The Ladder | An Award-Winning Alaskan Sci-Fi Film
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- "In the twilight of his life, an aging Alaskan fisherman must decide between accepting old age or restarting his life with a mysterious new procedure."
ON THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT:
WINNER - Critics' Choice Award, Sci-On Film Festival
WINNER - Best Acting Performance, Oregon Short Film Festival
Offiical Selection, Anchorage International Film Festival
Official Selection, Oregon Short Film Festival
Official Selection, Sci-On Film Festival
Official Selection, Wyoming International Film Festival
Official Selection, Cinefestival San Antonio
Official Selection, West Sound Film Festival
Semi-Finalist, Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival
Written and Directed by: Emilio Miguel Torres
CAST
Keith Smith as Arthur
Jeff Karlson as Ryan
Heidi Poet as Emily
Connor Wodehouse as Young Joe
Katherine Tatsuda as The Doctor
Dave Kiffer as Van Driver
Maggie Barry as Actilife Voice
CREW
Producers: Alexandria Hellman, Maggie Barry, Miguel Torres
Assistant Director: Maggie Barry
Director of Photography: Toby Romero
Original Music By: Tristan Harris, Simon Li, Josué Vera
1st Assistant Camera: Taylor J. Williams
2nd Assistant Camera: Sarah Kuharich
Gaffer: Jackson Yeomans
Production Sound Mixer: Felix Alexander Wong
Script Supervisor: Megan Cornwall
Art Director: Blaine Ashcraft
Costume Supervisor: Caitlynn Ashcraft
Catering: Diane Slagle
Editor: Alexandria Hellman
Colorist: Patrick Badescu
Sound Designer & Mixer: Levi Hawkes
Executive Producers: Niko Guardado, Carolyn Machetanz, The Torres Bros
Shot on location in Ketchikan, Alaska in July of 2021.
For inquiries regarding this film, email DIRECTOR@EMILIOFILM.SCOM
Hey there! Want to help get this feature film completed?
CHECK THIS OUT: ruclips.net/video/XqIywY4RXLg/видео.htmlsi=AYH2vDzANF2BAZbZ
I'm pretty beat up for 65... 21 years in the military. But I have no desire or plans to check out, despite a lot of physical pains. I'd like to be around as long as possible for my grandchildren. I remember how much I enjoyed spending time with both of my grandfathers, their incredible patience, their stories, adventures, life lessons... all the time they had just for me. It was priceless. Id like to be the same kind of grandfather as long as I am able.
Unfortunately, the kids in these generations may not appreciate it like you did back in your days. Today's children are too self absorbed and selfish. They'd rather waste their entire lives chasing 1001 fake friends on some stupid app rather than go out in the world and actually try to make a real one.
I don't know who hurt you, but I do hope you get over it. As a rock song once said, the kids are all right.
Why as we get older and our time shorter do we get more patient?
@@princeamongmen7064 We just learn that very few things are worth worrying about.
Thank you for your service from a fellow "crispy veteran" 🤣
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” - Mark Twain
@@klinestillThe point is that in this world there is a limited amount of time, the now, or presence.
All time spent worrying about death is time that is being wasted not actually focusing on the here and now( the only thing that we actually have) but imagining some future event they have no control over.
If someone is going to live their life fully they are not going to be worrying and making themselves feel uncomfortable about the future and the past because all that does is take away from the only thing we actually do have(the now).
I guess depression brings the same desires. I'm 51 and can't remember the last time I felt a 'will to live'. Suicide ideazation is normal to me.
@@lucialuciferion6720 Brother. We need you. You need to idealize your purpose which will make a significant difference in this world. A will to die for a purpose, will open mind blowing endeavors. I’m convinced of that.
My wife is under hospice care and literally has a few hours or a few days left. Early onset Alzheimer's has won. Genetically my family lives to be old. Both sides, mother's and father's. I'm probably here for another thirty or thirty-five years. I'm ready to see what God has for me in this next chapter. I will not be alone.
I'm so sorry.
@@niltoncosta6095 December 10th she passed away.
