Private Project

Found

In this short, an 11-year old boy named Eric who still mourns the loss of his father confronts a homeless veteran named Max in a
park. Despite his formidable appearance, the man is quite friendly and they quickly form a unique bond. Max, a former college instructor, teaches Eric valuable life lessons through ancient Greek philosophy. But their friendship is quickly jeopardized by Max’s severe mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Eric is able to break through the stigmas associated with Max despite his overprotective mother and judgmental friend. This heartfelt story is sad but inspirational, aimed at shedding new light on the plight of the homeless and mentally ill.

  • Steve Wieclaw
    Director
    Agua Eterna, Nonstop
  • Steve Wieclaw
    Writer
    Agua Eterna, Nonstop
  • Jules Gonzalez-Velazquez
    Producer
    Long Gone Heroes
  • Charles Edwin Powell
    Key Cast
    "Max Wilkinson"
    Stream, Lost Junction, Screamboat
  • Landon Parker
    Key Cast
    "Eric Plato"
    The Bizarre Events at Hellman Elementary
  • Margery Lowe
    Supporting Cast
    That Old Feeling, Just My Type, The Last Film Festival, Edison: The Wizard of Light
  • Daniel Rapoport
    Supporting Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 27, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    22,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Steve Wieclaw

Steve is an award winning filmmaker based in Miami.
Originally from Northeast Ohio, he received his
undergraduate degree in sociology. After long
careers as both a touring musician and corporate
business analyst, he finally pursued his passion for
storytelling and completed film school with a Master
of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking. His past films
include Agua Eterna (2021) and Nonstop (2020).

Instagram: @steve.wieclaw
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12275979/
Email: steve@hermitcrabfilms.com

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Found is a compassionate story about a young mind inspiring a homeless veteran and former teacher, an unsung hero.

Many people avoid getting too close to homeless people thinking they are lazy, mentally unstable, or asking for money just to get drugs or alcohol. I received my undergraduate degree in sociology and studied the stigmas placed on mental issues, poverty, social outcasts, and similar topics.

For veterans, 10% of men and 19% of women are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Overall, an estimated 25% of the homeless population suffers from severe mental illness. I once volunteered in a soup kitchen thinking I could help those in need, but I left feeling empty inside, realizing that a single meal or tip jar won’t help anyone with severe depression, anxiety, or other disorders. More social awareness is needed to combat the lack of medical and mental health attention so many people need.

My main inspiration for this film is The Fisher King (1991). Robin Williams masterfully portrays a homeless former professor who creates his own delusional world to avoid the pain from witnessing his wife’s death in a cafe shooting spree.

Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from reality in order to survive. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to.