Brave the Dark explained

Brave the Dark
Director:Damian Harris
Cinematography:Julio Macat
Editing:Toby Yates
Runtime:122 minutes
Country:USA
Language:English

Brave the Dark is an American drama film based on a true event,[1] directed by Damian Harris and starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton. The film premiere took place at the Heartland International Film Festival in October 2023 and is a co-production from Aristos Films and MAKE/FILMS.[2]

Plot summary

Nate is a homeless teen struggling to find the courage to confront the darkness of his past. When he is arrested outside of Stan Deen's classroom, the kindhearted and popular drama teacher determines to intervene. Stan decides to welcome the troubled kid into his own home but no one has prepared him for the journey he will undertake or the dark secrets Nate is hiding.

Cast

Production

Stan Deen was a high school English and Drama teacher of the Garden Spot High School, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from 1967 until his death in 2016. He founded the Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) in 1967.[4] Brave the Dark was written by Dale G. Bradley, Lynn Robertson, John P. Spencer, director Damian Harris and Nathaniel "Nate" Deen. Nate is also the subject of the autobiographical film, set in 1973 and 1986. Nate Deen says of his teacher, Stan Deen, "He was known for bringing out the best in others, especially in the classroom, where he was lively, engaging and able to make a personal connection with students from all walks of life. [...] Without Stan Deen, I would not be the person I am today." Stan Deen was a father figure to Nate, leading to his legal name change to Nathaniel David Deen in 2018 to honour his legacy.[5] The title of the film is included on the poster in the sentence "Sometimes the only Way to see the Light is to Brave the Dark".

Filming locations included the real Garden Spot High School in Lancaster County where Nathaniel Deen attended and Stan Deen taught as well as the house both lived in. Filming took place between late summer and autumn 2021. Climactic scenes were filmed against the Poplar Neck Bridge near Lancaster in October 2021.[6]

Awards and nominations

AwardDateCategoryResult
Heartland International Film Festival6 October 2023[7] Overall Audience Choice Award[8]
Newport Beach Film Festival13 October 2023[9] Best US Film Audience Award[10]
San Diego International Film Festival20 October 2023[11] Narrative Competition[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: About . 2023-11-17 . The Stan Deen Foundation . en-US.
  2. Web site: A MAKE/FILMS ORIGINAL Brave the Dark . 2023-11-14 . MAKE/FILMS . July 2023 . en-US.
  3. Web site: Toombs . Alec . 2023-10-07 . Heartland: Brave the Dark . 2023-11-17 . Film Yap.
  4. Web site: Stanley Deen . 2023-11-17 . The MY HERO Project.
  5. Web site: Home . 2023-11-17 . The Stan Deen Foundation . en-US.
  6. Web site: Adams . Heather . 2021-10-20 . Climactic Scene Shot at Poplar Neck Bridge for Upcoming Film, Brave the Dark . 2023-11-17 . BCTV . en-US.
  7. Web site: HEARTLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL . 2023-11-17 . tickets.heartlandfilmfestival.org.
  8. Web site: 32nd Heartland International Film Festival Announces Winners & Presents $60,000 in cash prizes . 2023-11-15 . heartlandfilm.prowly.com . en.
  9. Web site: NEWPORT BEACH FILM FEST . 2023-11-17 . nbff23.eventive.org.
  10. Web site: Trela . Christopher . 2023-10-31 . Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2023 Award Winners . 2023-11-15 . Newport Beach News . en-US.
  11. Web site: @bravethedarkfilm . 2023-11-17 . www.instagram.com.
  12. Web site: Cristi . A. A. . San Diego International Film Festival Announces 2023 Slate! . 2023-11-15 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Brave the Dark".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.