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
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 GATELY / 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 with a classical background (organ, chamber music, percussion, mallet percussion, accordion), composer and sound designer. After a 14-year career managing cultural projects and playing in various musical projects in jazz and world music, I have been training in sound design and musical composition since 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.
Screening Schedule
- 3/31/25 - American Documentary and Animation Film Festival - Palm Springs, CA - WORLD PREMIERE
