RETURN - NARRATIVE SHORT FILM - DRAMA
16 MIN 54 SEC  :: IMDB <-- Click 

SYNOPSIS:
Set against the backdrop of the War in Afghanistan, an aspiring artist reunites with the veteran who inspired her to follow her dreams, only to find he's not the well-adjusted man she once knew.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

"Return" began when I received a phone call from a good friend of mine, Paula Cajiao. Brimming with excitement, she told me that she was feeling artistically inspired. She asked me if I was interested in working on a film with her about mental health issues of veterans returning from war. I agreed to help her out, thinking I'd probably just be offering my honest feedback here and there. But I soon realized she wanted me to play a much more prominent role in the process. She wanted to produce the project, with me as the writer, director, lead actress, and producing partner. As a never-did-this-before filmmaker I stepped in, at first hesitantly, and then quickly enough, completely and wholeheartedly. You see, Paula Caijiao is an army veteran who served in Iraq, and so the topic of the film means a great deal to her. I had an immense responsibility to her and all the veterans we were going to represent. And yet because of our monetary constrictions, we had to have story take place in and around one apartment (which was what we could afford, in terms of location.) How do I make this story interesting, and have it take place in a relatively small space? That was the challenge throughout the process from pre to post-production. Every step of the way, I had to ask myself, am I doing right by Paula, and the brave men and women who have served this country, and am I doing right by the civilians who have welcomed them home? And equally important as a filmmaker, I had to ask myself, is this believable, is this compelling? Ultimately, the restrictions we had helped us flourish, and we were able to tell a story that I believe gets into the heart of what it can feel like to see a loved one return home from war, a loved one deeply affected by the reality of war.

CAST

Picture
Jeanette Dilone
Director, Producer, Writer, Lead Actress
Her TV credits include roles on Homeland (Showtime), Blue Bloods (CBS), Lucky 7 (ABC), Shades of Blue (NBC), and Golden Boy (CBS.) Her film credits include the independent films "James White" starring Chris Abbott, "The Outcasts," starring Victoria Justice, and "Exposed" starring Keanu Reeves. She has done commercial work for McDonald's and the Ad Council, and she can be seen online in various sketches for Collegehumor.com.
Picture
Paula Cajiao
Producer, Supporting Actress
Paula Cajiao is an actress and producer born in Cali, Colombia. She is A US Army veteran, who completed a 12 month tour of Iraq. She later went on to study at the City College of New York, majoring in Theater. Her credits include voice-over work for White Castle, as well as an appearance on Netflix's new show "Ironfirst."
Picture
Steven Bono Jr.
Lead Actor
Steven Bono Jr. is a NY-based actor, originating from Florida. He received a BFA in Theater from Marymount Manhattan College. His TV credits include "A Crime To Remember," (Investigation Discovery) and Blood Feuds (BBC.) On stage, he has worked with the National Black Theater of Harlem and El Teatro Latea. Next up, he can be seen in Bon Jovi's upcoming music video for "Knockout."
Picture
Louis Martinez
Supporting Actor
Louis Martinez was born in the Bronx, NYC. His TV credits include "Law & Order SVU" (NBC), "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (USA), and "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix.) His film credits include the independent hit, "Gun Hill Road," as well as "Exposed" starring Keanu Reeves.
Picture
Adam Lim
Supporting Actor
Adam Lim was born and raised in New York City. He's traveled to Hong Kong to work as a print/commercial model under the management of Meage Chu with Dreamodels, studied acting under the guidance of Bethann Hardison, and completed training at the William Esper Studio. His TV credits include "Law and Order" (NBC) and "Monsters Inside Me" (Animal Planet.) His film credits include the lead roles in the indie shorts: "Doggy Style" and "Into The Woods," both of which had successful festival runs.