Young brothers Max and Noah find sanctuary in an imaginary world made of shadows, but when reality collapses in around them, they must face the dark together.

“Shadows” follows two young brothers, Max (4) and Noah (7), who live with their single mother. Max is full of energy, while Noah, despite a lifelong illness, is a calm guide for his brother. The boys escape into an imaginary shadow world where only children belong, a place filled with wonder and play, yet Noah holds a secret that will change their lives. When he collapses in this shadow world, Noah must reveal the truth, and together, the brothers confront their fears. Armed with flashlights and dreams, they discover that reality is creeping into their world. “Shadows” is a story of grief, friendship, and family, shining a light on the pain of lost innocence and the journey of finding hope in the darkness.

Director’s Vision for ‘Shadows’

“Shadows” was born from my desire to capture the fleeting purity of childhood—a time when imagination is everything and even the darkest corners are softened by a child’s belief in magic. For me, this film is about depicting that innocent and fragile moment when a child’s world of fantasy collides with the reality of grief—when magic becomes a lifeline.

I was inspired to tell this story because I believe there is a Max in all of us, fighting to hold onto magic as reality begins to intrude. This narrative is deeply personal to me, as I have faced moments where imagination felt like my refuge from reality. I wanted to create a film that honors those childhood spaces of magic and wonder but also recognizes the inevitability of growing up and facing the darkness that life can bring. Through Max and Noah’s journey, I hope to depict what it’s like to stand in the shadows and hold on to the belief that even in the darkest places, there is always a flicker of light waiting to be found.