The Fires We Play With

A married couple navigates the complexities of love and desire in a world where technology blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.

  • Paulina Manseau
    Director
  • Paulina Manseau
    Writer
  • Tiana Stuart
    Key Cast
    "Wife"
    Love & Death/HBO, Merrily we run along.
  • Jeff Brody
    Key Cast
    "Husband"
    Station 19/CBS
  • Jennifer Lauray
    Key Cast
    "Therapist"
  • Christopher Winbush
    Key Cast
    "Friend"
    WB's Walker
  • Paula Marcenaro
    Key Cast
    "Woman"
  • Siya Rostami
    Key Cast
    "Man"
    The Night Agent/Netflix
  • Robert Lloyd Moore
    Crew
  • Laurie Powers Going
    Crew
    The Notebook, The Amazing Spiderman
  • Matthew Thomas
    Crew
    BeetleJuice
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sci-fi, Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 18, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Blackmagic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paulina Manseau

Paulina Manseau is an award-winning director, writer, and producer of Mexican and Lebanese roots born in Los Angeles, California. Currently residing in South Texas, Paulina draws inspiration from the vibrant community and cultural diversity surrounding her. Recognized as one of Texas' top directors and screenwriters, Paulina's talent and vision have earned her numerous accolades. In 2021, her works were featured on PBS, leading to her induction into the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD). In 2023 she was selected for AWD’s Mentor Latina Directors program ,where she is currently being mentored by director Alexis Ostrander (Apple TV’s Servant, AMC’s Interview with the Vampire)and by actress, producer Gina Torres (Suits, The Matrix, 9-1-1 Lone Star). She is also a member of The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and is currently serving on the film advisory board for the city of Corpus Christi.

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Director Statement

As a storyteller, I’m deeply fascinated by the intersection of human emotion and technology—the delicate space where desire, morality, and reality blur. The Fires We Play With is born from that curiosity, drawing inspiration from Black Mirror and its ability to frame deeply personal struggles against the backdrop of technological advancement.

This film explores the ways in which technology reshapes intimacy, trust, and the choices we make. At its core, it’s a story about connection—what we crave, what we suppress, and how our modern world tempts us to explore what might otherwise remain unspoken. In an age where digital experiences can feel as real as the physical, The Fires We Play With questions whether our actions in the virtual space are any less significant than those in reality.

Through a subtle, intimate lens, I want to immerse the audience in the quiet tension of relationships, where the most profound moments are often unspoken. My goal is to leave viewers reflecting on their own boundaries, the nature of temptation, and whether technology is truly a tool for exploration—or just another fire we can’t help but play with.