A Song for Jade is a quietly clever film. We open the day before the wedding of Douglas (Omari), and his bride Jade (Cruzat). However, Douglas gets cold feet. He is a singer and songwriter, you see, and his fiancé wants him to write and perform her a song for her as a part of their wedding. He's not ready to do that. In fact, he is not ready to marry her. In addition, he tells her as much. Let's just say, that does not go over too well.
Cut to: five years later. We are getting ready for another wedding. Douglas is a groomsman in the wedding, but not particularly popular with his friends because he chooses not to participate in the bachelor festivities. A new ex-girlfriend comes in and lets him know that even though they are not together, she still believes in his musical career.
Now it's wedding day. Douglas, as we have stated, is involved in the wedding. What he does not know is that the bride is, in fact, the woman he offended five years ago. While some might think fate is cruel, Douglas decides that this means he has one last chance to win her back.
The story is not necessarily a new one, however, confident direction, amazing production values for a short film, and fine acting propel the production. This is an example of short films that their defenders are looking for. It is not made with traditional money. In fact, it is so far outside the Hollywood system it was completely produced in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yet, it holds up quite nicely against short films from both New York and L.A., where everyone, including producers, seems to be waiting for his or her big break.
A Song for Jade is bright, witty, and above the amateur level that one usually expects from short films. Shari Lynn Himes has built herself an almost absurdly strong calling card. She has shown everyone what she can do with a small budget, and it is already levels above what many filmmakers do with much greater budgets and much longer running times. The story is not overwrought with drama, but director Himes treats her tale with a weight appropriate for the theme presented. The ending, which I will not expose here, in the hopes that you will have the chance to see it, is both dramatically strong, and surprising.
A Song for Jade is a delightful short pleasure. It is like a bonbon. Its nutritious value is limited, but you still appreciate having consumed it. Ms. Himes can make more candy for me anytime.
-Brian Owens The Bubaker Awards
