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Logline

On the brink of ending it once and for all, an octogenarian filmmaker is unexpectedly invited to revisit and speak on the fiftieth anniversary of one of his earliest films. Reigniting a final creative spark to make his long-awaited masterpiece that could either redeem his legacy or become his last hoorah.

Synopsis

Aging, bitter, and largely forgotten, Stanley Houston, an octogenarian former film director, spends his days alone in a cluttered apartment. Haunted by the past and numbed by right-wing news and whiskey, his legacy is fading as the film reels he once cherished. When news of the budget cuts affecting Medicare breaks, Stanley’s frustration is triggered by a broken TV remote. He throws the remote, accidentally smashing a photo frame that pulls Stanley reluctantly into a memory-laced journey. Flashbacks through old 8MM footage–both real and imagined–interweave his rise and fall in Hollywood, his struggles, and the past love of his life.

Enter Peter Minelli, a well-meaning but frustrated filmmaker/gig-worker/former protégé who finds Stanley on the verge of what looks like a suicide attempt. Their clash of generations–Peter’s hope against Stanley’s cynicism–reignites questions about purpose, recognition, and the cost of artistic integrity. When an unexpected invitation arrives for a 50th anniversary screening of Stanley’s long-forgotten film, Stanley at first rejects it. But haunted by memories and driven by something deeper–love, pride, maybe even regret–he decides to attend.

What follows is a surprisingly emotional night. In a packed cinema, Stanley watches his younger self onscreen and feels the warmth of a younger audience connecting to his work. The Q&A that follows offers a raw but heartfelt reflection on art, aging, and legacy. In a poetic ending, Stanley gasps before the audience, and everything fades to black. We see Peter scattering ashes from an urn… just like in a dreamlike final scene. But as the camera pulls back, it reveals Stanley alive, directing a scene on a film set, blurring the lines between death, memory, and moviemaking.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Gaston D’Agrivieri — Writer/Director
Gaston D’Agrivieri is an Argentine-Italian screenwriter and director based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Argentina, he began as an actor before transitioning into filmmaking after immigrating to the United States. His cross-cultural journey informs character-driven stories that explore identity and belonging. Trained at The Beverly Hills Playhouse and The Groundlings, Gaston blends performance-based storytelling with strong visual sensibility. He holds a BA in Computer Science and studied Cinema Production in Los Angeles. His award-winning short CROSSOVER earned Best First-Time Director. He is currently co-writing an Ireland-set thriller titled ALTHEM VULTURES and his first 16mm narrative short UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

Brittany Ann Cormack — Producer
With over 15 prior years of experience as a costume designer, Brittany has a deep love of storytelling through character-driven narratives. She found her passion in producing by being able to have a larger creative role and work with writers & directors to craft stories from their conception. Through working with countless celebrities, she understands actors and their needs, and how to create an environment on set that is both productive and collaborative- a set that everyone is happy to be on. Brittany currently produces for Better Noise Music & Films.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].