“A Place to Fall Down” Wraps Production

LOGLINE

In the aftermath of a devastating loss, Jose grapples with overwhelming loneliness and grief. Just when he thinks he might drown, he’s reminded the world works in mysterious ways.

SYNOPSIS

The directorial debut of Duane Hansen Fernandez, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a moving short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with overwhelming grief after losing his beloved wife. The film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose’s emotional journey as he navigates balancing his daily life and with his profound sense of loss.

Just when he thinks he might drown, he’s reminded the world works in mysterious ways.

Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey), A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma? Collins Jr. portrays the grief-stricken Jose with subtlety and elegance, proving it’s in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit shines the brightest.

Director’s Note

A Place to Fall Down was created as a response to something we all experience: grief. Humanity can be, at its core, a tragic existence. However, even in the face of the strongest adversities, we find it in ourselves to search for the beauty of it all. After our collective experiences over the last few years, this story of loss, despair, and ultimately, hope – has a common thread through which we’re all connected.

While I’ve experienced quite a bit of grief during my life, I wrote A Place to Fall Down over a brutal five-year stretch of near-constant pain. I’ve always used writing and art to explore my emotions, but I’ve never put this much of myself into a story and shared it with the world – it’s always felt too personal, and frankly, a little embarrassing to be so vulnerable.

Those uncomfortable feelings have become less and less frequent during the process of making this film. Ultimately, I decided that if this film reaches even one person and makes them feel connected and seen, then I will be the one who feels a little less alone in the world.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been getting to collaborate with such brilliant people. I appreciate everything I’ve learned from them, and all the help I’ve received along the way. I’d like to add an extra special thank you to every person reading this, for taking the time out of your day to see A Place to Fall Down. I hope you enjoy watching this film as much as I enjoyed creating it.