Directed by Ben Van Hook and written by Todd Thompson, Once Not Far From Home stars big name actors Erik Per Sullivan of Malcolm in the Middle, Skye McCole Bartusiak of The Patriot, Daniel Hugh Kelly of Star Trek: Insurrection, James Best of The Dukes of Hazard, and the list goes on.
Created as the second film in a series of four short films, Once Not Far From Home follows Time & Again, starring Rushmore actor Seymour Cassel. Time & Again premiered to a sold-out crowd at the 2003 Florida Film Festival and earned the filmmakers more than six independent film awards, including Best Short Film and Best Original Score.
However, as if it wants to prove itself outside of its “big brother’s” shadow, Once Not Far From Home has taken on a life of its own to become a unique, critically acclaimed short film.
Todd produced Once Not Far From Home with Stars North partners Smithy Snipes and Kathryn Kelly. The film revolves around the love story of a young boy and girl, and an old house that holds the secrets to their love and fate.
Todd’s goal in writing the script was to create a visual poem, and, therefore, there is no dialogue between the main characters.
“We were basically making a silent film,” Ben said. “I knew I had to capture the perfect facial expressions, subtle nuances, and find the right emotion levels in each scene in order to successfully communicate the tale we wanted to tell.”
If the filmmakers had any doubt as to whether this poetic approach was the right one, their creative talents were affirmed when nominations were announced for the Crystal Reel Awards, Florida’s most prestigious entertainment awards.
All eight of Stars North’s nominations were in “best of” categories, including short film, directing, cinematography, production design, hair, makeup, costume design, editing and original score.
“We were thrilled to receive the news,” Todd said. “Stars North is dedicated to making films in Florida, and it means a lot to be recognized so strongly [and in so many categories] for our efforts.”
It is apparent to all in the industry that their efforts are paying off, and it is the hope of the co-founders that the recognition earned from the Crystal Reel Awards will help pave the way for future Stars North projects.
“We couldn’t have done Once Not Far From Home, or any of our other films for that matter, without the help and support of everyone involved,” Smithy said. “This film is definitely a good example of their hard work and dedication, and a testament to what’s possible when it comes to making movies right here in Florida.”
The hard work and dedication paid off when Once Not Far From Home earned all eight of its Crystal Reel Awards.
