Private Project

Mimetic

A old man lives on the run with his dog. While in hiding, he steals an identity and changes his appearance to match it. His plans are interrupted when he is found by a feral child. Despite the child's mysterious appearance and behavior, the two form an unlikely bond.

  • Benjamin Anklam
    Director
  • Benjamin Anklam
    Writer
  • Amanda Paddok
    Producer
    Be Still
  • Tommy Snider
    Producer
    Be Still
  • Lukas Colombo
    Producer
    I Love You
  • Benjamin Anklam
    Producer
  • James Anklam
    Key Cast
    "Old Man"
  • Elias Jannsen
    Key Cast
    "The Boy"
    Jane the Virgin
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Suspense, Thriller, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 19, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 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:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Benjamin Anklam

After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in film production from Palm Beach Atlantic University, Benjamin Anklam moved to Los Angeles, California to work in the film industry. During his 8 year residency, he has worked as a short film writer, director, and editor for various clients like Moai Films, Black Magic Design, and Dolby including several sci-fi and fantasy projects. After years of proudly helping others tell their stories, “Mimetic” is his first self-produced independent short film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The film's title, “Mimetic,” refers to animal mimicry. Our main character is on the run, stealing an identity, and changing his appearance for survival, until he's found by a feral child.

I chose this film because of my passion for stories with an element of the unknown. Mimetic was designed to be a blend of Family and Thriller genres, told with with minimal dialogue, led by subtle visuals, unique sounds, and music. While keeping one foot in the stylized and surreal, I used the other to only hint at the two main characters’ unusual backstories. This allows the short film to focus on their unlikely relationship, while leaving their pasts unexplained. At the end, the main characters break off into new tangents of their journey and, hopefully, leave audiences asking for more.

There are so many elements to this production I am grateful for, including a partnership with Canon, working with skilled and talented Elias Janssen, the Boy, and casting my father, who plays the Old Man. Please enjoy my open-ended love letter to stories that incite curiosity. - Ben