Experiencing Interruptions?

The Prayer

Seven years after the rapture, DAVID finds himself in a perpetual loop of regret and bitterness. JUNIOR wants his father to move on, but DAVID remains angry at God for taking his wife, daughter and leaving them behind. One night, in the middle of dinner, the men are greeted by a stranger at their door. A mysterious preacher, FATHER HAYMEN, offers DAVID a twisted way into Heaven, but is the price of admission too high?

  • Rod Kirby
    Writer/Director
    Love in Dark Places, Joy, Sodom
  • Rod Kirby
    Producer
    Love in Dark Places, Joy, Sodom
  • Kimberly Kirby
    Producer
    Love in Dark Places, Joy, Love Like This
  • Delvyn Brown
    Key Cast
    "David"
  • Brandi Payne
    Key Cast
    "Denise"
  • Everett Anderson
    Key Cast
    "Junior"
  • G. Tremain Merrell
    Key Cast
    "Father Haymen"
  • Antonio Tarrell: Director of Photography
    Production Team
  • Dindie Donelson: Production Assistant
    Production Team
  • Rod Kirby: Post Supervisor, Editor, SFX
    Post-Production Team
  • Jaimie Ann Pangan: Film Composer
    Post-Production Team
  • Daniel Lynn: Re-Recording Mixer
    Post-Production Team
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 12, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography

Rod Kirby is an American screenwriter, film director, and producer. He is the founder of Kirby Media Studios, a TV and film studio based in Memphis, TN. His notable projects include THE PRAYER (2021), JOY (2016), LOVE IN DARK PLACES (2014), and SODOM (2013).

THE PRAYER’s screenplay was a second-round pick in Screencraft’s Film Fund Competition and a semifinalist winner in the 5th Annual Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards.

Rod is passionate about serving his local film community as the entertainment industry evolves. He publishes The Indie-Pendent, a newsletter highlighting independent film news and resources to 500+ subscribers. In March 2020, Rod launched a showcase that elevated indie film projects smothered by overwhelming COVID-19 news coverage. He’s also the host of The Rod Kirby Show, a podcast covering the ever-expanding world of film and entertainment.

Rod is a graduate of Full Sail University’s Master of Science in Entertainment Business program. He graduated with a 3.92 GPA, was awarded a course director award, and an advanced achievement award in entertainment copyright law.

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Director Statement

Filmmaking is an extremely personal artform. As a writer and director, I take elements of my life and infuse them into every aspect of a story. From the theme, characters, and setting, there’s a piece of me in every corner of the film. This is especially true of my latest project, The Prayer. This film is the answer to my personal questions about faith and salvation.

This isn't your typical Christian film. The Prayer is a dark and gritty exploration of what happens when we’re forced to confront our sin and what it takes to earn redemption. The film is a mix of faith-based films like the Left Behind series and thrillers like Frailty. It took over a year to produce because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, with much determination, hard work, and support from my team, we got it done. Enjoy the film and thank you for your consideration!