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"On Paper" screens at the following 2024/25 festivals:
- California Women's Film Festival: Official Selection - July 7, 2024
- Screaming Ostrich Film Festival: Official Selection - Oct. 7, 2024
- Albany FilmFest: Best Short Film Finalist - Oct 13, 2024
- Weyauwega International Film Festival: Official Selection - Nov. 14, 2024
- Blowup Film Fest: In-Competition/Semi-Finalist, 2024
- HollyShorts Monthly Screening: Official Selection - Dec. 11, 2024
- Borrego Springs Film Festival: Official Selection - Jan. 19, 2025
- The Violette Film Festival: Official Selection - Jan. 25, 2025
*This list will be updated as more festival dates become available.
Synopsis
Barbara sits alone at her office retirement party, looking down at a small gift-wrapped package on the table in front of her. She wants to open it, but is afraid of what’s inside.
The next day, she tries to leave it behind, but a day hike with her husband Phil conjures haunting memories that weigh heavily on her mind. She is now certain of where the gift came from.
Later that evening her and Phil have it out and the gift’s true nature is revealed. It turns out they’ve both been lying to each other for some time and decisions are made that change their relationship forever.
"On Paper" Director's Statement
My goal with "On Paper" was to present a relatable story surrounding a recent retiree who is yearning for a change and searching for identity. Her break from the mundane comes loaded with uncertainty and unease, but also the occasional splashes of wonder and beauty (through a touch of magic realism), that exemplify the contradictions and struggles that come with making major life pivots. While I hope the themes of love, relationships and trust resonate, the film attempts to serve as a reflection of sorts on our pandemic times where many are searching for meaning in their lives, whether it be professionally or personally.
Finally, and most importantly, the lead of "On Paper" is a strong/nuanced woman, and all of the characters are in their mid-to-late 60's, representing demographics which are unfortunately all-too-often underrepresented in film and television today. As USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has recently found, merely 30% of the top 100 feature films of 2023 featured female leads, down from 43% in 2022. I am proud of the fact that "On Paper" can provide a platform to Connie Ray's powerful and layered performance as Barbara. What I hope “On Paper” shows is that characters with vast life experiences can present opportunities for thoughtful and spirited narratives.
Arthur Helterbran Jr.
"My goal is to tell engaging, yet challenging, stories through poetic moving imagery."
Originally from Wisconsin, Arthur received his BA in Radio/TV/Film from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and later earned his MFA in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). He has traveled the United States and the world teaching film and working in the industry, most notably in Italy, Australia, New York City, and in his current home of Southern California, where Arthur freelances throughout Los Angeles, and resides with his amazing wife and son.