THESE WALLS

A Short Film by Jaeden Martell

Logline

A fragmented film about the illusions and false grandeur of memories,

following two young sisters and their drifting parents.

Synopsis

Frankie and Sam, a playful pair of sisters, wander through their eclectic apartment complex looking for ways to entertain themselves, while their parents face the reality of their relationship’s demise because of the loss of their own youthfulness and passion.

Director’s Statement

This story is a collage of memories told to me by my mother, pieced together from my own perspective and how I imagined them as a child. My mom has provided for and raised me on her own, while making immense sacrifices to allow me to live an unimaginably fortunate life in which I am able to do, and even greater, know what I truly love. While this film does not come close to capturing the dedication and resilience that I am witness to, I am hoping that it captures her humanity and infinite capacity for empathy and love.

- Jaeden Martell

Writer / Director / Editor

Jaeden Martell

At the age of eight, Jaeden Martell moved with his mother across the country from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. He never expected that this adventure would lead him into a life of acting. Without any classes or formal training, he began to work on a number of commercials which eventually led to a prestigious indie film career.

At ten years old, Jaeden made his big screen debut in the comedy hit ST. VINCENT with Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy. His work in the film earned him multiple nominations. Shortly thereafter, he worked on the film ALOHA with acclaimed director Cameron Crowe, and following that he played a boy with special powers in the sci-fi film MIDNIGHT SPECIAL by Jeff Nichols.

In 2017, Martell played the title character in THE BOOK OF HENRY as a child genius, as well as Clive Owen’s son in the father-son misadventure THE CONFIRMATION. In his biggest film to date, Jaeden starred as the leader of the Losers’ club in the record-breaking remake of horror classic IT.

In 2019, he was in five released projects, including the psychological thriller THE LODGE, indie drama LOW TIDE, the coming of age tale THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY, Rian Johnson’s Oscar-nominated murder mystery KNIVES OUT, and the sequel IT: CHAPTER 2.

In 2020, he starred in the Apple limited series DEFENDING JACOB with Chris Evans, and will be leading the cast of METAL LORDS, being released by Netflix in 2021 and written and produced by the Game of Thrones duo, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. He will next be seen in MR. HARRIGAN'S PHONE, directed by John Lee Hancock, based on a short story by Stephen King, and co-starring Donald Sutherland.

This short film is part of the dream to write and direct his own films.

Director of Photography

Nick Mahar

Cinematographer Nick Mahar has emerged as a refreshing young talent at the forefront of commercial, music, and narrative cinematography. His work portrays a saturated and hyper-real world.

Nick has worked for some of the biggest names in music like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, LOGIC, Sage the Gemini, and Trey Songz while lensing some of the biggest commercial brands in the world. Countless brands have relied on Nick’s keen eye for details to bring their content to life. In 2018, he made his way back into the narrative world where his shorts and feature work toured dozens of festivals across the globe.

Producers

Leslie Alejandro and Emily CHO

Leslie Alejandro is a director, producer, photographer, and partner at Alejandro Films.

Emily Cho Talent Management has been nurturing talent for over 20 years in this industry, especially uplifting her clients of color.

CAST

RICHARD ELLIS (“Father”)

Born in New York, raised in New England, Richard Ellis is a actor, writer, musician, who now resides in Los Angeles. He can be seen in the Netflix series, I Am Not Okay With This. He is an avid musician who plays four instruments.

Reina Hardesty (“Mother”)

Reina was born in raised in Southern California and started studying acting at the age of 8. Since starting her career in 2016, she has appeared in television shows like StartUp, The Flash, and most recently in IFC's Brockmire opposite Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet. She was recently cast in a lead role in Amazon's new spin-off of their hit show The Boys. She is of Japanese and mixed European descent.

Devanie Flynn (“FRANKIE”)

Devanie is a San Francisco native, and one year in to being an official Los Angeles kiddo! She loves to play Roblox with her sister, snuggles with the fam, and helping out with chores. This is her big debut, and can’t wait to see herself on the screen. No shyness with this one, she’s got all eyes on what comes next!

Caoimhe Flynn (“SAM”)

Caoimhe is a native to San Francisco, and one year in to being an official Los Angeles resident. She loves Roblox, family time over the weekend, and new dance moves she learns from TikTok. This is her debut, and she couldn’t be any happier having been able to work with her sister on this film.