If she dies, the world ends.
A man sets off on a surreal journey to get Her permission to kill himself before that happens.
SUBJECT
Navigating Suicidal Depression
Suicide is an issue that too many of us have experience with.
Impacting more lives than we like to acknowledge.
We aim to portray an authentic depiction of suicidal depression in hopes of fostering understanding and offering a potential way forward for those who themselves struggle, and helpful narrative for those of us who are processing having been left behind by loved ones.
STORY
A Voyage With No Return In Mind
The Dreamer’s journey unfolds as he attempts to rationalize suicide, confronts his own doubts, and challenges his assumptions. But what begins as a farewell becomes a revelation, uncovering a shift in perspective, a glimmer of hope, and a reason to stay.
SETTING
In The Dreamer’s mind, the world is divided between black and yellow. Black representing his safe space of isolation, and the yellow world where life and human connection thrive, bright and loud.
We follow the Dreamer as he navigates between these two contrasting spaces, searching for a balance where he can truly belong.
A Black Man, in a Yellow World.
THE ALBUM
One Year
This short film is based on the spoken word poetry album by Brandon XIV featuring 4-time Tony winner LaChanze.
ONE YEAR follows a man convinced that suicide is his only option. He decides to give himself one year to find a reason why life is worth living—and in the process, experiences a life-saving perspective shift.
"an album that transcends the language that delivers it"
SEKOU ANDREWS
Grammy Nominated Poet
2x National Poetry Slam Winner
“The art is good, and uncomfortable. And healing. and rewarding.”
FORBES
“One of the most visceral storytelling experiences I can remember… left me stunned and teary-eyed.”
MEDIUM
THE FILMING APPROACH
Filmed in Virtual Production
This short film was filmed in Chicago, primarily in-studio using virtual production, allowing us to authentically capture the tone and transitions between The Dreamer’s two worlds as he experiences them.
To fully realize a world that immerses the audience in his journey, we are shooting inside the Midwest’s largest virtual production studio, and using our own proprietary software SHOWRUNNER.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Brandon XIV
Writer / Director
A poet and filmmaker, who uses his unique approach to visual storytelling to explore the human condition and challenge artistic boundaries.
With over 50 film festival selections and over 25 festival awards, Brandon XIV's work has been compared to Gaspar and Tarantino. His eclectic and visually precise directing history ranges from children's entertainment to psychological thrillers.
Shane Snow
Executive Producer
Tony Award winning producer, Pulitzer-nominated investigative journalist, 3x bestselling author.
Sylvia Brindis
Executive Producer
Veteran producer and writer. EP on an upcoming series produced w/ the former President of Amazon films.
Angie Gaffney
Producer
Award-winning film producer, founder of the Independent Film Alliance, NewCity’s Film 50 Hall of Fame.
Jeffrey Glaser
Producer
Netflix executive who oversaw product and finance for over 100 series.
Our Goal
We are committed to telling a deeply authentic, genuine, and emotionally resonant exploration of suicidal depression through The Dreamer’s eyes. Using innovative virtual production techniques to craft and enhance both the visual and emotional storytelling.
Our goal is to create a project that leaves a lasting impact both in cinema and in society.