Private Project

MESS

A family's dinner celebration is interrupted by their own dysfunction.

  • Zealynd Price Rivera
    Director
  • Zion Cayid Rivera
    Director
  • Zealynd Price Rivera
    Writer
  • Zion Cayid Rivera
    Writer
  • The Rivera Brothers
    Producer
  • Jayden Edison
    Key Cast
    "Ike"
  • Garry Mack
    Key Cast
    "Isher"
  • Martha Duque
    Key Cast
    "Karina"
  • Zion Cayid Rivera
    Key Cast
    "Zion"
  • Tiffany Edison
    Key Cast
    "Mama Tiff"
  • Ron Edison
    Key Cast
    "Ron"
  • Elijah Edison
    Key Cast
    "E"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 31 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Chroma Blackmagic Design
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • OTK Film Festival
    Austin, TX
    United States
    March 27, 2024
    North American Private Premiere
    Best Drama
Director Biography - Zealynd Price Rivera, Zion Cayid Rivera

Zion Rivera, a professional ballet dancer for the majority of his life, and his brother Zealynd Rivera, a traditionally trained cinematographer, started their journey in the film industry back in 2021. The two brothers have gone to direct commercials, music videos and feature length documentaries. Both Rivera brothers use their unique lived experiences to create compelling, relatable and meaningful stories.

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Director Statement

This film about a dysfunctional family speaks and connects to many who have lived in these uncomfortable and hostile households. Being brothers ourselves, we have had our fair share of outright violent arguments over past pains that ended with no resolve. The film seeks to invoke a more anxiety induced emotion that shines the light to the inner evil we all have within ourselves. And in highlighting this evil, we hope the film can help the viewer self reflect on their own inner resentments towards those close to them.