Private Project

38,600 MPH

A misunderstood space enthusiast wishes to leave his small hometown behind, but his ambitions damage his closest relationships.

  • West Givens
    Director
  • West Givens
    Writer
  • West Givens
    Producer
  • Travis Mills
    Producer
  • John Ross Graham
    Key Cast
    "James"
    A Place Like Mississippi
  • Carli Sullivan
    Key Cast
    "Katie"
  • Matthew Lewis Turner
    Key Cast
    "Nick"
  • Cara Engh
    1st AD
  • Merina Khan
    Director of Photography
  • Michael Dick
    1st AC
  • Brooks McMahon
    2nd AC
  • Hailey Morris
    Production Assistant
  • Zach McMullen
    Sound Recordist
    A Place Like Mississippi
  • Seth Cunningham
    Gaffer
  • Lizzy Bamford
    Key Grip
  • Tungsten Originals
    Production Company
  • Andrew Paynter
    Editor
  • Seth Cunningham
    Colorist
  • Zack Chandler
    Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming of age
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    4,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - West Givens

West Givens grew up in Senatobia, Mississippi. Born into a family of artists, his interest in art and filmmaking developed at an early age. In 2016, Givens began pursuing a BFA in Film and Television Production from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2019, Givens founded Tungsten Originals, a production company that celebrates and elevates independent filmmakers. Givens has a passion for creating honest media and plans to continue filming projects in his home state.

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Director Statement

"38,600 MPH" takes its name from the speed of the Voyager 1 spacecraft. As Voyager 1 explores interstellar space, the film's main character longs to explore the world outside his small hometown. In many ways, the main character is an embodiment of my story. I spent countless hours fantasizing about the outside world with my best friend, even in the same Main Street location that's featured in the film. Growing up in Senatobia had a large impact on my life, and it's why I'm dedicated to shooting my films in Mississippi.

This is the fourth short film that I've written and directed, and I made it with a group of incredible filmmakers from all across the country, many of which I met at SCAD. I believe audiences far and wide will connect with this story, because even though not everyone was born in a small town, we all share a desire to explore the unknown.