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The Family Secret

Three selfish schemers each attempt to exploit their relationship with a celebrated chef and steal the secret recipe of his most famous dish that's built a family fortune.

  • TJ Cheslea
    Director
  • Ari Pollack
    Writer
  • TJ Cheslea
    Producer
  • Anthony Ulc
    Key Cast
    "Kai Lee"
  • Megan Hutchings
    Key Cast
    "Molly"
  • Asante Tracey
    Key Cast
    "Desmond"
  • Ross Tundo
    Key Cast
    "KJ"
  • Nick Marinelli
    Cinematography
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Family Drama, Sci-Fi, Heist
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - TJ Cheslea

TJ Cheslea is a filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. Transitioning from an extensive background as an actor to a director, TJ has quickly made a name for himself in the film industry. His film, "The Family Secret," was conceived, shot, and edited in just 48 hours as part of the 2023 48hr Film Project. Recently, TJ was named Best Director and won Best Film at the 2024 Toronto 48hr Sci-fi Film Challenge with his film "Transfusion Parallax."

In addition to his directing achievements, TJ works as a Production Coordinator on the hit CBC TV show "Bollywed." With aspirations to create an ambitious career as a producer, director, and showrunner in both television and feature films, TJ's ultimate dream is to direct a feature for a major studio property.

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Director Statement

The Family Secret began as a heist film but became something more personal—an exploration of legacy, forgiveness, and the intangible bonds that connect us. This story follows three characters infiltrating the subconscious of a renowned chef to steal his legendary family recipe. At its heart, however, lies the strained relationship between a father and his estranged son, wrapped in a suspenseful, genre-bending narrative.

With this film, I wanted to balance the intensity of a high-stakes heist with the raw vulnerability of a son confronting his father’s absence. The chef’s subconscious becomes both a vault of secrets and a bridge for reconciliation, and I wanted the visuals to contrast these dual worlds—the opulence of the chef’s memories against the dark intentions of the schemers.

When the son finally receives what he truly needs—his father’s love rather than his recipe—it’s a quiet revelation amidst the deception. My hope is that The Family Secret leaves audiences reflecting on what we inherit beyond material wealth, and on the idea that some legacies are meant to be kept within the family.