Experiencing Interruptions?

Gazing

The truth has a funny way of revealing itself. Sometimes it is hidden in the replay of memories. Other times, it's pounding our chest. This time, the truth is embedded in the silence.
Gazing captures the moment before the truth sets a person free.

  • Shelby Ronea
    Director
  • Shelby Ronea
    Writer
  • Erik Cody
    Key Cast
  • Justen Ross
    Key Cast
  • Anomaly Found
    Producer
  • John Teague
    Key Grip
  • Ryan Jordan Lewis
    Camera Operator
  • Shelby Ronea
    Editor
  • Maritza Cayo
    Intimacy Coordinator
  • Sasha Ronea
    Hair and Makeup
  • Cightingale
    Opening and Closing Score
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Coming Of Age, Romance, LBGTQ, Drama
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 27, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,233 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    BlackMagic Camera, IPhone 12 Pro
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Shelby Ronea

Shelby Ronea is an actor turned multi-hyphenate as a licensed esthetician and filmmaker.

Shelby has trained and performed improv-sketch shows at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, The Netherlands as well as The Second City, IO Theater, Newport Theater, and The Playground Theater. Previously, she served as Wig & Makeup Designer for American Stage’s School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play and Colored Museum. Select acting credits include: Catherine in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (DePaul University), Juliet in ROMEO & JULIET* (African American Shakespeare Company), Babe in CRIMES OF THE HEART (American Stage), MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE (Second City Chicago), and “Justice By Any Means” (TV ONE).

Commissioned by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance for their project, Murals in Mind, Shelby created and performed an original piece to accompany Princess Smith’s stunning mural, Golden Child with Da Big Gunz. To experience this piece in person, visit the Shelby Dillon Studio and scan the QR code for instructions. For more information, please visit www.shelbyronea.com ,

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Director Statement

As an artist, I’m accomplished as a professional stage and film actress, producer, and investor. For over a decade, I have been portraying characters in unique circumstances, but now I’m excited to introduce my talent as a visual storyteller behind the camera. “Gazing” is my directorial debut.

Originally, this film was an experimental dance short. Due to creative differences and technical challenges, I was faced with the decision to either shelve or reimagine this film. I spent time interviewing individuals that were willing to share their personal stories regarding relationships. The fear of rejection was a recurring theme.

It was my intention to create an intimate yet immersive experience for the audience as the story delves into the vulnerable and emotional state of the characters. I’m an avid consumer of art in all forms and mediums, so I drew inspiration from the works of Kara Walker, Auguste Rodin, Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange, and Blood Orange’s Negro Swan. “Gazing” captures how a moment of introspection can lead to self-discovery and the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that surround it.