Private Project

On the Line

Devin wants nothing more than to die, but his family wants nothing more than to see him live. Over the past year, he’s attempted to take his life 5 times. Each time Devin survives, it’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that the next attempt could be right around the corner. On the same day Lamar is prepping for one of the biggest auditions of his career, he receives a phone call that Devin is threatening to take his own life. Lamar tries to remind himself that his brother always ends up being okay and he needs to focus on his audition so he can financially support long-term treatment for Devin. As he tries to hone in on his script, the words of his monologue reflect his internal battle, making it harder and harder to compartmentalize what’s going on with his family. With both his career and family on the line, Lamar must decide what he’s willing to lose when the pressure of his career and his family are both on the line.

  • Brianna Devons
    Director
  • Brianna Devons
    Writer
  • Lamar Usher
    Writer
  • Brianna Devons
    Producer
  • Lamar Usher
    Producer
  • Leon Pierce Jr.
    Producer
    Welcome Matt
  • Alexis Arago
    Producer
  • Lamar Usher
    Key Cast
    "Lamar"
    Dolemite Is My Name
  • Riki Yvette Westmoreland
    Key Cast
    "Regina"
  • Darren Lee Campbell
    Key Cast
    "Devin"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 27, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 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 - Brianna Devons

Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do I matter?
These are the things we ask ourselves while on our personal journey through life. We often forget that we are all connected to a much larger human experience. Brianna is focused on that experience and how it effects our individual mental health. She brings over 7 years of storytelling through film to the table. She leverages her dynamic ability to bring the voices of the marginalized into the mainstream. Drawing from personal perspective and experience she has the innate ability to tell a story that has a universal point of connectivity for us all. Brianna works as a producer for NBCUniversal during the day, using her free time to create films that will have an impact on the world today. Her ultimate goal is to navigate through the complexity of the human experience. To speak to the masses that feel lost and cast aside. Utilizing the power of film she delivers the ultimate message of hope in her first powerful directorial debut “On The Line” delivering the most important message of all. We hear you, We see you, You matter.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film is essential, especially to young black youth trying to navigate in today’s society. While it focuses on an African American family that’s dealing with mental health issues, it is applicable to us all. We are all represented by these characters. It gives visibility to the human experience and the common feeling we share of being alone and living without hope. I know what it's like to plead with someone to not end their life. To pour love and energy into them every minute to no avail. To Desperately call every health care facility, and therapist to try and find solutions only to be met with a cycle of dead ends and voices void of empathy and compassion. The anxiety is constant but knowing you're not alone in this fight is most important. You must have hope. This film speaks to us all because Loneliness and depression have proven to be a silent killer. “On The Line” shines light on these complex issues while giving us hope to fight another day.