Experiencing Interruptions?

Sam's Town

A sudden death in the family causes Sam, a fragile yet troubled young man, to abruptly spiral down a neverending rabbit hole. After deciding to dispose of his medication in a fit of rage, ghosts from Sam's haunted past begin to resurface and push him beyond the limits of his reality. Suffering from the aftermath of a paranoid panic attack, he loses all touch with the world around him as his delusions manifest. Believing his father is trying to reconcile with the family, he rushes to his childhood home only to find that things are not as they appear. After uncovering the truth, Sam seemingly accepts his reality. Or does he?

  • Carter Dodd
    Director
  • Carter Dodd
    Writer
  • Michael Lee
    Producer
  • Geoffrey Chadwick
    Producer
  • Carter Dodd
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • DeAnza Bañuelos
    Key Cast
    "Allie"
  • Jenna Hawkins
    Key Cast
    "Woman"
  • Gavin de Sena Roberts
    Key Cast
    "Kyler"
  • Michael Lee
    Key Cast
    "Frank"
  • Damien Harwell
    Key Cast
    "Boy"
  • Sheri Carter
    Key Cast
    "Nurse"
  • Dustin Chitty
    Key Cast
    "Patient 1"
  • Reid Sanders
    Key Cast
    "Patient 2"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 25, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Black Magic Pocket 4K
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Colorado Film School
  • 307 International Film Festival
    Laramie, Wyoming
    August 25, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Chain NYC Film Festival
    New York, NY
    August 3, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Richmond Film Network
    Richmond, VA
    United States
    February 15, 2023
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    March 22, 2023
    Nominee: Short Film
  • Visionary Arts Short Film Competition
    England
    United Kingdom
    March 21, 2023
    Semi-Finalist: Short Film
  • Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival
    Beverly Hills, CA
    April 20, 2023
    Honorable Mention: Best Short Film
  • Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival
    Beverly Hills, CA
    April 20, 2023
    Finalist: Best Actor
  • The IndieFEST Film Awards
    La Jolla, CA
    United States
    January 31, 2023
    Award of Recognition - Actor: Leading
  • Crown Point International Film Festival
    Chicago, IL
    United States
    February 2, 2023
    Winner: Best Narrative
  • Crown Point International Film Festival
    Chicago, IL
    United States
    February 2, 2023
    Winner: Best Actor
Director Biography - Carter Dodd

Carter Dodd is a Denver-based independent filmmaker and actor. He is known for being a moment maker who provides top-tier acting for on and offscreen performances.

Feeling like he was never one to fit in, Carter spent a lifetime trying to identify his voice. It wasn't until about 11 years ago, after many childhood moves and happenstances, that Carter finally found what he'd been searching for his whole life - acting. It was this discovery that uncovered his voice. Something that he feels compelled to bring forth in all of the stories that he tells to this day.

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Director Statement

Sam's Town is a very personal story to me and almost autobiographical in many different ways. My goal here has always been and always will be about getting the conversation started. Mental Health disorder is something that 1 in 4 U.S. adults suffer from, yet it's still a topic we are too afraid to address. While watching this film, I want the viewer to experience whatever this story brings up for them then I want them to process that. What you take away from it may not be what another viewer takes from it, and that's okay. Sam's Town is hopefully a film that can impact and resonate with audience members who might share similar trauma. As long as I get you talking, I've done my job.