Experiencing Interruptions?

Whispers in Ink

Sam, a 16-year-old student, struggles with depression and self-doubt, reinforced by his parents. While they dismiss his creative passion as a waste of time and downplay his problems, Tom appears, a sarcastic and relentless shadow of himself. Tom forces Sam to confront his darkest thoughts, leading him through scenes of pain and hope. Through this confrontation, Sam begins to understand his own emotions and develops a new perspective on his life and family. As he realizes that survival is not surrender but an act of defiance, he returns to reality with a spark of hope, ready to redefine his path.

  • Erik James Egler
    Director
    Rote Liebe, Looking Glass, Synesthesia
  • Erik James Egler
    Writer
    Rote Liebe, Zwischen den Zeilen
  • Erik James Egler
    Producer
    Rote Liebe, Looking Glass, Synesthesia
  • Christian Kressmann
    Key Cast
    "Tom"
    The Soldier and the Orphan
  • Sean Kühnl
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • Ludwig Waldmüller
    Key Cast
    "Vater"
  • Sabrina Dietel
    Key Cast
    "Mutter"
  • Valentin Kießling
    Director of Photography
    The Soldier and the Orphan, 2045: CREATORS
  • Alessandro Cardarelli
    Music Composer
    Synesthesia
  • Richard Hollerung
    Colorgrading
    Looking Glass, Behind Mind's Door, 2045: Creators
  • Richard Hollerung
    Camera Operator
  • Konrad Werner
    Sound Design
  • Fabian Becker
    Production Manager
    2045: CREATORS
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Coming-of-age, Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 20, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    500 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k ARRI, RED, 5.1 Master
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - SAE Institute Leipzig
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • SAE Testscreening
    Leipzig
    Germany
    April 29, 2025
    Official Selection / shown
  • Paradise Film Festival
    Köln
    Germany
    May 3, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Purple Sky International Film Festival
    Hamburg
    Germany
    June 3, 2025
    Official Selection
  • First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 10

    United Kingdom
    June 16, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Schulterblick Filmfestival
    Berlin
    Germany
    November 21, 2025
    Honorable Mention
Director Biography - Erik James Egler

Erik James Egler (born October 16, 2004) is an emerging director and screenwriter from Leipzig, Germany. He discovered his passion for storytelling at an early age, beginning with short stories before transitioning into screenwriting. Alongside his love for writing, he developed a strong interest in photography, which eventually led him to apply to the SAE Institute in Leipzig.

During his studies, he directed three short films, including his most recent work, "Whispers in Ink" – a coming-of-age drama with thriller elements – which he successfully completed as part of his diploma at the SAE Institute. "Whispers in Ink" is his first project produced on a more professional level, involving a larger crew, professional equipment, and a longer runtime, marking a significant step forward in his filmmaking journey.

He focuses on crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences and evoke deep emotions. In addition to his own projects, he has gained extensive on-set experience and worked as an assistant director on "2045: Creators" by Richard Hollerung.

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Director Statement

„In the darkness of life, we often have to find the light ourselves.“ This idea is at the heart of my film. As a director, I am particularly interested in how people deal with inner struggles that often remain invisible. The film addresses the theme of isolation and the question of how one copes with the feeling of meaninglessness when it seems there is no one around to help. The film aims to encourage the audience to reflect on their own challenges and realize that the choice to live is always possible, even when the path is unclear. It is meant to be a film for those who feel unseen or unheard.