Experiencing Interruptions?

Sam

An autistic teenager must face his fear of socializing with his peers as he struggles with letting go of his imaginary friends.

  • Laura Palacio
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Special Needs
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:10
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Liberty University
Director Biography - Laura Palacio

Laura Palacio has worked as a Graphic Designer and Key Makeup Artist in the Feature Film “Never Give Up” and worked as a Production designer for several shorts. In 2019 she published two short stories: “Blank Slate” and “Mirror Me”. In 2020 she co-wrote and directed the audio-podcast story “Stellarum”. In 2022 she wrote and directed her short film “Sam”. Laura strives to bring untold stories to the limelight.

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Director Statement

The heart behind "Sam" is accepting the risk of pain to gain friendship. I was inspired by the idea of a boy picking up trash and chasing a paper ball. Why he was chasing it and why he was picking garbage up by himself made me wonder if he was lonely. He wanted to find someone to befriend at the end of his pursuit. By making the film silent, I portrayed the way the character is unable to communicate with anyone but his imaginary friends. The character continues to to attempt and fail throughout the film until the moment he has to decide between comfort from his imaginary friends, or risk hurt for the sake of true connection.