Experiencing Interruptions?

Don't Cry for Me

After his father's death, Isaac returns home to reconcile their complex relationship. Adapted from the novel by Dr. Daniel Black, Devin McKay's 'Don't Cry for Me' depicts a grieving son challenged with a decision - to hold onto anger or forgive.

  • Devin McKay
    Director
  • Devin McKay
    Screenplay by
  • Devin McKay
    Producer
  • Emily Pietro
    Director of Photography
  • Elijah Nicholas
    Key Cast
    "Isaac"
  • James Elwood Muller
    Key Cast
    "Jacob"
  • Carter Alexander Furlough
    Key Cast
    "Young Isaac"
  • Charles George
    Key Cast
    "Young Jacob"
  • Marquay Renee Davis
    Key Cast
    "Momma"
  • Ashley Davidson
    Key Cast
    "Passenger"
  • Mike Jon
    Editor/Colorist
  • Tiffany Cherry White
    Composer
  • Rachel Cuyler
    Production Designer
  • Ashley Davidson
    Prop Designer
  • Daniel Black
    Based on the Book by
    Don't Cry for Me (book)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    300 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Devin McKay

Devin McKay is a writer, director, and actor based in Atlanta, GA. Focusing on the fusion of family and identity elements. Devin enjoys exploring the vast corners of the human experience through his filmmaking and storytelling.

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Director Statement

When I first read 'Don't Cry for Me' in 2023, I never expected it to change me so deeply. Somewhere in the midst of reading the book, I realized it was the first time I truly saw myself in a story. I felt like Dr. Daniel Black, the writer, really understood the complicated relationship between black masculinity and identity: how we as black boys and men feel challenged to alter ourselves and shave parts of who we are down to fit a certain mold or face confrontation. My complicated relationship. I knew then that I wanted to bring this powerful narrative to life on screen, within the means that I had, but it had to be done right.

What began as a small scene on a bench eventually grew into a larger one that involved different time periods, multiple actors playing the same roles, a crew, costumes, lights, etc. It was a whole production. My biggest undertaking as a director yet. However, I truly believe it was all worth it.

The themes in 'Don't Cry for Me' are not just relatable; they're universal. Filming this story became my way of connecting with others through the shared experience of facing our pasts, and finding a path forward, so that we may all live truthfully as we choose to be.