"Simmer" is a short film about making a decision at a crossroads...
A young African-American man, about to be released from prison, must decide whether to enroll in a prestigious, all-white culinary arts school, or return to the corrupt street life of Tréme, New Orleans.
At 23, CYRUS BISHOP nears the end of a sentence at Angola State Penitentiary, where he regularly spends time in the prison kitchen, cooking with prison chef TONY RUSSO. But after his childhood friend is killed in a gang fight, Cyrus becomes distraught. The prison goes on lock down, trapping Cyrus in the prison kitchen with Tony.
Seeing Cyrus’ distress, Tony encourages Cyrus to break away from the cycle of violence he’s grown up with, and explore his interest in cooking by applying to a prestigious, all-white culinary school. Cyrus is set on returning to his hometown of Tréme, but Tony argues that Cyrus will inevitably return to his prior, criminal lifestyle, and waste his passion for cooking. While Cyrus doubts his success at a predominantly white, elite school, Tony pleads with Cyrus to enroll in order to find positive direction in his life.
Funding a Film
A lot of resources go into filmmaking. Here are just a few of the categories your support will make possible:
- Feeding the crew — and we know on this set, they'll eat well!
- Renting equipment — from camera to lights.
- Entering film festivals, and getting this film seen!
- Production Insurance
- and much more...
What You'll Get
At each level of giving, you'll receive a different perk — from a limited edition poster, to your name in our credits.
The Team
We've assembled a great team of passionate people who believe in telling this important story.
DERRICK HAGGERTY - WRITER/PRODUCER
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 2005, Derrick worked as a high-profile private chef. In 2009 he started One Love Specialty Food & Beverages, a catering company that focuses on private events, classes, and consulting.
OWEN SCHWARTZBARD - WRITER/DIRECTOR
Owen is an Austin-based director of award-winning short films, music videos, and documentaries. He was awarded the Fierberg Student Film Award in 2013 for his short film "The Bluff". His work has been shown at film festivals nationwide, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and The Bullock Texas State History Museum.
MAGIC HOSKINS - CINEMATOGRAPHER
Magic Hoskins is a cinematographer known for his passion for storytelling, with a portfolio ranging from music videos to commercials, live events to documentaries.
DANZEL SQUARE - "CYRUS BISHOP"
Danzel is an emerging talent from New Orleans. He recently starred in the film “Stay Woke,” in which his acting gained critical recognition. The film was awarded “best short film” in the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival and the Best Shorts Competition, and was screened at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you aren't able to contribute, you can still help us make this film!
- Spread the word — tell friends to check us out!
- Corporate Sponsorship — tell businesses to check us out!
- Say hello and good luck!
