The Stranger Shortened - ID# 447
Dramatic Narrative
Entry Description
This short film is a dramatic narrative that captures the emotional depth and storytelling ambition of a much larger vision. Created alongside Andres Pinela, this production represents countless hours of dedication — from late night filming sessions to editing marathons that stretched from 8 PM well into the following afternoon. Every element of this film was crafted with intention and care, built from the ground up by a first-time filmmaker teaching myself color grading, sound design, and music integration in DaVinci Resolve. It is important to note that this submission has been shortened to meet the time requirements of the MMEA Dramatic Narrative category. As a result, certain story elements that were integral to the original cut have been condensed, and some scenes that added depth and pacing to the narrative had to be removed entirely. What remains is the core of the story — the most essential emotional beats and dramatic moments preserved as faithfully as possible within the given time constraints. The hurried pacing in certain sections of the film is a direct reflection of those necessary cuts, and does not represent the full scope of the original creative vision. We ask that judges consider the narrative with that context in mind, understanding that the complete version of this film breathes with more space, more detail, and more of the story we set out to tell. Despite these limitations, this submission stands as a testament to the effort, growth, and passion poured into every frame — a dramatic narrative told by two young filmmakers who gave everything they had to bring this story to life.