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Heatwave

In the year 2030, a massive heat wave hits the Phoenix metro area, causing the air conditioning unit of John, Casey, and Destiny’s shared apartment to shut down. This forces the three to pile into John’s old car and travel north to escape the heat, taking a side road through the desert to avoid the traffic. However, their car begins acting strange and then suddenly turns off, stranding the three in the desert.

  • Joe Nixon
    Director
  • Joe Nixon
    Writer
  • Chloe Rudolph
    Producer
    Mortem, Vertically Gifted
  • LJ Gomez
    Key Cast
    "John"
  • Sidney Hayes Hill
    Key Cast
    "Destiny"
  • Bianca Georgescu
    Key Cast
    "Casey"
  • Tessa Allie
    Director of Photography
    Vertically Gifted
  • Christina Willis
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller, Environmental
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    4,100 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:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arizona State University
  • ASU Fall Senior Film Showcase
    Mesa, AZ
    United States
    December 10, 2022
    North American Premiere
    Exceptional Technical Achievement in Producing and Cinematography
Director Biography - Joe Nixon

My name is Joe Nixon. I'm a filmmaker from St. Paul, Minnesota and I'm currently based in Los Angeles. Right now, I am pursuing my degree in Film & Media Production with a minor in Business at Arizona State University, and I graduate in May 2023. As a filmmaker, I aim to create films that provoke real social change and have a positive impact on the world. My films should be accessible to all and hurt no one, which is what I strive towards. Films that inspire me are Hereditary, Parasite, Fruitvale Station, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

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Director Statement

I have always been someone who cares deeply about social issues and telling stories. Stories have the power to change the world, opening people's minds to unexplored opportunities, imaginary worlds, and struggles that can tie back to what is really going on in our society. While humanity is facing many challenges, as always, I believe climate change is the largest issue that we will face. The rising temperatures, increased adverse weather, melting ice caps, rising sea levels and increased acidification of the ocean are already negatively affecting all of us, and it is only going to get worse unless we are actively taking steps to solve this issue.
But, no one cares. It is so disheartening for so many people in society to still not even believe in climate change, let alone be willing to make just a few small changes that would improve the world AND slow climate change. So, I couldn't be quiet anymore. I need to tell the world what will happen to us all before it's too late. Film, as a medium, has power, and we need to use that power for good.
Heatwave is a cry for help, a cry for people to wake up to what is happening around us. This is our future, our near future, if we don’t change now.