Reviews

‘The script is strongly visual, emotional and stylish with a gripping parent-child drama holding it together, told in a unique way that must be seen to be experienced.‘ 

 – New York International Screenplay Awards

Screenplay Awards

FINALIST – Creative World Awards Screenwriting Competition
FINALIST – Circus Road Screenplay Contest
FINALIST – Creative World Awards Screenwriting Competition
FINALIST – Circus Road Screenplay Contest
FINALIST – California Women’s Film Festival
SEMI FINALIST – Diverse Voices by WeScreenplay
SEMI FINALIST – Screencraft Film Fund
SEMI FINALIST – 21st Indie SF IndieFest Screenplay Competition
QUARTER FINALIST – Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Script Summit Screenplay Competition

Cherry Blossoms in March is a mother/daughter story based on the life of Jessica Tirshman and her experience of Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic lung disease. The film takes inspiration from a poem Jessica wrote entitled “Spontaneous Combustion” about her near death experience and double lung transplant. Written and directed by Jessica’s sister Riley Rheyan, the film explores Jessica’s art and poetry by bringing them to life through animation.

Cast: Cassie Collis, Mattie Shisko, Curtis Lum
Producer, Editer, & VFX: Thomas Emann
Writer & Director: Riley Rheyan
Director of Photography: Ryan Luth
Full Credits List on IMDb

Festivals & Awards

GRAND JURY AWARD NARRATIVE SHORT – Awareness Festival
BEST DRAMA  – 4Theatre Selection
BEST ACTRESS – 4Theatre Selection
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – 4Theatre Selection
BEST DRAMA – 8 & HalFilm Awards
BEST FOREIGN SHORT – London Independent Film Awards
BEST ACTRESS – Monthly Indie Shorts
BEST VFX – Liverpool Indie Awards
FINALIST – Directors Cut International Film Festival
WINNER – New Wave Short Film Festival
AWARD OF DISTINCTION – Canada Shorts Film Festival
CATEGORY AWARD NOMINEE – AltFF Alternative Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Hollywood First Time Filmmakers Showcase by LiftOff
OFFICIAL SELECTION – New York Lift Off Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Pinewood First Time Filmmaker Sessions by LiftOff
OFFICIAL SELECTION – IndieFlicks Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION – New West Film Fest
HONORABLE MENTION – Best Indie Film Awards
HONORABLE MENTION – The Women’s Independent Film & Television Festival