“Wonder” is a short narrative inspired by John Green’s Paper Towns. It centers on Samie (Samie Betia) and Justin (Justin Virgino), who’ve known each other since they were children. It starts on a random night over coffee when Justin, secretly troubled and problematic, drags Samie along a spontaneous adventure caused by his youthful and escapist impulses. Follows them is a night of small, crazy adventures of epic proportions, running around the incandescent streets of the city, feeling youthful and limitless.
Shot this film for my Film 10 finals. Honestly, I was really hesitant about pushing through with this, and I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. But after seeing the final product and how hard everyone worked and how awesome Justin, Samie, Ara, and Frankie were, everything from shooting the scenes to editing just kind of grew on me. Shooting this felt so young and free I can’t explain it :)) Really really proud of them and super thankful!
I know a lot of you are going to wonder (no pun intended) about the ending. That’s kind of the point haha. It’s open for interpretations :))
I’m still not sure if I was able to pull this off though hahaha you be the judge.
a short film starring Justin Virgino and Samie Betia
Directed, written, filmed, and edited by Pat Nabong
Co-directed by Ara Ambrosio and Frankie Mamaril
Music by The Stills (I’m With You), Death Cab for Cutie (What Sarah Said) and The Mostar Diving Club (Worlds Apart)
Amazing. :)
