Experiencing Interruptions?

Fireside Conversations

Brandon, a disconnected teen numbed by the violence of video games, visits his grandfather Rob, a retired veteran shaped by the memories he keeps tucked away behind old medals and a fireplace that never quite goes out. When Brandon begins to ask questions, Rob opens up about his time in Vietnam—stories of loss, fear, and brotherhood that he’s carried for decades. But what begins as a moment of bonding quickly spirals into a confrontation between two generations divided by values, memory, and the blurred morality of war. Fireside Conversations is a stirring short film about legacy, trauma, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.

  • Juda Goldstein
    Director
    Find My, Failure to Prepare
  • Juda Goldstein
    Writer
    Find My
  • Juda Goldstein
    Producer
    Find My, Fan-Fare
  • Caroline Pappas
    Producer
    Failure to Prepare
  • JR Hontz
    Key Cast
    "Rob Wilson"
  • Ben Cukor
    Key Cast
    "Brandon Taylor"
  • Christian Schlauch
    Key Cast
    "Rob Wilson (Vietnam)"
  • Michelle Antoinette
    Key Cast
    "Becca Taylor"
  • Tommy Anglim
    Key Cast
    "Miller"
  • Donovan Boyer
    Key Cast
    "Soldier 2"
  • Bennett Chatlos
    Key Cast
    "Davis"
  • Nehemiah Robison
    Key Cast
    "Johnson"
  • Nathan DiVitio
    Key Cast
    "Soldier 1"
  • Cy Stanway
    Key Cast
    "Norman the Pacifist"
  • Nathan Harris-Sellman
    Original Score
  • Caroline Pappas
    1st Assistant Director
    Failure to Prepare
  • Bella Saros
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Ryan Wanamaker
    1st Assistant Camera
    Failure to Prepare
  • Nathan DiVito
    Boom Operator
    Failure to Prepare
  • Nathan Winn
    BTS Stills
  • Iz Taylor
    Set PA
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Action, War
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 5, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Large Format
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Broadneck High School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Maryland Film Festival
    College Park
    United States
    December 2, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Broadneck Film Festival
    Annapolis, MD
    United States
    April 11, 2025
Distribution Information
  • Premiere Studios
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Juda Goldstein

Juda Goldstein is a Director/Producer and a visual effects artist from Arnold, Maryland, whose work has been recognized for its cinematic scope and emotional resonance. His films Fan-Fare and Failure to Prepare were official selections at the Annapolis Film Festival, with Fan-Fare also earning the Emerging Talent Award at the All-American High School Film Festival. His short film Find My was an official selection at the All-American High School Film Festival as well and won Best Overall at the Broadneck Film Festival. Goldstein’s broader body of work, including The Hunter and The Hunter II, has earned additional accolades for its technical craft and compelling storytelling.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Fireside Conversations was inspired by the emotional fallout I felt while watching the war between Israel and Hamas unfold. The response of those I thought were allies weighed heavily on me. I didn’t want to make a film about a war. I wanted to make a film about what happens after one. I hope Fireside Conversations creates space for difficult questions, and maybe a little empathy for the storytellers, and for those brave enough to challenge the stories.