“Making this movie means we are not victims to cancer.
Making this movie means we are survivors, ready and willing to share our story with the world in the artistic medium that we love the most, film.

Jonathan and I met in college and our first and happiest experiences together were of making movies.

This is what we’ve wanted to do all of our lives. A diagnosis of cancer is not going to stop us, but fuel us to do what we love with more passion, creativity, and love than ever before.

Cancer is the scariest thing I have ever encountered. It has made me contemplate life and death and made me become fearful of tomorrow.

However, it has also awakened my soul and forced me to see the beauty of the here and now. ”

The Director’s Story…

Just over one year ago, at the age of 26, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I have never been a smoker and have lived a healthy lifestyle. I learned that I had a genetic mutation and realized that cancer can and does strike anyone, no matter your age.

I was in the process of editing my latest short film, “Picture Show,” a film oddly enough about growing old and facing the realities of life and death, when I began my chemotherapy treatment and started what would be a very long and on-going battle.

This is a film for all of those that are facing the unknown. Searching for comfort. Not just those who are sick, but those that act as caregivers and supporters.

This is not a film about illness or anger or depression; instead, this is a film about seeking that which is so easily lost: HOPE.

We have a fairly low budget and all money raised will go towards paying, housing and feeding our very talented cast and crew.

My payment is being able to share a very personal part of my life.

- J. Michael Hicks

The Film’s Story…

A young woman seeks spiritual enlightenment after being diagnosed with cancer.

Through montage, collage and the poetry of the moving image, we witness her journey.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nirvana-a-short-film-about-cancer/598777076879059

When Will Principal Photography Begin?

Our anticipated starting date is July 18-22, 2014 near the Atlanta area in Georgia in and around the community of Serenbe.

Who Are We?

J. Michael Hicks (Writer/Director/Editor)

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Film and Television, J. Michael Hicks worked for the Independent Film Company Oscilloscope Laboratories in New York. There, he assisted in distributing 6 feature films, including two Oscar Nominated films. He was the 1st Assistant Director of the award-winning feature film, 45RPM, and he co-directed and edited the award-winning short film, “Picture Show,” which is currently playing in several festivals.

Robyn Rebecca Young (Lead Actress/Producer)

Another graduate of SCAD, Robyn received her BFA in Performing Arts and studied at the Atlantic Acting School co-founded by famed playwright David Mamet. Since then, she has worked for the Serenbe Playhouse, where she began as an intern and became the companies’ first full time employee as Executive Assistant. Most recently, Robyn wrote and co-directed, “Picture Show,” and was honored with the Best Short Screenplay award at the Ozark Foothills FilmFest. Starting this fall, Robyn will be attending SCAD Atlanta where she will be pursuing a MFA in Film and Television.