![The Broken Pieces of Us]()
Short Summary
The Broken Pieces of Us is a short film about Ethan, a volunteer assigned to help Frank, a grizzled loner, enter hospice care. As they navigate packed boxes and heavy silences, Frank unearths painful truths—his regrets, his prison time, and a haunting tragedy. What begins as an obligation for Ethan turns into an unexpected reckoning, revealing a past that binds them both. In the quiet weight of shared grief, they confront the ghosts that shaped them, finding solace in the unspoken and freedom in forgiveness.
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Our Creative Team
Dave Kirtland - Writer & Director
![Dave Kirtland - Director]()
New Orleans-born filmmaker David C. Kirtland specializes in psychological thrillers and dramas, bringing a bold, cinematic vision to every project. Inspired by legends like Richard Donner, Steven Spielberg, and Alfred Hitchcock, he began crafting films at the age of 12 with his grandfather’s 8mm camera and has been perfecting his craft ever since.
A dedicated storyteller on and off the field, David serves in the Louisiana Army National Guard, directing and editing military documentaries. His diverse filmography includes To Kill, Dark Blue, Homelicide, and Voiced Over, alongside numerous feature and series developments. With a passion for gripping narratives and striking visuals, David is a filmmaker to watch.
David C. Kirtland - IMDb
Laura Duval - Director of Photography
![Laura Duval - DP]()
Laura Duval is a producer, director, and cinematographer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. With a background in Political Theory and American Politics, she focuses on films that explore social justice and cultural issues. A Master of Fine Arts graduate from the University of New Orleans, she brings expertise and passion to every project.
Laura has directed three feature films currently in post-production: Tad Caldwell and the Monster Kid, Bad Habit, and Gesundheit! Vs Capitalism: The Real Patch Adams Story. Her cinematography spans narrative films like Stand On It and Poker Run and documentaries such as Through the Veil: Ghosts of Fort Jackson and Twin Stories. She also has extensive experience in commercial and news camera work with WDSU and WLFT.
As a production designer member of the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800), Laura has also shared her knowledge as a film instructor at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans. Passionate about storytelling and "painting with light," she continues to craft impactful, visually compelling films.
Laura Duval - IMDb
Jenika Kolacz- Producer
![Jenika Kolacz - Producer]()
Jenika Kolacz is a filmmaker based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts from LSU, she studied makeup at Cinema Makeup School and was enthralled with the creativity of creature design. She started working in film shortly thereafter, focusing on significant car crash injuries, wounds, and missing limbs. After working as a makeup artist for over a decade, she has expanded her skill set into production and grip/electric.
As a producer, she most recently shot the thriller Beware the Box Folk in eleven days. She enjoys the world of indie filmmaking and creating art in any space that she can. Jenika continues to produce a variety of projects celebrating Louisiana's community and culture whenever she gets the chance.
Most recently, Jenika has worked as a utility for ESPN, ESPN+, College GameDay, and SEC Nation. She worked on various events for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, including The Edge with Micha Parsons with MAX and TNT and The Streamer Bowl with Twitch and NFLPA.
Jenika Kolacz - IMDb
Dusty Brown - 1st Assistant Director
![Dusty Brown - 1st AD]()
Hailing from the MS Gulf Coast, Dusty Brown has recently celebrated 10 years in filmmaking. Acting, directing, writing, producing- he does a little of everything and likes it that way. Film is an essential part of his life, something he refers to as his "life-force", and he is always traveling to the next project or developing one.
In addition to winning Best Supporting Actor twice for his role in "Silent Aisles", his directorial debut, "Jije" which he also co-wrote and co-produced, was accepted onto Amazon Prime. His determination and creative prowess are only matched by his professionalism
Dusty Brown - IMDb
Patrick Boling - Executive Producer
![Producer, Patrick Boling]()
Patrick's fantastic story is coming soon!
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David Duncan - Composer
Musician and composer who writes for films, documentaries, animations, commercials, and other media platforms. With roots in a wide variety of musical styles, from full orchestral to jazz, and everything in between, his ability to tailor music for specific projects is what he is known for. His music has been played on Amazon Prime, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, Malco Cinemas, Comcast, and regional and international film projects.
