Experiencing Interruptions?

Lightning in a Bottle

In a world where men bottle their emotions and toxic masculinity reigns supreme, a young man's repressed feelings manifest as lightning in a bottle.

  • Carlos Lerma
    Director
    Treasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
  • Carlos Lerma
    Writer
    Treasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
  • Carlos Lerma
    Producer
    Treasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
  • Max Balderston
    Key Cast
    "Him"
    Wish We Never Met
  • Jenna Taylor Nelson
    Key Cast
    "Her"
  • Alexis Erey
    Key Cast
    "Him"
  • Louis Mellinand
    Director of Photography
    Wish We Never Met, The Wright Choice, Designer's Game
  • Holden Reid Magee
    Original Music
    Treasure Haunt, Firefly, Faraway Fiesta
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Coming of Age, Drama, comedy
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 7, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Columbia College Chicago
  • Waves: Rising Talent Showcase
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 15, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Vegas Indie Film Festival
    Chicago
    United States
    April 27, 2024
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Carlos Lerma
    Country: United States
Director Biography - Carlos Lerma

Carlos Lerma is an award-winning Mexican writer, director, and author from Monterrey, Mexico, who brings his unique touch to both the movie screen and the printed page. Best known for his collection of original live-action and animated films, he has directed critically acclaimed works such as "Lightning in a Bottle" (2024), "Faraway Fiesta" (2023), and the animated sensation "Treasure Haunt" (2023). Jumping between art mediums is what sets Lerma apart, from live-action to animation to books. Lerma is also a poet and illustrator of three best-selling Spanish-written poetry books and two new English-written poetry books. Lerma moved from Monterrey, México to Chicago, IL, in 2022 to pursue the American Dream in entertainment and literature.

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Director Statement

I've been called girly all my life. I've been ridiculed by past lovers just because they chose to be with me. I made this film with two intentions: for all the young men out there to see and hear that they are not alone and that there are other guys like them, and hopefully convey the message that they are not the problem. Two, to suck the poison of my own snake bite. This short film touches on the common phrase 'bottle your emotions', especially for men. In this film, bottled up emotions manifest as lightning in a bottle. I love visual metaphors, so whenever the main character breaks through, he breaks the jar.