A family torn by grief. A secret buried for decades.
Logline
The suicide of Father Paul forces his estranged siblings to confront a decades-old family lie about their infant brother’s accidental drowning, a truth that tormented their mute sister, whose hidden scars now hint at her own profound, unspoken secret.
Synopsis
The suicide of Father Paul shatters the fragile peace of his estranged family, forcing them to confront a decades-old lie about their infant brother Alex’s accidental drowning. Paul’s posthumous confession unveils his role in fabricating the story, a deception that has profoundly tormented their mute sister, Anne, ever since the tragedy. As the true circumstances of Alex’s death begin to surface, Anne’s profound silence and hidden scars now hint at her own, unspoken secret. A truth irrevocably tied to that fateful day.
Director’s Statement
“Wake is about the quiet violence of what’s left unsaid. It’s a film about how grief calcifies over time, and how truth—no matter how painful—is the only path toward healing.”
— Arben Tom Ivanaj
Why This Film Now
In an era where audiences crave emotionally grounded stories, Wake offers an unflinching look at trauma, forgiveness, and family. The film speaks to a global conversation about generational wounds and the courage it takes to confront the past. It’s a timely story about silence—and the cost of keeping it.
Tone & Style
Wake is a moody, character-driven drama in the vein of Ordinary People, August: Osage County, and Manchester by the Sea. Shot with intimate cinematography, natural light, and still compositions, the film lives in emotional nuance. The setting—a lakefront house in Connecticut—serves as both a sanctuary and a haunting.
Cast Opportunities
Wake offers six emotionally rich roles for award-caliber talent:
- Beth (60s): A mother paralyzed by grief
- Richard (60s): A stoic patriarch hiding guilt
- Marni (40s): A tightly-wound high achiever
- Dana (40s): A rebel haunted by betrayal
- Adam (30s): The peacekeeper ready to break
- Anne (30s): Silent since childhood, until now
Technical Specifications
| Year of production | Pre-production |
| Format | Feature |
| Genres | Drama |
| Status | Packaging talent, financing in progress |
| Production Country | USA, France |
| Languages | English |
| Director | Arben Tom Ivanaj |
| Producer(s) | Raúl E. Peyret – Accerts Productions (US), Silence Films (FR) |
| Story By | Amedeo Talerico |
Contact
For casting, investment, or distribution inquiries, please reach out to:
📧 Info@accerts.com
📁 One-pager and deck available on request