I'am so sorry for your loss my friend . I can truly understand how you feel .. I too lost two loved ones within 6 mos last year ,
my younger sister and my husband in 2022. You do carry the grief with you like an open wound to the heart .Time does help heal the loss but does not cure the loneliness of losing your life long best friends . love and peace
@@deborahjohnson5168 thank you. She passed on December 10th, Alzheimer's. My youngest daughter, not a child, told me she missed her mother and cried yesterday. It was Valentine's Day. I miss her, as well.
I thought it would end with a twist that Emily was in fact 92 years old.
That would have definitely been interesting!
Brilliant!
A very well produced film and very touching emotionally. The only criticism I have is, that at 68 he's too young to contemplate the end of his life, or renewal. As an 87 year old, I feel he would be more likely to contemplate his options at my time of life. Otherwise, top marks to all concerned in the making of this gentle story..
We're all emotionally different.
Congratulations on making it to 87 *(from a 64yr old), but many of us won't get to live that long and will be in the decision making stage much earlier in life. Wishing you a long happy life!
A candle that burns twice as bright is really knackered later on.
Nice. A number is meaningless it how you are inside how much you can deal with your mindset that determines
At 79 I plan on fishing and panning for gold for a long long time...By The Way 87 is barely haired over and
the only thing you/we need to be comtemplating is when to get our next hair cut.
At 78 and thinking about this, I'll be thinking about this a lot more now.
Great work. My take on it is that, despite being younger, he would still have the memories of missing his wife, being alone, and the guilt over any new relationship while wishing his wife would had qualified for the procedure. Great example and it’s really sad how our next generation places so much importance over one’s career and not raising children. You could see her reaction of what she thought of her father-in-law’s sentiments.
I think it’s beautiful he decided it was better to follow the natural progression of one’s life as in the salmon.
Indeed.
Well stated Rob
I don't disagree with your interpretation, but I don't think this generation (I'm roughly the son's age) places more importance on our careers, so much as careers take a long time to start now, so we find ourselves in our 30s before we can even blink. Gone are the days of getting a job out of school and raising a family on a single income. That lifestyle has been priced out of existence. We're just surviving the best we can.
Deep, and emotional. This short film gives people a thought to ponder.
Some of us may wish to 'redo' our former lives while others may be happy with what they've experienced.
I've lived longer than my parents and grandparents did but I still have things to do. Thankfully I'm still a relative pup at 59. I figure if my body holds up, I'll have enough time to do more.
Why would anyone want to start a family in NY? Southeast AK is amazing, especially Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau! Alaska is amazing!
No way. It's to damn cold there, prices are high and and the nights to long. You can have it.
Gladly 😉
Everyone is different. I think, it's a mistake to promise to live or do a profession what the parents want you to do. And it's not good to push your children in your own footsteps if they don't like that.
Everyone have his or her own live.
Parents should give a good moralic base. And then, let they live.
An unexpectedly heartwarming end and prefacing it with the allegory of the salmon story was a great touch. But for a minute, I was waiting for him to go through the procedure and end up in his son's body.
Me too! I like the real ending better
I was thinking that also, being in his son's body and how twisted that would be.
@@Navigator001 it would end up an episode of "Tales From The Dark Side"
16 minutes down the toilet.
I don't know why but I was thinking his son's body too. Maybe the scarcity of characters had something to do with it. I liked this ending better though.
That was beautiful. I was NOT expecting that ending! That made it EVEN BETTER!
A nuanced, gentle approach to some classic SF ideas. I like that the main character is able to come to terms with his son's maturity as well as his own mortality. Well done.
What is the saying: " It's not nice to fool Mother Nature ! " With that said: I am now almost 71 and I can very easily relate to an older person wishing that they could turn back the hands of time and be young again, but only, as in this episode, and as I would want, to retain the wisdom that had been gained over the many years of living. But that is not natural, either. And if that were possible, then I think that Life would surely find a way to re-balance things out and not allow you to live your life over just the way that you would hope.
