The Cast

Jane Hart
Jane Hart
as Dr. Gloria Dennison
An actor, poet and psychologist. Jane grew up in Utica and now splits time between Buffalo and Madrid, Spain. The only trained actor in the cast, she did her BFA in Theatre Studies at Niagara University with credits including Blanche/Louis in Shakespeare's King John, Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, and Cassius in Julius Caesar. She also holds an MA from SUNY Buffalo and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Seton Hall University. She is thrilled to be making her film debut directed by the man who introduced her to acting in the first place — her father Dennis.
Paul Schulman
Paul Schulman
as Dr. Richard Calbert
A retired SUNY psychology professor and Utican. "I grew up mumbling so that at the beginning of my career my father asked, 'How will anyone ever be able to understand what you're saying?'" Paul and Dennis have been all-season walking partners for years. "Being a part of this project was an unusual experience, but lots of fun. It's a project we can all be proud of."
Ed Townsend
Ed Townsend
as Dr. David Hertz
A Presbyterian minister who spent his early years in Pittsburgh performing musical theater and opera. As lead singer for Eddie and The Otters, he shared the stage with The Pretenders, The Romantics and The Ramones. He saw this film as "one more enjoyable brush with fame."
Boni Carstarphen
Boni Carstarphen
as Dr. Miriam Wexler
An Alabama native who resides in Clinton. "I have always had a passion for movies. When Dennis approached me about playing Dr. Wexler, I was excited for the opportunity to learn firsthand what happens when someone makes a movie."
Aaron Woodman
Aaron Woodman
as Dr. Stanley Morris
A civic engagement leader passionate about educating people to create positive change. He serves as Vice President of the NAACP Oneida County Branch. Dennis was impressed with his sense of "presence" and asked if he'd consider taking part. His role includes a romantic interest — he says working on this film "was a fun and joyous time."
Sharon Rankins-Burd
Sharon Rankins-Burd
as Susan Torrance
A West Winfield Springs resident who has performed in area community productions. "I was both honored and intrigued when Dennis invited me to be part of this project. I hope audiences find this thought-provoking film to be a conversation starter!"
Venus Reddick
Venus Reddick
as Dr. Aisha Kilburn
A long-time Oneida County resident, artist, crafter, poet, and entertainer. Dennis notes that she is one of those amazing actors who can produce tears on cue.
Jennifer Boulanger
Jennifer Boulanger
as Dr. Barbara Dockman
A native of Rome and retired MVCC English Professor and academic dean. "Knowing as I do that every one of Dennis Dewey's projects is both a learning experience and a chance to meet new, bright friends, I found participation enriching and fun."
Carl Szablak
Carl Szablak
as Dr. Sydney Goldberg
A long-time member of MVILR and a talented artist who has taken drawing classes at Munson. "I have much respect for Dennis and his skills, and very much enjoyed getting to know better my castmates."
Paru Shah
Paru Shah
as Ganga Singh
Alecia Pendasulo
Alecia Pendasulo
as Alecia McPherson
Alecia Pendasulo lives in Forestport. She's a board member of Oneida County History Center and a contributor to various publications about local history.
Carol Williams
Carol Williams
as Doreen McAlister
A long-time member of MVILR. "He asked a few of us if we would help him out with a movie he was making. It was fun and for me a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Larry Beasley
Larry Beasley
as Oliver Lawrence
A Nashville native transplanted in Holland Patent, Larry has found a home on Central New York stages having played roles ranging from the scheming Thénardier in Les Misérables to the iconic Harold Hill in The Music Man and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. "I've always believed in saying 'yes' to the unexpected — and an invitation to move from the stage and step in front of a camera felt exactly like that kind of moment."
John L. Swann
John L. Swann
as Gordon Siefert
Utica's John L. Swann is a mystery writer and a recovering broadcast journalist. "I was happy to contribute in a small way to Dennis' project, and it was a pleasure to work with him. He's a creative force. As for my role, it felt strangely familiar — anchoring the news — after a hiatus!"
Jesse Jordan
Jesse Jordan
as Abe Cortland
Joe McBoi
Joe McBoi
as Clarence Dewson

The Crew

Writer, Director, Editor & Producer
Dennis Dewey
Composer & Script Consultant
Brad Bennett
Script Editor
Pamela Schulman
Set Manager (MVCC Rome)
Cathy Axel
Set Manager (Madrid)
Susan Dewey

Production Notes

The film was shot with an iPhone 13 Pro and an iPhone 15 Pro using RODE transmitter mics. Edited entirely in iMovie with CGI sequences from Freepik and stock footage from Pixabay, Pexels, Vecteezy, and Pond5.

Set at the fictitious Humanistic Artificial Intelligence Lab in Palo Alto, California, filming took place at MVCC Rome Campus, SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy, New Mexico, and Madrid, Spain.

Original music composed by Brad Bennett. Screenplay edited by Pamela Schulman.