Private Project

THE TOWER

Jane, a newly single and jobless Brooklynite *literally* stumbles upon a mysterious book that catapults her into a dizzying quest of self-discovery.

After unexplained manifestations occur on her dreaded birthday, Jane sets off on a bizarre adventure to find the author of the book. The serendipitous journey leads her to a remarkable mystic, challenging her to confront her unresolved grief and finally move forward…

From Director Eden Alexis Martinez (After Closing) and first-time filmmaker, Sam Gray (Actress, Writer, Producer) comes the whimsical comedy/drama, THE TOWER. Created by a cast and crew of diverse backgrounds, many of whom identify as women, non-binary and/or are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, THE TOWER explores both the light and dark of life in the search for meaning and healing.

The cast includes Uma Paranjpe (Life of Pi on Broadway) & Jordan Alexander (Awkwafina is Nora from Queens).

  • Eden Alexis Martinez
    Director
    After Closing
  • Sam Gray
    Writer
  • Jeff Wyatt
    Writer
  • Anthony Valdés-Strickler
    Producer
    The Opener
  • Sam Gray
    Producer
  • Sam Gray
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
  • Uma Paranjpe
    Key Cast
    "Shea"
    Life of Pi (Broadway)
  • Jordan Alexander
    Key Cast
    "Nova"
    Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Inventing Anna
  • Dani Foster
    Key Cast
    "Barista"
    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  • Ariel Leigh Cicero
    Editor
    Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God (HBO)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival
    Brooklyn
    United States
    June 2, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Imagine This Women's Weekend Film Festival
    NYC
    United States
    September 22, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Movies in Tompkins '24
    New York City
    United States
    September 25, 2024
  • Katra Film Series
    New York City
    United States
    October 2, 2024
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Eden Alexis Martinez

Eden Alexis Martinez (They/Them) is a Queer Puerto-Rican American filmmaker based in Lower East Side, New York. Their work explores social and cultural issues, navigating the intersection of identity and belonging. Spanning nonfiction and fiction, they craft films that resonate with the spirit of overcoming adversity, particularly with LGBTQIA and BiPOC characters, presenting their narratives through a subversive, uplifting, and jubilant lens.

Martinez work has screened at a number of film festivals including the Staten Island Film Festival and Lighthouse International Film Festival. They have over ten years' experience as a director and producer for independent films, web series, commercials and branded content, working with high profile clients such as 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Cornell, Verizon, and Vogue as well as A-list talent like Rosie Perez, John Cleese, Susan Sarandon, and Robert De Niro.

Eden's latest proof of concept film After Closing is produced by Little Animal Pictures, in partnership with Zeiss & Honto88 with an anticipated '2024 festival release. They are currently in development for the feature film After Closing. When not working, you can find Eden hiking with their dog Osita or in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Eden Alexis Martinez

"THE TOWER," is a journey where whimsy meets wisdom, and laughter dances with introspection. At its heart, this film whispers a profound truth: the answers we seek often reside within ourselves. Sam’s journey nudges us to embrace our inner guidance, knowing that sometimes, amidst life's twists and turns, the answers we seek are closer than we think."

--
Sam Gray (Actress, Writer, Producer)

“After one existential crisis led to another...like almost dying in an apartment fire,
then followed by the spookiest tarot reading ever, & losing my job for a year - (thanks covid!)
and let's not forget countless heartbreaks - I knew I wanted to create a comedic yet honest film
that reflected my own coming-of-age journey that many others could relate to.

We all have the power to create the lives we want, we just need to be open to the unexpected.

Inspired by, Broad City, Search Party, Greta Gerwig and so on. It was important for me to blend the genres of comedy and drama while displaying my quirky flair. It is my hope that this film inspires others to seek magic in this life, without taking themselves too seriously."