Experiencing Interruptions?

Bumper to Bumper

Anthony is a grieving man in need of peace following his friend, Ben’s, suicide. Feeling largely responsible, he hopes to ease his conscience by teaching Ben’s younger brother, Miles how to drive. Upon realizing Miles intended to establish a connection to grow closer to his estranged brother, Anthony struggles to offer any solace. Ignoring his needs and proceeding with the session leads to Miles crashing and tempers flaring. Anthony realizes to make amends with Miles he must open up and preserve Ben’s memory. In doing so, Anthony reconciles with Ben and accepts a larger presence in Miles’s life.

  • Manuel Fernandez
    Director
  • Manuel Fernandez
    Writer
  • Michael Jimenez
    Writer
  • Michael Jimenez
    Producer
  • Kevin Martinez
    Producer
    Co-Producer
  • Sean Tapiero
    Key Cast
    "Anthony"
  • Joshua Morgan
    Key Cast
    "Miles"
  • Gabriel Aguilera
    Cinematographer
  • Chris Lamas
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 14, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.9:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Miami Dade College
Director Biography - Manuel Fernandez

Manuel Fernandez is a 23-year-old Writer/Director based in Miami, Florida. At Miami Dade College, he would begin his studies with aims of writing and directing. He made his mark as a co-writer on 'En Las Sombras,' a short drama admitted to Cinema Slam in 2023. In early 2022, Fernandez directed his thesis, 'Bumper to Bumper,' a dramatic short following two distinctly different people sharing a heavy loss in common. Once Manuel completes his studies, he hopes to further his education with a Master's in Creative Writing.

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Director Statement

When I was 16 years old, two friends of mine committed suicide in the span of a year. During that period, nothing produced resonated with me or validated what I experienced; more often than not, I found the representation to be one-sided. Typically, there was an emphasis on the how and the why, but the same level of attention was rarely shown to those left behind with little closure. Focusing on the aftermath and the uncertainty that lay ahead was what I related to and felt compelled to explore. For several years, I avoided the subject out of fear I lacked the maturity as a writer or a person to reflect on this artistically. However, my mind was changed after the outline brought about a long-overdue conversation with a great friend who also experienced that frustrating concoction of grief and bitterness alongside me in silence. Though it may have taken six years to speak about it, I'm grateful we finally found the composure and the courage to do so. Initially, I had this notion this project would be the only positive I could muster from that experience; perhaps, I would feel that I had conquered this once and for all. However, I was wrong, as I've been several times before; I'm still weary of looking back but assured I could carry their memory without dragging myself down in the process. 'Bumper to Bumper' isn't and shouldn't be exclusive; grief and struggling to progress are far too universal. I hope anyone watching the film also feels ready to take another step forward.