INCANDESCENT FILM FESTIVAL --- 1ST PLACE --- "CHASM" BY WINSTON VERDULT

Artist's Statement: Chasm, a short film on the topic of toxic masculinity explores the internal struggles of young men who suppress their self-expression in fear of rejection and harassment. The film follows the character through his journey of self-actualization as he kills off his performative identity and accepts himself. I magnify the internal pain that men often feel as they contend with social expectations through physical and visceral representations of suffering. The piece was filmed in a five-hour block and I was tasked to pivot my production after the actor who was scheduled to star in the film canceled the night before due to COVID. With limited time and an unmovable reservation at the sound stage, I took to the streets to find talent. After coaching a stranger who had never acted just minutes before filming, I helped him draw from his personal experiences contending with toxic masculinity to channel his emotions on screen. Despite these challenges, I was happy to capture a raw performance by coaching the main character throughout the process.