The Tale of the Three Thieves

Three degenerate thieves on the run after a robbery turn on one another after their car breaks down in the middle of the desert.

  • Maxim Vitkovsky
    Director
  • Elizabeth M. Kallman
    Writer
    A Beautiful Sunset
  • Elizabeth M. Kallman
    Producer
    A Beautiful Sunset
  • Jonathan Chisdes
    Key Cast
  • Carmen Dahlman
    Key Cast
  • Jonathan Lund
    Key Cast
  • Monica Perkins
    Key Cast
  • Brock Sandoval
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller, Crime
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 22, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Maxim Vitkovsky

Maxim Vitkovsky got his first camera when he was 8 years old, and since then has taken over 20,000 photographs. He has participated in over 25 short films, working in such varied roles as cinematography, grip/electric, editing, and VFX. He has been recognized for his work in photography, and is thrilled to make his directorial debut with "The Tale of the Three Thieves".

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

It has been an honor and a privilege for me to respectfully present my directorial debut with "The Tale of the Three Thieves", which was filmed entirely on location at To'hajiilee NM. The landscape is magnificent, and an absolute director's dream for our dramatic storyline. With our short film we follow a small slice of the lives of three thieves, who have just escaped from a heist at a bank, where gold medallions have been accrued. At first, the heist appears to be relievedly scot-free, and the group is jubilant at their escape into the wilderness that is the vast, empty, dry desert of New Mexico. After their car breaks down, the storyline turns ever more sinister--are these three truly united in their quest, or is each of them secretly plotting against the other? Without giving too much away in terms of plot details, the end is eerily reminiscent of the horrific end of Macbeth. There are several chances for redemption along the way, and many opportunities to turn back. As to whether our three thieves find redemption, can find relief, or can ever truly be forgiven for their misdeeds, is ultimately up to the choice of the viewer.

In casting this film, I feel that with our tremendous collaborative teamwork, and superb acting performances we were extremely fortunate with our entire team to bring to life the vision of the conflicts within the story. We first meet the three thieves: Bruno, a brutal sociopath; Ernest, a widower who is still grieving the loss of his late wife to cancer and desperately in need of money; and David, Ernest's son, who is also deeply suffering. When their vehicle breaks down in the middle of the desert, tensions run high, very quickly. We see our three thieves visited by an unlikely observer, Ramona, who immediately grasps the potential of the evil within the group. Ernest and David also have a visit from Grace, former wife to Ernest and mother to David. Ultimately, our characters meet their untimely fate, and we are forced to come to terms with the moral of the story.