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The Music Box

The Music Box deals with two social issues, one relatable and universal, the other shocking and unthinkable: fatherhood and organ trafficking. After a man’s daughter disappears, he tries desperately to find out what happened to her. In a panicked state of loss and grief, he jogs the same circuit every day, past the scene of her disappearance, past the scene where her remains were found. Ultimately, a music box will hold the key to discovering the tragic disappearance of his daughter and finding his own peace through justice.

  • Vladimir Philogene
    Director
    Color Blind
  • Mickael Nokovitch
    Cinematographer
  • Vladimir Philogene
    Writer
    Color Blind
  • Vladimir Philogene
    Producer
  • Guy Edouard Nicolas
    Executive Producers
  • La Boite Qui Tourne S.E.N.C.
    Executive Producers
  • Troy Bland
    Key Cast
    "Logan"
  • Giuseppe Calvinisti
    Key Cast
    "Mark"
  • Tommy Furino
    Key Cast
    "Eric"
  • Laura Ashley
    Key Cast
    "Journalist"
  • Luzmiellis
    Key Cast
    "Erika"
  • Alissa
    Key Cast
    "Ariel"
  • Thierry Simard
    Music Composer
  • Nikita Bershanski
    First Assistant Director
  • Jenny Jean-Baptiste
    Second Assistant Director
  • André Esso
    Production Sound Mixer
  • Emilie Yenot
    Set Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 21, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • BronzeLens Film Festival
    Atlanta
    United States
    August 17, 2021
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Montreal International Black Film Festival
    Montreal
    Canada
    September 28, 2020
    Canada
    Official Selection
  • Lift-Off Global Network

    May 24, 2021
    Online
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Vladimir Philogene

Vladimir Philogene is an ambitious French Canadian director, producer, and photographer. After graduating from college O'Sullivan (Montreal Canada) in Media Technology, he launched his own production company where he developed his skills as a cinematographer, editor, and producer, for fourteen years. He traveled from Africa to, the United States, Latin America for major corporate projects. In addition, Vladimir directed TV commercials, music videos for semi-finalists on The Voice (the french edition), as well as creative director for the interviews for the finalists and semi-finalists on The Voice.

In his recent project, Vladimir treated the issue of racial segregation and police brutality in the US.

Post-traumatic stress syndrome, the everyday reality of most men and veterans, is what defines his main characters in his films. Overcoming post-traumatic stress is one's of a man's greatest battles in life.

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Director Statement

The Music Box was specifically written for our lead actor Troy Bland.

The moment we met in person, we connected on the topic of fatherhood, which became the basis of most of our conversations. Troy is a dedicated father and grandfather, so I felt compelled to keep this as a focal point in the storyline. As the main character in the film, his personality was true to who he is naturally.

At the end of the project, Troy Bland shared an important reality, He talked about how challenging it was to leave his family in his hometown of Atlanta in the United States to shoot in Canada. One of his main concerns was how many people in his hometown have lost their children through organ trafficking and other vicious crimes.

He had to remain intensely focused during filming to not be distracted at the thought of his family being home without him for a week.

At the core of this film, we find the innocence of childhood, patriotism from a father fighting for his daughter, and overcoming post-traumatic stress. As a proud Black French Canadian who is concerned about social challenges that affect individuals and families, my vision was for this film to cross all cultural lines and backgrounds to highlight the fact that organ trafficking is a serious global issue.

The soundtrack was created by Thierry Simard, a professional music composer from Alma, Quebec. This artist is so precious to this project because of his creativity and the way he stays connected to his roots.

And last but not least, I want this short film to be a powerful reminder that fatherhood is about fighting for the ones we love.

Vladimir Philogene