STARRING
RICHARD DAVID
GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE
AJA MONET
GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE
SEKOU ANDREWS
And 4X TONY AWARD WINNER
LACHANZE
TRAILER
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY
BRANDON XIV
Once she dies, the world ends.
A man sets off on a surreal journey to get Her permission to kill himself before that happens.
THE FILM
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
This film has been five years in the making for me, born from my personal experience with depression and the feeling of responsibility to portray the complexities of suicidal depression with authenticity.
Hard to Say reimagines the suicide note as a cinematic letter. It is a surreal and emotional journey that asks what it means to feel unseen, and explores the redemptive power of being understood. Based on my 2024 spoken word album One Year, the film blends spoken word poetry and the language of cinema to give voice to the thoughts that so often go unspoken.
Through this project, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health, breaking down stigmas and encouraging open dialogue for others who have faced similar challenges and audiences who haven't experienced this firsthand. To reflect those who feel unseen, and remind them they’re not alone.
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.
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 used proprietary SHOWRUNNER software created to empower independent filmmakers with tools normally afforded only to giant studios.
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.
“One of the most visceral storytelling experiences I can remember… left me stunned and teary-eyed.”
MEDIUM
“The art is good, and uncomfortable. And healing. and rewarding.”
FORBES
"an album that transcends the language that delivers it"
SEKOU ANDREWS
2x National Poetry Slam Winner
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
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.
