The Mood Swing

"The Mood Swing" is a short film over 4 years in the making. Step 1 was to concept, write, illustrate, and publish a completely original children's book — Step 2 was to bring that book to life in a whimsical and heart-warming short film experienced through the point of view of an imaginative young boy (Jack). "The Mood Swing" is based around a magical swing that helps a young boy (Peter) to navigate the emotional ups and downs of grief after the loss of his father. I wrote and published the book this past father's day under the pen name B.R. Duray.

B.R. Duray was my father, who passed away when I was 10 years old. He was a heavily decorated Special Forces Army officer, served 3 tours in Vietnam, was deployed with Delta for Operation Eagle Claw, and received two Purple Hearts.

My dad began to write about his military career under the pen name B.R. Duray before he passed away, as a way to work through his ups and downs of military life, but never got a chance to publish. It took me many years to regain my own balance in life, so I wrote “The Mood Swing” using my dad's pen name as an homage to him, and to keep his spirit alive through the story — he’s my “blue star in the sky” that has given me comfort and hope in difficult moments.

"The Mood Swing" was created from the heart. It's the story I wished I had as a kid, and it is dedicated to all those who lose a loved one and also struggle to regain their balance in life. Despite the sadness that accompanies the loss of a parent, what I learned is that for every tear shed, there are countless moments of love, resilience, and hope -- these come in the form of community, loved ones and even powerful stories. I wrote and directed this short film to bring the book to life and create an emotional tether between a mother and her son, who are grieving together. My mom guided me through my grief with her own stories of faith and strength. It is these stories that helped me to move through difficulty and find new meaning in tragedy.

My intention for this film is to inspire children by offering a way to remember and cherish the memories of their lost ones -- and to remind them that though feelings will appear strong and uncontrollable, balance will one day return. This film is a love letter to the power of story, especially one shared between mother and son. If this movie can offer a renewed sense of connection and solace to children and families, inspire some inner strength, and remind audiences that we are not alone when someone we love dies... then mission accomplished.

No matter what age you are, when you lose someone you love you feel the pain, vulnerability and rawness of childhood again. “The Mood Swing” is a childlike adventure, but meant for adult audiences too, and can hopefully speak to the child in everyone, comfort families in difficult times, and provide some magic and wonder to people of all ages.