In The Tradition of My Family

New York Film Festival
Philadelphia Film Festival -- Best Short (Won)
Rhode Island International Film Festival -- Best Student Film (Won)
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
Washington DC Independent Film Festival -- Audience Award Best Short (Won)
Boston Underground Film Festival
Munich International Film Festival of Film Colleges
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Napa-Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival
Tel-Aviv International Student Film Festival
Santa Fe Film Festival
Lake County Film Festival
West Chester Short Film Festival
Humboldt International Film Festival
Big Bear Lake International Film Festival (Big Bear Lake, U.S.A.)
Northampton Film Festival
Rome International Film Festival
Filmstock International Film Festival (UK)
Boston International Film Festival
New England Film & Video Festival
Delray Beach Film Festival
New Hampshire Film Expo
Chicago International Reel Shorts Film Festival
International Student Film Festival (North Hollywood, CA)
Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival
Killington Film Festival -- Best Short (Won)
Plymouth Independent Film Festival -- Best Student Film (Won)
Albuquerque Film Festival
Redstone Film Festival -- Best Film (Won)
Boston Cinema Census
Chlotrudis Short Film Festival
Longbaugh Film Festival
Naked Eye College Film Festival

"In The Tradition of My Family" was directed by and adapted for the screen by Todd Davis, and was shot on Super 16mm film by cinematographer Austin de Besche ("Return of the Secaucus 7," "Lianna"). Emmy award-winner ("Desperate Housewives") and two-time ACE Eddie award-winner ("Sex and the City") Michael Berenbaum edited the film.

"In The Tradition of My Family" is based on the short story by Phil LaMarche ("American Youth"). The story was published in the Spring/Summer 2005 edition of "Ninth Letter," a literary journal produced by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The film was shot in Boxborough, Massachusetts in June of 2005 with a very talented New England-based cast and crew, and went on to play at over 45 film festivals around the world, winning 10 awards.

The journey of this film began when I read a draft of the short story written by Phil LaMarche. Phil’s story immediately grabbed me. It was incredibly well written, and it was a story about something. I wanted to film a story, one that kept the viewer asking, “What happens next?” I wanted the film not only to work upon first viewing, but also to give the viewer something to think about afterwards. Those are the films that stick with me.

The story had an intriguing “what if” proposal – What if there was a family that shot their sons as a rite of passage? Once that world is established, once the audience accepts the premise, the rest of the film should follow logically.

The language of the voice over is taken almost verbatim from the story; its rhythm and lyricism blend with the visuals as the narrator guides you through this strange world that, on the surface, doesn’t seem very different from reality.

I am intrigued by the quasi-religious aspects of the story. The kneeling, the stigmata, the reference to the story of Abraham and Isaac all lend a heft to what at first read like a circumcision allegory. Extending beyond this idea, the notion of how we raise are children and what damage we do to them, both physically and emotionally, what we teach our children is normal, inform a great deal of the screenplay. I hope the film also offers as subtext a comment on America’s obsessive insistence on gun ownership.

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"...the same gritty feel as the recent 13 (Tzameti) and hits just as hard with its depiction of a gruesome family tradition that must be seen to be believed." ReelReviewer.com (New York Film Festival review on Rotten Tomatoes)

"...This was the most professional looking film I saw at the [Rome International] Film Festival... Keep your eye out for [Todd Davis]; he is going to be big one day. Score: A" Adam Martin, Rome Unscene

"A terrific adaptation of the short story, and an excellent use of its cast's talents." Scott Johnston, Philadelphia Film Society

"'In The Tradition of My Family' is very well made-- and quite disturbing. Todd demonstrates his individuality as a filmmaker not only in the manner in which he creates the film, but in the decision to film this story in the first place. I applaud him for both... I would love to see [his other films]." Arthur Allan Seidelman, director, "The Sisters"

"A gem of a short film, 'In The Tradition of My Family' tells its story, in the tradition of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery,' of the rite of male passage in an extended New England family. The clean, crisp acting, lighting and editing, and taut direction communicate a surprisingly deep and rich insight into male psychology. This film explores the warrior spirit beneath the surface of domestic order to suggest a vast labyrinth of unspoken higher truths. This little film will haunt its viewers, its vivid and striking images lingering long after the final blows have fallen." Les Wright, CultureVulture.net

"[Davis] effectively portrayed the tension that family members feel about this tradition. Cult like, it felt eerie and scary... What I enjoyed about the film was that I was bewildered, shocked, scared and fascinated all at the same time... effective storytelling, shots... full attention to details. The color tone - earthy and rustic. Acting was subtle but real. Remember the name, Todd H Davis, he has showed us what he can do. I got mesmerized by his work. I look forward to his first feature film. Why should you watch this short film? This film is a winner, effective storytelling par excellence!" Luis Pedron, FanClubX.com

"...perversely intriguing..." Greg White, BU Source

"The film is really extraordinary... It has a very rich parable... a simple story that can be read in many different ways. Although the narrative is clear, it hints at all types of mysterious meanings." Charles Merzbacher, chairman, Department of Film and Television, Boston University