Second Surface: A New, Indie X-Nominated, Surreal Short

OFM’s very own, Amand E.K. and teammate Jesse Livingston have been working hard with their production company Glass Cactus Productions. Glass Cactus, a Denver-based screenwriting and filmmaking team, has been making waves in LA’s Indie X film Festival and was recently nominated for Best Experimental and Best Mobile Short for their recent project Second Surface.

Second Surface follows a woman who finds her mysterious twin taking her on a journey through the looking glass and into a strange and mysterious world. There, she addresses her past and begins on a path of healing and acceptance. Through each scene in this surreal world, she faces pieces of her past until she emerges changed. The two identities merge into one, and she is able to move forward.

“We really wanted this short to be left up to audience interpretation and for everyone to take what they need from it,” says filmmakers.

For me, it brought back memories of Orson Well’s Citizen Kane through the cinematography and use of light in each scene. Back when films relied heavily on symbolism, brilliant lighting, and props to tell a story. Filmmakers Amanda and Jesse were very careful in their decision making from the use of color, props, and locations.  As a result, they were able to create something that almost everyone can relate to in a subtle yet meaningful way. 

Forced into quarantine and into this abstract reality of empty streets and boarded-up businesses, many of us understand what it has been like to really face ourselves, whether it be forgiving yourself for your past, recovering from PTSD, facing sexuality, or a major transition this year has taught us all a lot. 

Second Surface is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of what everyone is going through beneath the surface.  If you haven’t watched it yet, head over to their page, and keep an eye out for more exciting projects coming from the Glass Cactus team!