Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Authenticity in Setting: Dylan Trupiano filmed Recesses at his old elementary school, lending a deeply personal and authentic feel to the project.
- Casting Magic: The chemistry and performances of lead actors Solia Cates and young Charles John Wilson were pivotal, bringing depth and understanding to their roles.
- Embracing Repression in Storytelling: Through Recesses, Dylan explores themes of repression, encouraging viewers to reflect on unspoken traumas and the role of educators.
Dylan Trupiano, the creative force behind Recesses, is a seasoned director, writer, and editor from Metro Detroit, now making waves in Los Angeles. With a background that includes co-founding LA's Rich and Successful Film Festival and studying under Palme d'Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Dylan brings a unique perspective to his work. His latest film, Recesses, is set to screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival. Collaborating with a talented crew, including producers Page Brady, Talia Light Rake, and Noah Morse, as well as cinematographer Cece Chan, Dylan presents a story that melds personal memory with universal themes of childhood and repression.
Q&A Interview
What inspired you to create Recesses?
The film was almost built completely as a memory piece around my childhood. We shot this film at my old elementary school in Metro Detroit, the same where my father taught third grade. Watching my dad work tirelessly, I quickly learned how overlooked and undervalued public educators are. Like the film's protagonist, I also dealt with a traumatic experience at an age where I was too young to have the knowledge or vocabulary to explain what happened to me. This struggle often carries into adulthood, creating a cycle of repression. I hope my film allows viewers to reflect on what went unsaid in their own upbringing.
What surprised you most during the filmmaking process?
How unreliable $100 snow machines on Amazon are when you need them. Just kidding — the lead actors constantly blew me away. Solia Cates was always in my mind for the main role, but finding Charles John Wilson was a stroke of luck. His audition tape showed a deep understanding of the character that I couldn't have possibly communicated.
"I wanted to portray the events as how it felt to me when I was younger."
What is a moment in the film that feels uniquely yours?
There's a sequence where we see the child's drawing through flashbacks. Instead of showing the trauma explicitly, I wanted to capture how it felt — the swaying trees, the smell in the air. Film's power lies in capturing those details. This section is my attempt at telling a story that can only be told as a film.
How do you hope audiences will respond to Recesses?
I've never seen this specific incident depicted before. If people don't see it or aren't taught how to identify it, we risk isolating victims into thinking nobody understands their struggles.
"I think when people feel a closer connection to the setting, they’re more likely to do their best work."
How has this film shaped your future storytelling?
I've found that I'm really interested in stories about repression. After dwelling in the darkness of this film, I'd like to explore something brighter.
What does screening at HollyShorts mean to you?
After six years in LA, it's surreal to see my hometown on the big screen at the city's most iconic theater. I'm honored to join the ranks of great filmmakers at HollyShorts.
For more on "Recesses," check out their teaser below.
