Experiencing Interruptions?

Reunions in Heaven

Nana, a free-spirited grandmother enjoying time with her grandchildren. She tells her young granddaughter that she isn’t afraid to die, because when it is time to come home, she’ll be ready, and all will be okay. Then, we are introduced to Renee, who receives a heartbreaking diagnosis of brain cancer. It doesn’t leave her much time to spend with her family and one and only teenage child. She holds on for as long as she possibly can, and wants to take in every moment she has left. Finally, we see Christian having done well for himself, and even with presumably a great life, how losing someone close to him still affects him. Each character’s unique perspective on living life and feelings on death shape what a reunion may look like when they take those first steps into heaven and see the ones who passed before them. When they reunite what will it look like? Will there be tears, laughter, pain, some sort of closure?

  • Samantha Ryan
    Director
  • Samantha Ryan
    Writer
  • Samantha Ryan
    Producer
  • Maverick Risley
    Key Cast
    "Christian"
  • Melissa Coles
    Key Cast
    "Renee"
  • Becca Blanc
    Key Cast
    "Maize"
  • Judy Littlefield
    Key Cast
    "Nana"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,030 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Samantha Ryan

Samantha is from a small town in Ohio. Even from a young age, film and the visual arts have always played a big role in her life. Back home she worked as a camera operator at a local television station called BMUTV, as well as being a freelance assistant producer with Richer Productions, specializing in both live and online sports. Her experience started in high school theatre, which lead to becoming an assistant drama teacher at the Black Swamp Creative Arts Camp over the summer. Samantha is now writing, directing, acting, and modeling part time. She also does photography on the side of her busy life. Samantha was a supporting actress in a short film called Last Chance as Sydney directed by Neil Watson, and as Cassie Sandsmark, Wonder Girl, in Superboy (2014) a short fan film directed by Owen Kennelly. She has never questioned herself and what she knows she is capable of. Samantha has worked as a director on a few short films. Her background in acting gives her the ability to understand and relate to her cast and knows how to pull emotions from her cast to get the best performances possible. She has directed Goldfish (2014) and wrote, directed, and produced her own film Love Undead, a dramatic Love story that takes place in a zombie apocalypse starring Kally Khourshid. "Reunions in Heaven" is one of the most dramatic pieces she has have ever written and had the opportunity to direct. Samantha enjoys every minute of it and continues her passion in Directing. "I love making films," she says, "I get to tell a story through several different aspects. The best part is getting to know my actors to be able to guide them into the vision I want and sill achieve the most raw emotion as possible." Her mind is filled with several ideas that are waiting to be put on the big screen and she is ready to make magic.

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Director Statement

In the face of personal struggles and the pervasive challenge of grief, "Reunions in Heaven" aims to offer solace and inspire hope for our eventual reunions. Through this short film, I share stories to help others navigate their emotions and cherish meaningful connections.