Private Project

Roses for Ms. Jacobs

A young man, seeking maternal guidance, finds himself a victim of sexual assault, later forced to confront his abuser once he learns of her sudden death.

  • David Legel
    Director
  • Andy Aguila
    Director
  • David Legel
    Writer
  • Andy Aguila
    Writer
  • David Legel
    Producer
  • Netania Allen (Co-Producer)
    Producer
  • Vivienne Favre (Co-Producer)
    Producer
  • Jack Stoll
    Cinematography
  • James Lewis
    Key Cast
    "Barry"
  • Andrew John Morrison
    Key Cast
    "Michael Jacobs"
  • Denise Pazienti
    Key Cast
    "Marie Jacobs"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 20, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    1,800 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon C200 RAW
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Columbia College Hollywood
  • Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    March 23, 2020
    "Best North American Drama"
  • Believe Psychology Film Festival
    Pasadena, CA
    United States
    June 25, 2020
    Nominated for "Best Short & a Special Achievement Award"
  • LA Liftoff Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    September 13, 2020
    Official Selection
  • CCH Film Festival
    Tarzana, CA
    United States
    September 30, 2019
    Official Selection
Director Biography - David Legel, Andy Aguila

David Legel & Andy Aguila are a filmmaking duo & childhood friends who have dedicated their lives to the arts.

David is a secular, dyslexic, filmmaker who grew up in poverty and temporary homelessness among the streets of downtown LA. After years of sacrificing everything, he and his single mother eventually built a stable life that allowed him to explore his passion for the arts. David now dedicates himself to communicating the diverse perspectives learned during his youth. He holds over a decade of education and work experience in the industry and remains resourceful even under the most bleak circumstances.

Andy Aguila comes from a Latin-Native American background and grew up in the San Fernando Valley under poverty and an unstable learning environment. Andy eventually found healthy outlets to give his life structure when introduced to the arts. With a background in illustration and animation, Andy has since grown a passion for expressing his diverse voice as a filmmaker using his pre-existing skills.

Their complementary philosophies & work experience ensures the development of balanced, marketable, thought-provoking entertainment in film & television. David & Andy are a team that believes good things come to those that make, not those that wait.

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Director Statement

In an era dominated by a newfound social awareness concerning sexual abuse, we sought to explore a less common perspective, that of a young man who is unexpectedly abused by someone he trusts, an authority figure, his teacher, his friend, Ms. Jacobs.

Time and time again stories of unreported assaults take place indefinitely across the globe. With “Roses for Ms. Jacobs” we wanted to share the perspective of how a victim might feel once their assailant’s life is cut short before any form of closure on the incident can be processed. When someone is gone, they're gone. No goodbyes or I’m sorry, all that remains is the impact they had on those around them.

There are two central messages we hope to leave behind. The first is that no matter what we face in life, how we go on living is what defines us. Though we do not choose hardship, we do have a choice to not be corrupted by it.

Lastly, the most important tool a victim owns to overcome their trauma is to recognize they are not alone. We are not alone. No matter what life throws our way, there is someone out there who understands, who cares, who needs you as much as you need them.