Private Project

Ask the Blessing

During America's Victorian Era of 1901 a family struggles to pick up the pieces after the return of an estranged patriarch.

  • v.c. rhone
    Director
    Not Afraid, Pie a la Mode, The Preacher's Wife, Mama Deserves to Be Served, Don't Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
  • Rachel Barrett
    Writer
  • v.c. rhone
    Contributing Writer
    Not Afraid, Pie a la Mode, The Preacher's Wife, Mama Deserves to Be Served, Don't Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
  • v.c. rhone
    Producer
    Not Afraid, Pie a la Mode, The Preacher's Wife, Mama Deserves to Be Served, Don't Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
  • April Sharp
    Producer
  • Benjamin Charles Oliverio
    Director of Photography
    Howl, Dawn, Take Me to Jail, Please?, My Favorite Rebound
  • Jacob Tyler
    Editor
    Howl, The Angel, DAWN, New Beginnings
  • Bryan Schany
    Key Cast
    "Cane"
    Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption, Angelfish, Tough Enough
  • Luke David Hamilton
    Key Cast
    "Ritchey"
    New Beginnings, Mat-Leave, The Matter of Mr. Miller
  • Alina Harmann
    Key Cast
    "Emma"
    We Got Ours, Saffron, New Beginnings, Mat-Leave
  • Marley Castro
    Key Cast
    "Lily"
    New Beginnings, Anino
  • Zayla Merrill
    Key Cast
    "Sue"
    Mama Agnes, Children of War
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Period
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 5, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Red Komodo, 6K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Simi Film Fest
    Simi Valley
    United States
    September 6, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection, Best Location Nominee, Best Hair & Makeup Nominee
  • Indie Film LA
    Los Angeles
    United States
    May 2, 2026
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - v.c. rhone

v.c. rhone is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors. She writes, produces, and directs faith-inspired stories that blend historical events with relatable biblical foundation, embracing social scenes through a cinematic lens. v.c. believes strongly in responsible storytelling and creating introspective stories that champion the underdog and celebrate those often overlooked and unseen.

v.c. co-wrote and produced NOT AFRAID - addressing the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women crisis - receiving a Best Producer nomination and the Indigenous Culture and Film Award at the Windrider Summit & Sundance Film Festival Experience in Park City, UT.

v.c. is an NBC TV Writers Semifinalist and a ScreenCraft Finalist. Her screenplay, BECKY BRENNEMAN'S BANGIN' BAT MITZVAH, debuted in the top 5% on Coverfly.

Her award-winning documentary PIE A LA MODE addressing land rights has screened at 19 festivals globally.

She completed her undergraduate studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she studied under Academy Award Winner, Carol Dysinger.

v.c. is a former appointed city official. She worked boldly and tirelessly with the local police department engaging in ride-alongs, leading panels and meeting frequently with the Chief of Police to improve human relations.

v.c. is a member of Film Independent and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and the OC Register for her dedication to using the arts as a bridge to promote human dignity.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When ASK THE BLESSING was submitted to me for producing consideration, I knew immediately that I had to direct it. Although she's not always comfortable talking, writer Rachel Barrett, who has autism, gave a wonderful pitch! It made this an even bigger pull for me to get involved.

I wanted to explore the dynamics between cycles of abuse and the things we do to protect those we love even when it's to our own detriment. Ritchey and his father, Cane, represent so many father-son relationships in today's society.

I'm grateful for the freedom to create stories that explore a vast array of issues and topics.

It has been my profound joy to work with such an amazing cast and crew; we created a little bit of magic with this one-day shoot!

I hope you enjoy ASK THE BLESSING!

Warm regards,
v.c.