Experiencing Interruptions?

Really, Gabriel?!

Really, Gabriel?! is "Guess Who" meets Netflix's "You" sprinkled with "In&Out".

LOGLINE:
"After a surprise visit from his pretentious boyfriend, a talented young singer must navigate their first meet and greet with his no-nonsense mother."

At the onset, we have a homecoming of sorts as our protagonist Gabriel, a mousy, young college student, visits his mother. It is heavily implied that he is on one of the typical breaks from school. Momma, a jovial, plus size progressive-southern-belle, greets her son with an overwhelmingly loving embrace. Soon, Gabriel is serenading his mother. This also serves as a rehearsal for their upcoming Mother-Son Day Bazaar. However, they are abruptly interrupted by Chad, a snarky, shade-throwing-narcissist, who turns out to be Gabriel's boyfriend. Needless to say, Chad makes a horrendous first impression as Momma spends much of the time trying to convince Gabriel that he not only deserves better, but he certainly can do better.

  • Eric Bendross
    Director
    Love Conquers..., KillerKravings
  • Eric Bendross
    Writer
    Love Conquers..., KillerKravings
  • Eric Bendross
    Producer
    Love Conquers..., KillerKravings
  • Xavier D Elliton
    Key Cast
    "Gabriel Williams"
    Love Conquers...(2021), KillerKravings (2021)
  • Nikkie Bendross
    Key Cast
    "Hattie "Momma" Williams"
    ATL Homicide [The Tale of Two Gordons] (2019), Love Conquers...(2021)
  • Allen Gorney
    Key Cast
    "Chad"
    Malfeasance (2009), No Good Deeds (2015), Frank vs. God (2014).
  • Concepcion Santiago, Jr
    Director of Photography
    Shattered Loyalty
  • Eric Bendross
    Editor
  • Allison Newton
    Unit Production Manager
  • Catherine Taveras
    First Assistant Director
  • Nikkie Bendross
    Production Designer
    KillerKravings
  • Concepcion Santiago, Jr
    Set Decorator
  • Jamal Smith
    Assistant Set Decorator
  • A. Jay Laurent
    Drone Operator
  • Dajah Benton
    "A" Camera Operator
  • Andrew Petry
    "B" Camera Operator
  • Julia Menning
    Second Assistant Camera (Day 1)
  • Andrew Petry
    First Assistant Camera
  • Robert Striffler
    Script Supervisor / Gaffer / Camera Utility
  • Roskivenson Pierre
    Sound Mixer & Boom Operator
  • Sierra D Davis
    Makeup Effects Artist (Day 3)
  • Jamal Smith
    Production Assistant
  • Brolefilmer (via Pixabay)
    Composers
    Sneaking in the Dark
  • Grand Project (via Pixabay)
    Composers
    Love Story
  • Victor Natas (via Freesound.org)
    Composers
    Shadow Dancers
  • Xavier D. Elliton
    Opening Prelude
  • Xavier D. Elliton
    "This Little Light of Mine" performed by
  • Xavier D. Elliton
    "Can't Afford Another Heartbreak" written, produced & performed by
  • Eric Bendross
    Executive Producers
    Love Conquers..., KillerKravings
  • Nikkie Bendross
    Executive Producers
    Love Conquers..., KillerKravings
  • Bendross Studios
    Production Company
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Comedy, LGBT, Drama, LGBTQ
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 6, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 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:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Full Sail University
Director Biography - Eric Bendross

Eric Bendross is an award-winning American film director/ director of photography & former actor. Multi-talented and driven; Bendross is originally from Miami, Florida and best known for his emotionally riveting and Gold Telly Award-Winning short film 'Love Conquers…' which touches on the anguish felt by many in the LGBTQ community when coming out along with the impactful docushort 'My Skin Is Not A Sin', which endeavors to be a conversation starter within the arena of race relations in the United States but more poignantly regarding disparities between the lived experiences of Black mothers vs. White mothers. In addition, Eric has also appeared in numerous television, independent and studio film productions including OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's Checked Inn; VH1's Swab Stories; Investigation Discovery's I (Almost) Got Away With It, Wives With Knives and Sex Sent Me To The Slammer; Purple Flowers; truTV's South Beach Tow, Universal Pictures' 2 Fast 2 Furious and more. Notably, Bendross received his formal education at Johnson & Wales University and Full Sail University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Digital Cinematography and Master of Fine Arts in Film Production. Moreover, Mr. Bendross is very passionate about creating transformative content for all to see!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When the concept for 'Really, Gabriel?!' first came to mind, I envisioned it as an epic drama, drawn to the allure of serious, thought-provoking narratives. But divine intervention led me down a different path, and the result is a film more akin to 'Guess Who' meets Netflix's 'You' sprinkled with "In&Out". This project challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace comedy—a genre I had always felt insecure about.

I'm proud to say that not only did I rise to the occasion, but my production crew and I crafted a film that goes beyond laughs, addressing poignant themes such as self-worth and confidence building. These are the life-sustaining gifts that 'Really, Gabriel?!' offers its audience.

Sincerely,

Eric Bendross
Director/Writer/Producer