Private Project

Speak

Speak is an experimental short film, based on a true story. The story follows a young adult struggling with mental illness, who is admitted to a psychiatric hospital against her will. When she arrives, she quickly realizes that patients are treated disrespectfully. Angry at the world and trapped within her own mind, she believes that being alone is the answer. However, she soon discovers that everyone in the hospital has their own story, and she develops a friendship with another patient. The two girls mentally escape to the beach where they meet their younger selves. They reach for their younger selves, and when they touch hands the energy transfers between them. The girls then experience renewed hope, and are able to appreciate the little things in life without fear of being judged or misunderstood by society. The film ends with both girls running away, signifying a start to their journey of healing and self-discovery.

  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Director
    Behind Bars
  • Emily Morgan Marcello
    Director
  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Writer
    Behind Bars
  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Producer
    Behind Bars
  • Jada Emily Silverstein
    Key Cast
  • Emily Morgan Marcello
    Key Cast
  • Nick Ambrose
    Key Cast
  • Marissa Tolero
    Key Cast
  • Markie Violet
    Key Cast
  • Lucy Ferranti
    Key Cast
  • Ascanio Stanzanni
    Key Cast
  • Andrew Torossian
    Composer
  • Ramone Ragoonanan
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    drama, music, narrative, experimental, short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 13, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Jada Emily Silverstein, Emily Morgan Marcello

Jada Silverstein: Jada is an actress, director, screenwriter, and filmmaker. She is the owner of Offbeat Films Production Company; which is a production company based in Long Island, New York. Jada has produced, written, and directed two short films (starring in one of them) and one feature film. She also starred in an upcoming short film titled "Chasing Emily."

Emily Morgan Marcello: Emily is an actress and director based in Long Island, New York. She has directed and starred in one short film in 2022. Emily is working as a PA on a feature film production.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Speak is an experimental short film based on an original spoken word poem. The film itself is silent, but includes a voice over of the poem. With this film, our goal is to spread awareness for mental illness, while exposing the flaws in the current mental health system.
The poem is written by Jada Silverstein; who has been through the psychiatric hospital system. The film stars Jada Silverstein and Emily Morgan Marcello, who have both struggled with mental illness. This film is vulnerable and we hope it will remind people that they aren't alone.