I think that knowing we have such a short time to live our life is what creates in most of us the drive to give it all we got, to try and appreciate what time we have and try and make the most of it. No, we do not always succeed in that quest. Sometimes we fail miserably, but hopefully, we get back up and keep going.
If we could keep regenerating, then where would be the urgency to "get things done"? Would we tend to just put off certain things, knowing we could always do it 'later', in the next go-round?
This discussion can go on forever, so I'll just end it here.
Very effective piece. Can't say I agree with his decision to pass up the fresh start, but respect his right to live his life as he sees fit. Kudos to all involved!
As people start maturing, they can look in the mirror and see the wrinkles, the grey hair and know that they earned them. Age is accompanied by memories, stories, events...and know that the laugh lines, well, they were from laughter. The passport of one's life, with all the stamps on it. :)
@@hilaryc3203 how beautiful. I'm almost 40 and while that may be young in comparison to the subject of this film I am starting to really see the last of my youth disappear. It's a strange feeling when your heart doesn't realize it's happening. Your comment helps. Thank you.
@@iamV10010 Almost 40 is still youthful. I often say "I'm young until I die". :)
@@hilaryc3203 See, that's the fun part of being old, you get to deceive the senile old you.
Appreciate it!
The way her voice was changed from "reverby" to "in the room".
That's just a tiny hint of how much detail went into this.
I am amazed.
I dont understand? Who?
I was so impressed with this video I had to watch it twice. In the end he made the choice I would have made. The ending was poetically beautiful.
Perfect timing for this excellent thought provoking film here, I can see why it is award winning! After 2 minor liver cancer surgeries, a liver transplant and soon to be retiring a 22 year career as a behavioral, addiction treatment counselor I am at the same place as this gentleman. This one hit me just right and I really appreciate his choice here! I am greatly concerned over what young people today will face going forward in this world and I would not go back to face it either. I have made my choice like this man, but we will see what the future and the good lord have in store. May you all find your internal peace and happiness!
thank you for writing this...for some reason it touched my heart
This is so sad and beautiful. I am crying. At first I thought it had copied Get Out, but it was its own story. Accepting our mortality is fine if you have the hope of heaven. I guess he just wanted to be with his wife who understood him. There is a time when the older generation have to leave things for the younger generation, however hard that is. He made the right choice.
There's one thing unexplained though- who provides the bodies for the procedure if the bodies are healthy and strong? This was a potentially dark area. Apart from this it was beautiful. I also enjoyed seeing some Alaskan scenery.
Thanks for your comment! As far as where the bodies come from, I had imagined and intended that the Actilife bodies would be synthetically grown. :)
Just turned 65 on them 4th of February. I get this. I wish I could do more, voice it to my kids, but they have their own agenda. Spot on.
14:19 "dad are you ready to go", its unbelieavable how the son could not see what his father was going through.
His son was amazingly self-absorbed. Almost opaque.
I gave it a different ending. He went fishing, fully enjoying life and beauty of all. Then the next day, at 9 a.m., they picked him up for his new body. Great and moving story. Made me miss elders.
Why aren't you making full length films?! This video touches the heart and resonates with the viewer! Thank you.
Whew- depression is a real thing! getting older is inevitable- being sad and living vicariously through others...and the past is not. Good film!
Ironically, I am 68 years old. I loved this film.
Very well made, in every way. I watch films like this every day and I’ve seen thousands of them. This is one of the top ten. Amazing job.
Thanks so much!
Beautiful photography in this piece. Ketchikan, AK looks like a nice place to be. The protagonist's decision to live the life he was given without alteration and the allegory of the salmon is a clear indication of the circle of life, something he chose over the false promise of "starting over". Nice job.
Ketchikan, AL. 🙂
Appreciate the kind words! For the cinematography, I gotta shout out my collaborator and great, great friend Toby Romero for helming the camera: tobyromero.com/
At first, especially after he met up with his "old" friend Joe in the bar, I thought this might be going down a similar path as the 1966 John Frankenheimer film _Seconds_ starring Rock Hudson. Glad it didn't do that. This was a gentle, somewhat melancholy yet simultaneously uplifting film. However, for those who've never seen _Seconds_ , I highly recommend it. Original, dark, riveting & somewhat twisted thriller--finest performance of Hudson's career. Very Twilight Zonish.
