Experiencing Interruptions?

Reel Wisdom

A young fisherman’s frantic struggle to outdo an old man’s effortless success leads to a humbling realization.

  • Ollie Weston Cunningham
    Director
  • Ollie Weston Cunningham
    Writer
  • Ollie Weston Cunnningham
    Producer
  • Pierce Gordon
    Key Cast
    "Young Man"
  • Charlie Cohen
    Key Cast
    "Old Man"
  • Ollie Weston Cunningham
    Cinematography
  • Ollie Weston Cunningham
    Editor
  • Carlos Ordoñez
    Editor
  • Sol Guerrero
    Camera Crew
  • Liam Cunningham
    Camera Crew
  • Callum Brown
    Camera Crew
  • Ollie Weston Cunningham
    Sound
  • Santino Mosley
    Sound
  • Carlos Ordoñez
    Sound
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    35 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - LACES High School
Director Biography - Ollie Weston Cunningham

Ollie Cunningham is a filmmaker dedicated to addressing the root causes of suffering through his work. Drawing from personal experiences in sports and life, he has learned that suffering is complex and multifaceted, yet it is something all humans share. His journey has been shaped by physical challenges and moments of personal growth, such as learning the importance of patience and accepting the wisdom of others. Ollie’s goal is to create stories that go beyond entertainment, aiming to make audiences more aware, compassionate, and willing to see the humanity in others. By tackling the root causes of suffering through his filmmaking, Ollie hopes to inspire change and build a world where empathy and understanding can prevent pain before it begins.

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Director Statement

What inspired me to make Reel Wisdom was to stop people from going through the same physical and mental pain I did. I was the young man. I was impatient.

Physically, I always jumped right back into things after being knocked down. As a soccer player, I accumulated tons of injuries—4 broken wrists, 6 dislocated shoulders, 2 surgeries, and 3 sprained ankles. I never truly addressed the root cause of my suffering. I wasn’t patient with my recovery. I kept pushing myself back into action when I wasn’t ready. If I had waited just a little longer, I could have healed properly and avoided much of the pain I endured.

While the physical pain was tough, it was a lost love that led me to mental pain. In my previous relationships, I never had to make the first move. This all changed when I developed a deep crush. I really liked this girl, and I tried everything to make her love me. I pre-planned conversations, pretended to like the music she loved, and tried to be someone I wasn’t. But what I never did was let her come to me. I wasn’t patient. I forced it.

Reel Wisdom is a reflection of these personal lessons. The old man in the film embodies the wisdom I learned too late: sometimes, the key to success and happiness is knowing when to wait & when to let things unfold naturally. The young man’s struggle represents the frustrations we all feel when we try to force outcomes, whether it's in relationships, careers, or personal growth. But in the end, the young man learns that things come when you stop forcing them.

Through this story, I want to share that wisdom with others, to show that sometimes, doing less and waiting more can lead to far greater rewards than all the frantic effort we put in.