Experiencing Interruptions?

MARY JANE'S TRIBULATIONS

Mary Jane's (Fiorella Mallea) life is evolving into one dramatic day. She has always had a turbulent life, and everything she does is lost in translation with her adoptive mother Amy (Linda Collins). Amy has been trying to raise Mary Jane by herself for the last year in the absence of her beloved husband (Michael Grazioli), who recently passed away. Without the husband/father, as the healing bridge between Mary and her mother, the relationship between Mary, who is dealing with deep depression, and her chronically negative and overwhelmed Mother, deteriorates to an unthinkable ending.

  • Arsen Bortnik
    Director
    Lost in Love: Quest for Silver Linings ; Up on Sugar Hill
  • Marvin Gayle
    Writer
  • John Thomas
    Producer
    Up on Sugar Hill; Redemption on Gun Hill Road
  • Linda Collins
    Producer
    Perception; Three for the Road
  • Linda Collins
    Key Cast
    "Amy/Mother"
    Three for the Road
  • David Arquilla
    Key Cast
    "Eric"
    Justice on Trial: The Movie
  • Fiorella Mallea
    Key Cast
    "Mary Jane"
  • Sal Abbatiello
    Key Cast
    "Basketball Coach"
    Legends of Freestyle
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Brightside Tavern Short Film Festival
    Jersey City, New Jersey
    United States
    May 16, 2021
    OFFICIAL SELECTION, nominations pending
  • Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival
    Asbury Park
    United States
    May 1, 2021
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Grove Film Festival
    Jersey City
    United States
    April 1, 2021
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Northeast Mountain Film Festival
    Dillard
    United States
    June 20, 2021
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Montreal International Indie Short Film Awards
    Montreal
    Canada
    June 14, 2020
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Toronto International Short Film Channel Awards
    Toronto
    Canada
    June 15, 2020
    Canadian Premiere
    OFFICIAL SELECTION FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
  • Melbourne International Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    May 1, 2023
    Australia
    Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Linda Collins
Director Biography - Arsen Bortnik

Arsen Bortnik is a well versed Director. Always being hands on with his projects, he has mostly
been the Cinematographer, Camera operator, and Editor giving him full creative control of the
final look of his projects. If you are working solely as a Director it is advantageous knowing how
to communicate with the Camera operator, and Cinematographer on capturing the aesthetics
that you desire, as well as the proper coverage needed for the Editor in post production.
Arsen attended Brookdale C.C. for video production and Theater, as well as, taken courses at
HB Studios in Manhattan for Acting. He also attended Devry University for Business
Administration and Graphic Design, which lends a hand to the workflow and creative side of
any production. Aside from his formal education, he is autodidactic when it comes to the
process of putting together a project and further developing his knowledge in filmmaking.
He has Directed several films including, “Lost in Love, Quest for silver linings”, “Mary Jane’s
Tribulations”, and “Up on Sugar Hill”. His other Directing projects include Commercials, and
Sketch Comedy for “The Clipperman Show" where he is also a contributing writer.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“The approach I take with Directing is very pragmatic. I don’t like to micro mange any talent,
rather make sure they stay-true to every scene which results with their acting translating true to
tone and form. I like to have control over the aesthetics of the look of the film, mainly as it
relates to camera work. I am very personable and empathetic with everybody I work with,
making sure every body works cohesively and are agreeable on set is vital for a production to
have total success”. - Arsen Bortnik