A group of friends planning a night out. What’s supposed to be a fun event turns into a nightmare to the protagonist (Cruz St. James). How to get over a traumatic experience? How important is a support system? How to regain your self-esteem?
Director Grace Smith shows a deep understanding of the language of film. Her artistic choices are a rich palette of elements that serve the story and capture in detail the pain and trauma of sexual assault. The short was filmed with a Canon EOS 90D and a Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The astonishing scenes were shot using natural lighting, adding an organic touch of naturalism. Despite the dark subject matter, Cinematographer Ezra Spurrier delivers an impressive work of poetry in motion, capturing the damage of the aftermath, but also the hopeful road to recovery.
Smith exteriorizes Tal Chatterjee‘s introspective dialogue with close-ups, silences, and aerial shots of James in the ocean. To contrast the moods of before and after, Smith uses color and black and white scenes, which gives the film an aura of Old Hollywood, augmented by the choice of music.
James, once again, shows his dramatic talents, this time portraying the insecurities and emotional scars of a victim of violence. Glamgical reviewed two of his previous live theatre performances at the memorable Altadena Music Theatre Hair, Cabaret, where he displayed an amazing talent as an actor, dancer, and singer. His light continues to shine in an ascending manner.
Gloss is currently in the festival circuit and has received the following awards:
International New York Film Festival
Best Actor
Actors Awards
Best Actor, Best Performance of Fest
Independent Shorts Awards
Best LGBTQ
Oniros Film Awards® – New York
Best Actor
Modern Black and White Film Festival
Best Short, Best Actor
IndieX Film Fest
Best Experimental, Best Actor Nom
Best Actor & Director Awards – New York
Best Director (Grace Smith) Best Actor
World Premiere Film Awards
Best Experimental Short (Judge’s Choice), Best Actor
New York International Film Awards™ – NYIFA
Best Actor
Los Angeles Film Awards
Best Actor in an Indie Short
Cal Film Festival
Best Experimental Short
Eastern Europe Film Festival
(Special Award – Actor, Cruz St. James)
Indie Short Fest
Best Actor Nom, Best LGBTQ Nom
Gloss
Directed by Grace Smith
Written by Tal Chatterjee
Starring Cruz St. James, Chelsea Maker, Scarlet Sheppard, Cassidy von Kronemann, Sarah Lopez, and Todd A. Jackson
Cinematography by Ezra Spurrier
Edited by Jared Skolnick
Produced by Hello Moon Pictures
