FILM TYPE:

Short

SYNOPSYS

Caught in the web of an emotionally manipulative and abusive relationship, Valorie grapples with her inner voice as she confronts the echoes of her own turmoil.

DIRECTOR BIO

Bailey Roman grew up in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Long Island, New York to pursue a degree in Film Studies and Production at Hofstra University. Bailey's directorial debut took the form of a short drama film titled “Behind Closed Doors,” developed as her senior thesis. In addition to this achievement, Bailey has proven herself in the industry by working as a Production Assistant on the CW’s “All American” and interning as an Assistant Editor at Dakoit Pictures in Brooklyn. Adept in both post-production and production aspects of filmmaking, Bailey aspires to bring untold stories to the screen, drawing inspiration from fictional novels or real-life events. Her ambition is to continue collaborating with talented individuals in the industry while pursuing her dream of directing impactful films.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

When I graduated from high school, I left behind a long-term relationship to move to another state for college. It wasn’t until after I decided to leave that I came to the stark realization that I had been entangled in an emotionally manipulative and, at times, physically precarious relationship. I consider myself grateful, for I left before it could have morphed into a dangerous and inescapable situation. Many people are not so lucky.

This realization opened my eyes to many questions: How many people are caught in a similar situation without realizing that they deserve better, that they can have better? That they have the power to leave, and yet have no desire to act on it. It was this line of thinking that led me to create my senior thesis film “Behind Closed Doors”.

The narrative explores the profound impact of manipulation on an individual's psyche, drawing from the raw emotions and psychological turmoil I endured. In crafting Valorie's story, I was forced to confront my past, and re-open the wounds I had neglected many years ago. This proved to be the hardest challenge I had faced in the making of the film, as I realized there was much healing I needed to do before truly understanding what impact I wanted to make out of telling Valorie’s story. My goal is to shed light on the often overlooked nuances of such relationships and to provide an empathetic experience for those who have walked or who continue to walk similar paths. Through Valorie's journey, the film seeks to shatter the silence enveloping emotional abuse and, above all, to instill in the audience the crucial message of self-trust.

By sharing this narrative that relates to many, I aspire to contribute to a broader conversation about resilience, healing, and the importance of empowering survivors to reclaim their voices. It is my sincere hope that this film sparks conversations, fosters empathy, and encourages those who have suffered silently to find solace in knowing they are not alone.