The Secret Friend (2010)

A reclusive, elderly widow, living alone in the city, begins a mysterious friendship with a silent caller.

Director:

Flavio Alves

Writers:

Flavio Alves (screenplay), João Silvério Trevisan (short story)

Stars:

Viola Harris, Beau Hauser, Siobhan Fallon Hogan

13 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Viola Harris	...	Anna Marshall
Beau Hauser	...	Street Reporter
Siobhan Fallon Hogan	...	Julie (as Siobhan Fallon)
Jerry Jaffe	...	The Secret Friend (voice)
Richard Scott	...	Telephone Company Manager
Melvin Shrebnick	...	Old Man

Storyline

A reclusive, elderly widow, Anna Marshall (Viola Harris), lives in quiet desperation until she begins receiving daily calls from a silent stranger. An odd and mysterious friendship evolves between the two, as Anna begins to share her life experiences with startling honesty. Empty days are given new hope, but when the calls abruptly end, a devastated Anna is compelled to surprising action to fill the unbearable void.

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Plot Keywords:

mystery man | based on novel | 

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Taglines:

A phone call can be a lifeline.

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Genres:

Short | Comedy | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site

Country:

Brazil USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 June 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amigo Secreto

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Queens Pictures, Factor 8

Technical Specs

Runtime:

15 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Had its World Premier at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival on June 27, 2010 where it was chosen as Best of the Fest.

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Quotes

Anna Marshall: Hi Julie. How nice of you to come.
Julie: Hi, Mrs. Marshall. Just thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing. May I come in?
Anna Marshall: Of course, sweetheart.
Julie: I want to stop by because I haven't seen you since Mr. Marshall... and anyway, so I thought I'd make you this carrot cake last night, and it was so funny, because my kids kept trying to eat it, so I think it's probably pretty good.
Anna Marshall: That's really sweet of you. You didn't have to.
Julie: Oh, well.
Anna Marshall: Please, sit down.
Julie: Thank you.
Anna Marshall: I've just made a fresh pot of tea. ...
[...]

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Soundtracks

My Secret Friend
Written and Performed by Jack Woodbridge
Courtesy of Woodsman Music

User Reviews

Thought provoking beautiful film

Rarely we see script, acting and directing all go hand in hand and this short film is a perfect example. Kudos to Viola Harris for the brilliant portrayal as Anna. This film clearly shows how the society sees and treats the older people. Smiled at many parts and got teary at the end. Made me think about the elderly and their feelings. Eager to read the short story now.

Cinematography and music supports the story than overpowering it. Great film. A very touching story. The team should be proud. I recommend you see it! What is your next film Alves?

My rating: 10/10