Faces shortfilm

Set in a bustling 1980s hospital, Faces follows Dr. Edward Redwood, an introverted
neurologist with a background in research who’s determined to prove his innovative methods
in a real-world setting. On his first day, Redwood encounters Victor Tan, a once-renowned
concert pianist now suffering from visual agnosia, unable to recognize faces or ordinary
objects. Victor’s wife, Sarah, is torn between hope and heartbreak, as each day reminds her
that her husband can see but cannot truly perceive her anymore.

Undeterred by Dr. Keller’s budgetary constraints and skepticism, Redwood devises a
melodic therapy approach. Teaming with the compassionate Nurse Morgan, he introduces
short, personalized musical motifs for Victor to associate with key people and objects, hoping
to bypass his impaired visual pathways. Early sparks of progress renew Victor’s and Sarah’s
hope, but unforeseen setbacks—particularly a jarring meltdown when Victor fails to
recognize Sarah—threaten Redwood’s entire effort. Under mounting pressure from Keller to
deliver measurable results, Redwood refines the therapy into smaller “micro-sessions,”
carefully balancing the need for accelerated progress with the risk of overloading Victor.

Despite lingering uncertainties and no promise of a complete cure, Redwood’s experimental
method yields tangible improvements: Victor identifies simple objects and, crucially,
reestablishes emotional connections through musical cues. In the climactic scene, Victor
performs a gentle piano piece for a modest hospital audience—still prone to moments of
confusion, yet profoundly changed by the melodic therapy. The film ends on a bittersweet
note, with Victor’s regained sense of identity resonating through the keys, and Redwood,
Sarah, and Morgan accepting that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters.

  • Oswald Hunter
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Short Script
  • Number of Pages:
    10
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography - Oswald Hunter

Born in the Netherlands and relocating to Sweden in 2015, Oswald has embarked on a multifaceted journey that seamlessly integrates a career in healthcare with a fervent passion for the arts. With a solid foundation in supporting individuals with mental disabilities, Oswald dedicated over 12 years to teaching ballroom dance to this community and also volunteered as a driver for the animal ambulance.

His artistic journey is as diverse as it is rich, encompassing dance from the age of 15, playing the French horn from the age of 6, and engaging in active vocal performance since he was 18. This diverse artistic background is complemented by a constant pursuit of integrating these disciplines with acting. Despite a thriving career in healthcare, his childhood aspiration to become an actor never waned.

In Sweden, he found the opportunities to pursue formal acting studies and launch a professional acting career. Embracing these opportunities wholeheartedly, he has since committed himself entirely to the craft.

Oswald has trained extensively in techniques such as Meisner, Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and Stella Adler, earning a reputation as a collaborative artist with a profound understanding of a director's vision. His enduring love for dance and music continues to shape his artistic pursuits, with a particular interest in musical theater where acting, dance, and song converge.

Beyond his work in the performing arts, Oswald is also an accomplished writer, having written and released two books, with a third on the way. His passion for storytelling extends into filmmaking, driven by a compelling desire to create films that resonate emotionally with audiences.

This journey has transformed him into a versatile artist, propelled by passion and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. He travels globally and is registered with various casting agencies across Europe and beyond, constantly seeking opportunities to hone his talent and engage in a diverse array of projects as an actor, model, and writer.

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Writer Statement

Storytelling, for me, is about more than just entertainment—it's about creating connections, sparking conversations, and portraying the depth of human emotion in a way that feels profoundly real. My passion lies in crafting narratives that captivate the audience, not just in the moment, but long after the story ends. I want my work to resonate deeply, leaving viewers immersed in thought and discussion about the complexities of life, relationships, and the emotions that define us.

My writing is rooted in psychological depth and realism, always inviting immersive thinking. I strive to bring back the kind of dramatic storytelling that was prevalent in films of the ‘80s and ‘90s, where stories unfolded at a more natural pace, allowing space for audiences to truly feel and reflect. In today’s cinematic landscape, where spectacle often overshadows substance, I want to reignite the power of raw, human storytelling—films that are remembered for their emotional impact rather than their CGI.

As someone who has faced the challenges of autism and an abusive upbringing, writing has been a profound tool for self-discovery and emotional exploration. It has allowed me to navigate the intricacies of human relationships and emotions in a way that is both personal and universal. Through my scripts, I aim to shed light on real-life struggles, human connections, and the unspoken emotions that shape our experiences.

With every project, I am not just telling a story—I am opening a door to conversations about life, empathy, and the unseen battles we all face. I write the kind of films I want to see: ones that move people, challenge perspectives, and remind us of the beauty and complexity of being human.