The Human Struggle program unlocks access to seven short films created by filmmakers from across the globe, as well as several filmmaker introduction videos. Each individual program screening can be unlocked for $5 a piece. Additionally, you can purchase our All-Access Festival Pass to unlock access to our entire festival lineup for one low price! You can find more information on our All-Access Festival Pass here.
Each day Red, a once famous TV clown, wakes up to his life. A life where his son is dead, his wife wants a divorce, bills are piling up and he is now a small time party clown. Bitter and perpetually intoxicated, he projects his unhappiness onto others, leaving a trail of chaos behind him.
Director Biography - Frances Wilkerson
Frances loves to film stories that put humanity on display. Her goal with each film is to help the viewer see themselves in the soul of another, and to help them see that we are so much more alike than we are different. Her hope is that by opening even a small crack in the viewer’s perspective, the world can change for the better.
She loves all aspects of filmmaking, but her passion lies in directing. Being an actor in Chicago for 10 plus years gives her an immense amount of insight on how to communicate with actors (and non-actors) to achieve natural, honest performances. She loves helping actors access their true potential.
Frances has won awards for her screenplays at the CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL, the WOMEN’S INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, the WORLD SERIES OF SCREENWRITING, and the HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITING CONTEST. She was also a ‘2nd Rounder’ at the AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL.
Director Statement
In the story Red, I explore the pain of loss and the resistance of letting go. We all have something we are holding on to, something that keeps us from having a fulfilled life, but deeply we also know that on the other side of that resistance is freedom.
It is my hope that you'll be able to see the humanity in Red and come to an understanding of him. Clowns are often depicted in fiction as scary or one dimensional. It is my desire to shine a light on the life of one clown and his journey!
- Year2020
- Runtime18:04
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorFrances Wilkerson
- ScreenwriterFrances Wilkerson
- ProducerFrances Wilkerson
- CastTod Kent, Gavin Juwayyid, Mia Fuggiti, Khaya Njumbe, Vatonna Michelle, Scott Sawa
- EditorNicholas Bennett
- Production DesignShannon MacKinnon
- Sound DesignNavi Buzruk
The Human Struggle program unlocks access to seven short films created by filmmakers from across the globe, as well as several filmmaker introduction videos. Each individual program screening can be unlocked for $5 a piece. Additionally, you can purchase our All-Access Festival Pass to unlock access to our entire festival lineup for one low price! You can find more information on our All-Access Festival Pass here.
Each day Red, a once famous TV clown, wakes up to his life. A life where his son is dead, his wife wants a divorce, bills are piling up and he is now a small time party clown. Bitter and perpetually intoxicated, he projects his unhappiness onto others, leaving a trail of chaos behind him.
Director Biography - Frances Wilkerson
Frances loves to film stories that put humanity on display. Her goal with each film is to help the viewer see themselves in the soul of another, and to help them see that we are so much more alike than we are different. Her hope is that by opening even a small crack in the viewer’s perspective, the world can change for the better.
She loves all aspects of filmmaking, but her passion lies in directing. Being an actor in Chicago for 10 plus years gives her an immense amount of insight on how to communicate with actors (and non-actors) to achieve natural, honest performances. She loves helping actors access their true potential.
Frances has won awards for her screenplays at the CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL, the WOMEN’S INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, the WORLD SERIES OF SCREENWRITING, and the HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITING CONTEST. She was also a ‘2nd Rounder’ at the AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL.
Director Statement
In the story Red, I explore the pain of loss and the resistance of letting go. We all have something we are holding on to, something that keeps us from having a fulfilled life, but deeply we also know that on the other side of that resistance is freedom.
It is my hope that you'll be able to see the humanity in Red and come to an understanding of him. Clowns are often depicted in fiction as scary or one dimensional. It is my desire to shine a light on the life of one clown and his journey!
- Year2020
- Runtime18:04
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorFrances Wilkerson
- ScreenwriterFrances Wilkerson
- ProducerFrances Wilkerson
- CastTod Kent, Gavin Juwayyid, Mia Fuggiti, Khaya Njumbe, Vatonna Michelle, Scott Sawa
- EditorNicholas Bennett
- Production DesignShannon MacKinnon
- Sound DesignNavi Buzruk
