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.

Our Creative Team

Dave Kirtland - Writer & 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 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 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

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

Patrick's fantastic story is coming soon!

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

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

NOT CASTED - Ethan

Coming Soon

NOT CASTED - Young Frank

Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

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!