Photo: Destin, Phoenix and Brad Henke during Short Term 12 Q&A
I apologize that these blogs are getting a tad less consistent and detailed. But I’ve been incredibly sleep-deprived and feel like I’m on a gradual decent into zombiedom (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word, but I have lost the ability to care about such things). A lot has happened over the past two days, and I wish I had the time to explain it all in detail, but there are just too many things to do at this crazy festival.
Yesterday at 2:30 p.m., Short Term 12 had its premiere showing at Sundance. It screened in front of a sold-out audience of about 600 people. I am still floating on the high of that experience. The response has been so much beyond what I could have expected. Rather than trying to ramble about it myself, I’ll share with you an email I received this morning from a mother who was at that screening. Her email was so moving, I asked her if I could share it with you. This is the sole reason that I make movies.
Mr. Cretton,
We just saw your short film at Sundance today, and were rocked to the core. We adopted our son from a residential treatment center, and unfortunately lived much of what you showed in your film. The abuse, neglect and uncertainties in these kids’ lives, can build up to uncontrollable rages. We have had to do holding therapies with our son, my husband holding his torso, and me sitting on his legs. In final desperation, he would often spit at us. So that scene left me sobbing, it was kind of like re-living it.
Luckily, he was only 8 at the time, we were able to stick it out with him until his rages subsided. He is 19 now, and a bonded member of our family. I don’t think anyone ever “gets over” that kind of abuse, but he has learned healthier ways of dealing with it. It took about 5 years before he started to trust us, it is a long process. Hopefully now he won’t feel that kind of suicidal despair you show in your film. At least he knows he has a home, unlike most of the 18 year-olds who get released from residentials.
Long story short, I think that most people act like the new guy, and can’t believe those kind of atrocities really happen to children. Or the kind of atrocities they do to each other and themselves in response. More people need to have their eyes opened to the realities of abuse, broken families, foster care, and residential treatment.
Your film was the most honest and realistic portrayal of residential life for both the kids and the staff I have ever seen. It was touching, but short, sweet, and to the point. Amazing job! I hope it brings you much success. I was wondering if there is anyway to purchase it on DVD? Please let me know as I would love to own a copy.
Sincerely,
Lara from Wyoming
Thanks for taking this ride with me. We have three more screenings scattered throughout the week; I’ll let you know how it goes.