Experiencing Interruptions?

What's Left

Simmering rage builds as a young man who lost the love of his life gets deeper involved with a woman who took a life.

The film explores the questions: How do you move forward from the worst thing you've ever faced? If you can forgive, what's left?

This story is inspired by the writer's real life experience working with incarcerated men and woman. The challenges facing individuals exiting prison are without a doubt some of the most difficult situations ever faced. The challenges facing individuals trying to overcome the acts of violence committed towards them and their loved ones can be challenges that lead to more violence and crime.

One of the goals of this film is to examine human connection under dire circumstances.

  • James Rees
    Director
  • Mara Lee Gilbert
    Writer
  • Mara Lee Gilbert
    Producer
  • John Brodsky
    Producer
  • Ali Betil
    Producer
  • Neil C. Krauter
    Producer
  • John Brodsky
    Key Cast
  • Mara Lee Gilbert
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 20, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Best Shorts Competition
    La Jolla, CA
    United States
    March 16, 2016
    Private Screening
    Award of Merit for Artistic and Technical Achievement
Director Biography - James Rees

James moved up to New York five years ago after being a pastor for three years. He has a background in the arts and after a hiatus, decided it was time to give it a go. As an actor, he has appeared in Orange Is The New Black, Summer Shorts Series at 59E59 Stages in Richard Alfredo's, The Dark Clothes of Night, Off-Broadway in Measure for Measure (Shakespeare in the Park) and in The Killer (Theatre for a New Audience). Directing WHAT'S LEFT was dream come true, as directing has always been a passion for him.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Hi! I'm James Rees. I directed, What's Left. It's about two people that life has dealt a bad hand to; and they want to stay in the past because the pain is too great for them to deal with. We all have things like that. We all have things that have happened to us in the past. We all have demons that we don't want to deal with. And at a certain point we make a decision that it's easier to live with them. People either make the decision to stay in the rut they're in or they make a decision to move on. That's something that I want to inspire in people. You have things in your life that would be easier to live without. What's the thing that's going to make that happen? What's left?