RELEASE: an experimental short film

Here’s a film that I’m REALLY proud of: “Release.” I co-directed, edited and DP’d (director of photography) on it. And I was smart enough to ask for help from Katrina Reid (1st AD/ Production Manager), Dominik Czaczyk (Gaffer/2nd Camera) & Sultan Ali (Grip/2nd AC). After nearly two months of pre-production, we managed to turn two days of shooting into a masterpiece.

——

“In October of 2019, Caridad De La Luz aka "La Bruja" asked me to write a poem for her "Beatnix Night" at the historic NuYorkican Poets Cafe. I felt completely honored for the invitation, but was consumed with fear because I hadn't written a poem since the early 2000s and had never publicly claimed to be a poet or even performed poetry before. That immense fear and self doubt birthed "Release." I was so frustrated with the negative voices in my head and the lack of self-esteem that I wanted to express the journey of facing those inner demons via this poem. It is a very vulnerable moment of dealing with those struggles and entering a space of self-love. Especially in these times that we are in, we MUST have the conversations of mental health, addressing hate and finding/living our truth. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. Hope you enjoy our beautiful film. “

- Cedric Leiba Jr.

Written by: Cedric Leiba, Jr.
Cast: Cedric Leiba, Jr. | Sol Crespo | Pierre Jean Gonzalez
Directed by: Pierre Jean Gonzalez | Paul Anthony Notice II
1st AD/Production Manger: Katrina Ann Reid
Gaffer/2nd Camera: Dominik Czaczyk
Grip/2nd AC: Sultan Ali
Editing/Director of Photography: Paul Notice
Produced by: Pierre Jean Gonzalez
Special Thanks to Pregones Theater and Caridad De La Luz aka "La Bruja"