David Duncan - IMDb
Our Talented Cast
![Veteran actor Tra+]()
Tracy Miller - Frank
Miller brings unparalleled passion and talent to every role he takes on, and we couldn’t be more honored to have him breathe life into Frank. His experience, dedication, and ability to convey raw emotion will make Frank’s journey unforgettable.
Frank is a grizzled older man with a quiet demeanor, living solitary as he moves into hospice. Through candid and emotional conversation, Frank begins to unravel the story of his tumultuous past during an encounter with an unlikely volunteer—his regrets, decade-long imprisonment, and the profound weight of a tragedy he can never undo.
Tracy Miller - IMDb
![Brandon Campbell]()
Brandon Campbell - Ethan
Brandon Campbell is a gifted character actor with a flair for improvisational comedy and a strong foundation in drama and physical performance. He began acting at 11 in a humane society commercial and has since appeared in several short and feature films. He earned his BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi (2011-2015) and performed at renowned Chicago theaters like the Goodman for three years. Since 2022, he has been with Ghostwrightmedia, producing and acting in award-winning short films and feature films. In the past 2 years, Brandon has expanded his career with countless theatre, voiceover, film, and commercial projects in Miami, Florida, including recently a Super Bowl commercial featuring Saquon Barkley. Brandon thanks Dave and the team for this excellent opportunity to share such a beautiful story! Insta @brandocampp
Brandon Campbell - IMDb
![Storyboard image depicting Rosalyn in The Broken Pieces of Us - 2025]()
NOT CASTED - Rosalyn
Coming Soon
Where the Money Goes
Production Costs: Equipment rental, location fees, insurance, and set design
Cast and Crew Compensation: Supporting local talent and a dedicated team
Post-Production: Editing, color grading, and sound design
Festival Submissions: Ensuring The Broken Pieces of Us reaches audiences worldwide
If we exceed our goal, every extra dollar will enhance the film's quality and outreach. Even if we fall short, the funds raised will go toward core expenses to make this film a reality.
What We Need & What You Get
We are seeking $9,500 to fund this project, covering:
Production Costs: Equipment rental, location fees, insurance, and set design
Cast and Crew Compensation: Supporting local talent and a dedicated team
Post-Production: Editing, color grading, and sound design
Festival Submissions: Ensuring The Broken Pieces of Us reaches audiences worldwide
If we exceed our goal, every extra dollar will enhance the film's quality and outreach. Even if we fall short, the funds raised will go toward core expenses to make this film a reality.
Perks
We’ve created exciting perks to show our gratitude:
$10 – Digital Thank You Wall
$25 – Personalized Thank You + Behind-the-Scenes Access
$50 – Early Screening Access + Social Media Shoutout
$100 – Special Thanks in Film Credits + Digital Film Copy
$250+ – Associate Producer Credit + Virtual Creative Roundtable Invitation
$500+ - Executive Producer Credit + Plus festival weekend
Your name, support, and trust will be woven into the fabric of this film.
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The Impact
The Broken Pieces of Us is more than a film—it's a story that humanizes forgiveness and reminds us of our shared capacity for grace. By supporting this project, you help create art that inspires reflection and empathy, sparking conversations about redemption and the complexities of grief. Your contribution brings visibility to thoughtful indie filmmaking and nurtures a creative community built on trust and purpose.
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Risks & Challenges
Every film faces challenges—whether in scheduling, weather, or technical hurdles. However, with a dedicated, experienced team and detailed planning, we’re prepared to adapt and overcome. My previous projects have faced similar obstacles, and clear contingency strategies have kept us moving forward. Transparency is our priority, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
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Other Ways You Can Help
You can still make a massive difference if you can't contribute financially!
Share this campaign on social media and with friends, family, and film lovers.
Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes updates and announcements.
Use Indiegogo’s share tools to help us spread the word far and wide.
Thank you for believing in The Broken Pieces of Us. Together, we can create something truly meaningful!