Excellent portrayal of Alaska. I'm an Alaskan who loves sci-fi. Well done!
Alaska looks so beautiful
@@MobileFilmmaking Can't go wrong taking photos here. ;)
As a popular proverb reads, "may you live an interesting life." And I would like to add, "however you define interesting." I celebrated 70 years last September. A dear friend of the same age was reflecting on the early eighties when we lived together in a group house. He poignantly observed that was a time when we were much older. I've discovered that the more my mind focuses on the moment,, being as present as possible with each task, the younger I feel or perhaps better stated, the less occupied am I with aging. It is after all a number onto which there's a tendency to place a bundle of baggage.
In my mind this character is discovering and acting upon the importance of presence.
He got it right. When it's our time to go, it's our time.
Interesting. It's basically a literary short story with a little science fiction added to make it more appealing. I have no problem with this.
Some amazing attention to detail. To be frank, I wasn't sure there were enough people still around that would be capable of that kind of cinematography. Whatever awards this film has received, they were certainly well deserved.
This is a truly beautiful film in every imaginable way.
But the score is simply transcendent. Entire films moderate in any form of suspense, action, physical and/or emotional violence can be thoroughly enjoyed without any dialogue at all, just so long as the protagonist's thought are so eloquently and harmoniously illustrated by a composer or composers of such seemingly deliberate and perhaps synesthetic prowess. So yeah, shout-out to Tristan Harris, Simon Li and Josue Vera. Your names are being written in my little book of names to look out for. Loved it.
Josue has also composed another film for me, Valor & Sacrifice: ruclips.net/video/-vzMyyr7uZ0/видео.html AND he composed the score for an upcoming short film of mine as well!
"Dad, are you ready to go?"
This hits So many marks....
Tolian Soran once said
"Time, is the Fire
in which We Burn"....
Subbed
Thank you :)
This is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen in my life. I like the comparison of the salmons journey and the final acceptance at the end.
Self respect at the end of the day directed self determination. This is a good thing.
Great story. Great ending. Although 68 is not that old.
Guy gets a new, healthy, younger body and a new lease on life. And where do you find him? Sitting in a bar early in the day drinking beer.
He's not dying. He's going for a 'procedure' to make him young again. Why is everyone talking about dying?
The son and particularly the daughter in law were the reasons I fully expected him to go thru with the "change."
Especially after the story of the salmon..his son sure as heck wasn't swimming back home to spawn, why did the tale suddenly make dad feel obligated to play his role?
I'm fifty-nine..not really old yet, but I'd give anything for more time.
Not done making memories yet, but it'd be nice to make some that didn't involve arthritis..
😁
Absolutely loved it! It made me a bit emotional- Ketchikan is home and will always be.
BęüąţTįfųlľ ! 😎🙏
My dream has been to visit there. Looks beautiful from photos.
Too true.
If only I had a boat like the one in the video.
Having just turned 70 and wondering actually why I'm still alive... thanks.
I love this short film. Such a beautiful story. The script is poetic and I felt very emotional watching and hearing the words come from the talented cast. Thank you for making and sharing this story with us.
No, thank YOU for watching it and for sharing such kind words
I remember Anne Rice writing in Interview With The Vampire that Vampires after a couple centuries just kinda give up and face the dawn: same old same old just becomes unbearable.
LOL I'm no vampire but I sure get her point. I've lived a full enough life at 70, and though there's plenty to do and be excited and interested in, I'm ready to go too.
I liked the film. Very thoughtful. Very reflective. Sort of reminded me of Ozu's Tokyo Story.
This is a great short movie. congratulations from a Brazilian fan.
Clever seed planting!.
Med beds ahoy ❤️
Well done! Strangely creepy but uplifting too!
