Experiencing Interruptions?

Crickets

Three estranged friends, desperate to escape the weight of their lives, reunite for an impulsive road trip. But as the open road unearths hidden truths and forgotten dreams, they find themselves confronting not just their pasts, but who they truly are.

  • Bardia Seiri
    Director
  • Bardia Seiri
    Writer
  • Ryan Harris
    Writer
  • Bardia Seiri
    Producer
  • Ryan Harris
    Producer
  • Bardia Seiri
    Key Cast
    "Raffi Goldberg"
    DIRECTOR
  • Ryan Harris
    Key Cast
    "Lucas Levenson"
    SIDE-TRACK'D
  • Chase Bowers
    Key Cast
    "Caleb Elrod"
  • Kenzy Mostafa
    Supporting Cast
    Sandra Tahara
  • Cardan Watson
    Supporting Cast
    Elena Clairmont
  • Felipe Cerdan
    Supporting Cast
    Caleb's Father
  • Melanie Cerdan
    Supporting Cast
    Caleb's Mother
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 13, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Saugus High School
Director Biography - Bardia Seiri

At seventeen years old, rising actor Bardia Seiri is proving to be one to watch in Hollywood today. In 2024, Seiri will make his feature film debut, starring as "Koosh" in Netflix's highly anticipated coming-of-age comedy, Incoming. Slated for global release on August 23, the film follows four freshmen as they face the ultimate challenge of their young lives: their first high school party. Incoming delves into teenage selfhood, exploring the complexities of adolescence, peer pressure, and young love. Seiri plays Koosh, a character from a wealthy family who is determined to step out of his older brother’s shadow while also grappling with his reputation and popularity. Throughout the film, Koosh stumbles and grows as he navigates the high school social and party scene, making mistakes along the way. Seiri stars alongside Mason Thames (Benj), Ramon Reed (Eddie), and Raphael Alejandro (Connor), with veteran actors Bobby Cannavale, Kaitlin Olson, and Scott Macarthur also appearing in the film, which was written and directed by David and John Chernin. Aside from his breakout role in Incoming, Seiri is recognized for his work as Farouk in ABC’s award-winning and longest-running scripted series, Grey's Anatomy, for which he received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the third annual Young Entertainers Awards. His additional credits include CBS's Life in Pieces, starring Colin Hanks and Betsy Brandt, and an appearance in Seal Team. Born in Iran, Seiri moved to the United States with his family when he was four years old and attributes his work ethic to his parents. His father, an accomplished actor, introduced him to the world of acting, and their shared passion for the craft deepened their bond. Seiri started appearing in commercials as a baby, eventually developing a genuine love for acting. Growing up in California provided him more opportunities to pursue his dreams, and his dedication to honing his craft led to steady work, with commercial bookings, short films, and eventually, his first guest-starring role in Grey's Anatomy, followed by Incoming. Seiri's love for filmmaking extends beyond acting; he is deeply interested in directing and producing. Currently enrolled in Advanced Film and Video Production at school, Seiri is constantly exploring his creative potential as a budding storyteller. He has written and directed a series of short films, including Side-Track'd, which won the "Best Drama" prize at the Hart District Student Film Festival in March 2024. Additionally, Seiri received another award for his PSA short film for the Police Department from the Directing Change Organization. When not on set or learning more about filmmaking.

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Director Statement

Crickets was born from the quiet moments we all experience when trying to process loss, friendship, and the inevitable passage of time. This film is a deeply personal exploration of how relationships shape us, the unspoken truths we carry, and the echoes of our choices.

The story follows Raffi and his friends as they navigate a road trip that serves both as a search for a missing friend and a metaphor for seeking closure in their own lives. At its heart, Crickets examines the tension between what we choose to reveal and what we keep hidden, through intimate conversations and reflective silences.

Visually, the film leans on naturalistic settings—sunlit fields, roadtrips, and glowing campfires—to ground the story in spaces that feel lived-in and authentic. Each location becomes a character in itself, reflecting the emotional beats of the journey. The road trip montage, campfire bonding, and golden-hour search for Caleb are not just scenic backdrops; they symbolize moments of connection, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

The decision to tell this story came from a desire to embrace the imperfections of adolescence and the bittersweet transitions of growing up. I wanted to highlight the ways we communicate without words: a glance across a room, the shuffle of burned Polaroids, or the quiet rhythm of a car ride.

Through Crickets, I hope to offer an honest portrayal of the complexities of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit, inviting audiences to reflect on their own relationships and the memories that shape them.