CROWDFUNDING VIDEO ! Click here for a deeper dive on the creation of this story and meet the people behind it.

Our goal as independent filmmakers is to produce stories that invite the viewer to understand someone else’s life and build empathy through the eye of the camera. Instead of waiting to see when the next door will opened for us in the film industry, we decided to open it for ourselves with this short family drama titled “The Shadow I Run From."

"The Shadow I Run From" Logline

When a young poet’s words become his only escape from a broken past, an unexpected reunion with his father challenges him to turn pain into forgiveness.

Statement from Devontia Dewitt, creative producer & actor playing Jordan (IG: devontiaa)

I believe that the meaning of life is found through new perspectives and deep understanding of one another. At the core of this story is my own experience of conflict with my father during pivotal moments in my life, often rooted in a lack of understanding.

Healing after conflict requires effort form both sides affected. It’s easy to live with hate and belligerence, but it takes strength to pick up the pieces and choose growth. Due to my life experiences, I've held myself back from expressing the most loving and brightest parts of myself because of fear of how others would react, and a fear of being seen. This is a theme I wanted to thread through this story, communicating our truth without fear of how it will be received.

These are obstacles I face while pursing my acting career as well. I find myself holding back during performances because I worry weather I'm doing it the "right" way or not. However, I am fortunate to have people in my life who support me, stand by me, and encourage me to give my everything I have, to trust that all of who I am is worth sharing. This is the same challenge Jordan faces in the story. Jordan and I are both learning to lean on those people who carry you through.

Ultimately, what I want the audience to take away from this story is the importance of never giving up. Never stop trying to understand other, expressing yourself honestly, or relying on those who care about you.

In the end, that's all that we have. All that we are. Even in our darkest moments, we can find the inspiration to become a source of light for the people around us.

Fight to be better.

· · ─ ·ʚɞ· ─ · ·

Statement from Arhley Brazoban, director (IG: thebrazoban)

I am telling this story because father–son relationships shape who we become as young men, often in ways that last a lifetime. At the center of this film is a family fractured by alcoholism, where a father’s unresolved pain manifests as physical and verbal violence toward his family. This story confronts the devastating ripple effects of addiction and abuse inside the home, spaces kids should feel safe.

My connection to this material comes from the deep importance father–son relationships hold in my own life. I am incredibly close to my father, he is my greatest support system. Because of our bond, I'm especially aware of how powerful a father’s presence can be. How it can either encourage confidence or instill fear and lasting trauma. Exploring all relationship types makes me a stronger director while connecting to my inner child.

I want the audience to feel the emotional weight of living in a household where love and fear coexist, where silence becomes survival, and where cycles of harm are passed down through generations. I want viewers to reflect on accountability, empathy, and the choices we make in response to pain.

Thank you for being here and learning more about the film. We will be stepping into production come 2026, follow @tsirfshort on instagram to stay up to date with us.

Meet our other Creative Leads!

Director of Photography, Mar Nesbitt (IG: _lovlad)

Mar Nesbitt believes in the quiet magic of connection—where stories are not just told, but felt. As a DP Mar shapes dreams into reality taking the voice of the story and the vision of the director seamlessly forging a new life into the narrative that's stained into the memories of everyone watching. Growing up inspired by old school martial arts films, anime, and Christopher Nolan, film has always been an essential part of his life being the catalyst for deep apperception of morals, culture, and community.

Producer, Rianna DeHart (IG: riannadehart)

Hi, I’m Rianna DeHart! I’ve been studying acting for the last 4 years. I started training at my alma mater, University of Kansas, and have continued at studios in Atlanta. I think there are a lot of stories and lessons that still need to be shared, and it is my passion to help tell true, meaningful stories. I usually do this in front of the camera as an actor, but I’m excited to make this narrative come to life as a producer!

Producer, Abigail Cunningham (IG: abigailfiilm)

Hello!! My name is Abigail and I am the producer of The Shadow I Run From. Since graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design's film program in 2024, I have been all around in Atlanta's independent film scene. From editing music videos and commercials to producing short narrative films and documentaries. Producing is where I thrive and I am very grateful to have joined this project when I did. Our budget on TSIRF is to feed and pay our crew members, rent equipment and filming locations. We need your help to breathe life into this story and get it to the big screen! Thank you visiting our crowdfunding page, we can't wait for the future of this film and deeply appreciate your support.

Producer, Amanda Skizman (IG: amandalszikman)

Hi everyone! I’m Amanda Szikman, and I am one of the producers on this project. I have been acting since I was 15, and I have always been interested in producing. I love creating and telling stories that people connect with on a deeper level, and I believe that The Shadow I Run From is one of these stories. I am very excited to work on this project with this wonderful team of people.

Writer, Camryn Caruthers (IG: camryn.caruthers)

I am a recent graduate of KU Film & Media Studies. I have passions for all sorts of creative mediums, including writing and the visual arts, and love to utilize those two skills as a filmmaker. I have written and directed several award winning short films, and I am developing a feature film. I strongly believe in using my creative voice to educate myself and others.

Writer, Brooke Bennett (IG: brooke_bennett23)

Hey everyone, I’m Brooke Bennett! I’m an LA-based screenwriter, casting director and director. I have a passion for sharing stories and providing the perfect medium to enhance my imagination! My favorite stories to write are fantasy, romantic comedies and drama episodic television. I’m a graduate of the University of Kansas school of Film and Media Studies, Rock Chalk!

Writer, Allison Ruschill (IG: ruschfilm)

I am a filmmaker based out of Kansas City, I recently graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s in film and media studies. During my time at KU, I took on the roles as 1st assistant director and director of photography for various projects, ranging from experimental music videos to feature length dramas. Since graduating, I have been working as a production worker in the Kansas City area. I love to create and help bring other peoples visions to life and cannot wait todo the same with this film.

Thank you again for your support!

All of the money raised through GoFundMe will be solely used to pay cast & crew as well as pay for production. Follow @tsirfshort on Instagram and Tiktok to stay up to date with our short film!

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.