‘ONION TEARS’

When tragedy strikes, Bryce becomes emotionally distant and isolates himself in a jungle casita in Nicaragua. Familial bonds are tested in this short film exploring grief and loss, and how sometimes we’re reluctant to face its realities. ‘Onion Tears’ illustrates the catharsis of expressing emotion and how this process might come to be.

After my original script failed to come to fruition, I frantically set out to develop a new script. Hoping to keep the foundations of the original story intact, with a focus on the deep connection of brotherhood and adding a new layer of grief. However, with no one around me to play the role of Bryce at such short notice, the director, for the first time, was compelled to put on his acting shoes. The process of ‘Onion Tears’ was firstly finding the location of the jungle casita, enlisting my brother Ben to play the role of ‘Ben’, and then set out to rehearse and block through the scenes either on a video call with my brother or with just myself and the camera. Working as a director, cinematographer, and actor allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, appreciate the challenges of each role, and in turn form a deeper respect for actors and their artistry.