West Winds Trailer
West Winds follows our anonymous Jane Doe as they arrive at a beach where the steady flow of the west winds keep the air clean from some sort of ice-nine like toxic air. Before she can decide whether or not to stay, the tide comes in and takes her gas mask, forcing her to stay in this cove indefinitely.
As the days go on, washed up supplies start to diminish and isolation becomes emotionally draining as she realizes her options of survival are limited. At her darkest moment something enters her life; a stray dog. Their connection quickly brings joy and purpose to her life as this dog becomes a buoy of hope for someone who had none. Reminding them of what it means to be alive.
West Winds is a story about seeking refuge from toxicity while struggling with depression, loneliness, and trying to find hope when there is none in sight. Sometimes levity and connection arrive in unexpected forms, reminding us what it means to be alive.
Writer and director Matthew Thomas Ross is best known for directing music videos in the local Portland music scene. Matthew’s first short film Two Ships premiered at the 2016 Portland Film Festival and more. Matthew’s second short film Anomaly, also had its premiere there in 2018. Matthew’s love & fascination with filmmaking began when he saw Jurassic Park in the theaters when he was 8 years old. All throughout middle/high school Matthew would make videos with his parent’s camera. After high school, Matthew briefly attended film school in California but dropped out the first year not feeling like it was the right fit for him and moved back to Oregon. He’s currently writing his first feature film with hopes to begin production in 2022
Matthew tells us about where he got the inspiration to write ‘West Winds’.
The seeds of West Winds began during a dark Oregon winter in 2016; the mists of depression surrounded me and the vast ocean of loneliness had me feeling like the only person on earth. At these darkest moments, my dog Niles would be right by my side creating an oasis of unconditional love that I so desperately needed. This film takes you through a range of emotion that can happen in ones life. Above all else, I hope it reminds you that even during our darkest moments in life, we can reflect back and find the bright spots that brought us joy, even if for a fleeting moment.
This short film was written in 2016, filmed in 2018, but has now found even more relevance in this world today. This last year was a dark one and made a lot of us feel like there is no hope. You are not alone in this darkness; our eyes will adjust, some quicker than others, and we will find that light, sooner or later. This is my love letter to my dog Niles and all our friends who save us.
For more information on Matthew Thomas Ross Click Here.
For more indie film trailers Click Here.
