Songs and Secrets

In the 1970s, charming wedding photographer Michael has come out of the closet. After Hanukkah, before his clever daughter Sarah goes back to college, he asks her to help him come out to his mother (Sarah's Bubbe), but the evening doesn't go as planned. A nostalgic, affectionate short dramedy.

  • Sherri Z. Heller
    Director
  • Sherri Z. Heller
    Writer
  • Dawn Spinella
    Producer
  • Todd Bull
    Producer
  • Sherri Z. Heller
    Producer
  • Jack F. Heller
    Producer
  • Jesse Janzen
    Key Cast
    "Michael"
  • Sarah Rothaus
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
  • Adrienne Sher
    Key Cast
    "Bubbe"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    dramedy, drama comedy, drama, comedy, LGBTQ, religious
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 16, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Arri Alexa (digital)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sherri Z. Heller

After decades of community theater and five years of professional film, tv, and commercial acting, Sherri has (inevitably) gone behind the camera. She's written, directed, and edited her first short film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My dad really was a wedding photographer who came out of the closet when I was in college. I really did help him come out to his mom (my bubbe), but it didn't go like this. This film is not so much autobiographical as it is 'wish fulfillment'. But my bubbe really did respond with this question! I wish my dad was still here to see that I know what to do with a camera.