A Trapdoor

Francis comes home after 30 days of rehab for her sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. As the evening unravels, her past continues to haunt her. Francis must confront her demons, the pain of the past and the truth of her father's death.

  • Angela DiMarco
    Director
  • David S. Hogan
    Director
  • James James
    Writer
  • Angela DiMarco
    Producer
  • David S. Hogan
    Producer
  • Kira DeLand
    Producer
  • James James
    Producer
  • Angela DiMarco
    Key Cast
    "Francis"
  • Barbara Deering
    Key Cast
    "Tish"
  • Russell Hodgkinson
    Key Cast
    "Terry"
  • Adara Toop
    Key Cast
    "Thora"
  • David S. Hogan
    Key Cast
    "Derek"
  • Giovanni Accettola
    Key Cast
    "Michael"
  • Gianna DiStefano DiStefano
    Key Cast
    "Young Francis"
  • James James
    Key Cast
    "Ben"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 29, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    40,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Angela DiMarco, David S. Hogan

Angela and David have been partners in all things since 2001. They first started producing and directing films in 2012. They each have directed several films, Always, It's Hidden Within, The Parish, STAY, Baggage Claim, One Chance and A Trapdoor. Together, Angela and David, help ground the actors in their character and create visual moments that say so much more than words. Angela's Directorial debut, Always, garnered several awards and premiered at SIFF and internationally in CANNES short film corner in 2016.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

A Trapdoor is based on true events. Both directors, our writer and many of the cast and crew have a close relationship with addiction and loss. If you haven't, yourself, struggled with addiction, you've probably loved somebody who has. A Trapdoor aims to continue a conversation about the trauma we navigate in our lifespan.

When our writer, James James, contacted us with A Trapdoor it was a feature length script. After 3 years of fundraising and workshopping the script, we pivoted to a short film. We decided we wanted to get part of the story out into the world. In that time, Nina DeLand, who the leading role is loosely based on, overdosed. We all agreed to dedicate this film to Nina.

We are never ready to say goodbye to our loved ones and it is so hard to know how far they have fallen into that Trapdoor of their addiction. We hope this film makes others feel seen, less alone and shows them that asking for help doesn't make them weak.

A Trapdoor is similar in tone to films such as: August: Osage County, Manchester by the Sea and Krisha.