Waking Dreams

Waking Dreams is a short subject film made in 2004. The film was written and directed by John Daschbach.

Cast

• Ben Shenkman—Charles
• Tina Holmes—Becky
• Stephanie McVay—Mrs. Mills
• Kevin Lageman—Patient
• Krigia Nanozu

Plot

A corporate executive named Charles is preparing for his vacation on a cruise. However, the office temp tells him that he is going to die on the cruise if he swims in the ocean, apparently to get eaten by a shark. Becky explains to the surprised Charles (who believes it's a prank) that she is an amateur psychic whose dreams predict the future.

Charles dismisses her warnings, though he does take heed, and goes on the vacation, even swimming. When he returns, however, he finds that Becky has had a nervous breakdown, and is in a mental institution. Charles visits Becky, who is on medication, and explains his safety. Charles then promises her that he'll visit the next day.

Charles leaves, wondering whether to cross the street or taking the subway....

Reaction

The film was critically acclaimed, getting an audience award for Best Short Film at the Boston Film Festival.

DVD release

The film was released on digital video disc in the package of various short subjects, Celebrity Mix, released by TLA Video on January 17, 2006.