places a sign that says, “Your is portrait free; Tell me why.”
He dozes off on a park bench, but is awakened by a young woman, Ashley. She tells Petzval that she and her fiancé had a huge fight and she wants a portrait to show how sad her face is.
The camera’s groundglass shows a sad woman until Petzval makes some adjustment with the lens. Now there is a young man with her and they are smiling. Petzval tells her he will have a print for her the next day.
After people walk past the photographer, Robert Decker approaches Petzval and explains that he is on his way to the hospital for cancer treatment and he wants his family to see how he looks before the treatment. Petzval agrees and focuses his camera, which shows the tumor. After the lens is adjusted, the tumor is gone. Decker is told that his print will be ready tomorrow.
Two thugs approach the photographer and threaten him and his camera unless he takes their portrait. He tries to talk them out of it, but is forced to make the portrait, which finally, he does. The thugs leave.
Petzval packs up his equipment and returns to his apartment to develop the film and make prints. The next morning, he returns to the park bench with three envelopes.
Ashley arrives and cannot believe that her fiancé is in the photograph. She leaves for work and when she shows the portrait to her co-workers, the paper is blank.
Robert Decker arrives and tells Petzval the great new. The hospital redid his tests and he has no tumor. He thanks Petzval and leaves, taking his portrait, which we see is now blank, with him.
On the way back to his apartment, two police officers stop their car to offer assistance to Petzval. He declines, but hands the third envelope and portrait to the officer telling him that he found it. Petzval walks away. The officer opens the envelope only to find a blank paper. An emergency call comes in and the officers drive off, not realizing that the blank paper now shows an image of the two thugs on the bench. They have been murdered.
Petzval has left the park and the city and is now walking on a beautiful beach. People walk past him, paying no attention. Petzval stops and sets up his equipment in the sand. The sign reads “Your Portrait is Free; Tell Me Why.”
People continue walking past Petzval. No one stops for a portrait.
[Embargoed until March 23rd, 2024]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Award-Winning Short Film "The Street Photographer" to Premiere Worldwide in Commemoration of a Special Anniversary
New London, NH - March 21, 2024 - Renowned filmmaker Benjamin Templar is set to unveil his latest cinematic gem, "The Street Photographer," to a global audience on Saturday, March 23rd, at 7:00 PM EST. The premiere event coincides with the celebration of Templar's 20th marriage anniversary with his wife, Gelsey.
"The Street Photographer" follows the journey of Petzval Angelli, an elderly street photographer, whose encounters with strangers on a park bench unfold into transformative moments of human connection. Armed with an ancient camera and a sign offering free portraits in exchange for stories, Petzval's encounters with individuals like Ashley and Robert Decker lead to remarkable revelations.
Petzval's lens captures more than just images; it captures the essence of his subjects' desires and struggles. From Ashley's poignant portrayal of heartache to Robert Decker's miraculous transformation in the face of illness, each portrait becomes a testament to the power of empathy and understanding.
However, Petzval's altruistic endeavors take a perilous turn when confronted by two menacing thugs demanding their portrait. Forced to comply, Petzval reluctantly snaps their picture, unknowingly sealing their fate.
As Petzval returns to his apartment to develop the film, the true impact of his portraits begins to unravel. Ashley's portrait reveals an unexpected presence, while Robert Decker's image reflects a miraculous healing. Meanwhile, the final portrait, handed to unwitting police officers, holds a chilling revelation that alters the course of events.
"The Street Photographer" is a captivating exploration of the human condition, blending elements of mystery, redemption, and the supernatural.