Royale Coalition production company has released their latest short film drama, “On the Line.” Award-winning director, Brianna Devons, conveyed a message that allows the audience to see an emotional chain reaction as a loved one struggles to escape a dark moment in their life.
The movie is 13 minutes of pure suspense, each scene pulling one closer to the edge of their seat. There were powerful performances by actors Riki Yvette Westmoreland, Daren Lee Campbell, and Lamar Usher.
Westmoreland embodied a mother and displayed devastation, stress, and anxiety when she finds out her youngest son, Devin (Campbell) has reached a terrifying decision.
Usher plays the older brother of Devin (Campbell), showcasing the frustration in performing, while fighting a present emotional threat of what his younger brother might do. Devin played by Campbell, displayed a level of vulnerability and guilt of wanting to end his life.
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The film is the official selection of the LA Black Film Fest for Best Short Film, and three-time winner in the Indie Short Fest 2021. Taking the title for Best Original Song, for their single, “Echo Tears,” by Day Underscore (@dayunderscore).
The musical direction was led by Award-winning director, Neesin. The Best Actress accolade was awarded to Westmoreland, Usher earned the Best Actor award, and the movie also won Best Short Film by Universal Lens Film Festival 2021.
“I know what it’s like to plead with someone to not end their life,” Devons said, “To pour love and energy into them every minute to no avail.” She shared a piece of her reality through this project, her brother suffers from chronic depression.
Over the years there has been terrifying lows for the whole family. “On the Line,” shows multiple perspectives of mental health and opened up a new dialogue for Devon’s family to speak on collectively.
Although there has been greater connection within her own household, the film has received an abundance of testimonies from others facing similar challenges and many have reached out to Devons through social media, sharing their story.
“In 2019, there were an estimated 1.38 million suicide attempts which means 1.38 million families were at risk of losing a loved one–On the Line is an essential film for everyone to watch because we rarely see stories about mental illness told from the family’s perspective how it creates ripple effects through an entire community,” Devons added.
Devons concluded, “On the Line was created for those that feel stuck–whether in their career, mental health journey, to feel seen and reflected on screen and let them know that even in their darkest days, there is hope.”
Follow Devons on Instagram, @shotby.briannadevons, Royale Coalition @Royale.coalition, Lamar Usher @lamarusher, Riki Yvette Westmoreland @rikiyvettewestmorelandofficial, and
Darren Lee Campbell @darrenleecampbell