Bonding
A solitary figure at an empty bar, CIA clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr. John Flemington, is planning to visit his girlfriend in Mexico when he is pressured by mysterious underground operatives to join them on a secret mission. He really doesn't have a choice.
A film in the drama/thriller/suspense spy genre, with esoteric origins.
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Luke RexDirector
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Luke RexWriter
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Steven LancasterExecutive Producers
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Luke Rex Psy.D.Executive Producers
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Jannica OlinKey Cast"Anastasia Mansfield"
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Luke RexKey Cast"Dr. John Flemington"
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Darren LipariKey Cast"Bo"
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Ryan StroudKey Cast"Darius Lucas"
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Laura JansenDirector of Photography
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Pete SzijartoPost EP, Edit & Color
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Daniel TeoSound Design/Mix/Music Producer/Composer/Arranger
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Luke Rex Psy.D.Producer
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Jean Bernard RutagaramaAssociate Producers
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Christian “Tico” HerreraAssociate Producers
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Jaime SaginorAssociate Producers
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Jean Bernard RutagaramaAerial Cinematography
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Doria Anselmo1st AD
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Nick Kubeck1st AC
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Cooper FinnGaffer
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Ryan JonesKey Grip
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Daniel BonillaBoom operator/Sound mixer (prod)
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Jaime SaginorScript Supervisor
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Claire Perrault Psy.D.Production Assistant
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Daniel TeoComposers
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Greg BeatonComposers
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Luke RexComposers
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Jeff TurmesMusician (sax)
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Gabbi CoenenMusic Consultant
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Ingrid WeeksMake up Artist
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Elizabeth Janns (ceramicist)Art Department
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Kevin Nordstrom (illustrator/logo creation and design)Art Department
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Gael MolinaLocation Manager
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Eddie SimonianSpecial Thanks
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David E. WoodleyThanks
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Caroline RexThanks
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Tatiana ZazaThanks
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Drama, Thriller
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Runtime:13 minutes 21 seconds
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Completion Date:December 9, 2022
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Production Budget:15,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English, Spanish
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Shooting Format:Arri Alexa mini
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Aspect Ratio:2.39:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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St Kilda Film FestivalPort Phillip, VICTORIA
Australia
June 4, 2023
World Premiere
Official Selection (Academy Award Qualifying Event) -
LA Shorts International Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
July 21, 2023
U.S. Premiere
Official Selection (Academy Award/BAFTA Qualifying Event) -
Pitch to Screen® Film FestivalNew York, NEW YORK
United States
October 20, 2023
New York & East Coast Premiere
WINNER: Outstanding Proof of Concept | Excellence In Cinematography | NOMINATED: Excellence In Editing | Outstanding Lead Actress | Outstanding Lead Actor | -
Polish International Film FestivalWierzbowa, WARSAW
Poland
December 4, 2023
POLISH Premiere
FINALIST: Best International Short Film -
MirMiraBan UK Film AwardsLondon
United Kingdom
November 26, 2023
UK Premiere
FINALIST: Best International Short -
Berlin International Art Film FestivalBerlin
Germany
German Premiere
WINNER: Best Actor -
Lebanese Independent Film Festival - LIFFBeirut
Lebanon
September 21, 2023
International Premiere
Official Selection -
The South African Independent Film FestivalThe Bioscope, JOHANNESBURG
South Africa
November 23, 2023
South Africa Premiere
Official Selection -
Ocean Coast Film FestivalLavra, Matosinhos
Portugal
November 18, 2023
Portuguese Premiere
NOMINATED: Best Short Film -
Vienna International Film AwardsVienna
Austria
Austrian Premiere
NOMINATED: Best Cinematography | Finalist -
