Roman Candle is a dramatic feature film following the evolving relationship of a young couple living in New York City. After being introduced by a college friend, the two unnamed characters form an immediate connection. As their relationship progresses, the honeymoon fades and the two are forced to grapple with their own changing identities and career ambitions. Roman Candle is a film confronting the realities of what it means to be in love during the turbulence of young adulthood.
2021 | 72 mins | US | Color
IN-PERSON: Saturday 9/18 at 4:45 PM at Theater #1
ONLINE: Available Friday, 9/17 from 7:00 PM through Sunday, 9/19, 9:00 PM
*The filmmaker is expected to be present for a discussion following the in-person screening.
About the Filmmaker
Joe Blank is a writer, director, cinematographer & producer originally from north of New York City, where he spent his youth making Youtube-oriented short films and taking classes at the nearby and esteemed Jacob Burns Film Center before pursuing a BFA in Film at Syracuse University. During his time there he also studied at FAMU in Prague, Czech Republic. Since graduating from Syracuse, Joe has lived and worked in Brooklyn, NY and Los Angeles, making amongst other works a short film/music video hybrid called “First Night”, as well as a comedic narrative short film called “The Interview” that’s in post-production. “Roman Candle” is his first feature film, self-financed and produced independently for less than $15,000 alongside passionate friends.
Roman Candle is a personal, relatable story about tumultuous and passionate young love in the midst of discovering identity. I started this project after feeling the frustration of not making anything after graduating film school. So with just the passion for filmmaking, my friends and I ventured to tell a story that hopefully many young people who have gone through long-term relationships have experienced or can relate toward, a story focused on the small moments in a relationship that add over time. My friends and I started this project not to make money or achieve fame, but because we were passionate about making movies and wanted to find an avenue to continue doing that. It’s an original story focused on emotion, honest craft, and love.
Cast & Crew
Directed by
Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)
Cast (in credits order)
| Sarah Hubner | … | Woman |
| Noah Schindler | … | Man |
| Melissa Lawson | … | Acting Class Friend |
| Kyra Kennedy | … | Roommate |
| Derrick Owens | … | Derrick |
| Joshua Curley | … | Josh / Date |
| Pam Blank | … | Mom (voice) |
Produced by
| Joe Blank | … | producer |
| Collin Hotchkiss | … | executive producer |
| Derrick Owens | … | producer |
Music by
Cinematography by
| Joshua Curley | … | director of photography |
Film Editing by
Camera and Electrical Department
| Joe Blank | … | Additional Photography by |
