Bed Bugs

(NYU Grad Film Short, 2021)

Writer/Director/Producer/Editor

A young woman confronts her fears by dealing with the only thing she has power over: her mattress.

Featuring

Megan Hensley | Jay Preston | Jami Bassman Ahart | Spencer Michael Smith | Brennan Ayres

Crew

Director of Photography & Colorist - Benjamin Handler | Gaffer & 1st AC - Bruce James Bales | Sound Recordist & Mixer - John Hennessey Baker | Key Grip & 2nd AC - Spencer Michael Smith | Location Assistance - John Busbee | Casting Consultant - Kimberly Busbee | Covid Safety Officer - Brennan Ayres | Sound Designer/Sound Effects Editor - Sterling “Sterlz” Lev | Re-Recording Mixer - Cathryn Stark | Stark & Sterlz

Special Thanks

Teachout Buildings | Crane Artist Lofts | Whiteline Lofts | Mattress Discounter | Produce Iowa, Liz Gilman | SAG Chicago, Kathy Byrne | Des Moines Fire Department, Jonathan K. Lund & Deb Bruce | Kaitlin Blunck | Amanda Thompson | Cinequipt Minneapolis | Kimberly & John Busbee | Michelle & Chris Doran | Karen & Jim Sievers | Maria Vorhis | Lauren Fritz | Matthew Ahl | Elizabeth Elsass | Felipe Vara De Rey | Anndi Jinelle Liggett | Hanna Gray Organschi | Christopher Ciancimino | Alexandre Rockwell | Andrew MacLean | Barbara Schock | Spike Lee | Jenn Ruff | NYU Grad Film

Director’s Statement

While this story initially presents itself to be about a young woman suffering from bed bugs, the narrative quickly reveals a deeper truth.

Survivors of sexual assault are often in shock and at a loss with how to move forward. I was stunned at how frequently the quotes from survivors of sexual assault paralleled quotes from individuals who have dealt with bed bugs and the process of evicting them from their beds and lives.

"Bed Bugs' biggest health threats are psychological, triggering flashbacks, extreme anxiety, and other symptoms of PTSD." - Insider

This discovery resulted in the idea of "Bed Bugs."

In very different and staggering ways, both people are left with the feeling that there's still something under their skin. They are left isolated, vulnerable and wondering how to move forward.

In "Bed Bugs, " a young woman confronts the direct aftermath of her sexual assault by starting with the only thing that makes sense, her mattress. She embarks upon a journey to get rid of it, by whatever means necessary. Through this journey, the psychological effects of her experience begin to expose themselves.

"Bed Bugs" is in essence a story about the moments after. The first steps taken. And the weight of those steps. My earnest hope is that "Bed Bugs" serves as a cathartic exploration for many and a unique meditation on a horrific and pervasive issue in our world.

Film Festivals

Hudson Valley Film Festival (2021) - Winner of Audience Choice Award
NYC Short Film Festival (2021) - Winner Best Student Film
Interrobang Film Festival (2022) - Winner Best Iowa Film
Snake Alley Festival of Film (2022) - Winner Best Iowa Film
Iowa Independent Film Festival (2022) - Winner Best Student Film
The Film Lounge IPBS (2022) - Selected State Wide
Crown Heights Film Festival (2021)
Alternating Currents Festival (2021)
Little Wing Film Festival (2021)
Female Voices Rock Film Festival (2021)
Meraki Film Festival (2022)
Omaha Film Festival (2022)
Oneota Film Festival (2023)