Australia Independent Film FestivalBrisbane, QUEENSLAND
Australia
October 27, 2023
Queensland (AUS) Premiere
FINALIST | OFFICIAL SELECTION -
Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2024Idyllwild, CALIFORNIA
United States
7 Nominations including 'Best Short Film' -
Garden State Film Festival 2024Asbury Park, NEW JERSEY
United States
New Jersey Premiere
Official Selection -
Fort Lauderdale International Film FestivalFort Lauderdale, FLORIDA
United States
November 4, 2023
Florida Premiere
Official Selection -
Cannes World Film Festival (December 2023)Cannes, FRENCH RIVIERA
France
WINNER: Best Film Noir -
Prison City Film FestivalHuntsville, TEXAS
United States
March 1, 2024
6 Nominations including Best US Narrative -
FirstGlance Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
March 17, 2024
Official Selection -
Simi Film FestSimi Valley, CALIFORNIA
United States
September 17, 2023
WINNER: Best Actor (Luke Rex); Best Supporting Actor (Darren Lipari). NOMINATIONS: Best Thriller/Horror | Best Director | Best Writing |Best Supporting Actress | Best Cinematography | Best Editor | Best Set Design -
Southern Awards Film FestivalRoswell, GEORGIA
United States
February 23, 2024
WINNER: Best Picture | Best Sound Design | Best Mystery/Thriller | Best Cinematography | Best Editing | NOMINATED: Best Production Design | Best Music | Best Director | Best Actress -
Los Angeles Film Awards (LAFA)Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Best Film Noir -
Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & FestivalLos Angeles
United States
GOLD Award (Best Narrative Short, Drama) -
RED Movie Awards (Reims Excellence Director)Reims
France
WINNER (Summer Edition): Best 1st Time Director (Luke Rex) -
California International Shorts FestivalSherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA
United States
September 17, 2023
Winner Best Narrative Short (FALL) -
Santa Barbara Indie Film FestivalSanta Barbara, CALIFORNIA
United States
August 26, 2023
WINNER: Jury Award of Excellence -
The British Short Film AwardsLondon
United Kingdom
Best Actor (Luke Rex) Longlist 2023 -
Youngstown Film FestivalYoungstown, OHIO
United States
October 22, 2023
WINNER: Best Trailer | Best Cinematography | NOMINATIONS: Best Narrative Short | Best Director -
Green Jack International Film FestivalBig Bear Lake, CALIFORNIA
United States
September 9, 2023
WINNER: Best Supporting Actor (Darren Lipari) | Best Supporting Actress (Jannica Olin) | Official Selection -
Hollywood Just4Shorts CompetitionLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Best Short Film (September) -
Beyond the Curve International Film Festival (no live screening)Paris, Île-de-France
France
WINNER: Best Short Film | Nominee BCIFF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE -
Creation International Film Festival (no live screening)Los Angeles
United States
WINNER: Best Cinematography (Laura Jansen) | Best Lighting (Cooper Finn) -
European Short AwardsBrno
Czech Republic
WINNER: Best Indie Short Film -
Siren by the Sea (no live screening)Florida
United States
WINNER: Best Film (Spring 2023) -
Arizona Underground Film FestivalTucson, ARIZONA
United States
September 23, 2023
Official Selection -
Mindfield Film Festival - AlbuquerqueAlbuquerque, NEW MEXICO
United States
August 26, 2023
WINNER: Best Short Film (Platinum Award) - June/July 2023 | Official Selection LIVE -
Best Shorts CompetitionLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Award of Excellence: Directing | Award of Excellence: Short Film -
No Coast Film FestivalEmporia, KANSAS
United States
August 27, 2023
Official Selection -
Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills (September 2023)Los Angeles
United States
WINNER: Best Crime Short -
South Dakota Film FestivalAberdeen, SOUTH DAKOTA
United States
September 16, 2023
Official Selection -
SAFILM - San Antonio Film FestivalSan Antonio, TEXAS
United States
August 5, 2023
Official Selection -
San Pedro International Film FestivalSan Pedro, CALIFORNIA
United States
November 4, 2023
Official Selection -
International Film Arts and Hearts Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
September 28, 2023
NOMINATED: Best Short Film -
Indie X Film Festival (November 2023)Los Angeles
United States
WINNER: Outstanding Achievement Award (Best Crime Short and Best 1st time male director) | NOMINATED: Best Cinematography | Best EnsembleCast -
Indie Short Fest (November 2023)Los Angeles
United States
WINNER: Outstanding Achievement Award (Best Crime Short) -
Top Shorts (November 2023)Los Angeles
United States
WINNER: Honorable Mention Narrative Film | Director -
Panorama International Indie Film FestivalPorto
Portugal
1st Semi-Final Official Selection -
Studio City Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
September 1, 2023
Official Selection -
Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF)Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
October 29, 2023
Official Selection -
Vancouver International Movie Awards (no live screening)Vancouver, BC
Canada
Quarter-finalist -
San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival (SFNCFF)San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
United States
Official Selection -
Silicon Beach Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
Official Selection -
Louisville's International Festival of FilmLouisville, KENTUCKY
United States
Official Selection -
Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (no live screening)Providence, RHODE ISLAND
United States
Semi-Finalist -
Barcelona Indie Awards (no live screening)Barcelona, CATALONIA
Spain
Spain Premiere
Official Selection Summer Edition 2023 -
Bright International Film Festival (no live screening as yet)London
United Kingdom
Finalist -
Paris AwardsParis
France
Official Selection -
Venice ShortsLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
Official Selection -
Buenos Aires International Film FestivalBuenos Aires
Argentina
Official Selection -
International Film Festival the HagueThe Hague
Netherlands
Official Selection -
Lift-Off LA (no live screening)Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
Official Selection July/August -
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting FestivalLas Vegas, NEVADA
United States
October 29, 2023
Official Selection -
2023 Directors Circle Festival of ShortsErie, PENNSYLVANIA
United States
Official Selection -
Tampa Film FestivalTampa, FLORIDA
United States
December 2, 2023
Official Selection (Best International Short) -
Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
November 25, 2023
Official Selection -
Follow the Arrow International Film FestivalBudapest
Hungary
Quarter Finalist across multiple categories (further awards pending) -
Budapest Movie Awards (Summer Edition)Budapest
Hungary
Official Selection -
CARE AwardsWest Virgina
United States
FINALIST: Best Dramatic Short -
Chicago Indie Film AwardsChicago
United States
WINNER: Best Actor -
AltFF Alternative Film FestivalToronto, ONTARIO
Canada
December 27, 2023
WINNER: Best Actor of the Festival -
Vegas ShortsLas Vegas, NEVADA
United States
WINNER: Best Director -
Sacramento Independent Film FestivalSacramento, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Best Sound Design -
Cal Film Festival (December)Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Honorable Mention (Best Thriller) | NOMINATED: Best Ensemble Cast -
Poppy Jasper International Film FestivalGilroy, CA
United States
April 11, 2024
Official Selection -
8 & Halfilm AwardsRome
Italy
WINNER: Best Thriller | Best International Song -
LWIFF | Lonely Wolf 9 (Winter 2023)Worldwide Virtual Platform
HONROABLE MENTION: Best Short Film | Best Thriller | SEMi-FINALISTS: cinematography, original screenplay & directing. -
Canada Shorts - Canadian & International Short Film Fest.Vancouver, BC
Canada
AWARD OF DISTINCTION: Best International Short -
Changing Face International Film FestivalSydney, NSW
Australia
2023 HONORABLE MENTION: Best Drama Short Film -
Independent Shorts AwardsLos Angeles, CA
United States
WINNER: Bronze Award (Best Film Noir) -
Luleå International FIlm FestivalLuleå, Norrbotten
Sweden
Official Selection -
Venice Under the Stars – International Film FestivalVenice
Italy
WINNER: Star of Venice 2024 -
IndieFest Film Awards (November)Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
WINNER: Award of Excellence (Best Short FIlm) -
Planet Cinema (Winter 2023)
NOMINATED: Best Short Film -
Los Angeles Int'l Underground Film FestivalLos Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States
December 10, 2023
Official Selection
**Luke Rex: Psychologist, Filmmaker, and Actor**
Luke Rex is a multi-talented individual with a diverse background in psychology, filmmaking, and acting. Born in Sydney, Australia in 1975, he later moved to the USA to pursue his passion for acting. Despite initially aiming for an acting career, Luke transitioned to psychology, earning his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2022 after completing his studies at UCLA and Pepperdine. Alongside his academic achievements, Luke is also a certified Reiki Master & Teacher.
In the film industry, Luke has made significant contributions as a director, writer, and actor. His cinematic directorial debut is marked by the film "Bonding," where he showcased his talent across various roles. This film continues to garner numerous awards and selections at prestigious film festivals worldwide, recognizing Luke's exceptional skills and creativity.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Luke is known for his proficiency as a Spanish/Classical guitarist and has played a crucial role in the music score of "Bonding." His journey exemplifies a fusion of psychology and filmmaking, driven by a profound sense of purpose and passion.
It was with an extreme amount of enthusiasm that I undertook the task to write/direct/produce/act and have a role as composer on this short film over the summer of 2022. My intention was to create the best film I could with the resources that I had, maintain a vision whilst synthesizing the visions of others that jumped on board this project with me. The film then became an intelligent entity of its own, and interestingly involved many synchronicities along the way - always a sure sign we were on the right path!
A big thank you to DP Laura Jansen who captured the short beautifully on the day of the shoot, and Pete Szijarto who served as the film's EP in Post and was instrumental with Daniel Teo in taking the project to another level. Cheers!
Having a creative vision feels special. Sharing and implementing that vision is memorable. Widening that vision to include the voices of all the creative minds one works with on a film is what makes a good film great.
I hope you enjoy this short film, and ultimately, if we've done our job right, you should be left wanting more!