Diminishing Returns

a short documentary film

Synopsis

Collecting recyclables to pay for chemo treatments is not what Ernesto had envisioned when he legally entered the United States to provide a better life for his wife and two daughters. However, with one of his daughters sick with leukemia, he has no other choice but to stay in the US and send every penny home to the Philippines. Now with the bill due, he must race from dumpster to dumpster to pay for today’s treatment, encountering competition and setbacks while keeping a positive outlook.

Trailer

Action

If you'd like to help Ernesto:

Due to viewers asking how they can help, we started a GoFundMe to help take the burden of saving for processing and legal fees off of Ernesto. We'll make sure everything is used to get him closer to reuniting with his family.

Link to fundraiser.

Stills

Our Team

COLIN WHITMAN

DIRECTOR / EDITOR

Colin Whitman is an LA based filmmaker originally from Indiana. After graduating Florida State's film school, he joined the film industry in a variety of roles from agencies to studios, from development to marketing, and from features to television until specializing in producing unscripted television for the past 14 years. His credits include primarily docuseries and competition shows such as Below Deck, Big Brother, Survivor. This is his directorial debut.

ALEKSANDAR JOVIC

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Aleks is a working DP who produces narratives in his free time.

ALISON MESSINGER

EDITOR

Alison originally hails from the east coast but currently works as an editor in LA.

ANNE-SOPHIE MARQUANT

COMPOSER

Belgian pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and sound designer. After a 14-year career managing cultural projects and performing in various jazz and world groups, she dove into sound design and composition in 2022, driven by a growing desire to experiment, create and share.

LAURENT DEPLA

COMPOSER

Laurent has over 30 years experience as a filmmaker, photographer, and composer creating original soundtracks for film, documentary, theatre, and dance. Additionally, he is a composer and producer for DeeAndDee.

JUSTIN H. PORTIS

COMPOSER

Justin H. Portis is the Founder/Audio Director/Composer of Delicate Minds. An award-winning composer, songwriter, and producer, Justin draws from a wide range of musical influences, blending modern orchestral elements with a modern pop production. His music can be heard on shows such as HBO's Industry, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming and TV shows.