WESTERLY — “The Shadow of the Sun,” the short film released in April by Westerly director Emilio Guido, is now streaming online.
The 17-minute film is available on Youtube and Facebook. The story follows a father’s attempts to repair his relationship with his estranged son, but his criminal past catches up and threatens to tear them apart.
Guido, a Westerly High School graduate, said he and his team are developing the picture into a feature-length film. He’s set up a Venmo account, @theshadowofthesunmovie, to take donations, and progress on the film can be followed on Instagram at @shadowofthesunmovie.
Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, “The Shadow of the Sun” is a raw and heartbreaking story about redemption, forgiveness and the fragility of hope, Guido said, and he drew on aspects of his relationship with his own past to inform the work. The story aims to spark conversations about inter-generational trauma and inspire healthier relationships between parents and children.
Guido called the film a “puzzle,” in that it’s inspired by pieces of memories, dreams and experiences he’s had.
In addition to its premiere at The United in April, the film also was shown at the New York Shorts International Awards.
Since leaving Westerly, Guido has worked as a producer at “America’s Test Kitchen” and currently works as the marketing video manager at ButterflyMX, while continuing to make independent films that have screened at festivals nationwide.
He also has written, produced, directed, and edited narrative projects including two features: “Laugh Now: A Perspective on Life, Liberty & the Holocaust” (2019), and “When Max Met Loralie (2022).”
Guido, now a New York resident, still frequently visits relatives here in Westerly.