Strong Friend

"Strong Friend" is an eye-opening and inspiring story about Janay, a successful career woman, devoted wife, and loving mother, who faces unforeseen challenges in her personal life. Despite her accomplishments, Janay struggles to maintain a balance between her responsibilities and relationships. As she supports her friends through their issues, Janay becomes the pillar of strength and wisdom they can rely on. However, when her own life spirals out of control, Janay finds herself overwhelmed by her circumstances, leading to an emotional breakdown. Once she can no longer handle everything on her own, she recieves assistance from one of her closest friends who helps Janay regain her mental stability. "Strong Friend" illustrates that even in the most challenging times, you are not alone, it's essential to ask for help from others. While focusing on our mental health, we can better understand ourselves, develop coping skills and stronger relationships, and discover the true power of friendship, growth, and resilience.

  • Frederick LeRoyal McDuffy
    Director
  • Reginald L.C. Smith
    Writer
  • Frederick LeRoyal McDuffy
    Writer
  • Frederick LeRoyal McDuffy
    Producer
  • KENNEDY STAPLES
    Producer
  • CAMRYNN MCDUFFY
    Producer
  • Jessica McCargo
    Key Cast
    "Janay"
  • Shante´ Moore
    Key Cast
    "Monique"
  • Christian Condo-Carpio
    Key Cast
    "Alex"
  • Fallon Rufus
    Key Cast
    "Fallon"
  • Reginald L.C. Smith
    Key Cast
    "Chris"
  • Rhonda Byrd
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Speed"
  • Earnest Baskin
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Baskin"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 5, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The Los Angeles Film School
Director Biography - Frederick LeRoyal McDuffy

Frederick LeRoyal McDuffy is a native of Jonesboro Arkansas, a retired U.S Army Senior Noncommissioned officer, and a current student at The Los Angeles Film School(online). He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Digital Filmmaking. He recently finished writing and directed his first short film, "Strong Friend”, which is still being edited. In November 2023 he was inducted into the school’s National Honor Society.

While in the Military, he was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Army Entertainment from 2013-2016, and helped manage three entertainment programs called “Operation Rising Star”, “The U.S. Army Soldier Show” and “Concert Series”, acting as a Production Manager. He also co-hosted a game show called “Armed Forces Trivia Quest”. He is a husband and father to four daughters, who enjoys videogaming and youth mentorship in his spare time.

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Director Statement

I am proud to present "Strong Friend". The goal of this film is bring awareness to the struggles people go through behind closed doors while presenting an admirable facade to the world. This film highlights the reluctancy we sometimes have when it comes to seeking mental health assistance. It shows how sometimes even the strongest of people need help and we should always support and ecourage people to seek it.