ABOUT THE FILMMAKER Stephen Williams divides his time between filmmaking and teaching. Two of his short films, Blessing and The Cufflink, have been honored in more than thirty film festivals, worldwide, receiving honors and awards, including the Gold Hugo from the Chicago International Film Festival. He has also written, directed and produced a number of corporate films, including Good Vibrations, Integrated Awareness and Heartland.

Stephen has taught film courses at Salt Lake Community College since 2002. He studied film at the USC School of Film, then completed his MFA in Film Studies at the University of Utah.


  FILMMAKER STATEMENT

A few years ago I attended the funeral of a dear friend who had died suddenly of a heart attack. The chapel was packed. My friend had been deeply religious, beloved by his community, a devoted husband and father. As I listened to the glowing eulogies, a strong sense of irony began to wash over me.  I realized that none of these people knew anything regarding the other side of his life: the furtive sex in public bathrooms, the self-recrimination and depression, the suicidal thoughts.

The funeral haunted me for weeks.   I finally decided to write about my friend’s life, partly as therapy for my self.

Last year I finished the feature screenplay, “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” “Voicings”is inspired by that screenplay.

“Voicings” is dedicated to the memory of my friend and to the millions of others (including spouses and children) who currently struggle with this complex issue.

STEPHEN WILLIAMS, FILMMAKER