Private Project

Fear: An Allegory on Life and Self-Detriment

A young painter in a world against his pursuit, struggles to find solace between his need of acceptance and his need of expression.

  • Kadeem A. Maxwell
    Director
  • Kadeem A. Maxwell
    Writer
    Lucid Nightmare
  • René Arseneau
    Producer
  • Kadeem A. Maxwell
    Producer
    Lucid Nightmare
  • Robin L'houmeau
    Key Cast
    "Creme"
    Happy Face
  • Kadeem A. Maxwell
    Key Cast
    "Jay Green"
    Adrasteia, Red & Pink, Blue Tongues, The Bold Type
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 16, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 44mm, 75mm, Red
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kadeem A. Maxwell

A Concordia University graduate. Expression and connection have always been my guiding principles. Having experience in music, theatre, and film; Telling stories has always been the focal point of my career.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Fear: An Allegory on Life and Self-Detriment" is an experimental drama. I wrote the screenplay during a point of inflection in my life; I felt as though the world was caving in on me; and the days felt cyclical. I Realized that my indecision and my love of certainty, were factors preventing me from being explorative, and vulnerable. These are the guiding principals I took with directing this film. I wanted to create a character who longs for acceptance, even if it's at his own expense. Whether it's staying at a job that doesn't serve him; staying in a disingenuous relationship; using deceptive measures to avoid being vulnerable; I wanted to tell a story where our protagonist is his own antagonist based on his indecision, and his lust for what he's used to.

I used the spoken word to allow the character's inner-dialogue to manifest into a physical presence. This was important to me, because the words he says to himself, are the only indication of his true desires.

The concept of "Fear" is the barrier that encapsulates his life. He's too afraid to experience the unknown; even if the known is lackluster. With time, I've been privy to learn that fear is integral to ones growth, and self-exploration. This is a message I aim to convey with this film.