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.
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Carlos LermaDirectorTreasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
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Carlos LermaWriterTreasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
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Carlos LermaProducerTreasure Haunt, Faraway Fiesta, Sunflower's Friend, Designer's Game
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Max BalderstonKey Cast"Him"Wish We Never Met
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Jenna Taylor NelsonKey Cast"Her"
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Alexis EreyKey Cast"Him"
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Louis MellinandDirector of PhotographyWish We Never Met, The Wright Choice, Designer's Game
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Holden Reid MageeOriginal MusicTreasure Haunt, Firefly, Faraway Fiesta
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Coming of Age, Drama, comedy
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Runtime:8 minutes 50 seconds
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Completion Date:February 7, 2024
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Production Budget:5,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:1:85:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes - Columbia College Chicago
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Waves: Rising Talent ShowcaseLos Angeles
United States
March 15, 2024
Official Selection -
Vegas Indie Film FestivalChicago
United States
April 27, 2024
Official Selection
Distribution Information
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Carlos LermaCountry: United States
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.
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.