I recently saw PAPER PEOPLE at the South Dakota Film Festival. Luke Schuetzle and Andrew Kightlinger scribe a suspenseful tail of loss and self reflection. Pitted against his inner demons the lead character contemplates his suicide, but it doesn't stop there.
The lead role played by Steven Luke captures your attention from the first scene. Luke offers a very controlled approach to his character. His acting chops in Paper People were recently rewarded with a Best Actor award at the Best Actor(in a)Film Festival in San Francisco, CA.
Opposite Luke was Desire Jansen, playing a moon eyed young mother on the move with her daughter trying to find their way across the country. Jansen and Luke build a palpable chemistry in seconds.
Olive Coon and Kevin Kunkel offer sound support in this short film.
The cinematography by Peter Wigand is well executed. Attention was given to many details of light control and color for effect.
Edited by co-writer and director Kightlinger, the film has a solid pacing. It doesn't rush to the end nor does it over stay its welcome. Paper People is a solid short narrative with attention to the details.
This largely South Dakota film crew is putting their state on the film- making map.
You will enjoy it at your local festival.
