Experiencing Interruptions?

Run Wild (16mm)

Rayla, an eight-year-old love child from a violently broken home, is torn between adoring and fearing her estranged alcoholic father, Taz. When the obligatory weekend visitation finally transpires, Rayla finds herself forced into a terrifying task in the desert.

In English and Arabic with subtitles.

  • Roxanna Lewis
    Director
    The Crossing (starring Cote de Pablo/NCIS), Mandy's Voice (Rachel Barcellona + authentic casting, crew, producing team)
  • Roxanna Lewis
    Writer
    The Crossing (starring Cote de Pablo/NCIS), Mandy's Voice (Rachel Barcellona + authentic casting, crew, producing team)
  • Roxanna Lewis
    Producer
    The Crossing (starring Cote de Pablo/NCIS), Mandy's Voice (Rachel Barcellona + authentic casting, crew, producing team)
  • Rachel Stander
    Producer
    Séance, Scrap, Such A Pretty Girl
  • Tracy A. Martin
    Producer
    The Last Deal, Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods
  • Karine Mauffrey
    Producer
    (stunts) Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Carry On, The Present
  • Kimberly Seilhamer
    Producer
    Jack the Reaper, Hometown Hero, The Lighthouse
  • Jophielle Love
    Key Cast
    "Rayla"
    Emmy-nominated for General Hospital, Will Trent, Five Nights at Freddy's, Grey's Anatomy
  • Eric Palmer
    Key Cast
    "Taz"
    Prologue
  • Lidiya Korotko
    Key Cast
    "Nasima"
    S.W.A.T., Bombs Bursting in Air, Shameless
  • Sally Struthers
    Key Cast
    "June"
    Two-time Emmy winner, All in the Family, A Man on the Inside
  • Jonny Walker
    Key Cast
    "Cop"
    Rogue Cops: Pushed to the Limit
  • Dave Eggar
    Music
    Terrifier 3, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Zoolander
  • Project Type:
    Short, Other
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 3, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    Arabic, English
  • Shooting Format:
    super 16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Love and Hope International Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    October 3, 2025
    World Premiere
    Best American Short Film (Canada, US, Central & South America)
  • Short. Sweet. Film Fest
    Cleveland
    United States
    March 7, 2026
    US Premiere
    Audience Choice Award, Women in Focus 1
  • Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival
    Muskogee
    United States
    March 20, 2026
    Oklahoma Premiere
    Best of Fest Short Film for Domestic Violence Advocacy
Director Biography - Roxanna Lewis

Roxanna Lewis’s approach to filmmaking is intrinsically linked to having been raised in the multi-generational home built by the hands of her Arab and European immigrant elders. Unfiltered stories shared between human rights activists, work-to-the bone laborers, cutthroat millionaires, war heroes and fallen addicts fueled her curiosity and imagination. She inherited a deep respect for humanity, the art of survival, and power of story.

Roxanna entered film/TV through the side door as stage director, choreographer, dancer and actress. As CEO of Roxxiedanz Productions Inc, she continues to helm projects that entertain, defy stereotypes and amplify resilience. Roxanna works with remarkable artists of all backgrounds and body types to include people who are neurotypical, neurodivergent, paraplegic, wheelchair users, d/Deaf and blind. She is the recipient of two grants from The Community Foundation (NEA partnership), Community First Cares, Westchester Community Council, and support from The Flutie Foundation for Rachel Barcellona for her narrative short, MANDY’S VOICE.

Filmography highlights: RUN WILD (16mm) starring 2024 Emmy nominated child actress, Jophielle Love and two-time Emmy-winner Sally Struthers), MANDY’S VOICE (International Autism Advocate Rachel Barcellona) and student film THE CROSSING (Cote de Pablo NCIS). Additional projects with Discovery Channel, Showtime, Mindless Entertainment, DNA Productions, The Revolver Film Company.

As a ‘life-changer’ for the powerful WE Believe event, Roxanna has presented to live audiences of 8,000+, and live streamed to 1.6 million across North America on “The Healing Power of Creativity and The Courage to Follow Your Dreams.” She is also a contributing author to Now Act! Insight, Advice, and Preparation Processes from Actors, Coaches, and Casting Directors, available on Amazon.

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Director Statement

RUN WILD (shot on super 16mm) is a narrative short based on my upbringing - a microcosm of damaged people bringing a little girl into the world they weren’t ready to meet. It calls out to the young child still crouching inside each of us, especially those who’ve endured fallout from growing up in a home where addiction, violence and mental health issues prevailed.

I chose to shoot on celluloid for very personal reasons; as one who launched into filmmaking after an exciting career as performer and choreographer + raising two kids, I wanted to take big risks and dive in feet-first to experience the medium in a way that felt authentic to the era in which this story was set (and really happened). I welcomed curiosity, wonder, and nostalgia into the creative process, along with love of experimentation and my most vulnerable fears - embracing mistakes as part of the work. I wanted to grow, and knew the demands of shooting on 16mm would push both myself and the team toward a richer, more expansive collaboration.

Through the making of this film, I aim to pry open the strong hold that childhood secrets carry over time – if only briefly - just long enough to remind us all that we are not alone. This story is not about saving another or surrendering one’s constitution; it’s about standing firmly on your own two feet and learning to love beyond a sense of duty.

It is my hope, for the inner-child in all of us, that this film offers reassurance: you are not alone. Healing from the scars – and even the poison – left by others is possible. You are capable. You are worthy. You are loved.

~ Roxanna Lewis