LOL. I must remember that quote. "Wisdom is worth more than physical ability. " Classic. Great film. Thank you so very much for sharing it with me. I appreciate and love Indie Films. good luck. OMG I would totally do that..if it were real. LOL.. I would love to see longer version and how does the character who is younger navigate through life with the new look. Who will his pals/gals be? HOW does he adapt with dialogue. For example just changing to adapt with verbage and people reacting or expecting you to be up on various things. Interesting. It's like a vortex of info. I love the story. I also noticed how the younger couple especially the female looks down and sort of treats the Dad like he is slow or something. Interesting story. Wow... it's a tear jerker. Oh I love indie films so much. Thanks for letting me know about it.
C'mon, don't be shy. Tell us how you really feel.
I enjoyed this film very much, very thought provoking. I was in AK on a cruise in Sept and we had stopped in Ketchikan. I recognized many places, The Asylum ( very cool looking exterior ), the fish ladder, and other places in town. A beautiful place to have made your film. Well Done!
I feel when it comes our time to pass, ascension, and transition to other dimensions, our physical body is left behind and our true pure spirit light body continues expanding
I loved this!! I was born & mostly raised in Ketchikan. Moved when I was 13. Seeing Ketchikan, and the surrounding terrain, really took me back to my childhood. Funny how little Ketchikan has changed compared to other places. I often wonder if I'll ever return.
Brilliant movie great life message in there important we all learn it
Fishing is ace❤
All around excellent film. I think Arthur made the right decision. As tempting as it might be to be young again with more time, it would be pretty strange to come back younger about the same age as ones son and daughter in law. The joy of being a grand parent in ones later years could be diminished.
Nice to see Ketchikan in a film. That town is a gem. I want to move there.
That was really good! And so nice to see our town and people :) Thank you
No, thank YOU for watching!
I was in Ketchikan right before covid. Looks just like that. Good times
We were actually going to shoot this film in May 2020 but had to cancel due to the pandemic. You can learn more about the process of making our film by watching my new video: ruclips.net/video/YeQj8Cvwn44/видео.html
Hey there! This is Emilio Miguel Torres (Writer & Director of "The Ladder")
I wanted to thank each and everyone of you for checking out my short film. I created this project at 21 years old with a crew and cast of some of my favorite people in my hometown of Ketchikan, Alaska and it means so much to me that over 115,000 people (at the time of me commenting this) have watched our film!
I just posted a video all about the making of "The Ladder," so if you think you'd be interested in learning more, you can WATCH THAT VIDEO HERE: ruclips.net/video/YeQj8Cvwn44/видео.html
The love you carry in your Heart for this beautiful piece of Earth shines all over the film! The cinematography is stellar in this production and now I understand why. Thank you for sharing that...❣️🙏🏾❣️
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@Buckwheat Appreciate that feedback. If you would prefer to watch a film with no camera movement, consider checking out my other short film “Valor & Sacrifice”: Award-Winning Film About Puerto Rican History (NYU Tisch School of the Arts) m.ruclips.net/video/-vzMyyr7uZ0/видео.html
That's a sweet story embracing life, as is.
But Emilio we know you're really 85 lol
Really great job either way!
Very nice story. Rings very true.
To be honest, most of the time I see a RUclips video with a title that includes "Award Winning" in it I am mostly disappointed. In my experience, such videos turn out to be far from award winning material - for me. But, in this case, I really enjoyd "The Ladder". It fully delivered a short, yet moving story. Kudos to everyone behind this film. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you! I hope you consider checking out some of my other short films on this channel. I'll have one coming out soon entitled "the fix" that I'm very proud of
Love the short film! Look forward tonthe long one too!
Well done. A fine story and quite professional.
Very nicely done. I was expecting he might end up in his son's body or something dark would be exposed as a consequence of going back in age. I probably read to much Dean Koontz & Stephen King novels😁 So, the inspirational & positive ending was a surprise that I really liked.
simple meaning. yet beautiful.
Let life take it course. Children dont owe us a thing. We are to raise them with all the love, support, and tools to be successful, independent, and productive adults. Hopefully to be happier and better than we are?
We make the choice to raise them. They owe us nothing in return.
