A Place to Fall Down
A Place to Fall Down was created as a response to something we all experience: grief. Humanity can be, at its core, a tragic existence. However, even in the face of the strongest adversities, we find it in ourselves to search for the beauty of it all. After our collective experiences over the last few years, this story of loss, despair, and ultimately, hope – has a common thread through which we’re all connected.
While I’ve experienced quite a bit of grief during my life, I wrote A Place to Fall Down over a brutal five-year stretch of near-constant pain. I’ve always used writing and art to explore my emotions, but I’ve never put this much of myself into a story and shared it with the world – it’s always felt too personal, and frankly, a little embarrassing to be so vulnerable. Those uncomfortable feelings have become less and less frequent during the process of making this film. Ultimately, I decided that if this film reaches even one person and makes them feel connected and seen, then I will be the one who feels a little less alone in the world.
The most rewarding part of this journey has been getting to collaborate with such brilliant people. I appreciate everything I’ve learned from them, and all the help I’ve received along the way.
PRESS:
Oscar Qualifying Short Film Review “A Place To Fall Down”
"However, what I then greatly admire is how magnificently the film brings about its narrative’s ultimate resolution, with a finale that is so compellingly cathartic and inspiring, the underlying message of HOPE that is paramount, shining forth with purpose and prominence." - One Film Fan
UK Film Review - A Place to Fall Down Review
“The location of the garage is utilised brilliantly. A place where broken things come to be fixed is poignant enough but the filmmakers here make it seem extremely isolating. Jose appears lost amongst the maze of automobiles and when he finds out his assistant isn’t coming in for the day, he becomes immediately distressed at the prospect of being alone with his thoughts - something grief-sufferers will thoroughly relate to. This atmosphere is beautifully enhanced by the exquisite turn by Clifton Collins Jr. who tells as much of his character’s agony through his eyes as he does from any of the dialogue (which is also very well-written).” - Chris Olson
Film Threat - A Place to Fall Down
“A Place to Fall Down is a heart-wrenching reminder that one cannot just get over the loss of a loved one. At a time when we need others to support us, we find ourselves wanting to be alone. But this isolation sends our thoughts down a very dark path.” - Alan Ng
I Am Not Alone - Take 2 Indie Review
“Thematically familiar but no less intriguing, A Place to Fall Down gets the most out of every element of its story. At just 14 minutes, it’s impressive how much narrative ground the film covers. We spend no more than a day in Jose’s autobody shop, and yet we somehow feel a connection to the man and his workplace. It’s always enjoyable to see indie creators use one location and make the most out of it. You really get the sense that the production team looked high and low to maximize this particular set. Ultimately, this is all made possible by Fernandez’s astute vision that favors strong compositions and Danielle Statuto’s slick editing techniques that draw the viewer in with a variety of tense sequences.” - Mark Lakatos
