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Logline

As violence consumes New York City, two brothers clash over how to respond—one determined to step into the chaos and help, the other equally determined to keep them safely inside—as their love for each other is tested by beliefs neither can bring himself to abandon.

Synopsis

As violence consumes New York City, brothers Jess and Fred shelter inside their Lower East Side apartment, listening as the city beyond their door descends into chaos. Jess is determined to go out and help. Fred is equally determined to keep him inside, convinced that stepping into the violence will change nothing and may only get his brother killed.

Through one storm-filled night, the growing danger pushes their opposing convictions into increasingly personal territory, reopening an old divide between Jess’s need to fix what he can and Fred’s determination to protect what he has. For Jess, doing nothing while others need help is not an option. For Fred, risking the life in front of him for people beyond their door makes no sense. Yet beneath their anger is a bond neither can dismiss.

As the turmoil draws closer, Fred’s certainty becomes inseparable from his fear of losing Jess. Jess understands what leaving may cost them, but staying would mean turning away from something he believes he can help change.

Neither can convince the other.

When Jess finally opens the door, the city rushes in with rain, sirens, and shouting. Fred is left with a question he can no longer hide: if Jess chooses to go, where does that leave him? Jess tells his brother not to confuse going with leaving and offers him one last chance to come along.

Fred looks away.

Jess steps outside.

The door remains open until Fred crosses the room and closes it.

Silence.

Alone, he crushes the unlit cigarette he has carried all night.

Meet the Filmmakers

Victor Atkins — Writer/Director
Victor Atkins is a Nashville-based writer, director, and editor whose work explores themes of moral choice, human connection, and personal transformation through visually restrained, character-driven storytelling. Originally trained as a painter and sculptor, he began his creative career in New York, where his artwork was represented by the Louis Meisel Gallery and exhibited through institutions including The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art.

After returning to filmmaking, Atkins wrote, directed, and edited the award-winning short films Landing (2022) and The Market (2023), earning recognition at film festivals worldwide, including Best American Short Film at the Rome Movie Awards, Best Short Film at the Reale Film Festival, Best Editor at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, and Best Indie Narrative Short at the Sweet Democracy Film Awards.

His screenplay Roommates of the Silence — the basis for this film—won Best Short Screenplay at the Author Script Awards and was named a Semi-Finalist in both the BlueCat Screenplay Competition and Outstanding Screenplays Shorts Competition. His feature screenplays have also twice been named Quarterfinalists in the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition. He is currently developing Roommates of the Silence as his next independently produced short film.

Chris Cameron — Director of Photography
Chris Cameron is a Nashville-based cinematographer, producer, and editor, and the founder of Narrative Productions. His work spans documentary filmmaking, episodic interview series, branded storytelling, and music-centered productions, with credits including projects for CCM Magazine, K-LOVE On Demand, and the feature documentary Plainspoken.

As a director of photography, Cameron is known for creating naturalistic, cinematic imagery that emphasizes authentic performances and emotionally grounded storytelling. His recent work on Plainspoken as co-producer, director of photography, and editor reflects his collaborative approach to visual storytelling across multiple disciplines. Through Narrative Productions, Cameron partners with filmmakers, artists, and organizations to craft visually compelling stories that connect with audiences through strong imagery and honest human experiences.

Dave Coleman — Composer & Sound Designer
Dave Coleman is a Nashville-based composer, sound designer, producer, recording engineer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with more than two decades of experience creating music for recording artists, film, and television. A founding member of the Americana rock band The Coal Men, he has released six full-length albums, toured throughout the United States and internationally, with numerous songs featured in television series.

In 2012, Coleman founded Howard’s Apartment Studio, where he has produced and recorded artists from Nashville and beyond, earning a reputation for crafting emotionally authentic recordings and immersive soundscapes. His background as both a songwriter and recording engineer brings a collaborative, story-first approach to every project.

On Roommates of the Silence, Coleman serves as Composer and Sound Designer, creating a score and sonic environment that deepen the film’s emotional resonance while supporting its intimate, character-driven storytelling.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].