Hello 👋how are you doing?
Well done Mr. Torres, loved the ending, very sweet. God Bless from Florida USA.
What a fabulous film. Thank you SO much for sharing your work. Just beautiful.
Very high quality film. Poignant. Thanks
It's actually the little questions that haunt the elderly...
An awesome production from A to Z, especially the cinematography and environment selections. The issue of aging is still a big deal in Western societies. There are no significant rituals in place for elders anymore than there are for transitioning from childhood to puberty and it truly is shameful. People are made to feel as if they are of no more use to the community when in fact, the youth are the very ones who need them. Within the various aboriginal cultures of the World this knowledge is a given. The character's decision to go forward; to be that carrier of culture and not give in to ego, was very moving.
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Wow, I really am grateful for you taking the time to comment this and so glad you enjoyed the film!
Old sailors never die...they just put out to sea...🛥⚓💕
Excellent by any standards!
I have been everywhere and done everything, but I hope to live long. It is one of those dreams I have.
Excellent movie...
That is what ill be doing in a few months , you just know is a true statement .
So so good, now I want to know how he did through the procedure!!!!!! Thank you, really enjoyed this. 😊
Shirl K - Texas 🐾🐾😎
Nice job! Very professionally done. Can't wait to see your future projects.
Cool concept! Love Ketchkan! I'm a fan of yours since watching your film The Fix
Hi how are you doing?
Oh so awesome! Which festival did you get a chance to see The Fix at? Have you had a chance to view the trailer: ruclips.net/video/5R1Ap4KhO68/видео.html
@@TorresProductionsLLC It was in Seattle, I can't remember which one. I met your parents! I was there to support my friend Valerie Ibarra.
Ok, besides the obvious flaw that the procedure would have given him more time with his family, I would have done it.
Life is about experiences, good and bad, the more life I have, the more I can experience. I'm 60, and as large a life as I have lived, I'm thoroughly convinced, I haven't seen my "best day", yet! I'm still "runnin' up that Hill", "grabbing for the next ring", I still got things I haven't seen or done.
I guess it comes down to if you think it's "your time" or not. If you are ready to retire and just slowly melt away until they bury you, going fishing is just your speed, but I remember an old saying, "You can get busy living, or get busy dying", I choose Life.
Some of the comments mention that he would have taken the sadness of his past life into his new one, and sadly, he is already not enjoying his life because he is a slave to his past. He is stuck in a sad memory while his child is about to start a family of his own. The thing he needs to do, is say goodbye to Ketchikan and go live out his days enjoying his grandkids. Ketchikan holds nothing for him but loneliness and death.
He chose wisely!
Powerful message, brilliantly told.
Bravo!!
Very well-done film. 68 is pretty old in fish years, I guess. ; )
Well done Emilio xo
Excellent!!!
I loved this film….!! thoughtful and touching… 👍❤️
Beautiful loved it excellent. Yes that’s Ketchikan the real place. That thing for the fish is a fish ladder it helps them get around dumb thinks we built like dams. Loved the outdoor shots. Before ya all go running up there look at prices of things. If a cruise ship docks there it’s tourist crap everywhere. If not it looks like that. Loved the movie my two cents
Life is what it is living it is what's important.
OMG I really felt this. Superb, so glad his decision was the same as mine.
Sweet piece.
Award Winning. Come-On!!!🤪
Excited
Very enjoyable and much food for thought. Thank you for sharing your work with us. 🙂
Wow. Really enjoyed this.
Well done
Acceptance of your own mortality can lead to a more calm, contemplative and happier journey to the inevitable, personal end of days. The race is ran and it is time to sit in the sun and savour a life well lived. Like an opera, enjoy the music of life, because it isn't over until the fat lady sings
Interesting short flick. I am glad these go-back-time Options don’t exist. Live our lives well until the end. ( I know where I’m going) 🙏🏼
Awesome film, Emilio!
Awesome film, Producer-Assistant Director, Maggie Barry
Nice. I'm 74. Fishing is cool. Maybe later.
Excellent work!🙂
Thanks!