Experiencing Interruptions?

Caged Bird

A 15yo black boy continues to push the limits of his adolescent rebellion. When he's finally caught in the act by external forces, the powder-keg within his family bursts. He must now take witness to the ripple he's created and ultimately choose to save or sacrifice those he holds most dear.

  • Marcus Kyle
    Director
  • Marcus Kyle
    Writer
  • Tashina Southard
    Producer
  • Mya Morton
    Producer
  • Danielle Nebeliuk
    Producer
  • Walter Bridgewater
    Key Cast
    "Trey"
  • Sam Salary
    Key Cast
    "Russell"
    Stranger Things, Cobra Kai
  • Anika McFall
    Key Cast
    "Michelle"
    In the Shadows, Mindy Project,
  • Alexis Sade Sailes
    Key Cast
    "Janet"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Bronze Lens Film Festival
    Atlanta
    United States
    August 23, 2024
    Georgia
  • Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
    Martha's Vineyard
    United States
    August 9, 2024
    North American
Director Biography - Marcus Kyle

Marcus Kyle, a Director and DP based in Atlanta, GA, is a storyteller with a unique mission—to weave tales of perspective and pain that profoundly impact the lives of those who experience his creations. A graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors in Business Marketing from Morehouse College, Marcus's journey through academia continued with a Master's in Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. This dual foundation in business and fine arts sets the stage for Marcus's multifaceted approach to filmmaking.

Venturing into the corporate realm, Marcus spent four years contributing his talents to a Fortune 50 company building and managing billion-dollar brands. This experience endowed him with a nuanced understanding of brand identities, the art of storytelling through data, and the intricate connection between these concepts and the market.

Marcus's body of work is diverse, encompassing commercials, corporate projects, promotional content, documentaries, and branded documentaries. His ability to seamlessly blend his corporate insights with artistic storytelling sets him apart in the filmmaking landscape.

Marcus’s portfolio also extends into the narrative field, boasting a growing collection of shorts, several of which have garnered awards at festivals around the world. His latest directorial ventures, "Caged Bird" and "Love & Loyalty," are currently making rounds on the festival circuit.

For a glimpse into the creative mind behind the lens, find Marcus on Instagram @marcusmakesfilms.

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Director Statement

Caged Bird is a mental state. It’s an emotional outburst. It’s the deep pang of regret--in the sullen moments alone--after a guilt free adrenaline rush. We live behind the eyes of a young, rebellious, black boy--his sight our only tool to interpret an increasingly familiar world inhabited by an increasingly familiar family.

Our protagonist, Trey, finds himself lost in middle class purgatory. With no strong claims to his culture, Trey's allowed his surroundings to define his entire being. He attributes his faults to the world's unending intention to minimize him. When Trey's cut from the football team, a core pillar of this constructed identity gives way. The ensuing destabilization leads Trey down a spiral of rebellious and often threatening actions.

At issue is the multitude of conflicting manners love may be expressed and the thin lines that separate. Our family must intervene, but by doing so their actions will create seen and unseen ripples in the psyche of our confused adolescent boy. As the bonds of his family stretch and fracture so too will Trey's grip on his reality.

He must escape the cage. By any means necessary.