Experiencing Interruptions?

Influence

Sixteen-year-old Cal, a high-achieving student struggling with his identity, begins to explore rebellion after his older brother suddenly drops out of college.

  • Indy Dang
    Director
    Growing Pains
  • Indy Dang
    Writer
    Growing Pains
  • Indy Dang
    Producer
    Growing Pains
  • Kyle Brier
    Key Cast
    "Cal"
  • Samuel Blustein
    Key Cast
    "Landon"
    Growing Pains
  • Alexander De Vansconcelos Mato
    Key Cast
    "Jackson"
  • Callie Beaulieu
    Key Cast
    "June"
  • George Vezina
    Key Cast
    "Greg"
    The Equalizer 2, Growing Pains
  • David Wingate
    Key Cast
    "Roy"
  • Samuel Masto
    Key Cast
    "Gray"
  • Joseph Fleming
    Key Cast
    "Carter"
  • Andrea Lyman
    Key Cast
    "Ms. Emerson"
  • Osmani Rodriguez
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Jane"
  • Neil Guliano
    Director of Photography
    Higher Methods, Growing Pains
  • Rebecca Magnotta
    Production Designer
  • Claudia Yile
    Assistant Director
  • Colter Fellows
    2nd Assistant Director
  • Ben Gerow
    2nd Assistant Director
  • Josh Bermel
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Rachel Liu
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Manon Crespin
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Riley McClenaghan
    Gaffer
  • Robert Fournier
    Gaffer
  • Sarah Novak-Sheward
    Grip
  • Natcha Ratanakul
    Grip
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ+
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 10, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    8,800 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Rhode Island International Film Festival
    Rhode Island
    United States
    August 11, 2019
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • San Jose International Film Festival
    San Jose
    United States
    October 26, 2019
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Indy Dang

Indy Dang is a filmmaker from San Jose, California and a recent graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2019. His senior thesis film, INFLUENCE, has recently screened at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the San Jose International Short Film Festival. His junior thesis film, GROWING PAINS, also screened at SJISFF in 2018.

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Director Statement

When you're young, it feels like life is out of your control. At times, you hand the reins to somebody else, and they change the course of your life for better or for worse. During my own adolescence, that somebody else was my older brother. As a teenager seeking social acceptance while keeping my sexuality a secret, I looked to my brother to teach me everything about masculinity and fitting in. I think that everybody has somebody who is like a brother to them- a friend that is also family. The first person you trust with a secret. Somebody who will just as easily fight you to the death as they will embrace you for who you are.

Everybody grows up, but nobody does it alone. I made Influence, my thesis film at RISD, as an homage to those who shape you when you are at your most malleable- bullies, silent crushes, and big brothers.

Indy Dang
Writer, Director, Producer and Editor of Influence