Private Project

Edge of the Pier

Plagued by his problems, 25 year-old Lazarus Augustus returns to his childhood home to confront the pain and fear he has long buried deep inside. There, he pushes the boundaries of sanity as he struggles to find meaning at the edge between life and death.

  • Tewodross Melchishua Williams
    Director
  • D. Amari Jackson
    Writer
  • D. Amari Jackson
    Producer
  • Stephen Ruffin
    Key Cast
    "Lazarus Augustus"
    Snowfall, Best Beast, Safety, Summer '03, Love Is_
  • Charisse Carney-Nunes
    Key Cast
  • Julia Cray
    Key Cast
  • Harvey "Hass" Nunes
    Key Cast
  • Jamie Woods
    Music
  • Tewodross Melchishua Williams
    Cinematography
  • Jonathan Harris
    Cinematography
  • Charisse Carney-Nunes
    Executive Producers
  • Harvey "Hass" Nunes
    Executive Producers
  • D. Amari Jackson
    Executive Producers
  • Dominic Mendes
    Editor
  • Monda Webb
    Technical Advisor
  • Maurice Chevalier Davis
    Sound Editor
  • Clayvon Harris ▼
    Script Supervisor
  • Tewodross Melchishua Williams
    Music Supervisor
  • Karen Ruffin
    Make-up Artist & Costume Designer
  • Alexys Imani Jackson
    Production Assistants
  • Justin Jackson
    Production Assistants
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Narrative
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 3 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 25, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 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
  • Iconaclash Cinema Review
    Annapolis
    United States
    March 11, 2017
    United States Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Urban Media Makers Film Festival
    Atlanta
    United States
    August 6, 2017
    Official Selection
  • African World Film Festival
    Detroit
    United States
    August 19, 2017
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Tewodross Melchishua Williams

Born in Washington, DC and raised in Prince George's County, MD, Tewodross M. Williams (aka Teo and Tewodross Melchishua) is an award-winning producer, professor, filmmaker, animator, motion graphics/visual effects and video projection designer.

He creates narrative and dramatic projects in animation and live action that explore concepts in sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction and more.

He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in animation such as The SONY Innovator's Award; First Place winner for animation from The Maafa Film & Video Festival, The Paul Robeson Award in Film and Video, The Annual Rosebud Independent Film & Video Competition. He also received Honorable Mention and Best Runner-Up from festivals such as The Black Filmmaker's Hall of Fame and The National Black Programming Consortium's Prized Pieces.

Teo continues to produce through his studio collective Visual Jazz, part of the Gateway Media Arts Lab located in the Gateway Arts district in Mount Rainier, Prince George's County, Maryland.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

D. Amari Jackson has written a beautiful story and our lead, Stephen Ruffin is a phenomenal actor ("Snowfall", "Beast Beast" and OWN's "Love Is_"). Stephen really takes Lazarus Augustus to another level as a character and brings us all closer to the edge of our own lives.

This production was motivational for me as a director and even personally after the recent deaths of my brother and mother. The concept from my perspective is not only about finding inspiration, but moreover it is about rebirth and transformation.

As artists and as everyday people, we often find ourselves being close and often at times between life/death creatively, personally and literally. This story reminds us that we often have to reach back to our ancestors, family and spiritual path for energy and inspiration.

I thank everyone who supported this project and especially to Harvey Nunes, Charise-Carney-Nunes, Jonathan Harris, Dominic Mendes and the entire production team. I must thank my wife and son who keep me inspired and were so patient and supportive throughout this process.

For my ancestors, I am always grateful and say Ase. As always, I give thanks and praises to the Most High. Peace.