ANNOUNCEMENT: Coffeehouse Cinema Vol. 5 is selling TICKETS AT THE DOOR. If you are still wanting to come tonight, we’ll see you at File Systems of Coffee (6051 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038).

Welcome to Filmmaker Fridays, where every week we highlight our Coffeehouse Cinema filmmakers and their amazing projects.

Today, we are featuring Chris Cole, director of the short film Terminally Ill. Since screening at Coffeehouse Cinema Vol. 1, Terminally Ill has remained our highest audience-rated film to date, resonating deeply with audiences through its unique blend of humor, heart, and humanity.

While Chris wasn't able to join us for the Q&A following the screening, we're excited to use Filmmaker Fridays as an opportunity to share his thoughts, creative process, and the story behind the film. We can't wait for you to learn more about the filmmaker behind one of the most beloved shorts ever screened at Coffeehouse Cinema.

In the feature below, Chris goes into how music was blended into this story about grief and hope.

Thank you Chris for sharing your time. More about Chris below before diving into our conversation!

For people discovering your work through Coffeehouse Cinema, how would you describe this film today?

Terminally Ill is a surreal, music driven short film about a guy who visits his grandmother’s death bed and finds out that if he raps his last words to her, she’ll stay alive. It takes some twists and turns throughout, but it really toes the line of the levity and sadness of the circumstance.

Coffeehouse Cinema is about creating space for intimate stories. Looking back now, what part of this film feels most personal to you?