Experiencing Interruptions?

Lights

Facing the anniversary of his wife’s death a grieving man's life is changed forever by a Christmas miracle.

  • Dale Thomas Cizmadia
    Director
  • Mike Mihm
    Key Cast
    "Charlie"
    Unsane, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Blacklist
  • Celeste Luccitti
    Key Cast
    "Annie"
    24 Hours, Charity
  • Becky Jo Harris
    Key Cast
    "Grace"
  • Dale Thomas Cizmadia
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 20, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Independent Shorts Awards - December 2024
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Honorable Mention / Best First Time Director (Male)
  • Independent Shorts Awards - December 2024
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Honorable Mention / Best Fantasy Short
  • Cal Film Festival - Fall 2023
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Semi Finalist
  • Everything Holiday Film Festival & Screenplay Feedback Contest
    Panama City Beach
    United States
    September 14, 2024
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Everything Holiday Film Festival & Screenplay Feedback Contest
    Panama City Beach, Florida
    United States
    September 14, 2024
    Best Holiday Short Film
  • Milwaukee Independent Film Awards
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    United States
    November 17, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Yule Film Fest
    Hartford, Conecticut
    United States
    December 7, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Mesa International Film Festival
    Mesa, Arizona
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Dale Thomas Cizmadia

Dale Cizmadia is a film director and producer with accolades in both video production and New York theater. With a well-rounded background, he approaches independent filmmaking with versatility and expertise.

In 2023, Cizmadia launched Film Loft Productions, a company dedicated to crafting genre stories that depict extraordinary events in the lives of everyday individuals.

Film Loft aims to explore innovative storytelling while captivating audiences with narratives that blend fantasy and reality.

Recently, Cizmadia submitted his pop horror short script Voler for Monkeypaw Productions’ NO DRAMA initiative, powered by the Universal Filmmakers Project and TIFF.

Additionally, he took part in the Smodcastle 37 Hour Film Challenge, writing and directing the comedy short film, F69 which was an official selection of the festival.

His short film "Light" achieved recognition as a semi-finalist at the Cal Film Festival and received an honorable mention for Best Fantasy Short and Best New Director (Male) at the Independent Short Awards.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I knew that "Lights" had to be a Holiday story. I have always felt the veil between miracle and reality was a little thinner at that time of year allowing more good in the world.

In the story of "Lights," I wanted to intertwine the themes of tragedy and loss with that magic and miracle that defines Christmas. I wanted to risk sentimentality with a serious tone.

Drawing inspiration from series like Amazing Stories and tales of magical realism such as Field of Dreams, "Lights" hopes to land sincere, fantastic, and heartfelt.

It was a special project being my first film. It was also a great opportunity to work with the Film Office of Mesa and the incredible local talent that Phoenix and the Valley offers here in Arizona. It was also incredible to direct my friend and old New York colleague, Mike who plays Charlie.

Thank you for considering "Lights" for inclusion in your festival program. I am eager to share this film with audiences and fellow filmmakers alike.

Thank you,
Dale Thomas Cizmadia