I'm thrilled to share some incredible news with you all – my short film,
"Ice Cream at the End of the World," has been selected as an Official Selection at the esteemed Anti-War International Independent Film Festival 2023. It's an honour to see the film's message gaining recognition on such a prominent platform, especially in times like these.
At its core, "Ice Cream at the End of the World" is about the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity but it's alternately also about the meaninglessness of fighting when the weapons are nuclear - nobody wins.
The film follows two friends, portrayed brilliantly by Edmonton actors Lee Lopez and Naseem Naderi, who find solace in sharing an ordinary moment – enjoying ice cream in the park. This simple act takes on profound meaning as Canada and the world at large teeters on the edge of nuclear conflict.
Being selected for the Anti-War International Independent Film Festival is both humbling and exciting for me. I normally write and direct romance shorts but I felt it necessary to make a short that calls attention to the harsh reality of war given the current rhetoric surrounding nuclear conflict. It used to be though that mutually assured destruction meant no country would start a nuclear war. It is becoming increasingly clear that the powers that be no longer view using nuclear weapons as the end game, but rather a survivable type of conflict. This is crazy.
I want to express my deep gratitude Lee and Naseem who poured their talent and dedication into making this film a reality. Their performances brought depth and authenticity to the characters, breathing life into the story's heart.
As we prepare to share "Ice Cream at the End of the World" with audiences at the festival, I'm filled with anticipation and excitement. It's my hope that the film's message resonates with viewers, reminding us all of what is at stake.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing more updates soon.
DC Brandon
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