Experiencing Interruptions?

No Prom To Love?

Directed and written by John-Trajan Bernardo, Montclair Film's 2021 Emerging Filmmaker Contest Grand Jury Prize winner, "No Prom to Love?" is about 2 high school misfits who try to connect after being disconnected from the world for over a year due to COVID-19.

Not only does this short film show the awkwardness of someone who never had a date before trying to get together with a seemingly perfect high schooler, it also shows the stress that living under quarantine and now returning to school can have on us students.

  • John-Trajan Bernardo
    Director
    2021 GRAND JURY PRIZE WINNER of Montclair Film's Emerging Filmmakers Contest (EFC) for the short film "The Voice of Reason".
  • John-Trajan Bernardo
    Writer
    2021 GRAND JURY PRIZE WINNER of Montclair Film's Emerging Filmmakers Contest (EFC) for the short film "The Voice of Reason".
  • Ivellisses Segovia
    Key Cast
    "Sara Yuuki"
    Montclair State University's FOXY AWARD WINNER for "Now What?"
  • Reanna Cruz
    Key Cast
    "Janet Yuuki"
    Montclair State University's FOXY AWARD WINNER for "Now What?"
  • Jack Malaby
    Key Cast
    "Hector Pine"
  • John-Trajan Bernardo
    Key Cast
    "James Pine"
    2021 GRAND JURY PRIZE WINNER of Montclair Film's Emerging Filmmakers Contest (EFC) for the short film "The Voice of Reason".
  • Sinjin-Kai Bernardo
    Key Cast
    "Robby Jones"
    2021 GRAND JURY PRIZE WINNER of Montclair Film's Emerging Filmmakers Contest (EFC) for the short film "The Voice of Reason".
  • Madison Roman
    Key Cast
    "Cherry_1"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 13, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Hudson County School of Technology, County Prep in Jersey City
Director Biography - John-Trajan Bernardo

John-Trajan Bernardo, better known simply as Trajan, is a Film Major senior at the Hudson County School of Technology, County Prep in Jersey City. He is graduating in 2021 and will be attending Montclair State University where he will be getting his BFA in Filmmaking.

Trajan spent much of quarantine in the creative mode, producing a number of short films and videos. He was Lead Editor for the Hurley Family Foundation and helped create 9 basketball workout videos that kids could do at home to stay in shape. He also created a series of DIY film trailer remakes with his brothers, including King Arthur; Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; and Tenet.

In 2021, Trajan won the Grand Jury Prize in Montclair Film's Emerging Filmmakers Contest for his short film, "The Voice of Reason".

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"No Prom to Love?" was a true labor of love, a chance for all the students involved to save what little we could out of this stressful school year.

While I wrote this short film throughout the stay-at-home school year, County Prep High School in Jersey City did not re-open until late in the Spring, which only gave us a month to cast, film, and edit this movie.

As you will see, we followed strict COVID protocols including acting with masks on, which presented unique challenges in both the visual and audio aspects of production.

The film has its flaws. I admit that. But I can't thank this incredible student cast & crew enough who were completely flawless during this rush of filmmaking. They refused to let their creativity be squashed by the crushing pandemic. We survived and, moreso, thrived via this incredible experience.

We hope you enjoy this film as much as we had making it!