Experiencing Interruptions?

Behind Bars

Following the toxic relationship between a 13 year old gymnast, Cayley, and her gymnastics coach, Ethan. We see how Cayley's positive relationship with herself and teammates slowly withers away, due to Ethan's narcissistic tendencies.

  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Director
  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Writer
  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Producer
  • Adriana G Arena
    Key Cast
    "Cayley"
  • Journey Wilson
    Key Cast
    "Alexa "
  • Travis Hipkens
    Key Cast
    "Ethan"
  • Marissa Tolero
    Key Cast
    "Mom"
  • Tatum Lovely
    Key Cast
    "Shannon/Gymnast #1"
  • Madison Jessica Bennett
    Key Cast
    "Sophia/Gymnast #2"
  • Charlotte C
    Key Cast
    "Annie/Gymnast #3"
  • Kassandra Medina
    Key Cast
    "Jill/Gymnastics coach"
  • Ben Jackson
    Editor
  • Kami Hinds
    Composers
  • Jack F Marziliano
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Sport
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 2, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    2,398 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:19
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jada Emily Silverstein

Jada Silverstein is an actor, screenwriter, and director, most recently known for directing her short film "Behind Bars." Jada recently played the lead role in an upcoming independent short film titled "Chasing Emily." In 2020, she was also part of a project called "Loud Voices, Silent Streets," which was a series of monologues.

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Director Statement

After years of training to be an elite gymnast, I noticed I was losing myself. The sport that I once loved more than anything slowly became the center of my struggles. Emotional abuse throughout my time in the sport led to severe anxiety, overuse injuries, self-inflicted injuries, and other more intense difficulties.

There are many unresolved issues in the sport of gymnastics. Emotional abuse has always been sidelined, due to the difficulty of proving its occurrence, and the flawed idea that withstanding this type of abuse shows strength. Gymnasts are taught that in order to succeed in the sport, you must demonstrate this strength, no matter this situation. Behind Bars encompasses the negative effects of this type of treatment from coaches and organizations.

This film is for all those who were invalidated and told over again that they weren't good enough or that their feelings didn't matter. I know so many people who stayed silent about the abuse they endured out of fear of losing the opportunity to reach their goals. This film is for all of the people without the opportunity to speak out.