I was delighted by the film short ‘Hallelujah’ premiering at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival
It was written and directed by Victor Gabriel and is a thoughtful short about stepping into adult and parenthood because of unexpected circumstances.
I was surprised at how much emotion was packed into Hallelujah led by Paper (Bruce A. Lemon) and Chetty (Richard Nevels) as they grapple with the responsibility of taking care of their nephew Hallelujah (Stephen Laroy Thomas) and niece (Mariah Pharms). It had moments of humor, surprises (for me), and heartfelt which is unsurprising because of Victor Gabriel’s life experience and career. His heart was in the short and I felt a connection for the story because of so many new stories.
Hallelujah is on my must-watch list for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and at a smidge under 14 minutes will leave you wanting to see more from Victor Gabriel and the talented team that made it.
Several years ago my little brother was shot and killed in an act of gang violence. Death is the ultimate hindsight…it is only through the love of my community, and those who have taken care of me that I was able to heal, and to go through. This movie is for them. And in memory of Oscar
Victor Grabrielle, Writer/Director
The Explorer Pass ($50) gives all-access to several digital festival programs including shorts.
TICKETS: https://festival.sundance.org/program/#film-info/61ae194f14aef72c871c3212
HALLELUJAH
Running Time: 13:56
Director: Victor Gabriel
Writer: Victor Gabriel
Producer: Duran Jones
Cinematographer: Robert L. Hunter
Editor: Camilla Bartoli
Cast:
Bruce A. Lemon (Host of KPCC-FM’s UnheardLA) Richard Nevels (Insecure)
Stephen Laroy Thomas Maelina Gibson (Don’t Judge Me)
Mariah Pharms (Double Cross) Damon Rutledge (Head of Passes)
About Author
