Lip Service

A muddle of madness and love follows a paranoid woman whose relationship with her husband is hitting the rocks, as she hires an enigmatic lip-reader to inspect her husband’s potential affair.

  • Arnav Mangla
    Director
    Subah (Awakening)
  • Jason Cicci
    Writer
  • Arnav Mangla
    Writer
    Subah (Awakening)
  • Eva Minemar
    Producer
  • Dolores Diaz
    Producer
  • Alicia Harding
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
  • Justin C. Schilling
    Key Cast
    "Alec"
  • Menhuin Hart
    Key Cast
    "Guy the Spy"
  • Dolores Diaz
    Key Cast
    "PI"
  • Project Type:
    Student
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 20, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - School of Visual Arts
  • Apple Box Short Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    May 19, 2023
    Student Program Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Arnav Mangla

Born in Delhi, India, Arnav is a writer, director, and editor who has spent much of his childhood traveling to different cities due to his family's business. Growing up in a big family, he was exposed to various cultures and ways of life, which later influenced his work as a filmmaker.

Despite his nomadic upbringing, he always had a deep love for cinema. Being a child of India, a country obsessed with films, he was surrounded by the magic of the silver screen from an early age. His passion for storytelling was further fueled by his interest in using different editing techniques to create a rich and immersive experience for his audiences. He particularly enjoyed experimenting with sound design and quick cuts, using it to heighten the emotional impact of his films.

In addition to his love for cinema, he was also a sports enthusiast. He believed that sports and filmmaking shared many similarities, including the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. These qualities were reflected in his approach to filmmaking, where he worked closely with his cast and crew to bring his vision to life.

He has written, directed, and edited several shorts. His films often explored themes of love, family, and identity, which often resonate deeply with audiences as universal themes.

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Director Statement

In the depths of the story, where doubts and suspicions mingle, a quote by Oscar Wilde echoes through the narrative: "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." These words resonate with the tangled web of uncertainties that surround Sarah, our protagonist.

Sarah finds herself embroiled in a quest for truth, seeking to uncover the secrets that shroud her husband, Alec. Yet, as she delves deeper into the shadows, she realizes that truth is not a pristine and easily attainable entity. It is a complex and elusive concept, weaving through layers of deception and hidden motives.

Like a veil of fog obscuring the landscape, the quote illuminates the intricate nature of truth. It suggests that it is not a singular, uncomplicated revelation but a multifaceted puzzle, its pieces scattered across different perspectives and subjective interpretations. As Sarah and her lip-reader, Guy the Spy, tirelessly investigate Alec's actions, they navigate the labyrinth of half-truths and fragmented information.

In their pursuit, they uncover the subjective nature of truth. Each character holds their own version, colored by personal biases and experiences. Sarah's insecurities taint her perception, casting shadows on her understanding of events. The quote reminds us that truth can be as diverse as the individuals seeking it, shaped by their unique vantage points.

As Sarah and Guy engage in clandestine surveillance, peering through windows, and deciphering lip movements, they encounter the enigmatic nature of truth. It eludes them, concealed beneath layers of misdirection and ambiguity. The quote underscores the idea that truth often lies beyond the surface, demanding relentless investigation and a discerning eye to uncover hidden realities.

In the tapestry of the narrative, the quote by Oscar Wilde weaves its way, infusing the story with the recognition that truth is a complex and ever-evolving entity. It encourages the reader to question their assumptions, peel back the layers, and acknowledge that the journey to truth is rarely straightforward but a tumultuous odyssey through a maze of uncertainties.