Rorschach
Based on a True Story
a film by
Steffi Harshberger
“A personal coming-of-age story meets a page of American history in the shadow of the tragic events of World War I”
— Rome Prisma Film Awards
“How does a man decide where his loyalties lie, when both entities are something he loves, respects and cares for?”
“This is my decision, and I won’t betray it.”
“The War to End all Wars..”
“..Men all across the country are fleeing their homes and their families to sacrifice something great for the greater good of their country and their people. Some might say. Others, may say taking a stand not to fight is a way to honor their family and friends, by not partaking in the conflict, and protecting a passive and peaceful way of life.…. As long as you’re on this mortal earth, you’ll have to decide for yourself.”
Meet the Cast
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Will Sayegh
as WELLESLEY
Cast as 15 year old Wellesley, Will brought a refreshing youthfulness to the role. Playing a real life person, he dove head first into the research and respect for the character. He won Best Actor in multiple film festivals, along with an array of other ensemble nominations and accolades. Check out our awards section for more of Will’s success throughout Rorschach’s festival run.
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Jordan Warren
as FATHER
Jordan was originally cast solely as Father, but as the script grew and changed, five additional characters were added to his role, including Neighbor, Mailman, Enlistment Officer, Pastor and Sergeant. Hence, creating the mental “Rorschach” for our lead character, his son Wellesley. Jordan won Best Supporting Actor for his 6-character performance at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. Check out our awards section for more of Jordans wins and nominations throughout Rorschach’s festival run.
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Jonathan Dryden
as SERGEANT
While cast as a supporting role, Jonathan made a seamless entry into a cast of an already tight-knit twosome. His performance was dialed in, matching the tone of Rorschach, which accomplished a fitting surprise for the ending of the film.
The crew that made Rorschach
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Producer, Writer & Director: Steffi Harshberger
Associate Producer: Bill Greig
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Director of Photography: Luke Shaw
Camera Operator: Landon Jeurn
1st AC: Allen Ben Chen
Sound Mixer (San Pedro Unit): Oscar nominated Ben Greaves
Sound Mixer (LA Unit): Mike O’Heney
Boom Operator: Terrell Woodard
BTS Videographer: Kurt Levy
Hair Dept Head: Rachael A. Edminston
Costume Designer: Steffi Harshberger
Script Supervisor: Bohdi Neri
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Graphic Designer: Lauren Miggins
Sound Designer: Justin Wright
Edit and Color by: Steffi Harshberger
“No doubt this film feels like a work of passion by the whole team, as we are looking at an all around exquisite film.”
“The authors field experience infuses this independent production with attention to quality and detail, thanks to the costumes and sets that allow us to immerse ourselves in a distant era reconstructed with verisimilitude.”
BTS images shot on film by Bill Greig
< World Premiere trailer
Rorschach’s World Premiere at Regal Cinemas at LA LIVE winning Best Drama Short, Best Director and runner-up for Best Film at the Indie Short Fest.
Hollywood Reel IFF, Award trailer >
Jordan Warren’s work playing 6 drastically different characters was noticed by the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival as they awarded him the winner of Best Supporting Actor of the year.
Film Festival Awards
Below is a condensed list of some of Rorschach’s festival wins
LAFA
Best Indie Short (win)
Festigious LA
Best Director (win)
Best Duo (win)
Best Actor (win)
Best Supporting Actor (win)
Best Indie Short (win)
Hollywood Reel IFF
Best Supporting Actor (win)
London International FF
Narrative International Short (semi-finalist)
Golden Short FF
Golden Narrative Short (finalist)
Golden Actor (finalist)
Rome Prisma Film Awards
Best Short Film (finalist)
New Orleans IFF
Best Short Director (win)
Cannes Film Awards
Best American Film (win)
Indie Short Fest
Best Film (runner-up)
Best Short Director (Outstanding Achievement) Best Drama Short (win)
Venice Shorts (LA)
Best Indie Short (win)
Best Actor (win)
New Creators Film Awards Paris, France
Best Drama Film (win)
Independent Short Awards
Best Film (runner-up) Best Drama Film (win)
Best Director (win)
Best Acting Duo (win)
Nashville IFF
Best Director (win)
Actors Awards
Best Supporting Actor (win)
IndieX Film Fest
Best Drama Film (Outstanding Achievement)
Best Supporting Actor (win) Best Female Director (win)
A word from the Director
After a successful festival run, Rorschach won over 25 awards, which complements the cast and crew for their incredible work, and is a testament to the magic of this film.
The people that this film was made in honor of, would be very proud to see its beauty and success. Thank you to all who helped make Rorschach, all those who came to our theatrical screenings in support, all the festivals who took notice of our film, and to all who watched and will watch this special film. Thank you. It has been an absolute honor to make such a joyful and collaborative piece of art. Cheers!
Steffi Lynn Roberts Harshberger
Scroll below to watch the full award-winning short film.
Rorschach
For Lynn and Wellesley
The true story of 15 year old Wellesley, who struggles with the decision between running away to illegally enlist under age for the First World War, or to obey his Fathers command and family line of Pacifism.