Film Info
Year: 2024
Production counties: USA, UK, Mexico
Length: 14:56
Language: Spanish, English
Genre: Drama
Aspect Ratio: 1:2.39
Screening Formats: 2K 5.1 DCP, ProRes
Sound: 5.1 or Stereo
Shot on: Arri Alexa, 24p, original format 2.8K
Sales: Lights On Films
Production companies: Able Film LLC, Two & Two Pictures, Rocha World Films.
Logline
Shaken by a recent breakup, 17-year-old Abel retreats to the mountains to hunt deer. Finding grace in the solitude of nature, but no solace to his pain, he returns home to unexpectedly find comfort in the arms of his aging father, as the two reconnect over their shared sense of loss.
Synopsis
Abel, a 17-year-old first-generation Mexican-American, resides on a farm nestled in the outskirts of the Sierra Nevada mountains. His days oscillate between caring for the animals and escaping into the world of video games. However, when a recent breakup leaves him shaken, Abel seeks refuge in the mountains to hunt a deer. Finding grace in the solitude of nature, but no solace to his pain, he returns home, to unexpectedly find comfort in the arms of his aging father, as the two reconnect over their shared sense of loss. Pain, social change, and generational differences intertwine in a tale that explores loss, grief, and masculine vulnerability.
Director’s Statement
In 'Abel,' we delve into the journey of a father and son as they reconnect over their shared grief. The story charts the path of personal growth for our lead character, Abel, but also serves as a reflective allegory on the state and place of men, and masculine vulnerability, in our rapidly changing contemporary society.
Dekel Berenson is an award winning writer, director, and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Drawing inspiration from traveling to more than sixty countries, Dekel explores real-world social and humanitarian issues. His short film Anna premiered in Competition at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, won the Best British Short award at the 22nd BIFA awards and was shortlisted for a BAFTA. His short film Ashmina won numerous prizes, including Best Short Film at the 59th Krakow Film Festival and Best Live Action Short at the 36th Jerusalem Film Festival.
Paul Wesley is an actor and director born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Polish immigrants Tomasz and Agnieszka Wasilewski. Moving back and forth between the US and Poland until the age of 16, the experience of living in two countries has shaped his adult life. Paul's recent directorial work includes various episodic television episodes and, as an activist for animal rights, a documentary short concerning the protection of farm animals. His producing credits include 'Before I Disappear' which won the audience award at SXSW and competed at the Venice Film Festival.
