The Garden

A UFC fighter is given the opportunity to go pro, but while out celebrating he gets into a street fight and accidentally kills a man.

  • Michael J. Murphy
    Director
  • Nakoa DeCoite
    Writer
  • Michael J. Murphy
    Writer
  • Mark Cockfield
    Producer
  • Nakoa DeCoite
    Key Cast
  • Jordyn Denning
    Key Cast
  • Cameron Cowperthwaite
    Key Cast
  • Tom Draper
    Key Cast
  • Don Turner
    Cinematography
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Large Format
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:66
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Michael J. Murphy

Michael J. Murphy is a 25-year-old writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles, CA. Over the last seven years, he has directed a multitude of short films, commercials, and series that are anchored in romance and drama.

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Director Statement

The Garden takes an intimate look at masculinity and self-destruction through the lens of a vibrant love story. Despite our character, Alexio's, exposure to violence as a means of survival, the soft textures and moments of peace found throughout the film serve as a light at the end of a long tunnel; one we all know as we reach for our goals and make sacrifices in pursuit of the unattainable. This film is about a garden of opportunity stomped on by the faults of a man taught to fight his entire life and the process of accepting who he has become.