The cutting, contemporary drama, Under The Rug by emerging filmmaker, Jackson Weidenfeller is an intense observation over the complacency society retains within the depths of its darkest issues.
We see the world through the eyes of the lead character, Cassandra, an older woman who has invested the majority of her life in a relationship with a flawed human being. Her husband Thomas is well-known around town after spending several decades as an assistant coach for the University football program. Shortly after his retirement allegations surfaced surrounding his time running a youth football camp. The rumors were never confirmed and are still often debated by fans around the state. Thomas retired not due to the rumors but due to the decay in his mental condition, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years before the start of the film. Cassandra and Thomas live in the suburbs but are isolated from society. Few people know about Thomas’ condition except for their immediate family. Cassandra’s relationship with their adult kids, Sara and Tom is strained. Her avoidance of the subject in the early days of Thomas’ cognitive decline was not supported by her children. At the time of the film, Thomas can barely remember his name and his family has all but resigned to the fact they may never know the truth. Cassandra is now set to live through the twilight years of her life as the caretaker of a man who may have been a monster. It is complicated. Regardless of the past, Thomas’ suffering creates a mixture of emotions in Cassandra. She can’t help but pity the man. The family’s life is upended when the state gets set to bring charges against Thomas. It seems the family may finally learn the truth once and for all.
Creative Team
About The Film
Director
Jackson Weidenfeller
An experienced short film producer, Jackson has set his sights on his first directing effort. His recent projects include a TV pilot shot in Brooklyn, and a short film shot in New Jersey. He is inspired to tell stories that broaden the scope of empathy and understanding of the human experience.
Director of Photography
Carter Knopik
Carter is an LA based cinematographer from Lincoln, NE. He has worked on a variety of projects including a campaign for MUD/WTR and recently shot his first feature film
Executive Producer
Hamza Haqqi EdD
Hamza received his doctorate from Baylor University where he studied developmental and educational psychology. He is an experienced grant writer and has worked with large non-profit organizations to raise funding across Nebraska.
Assistant Director
Associate Producer
Hunter Bergman
Hunter is the founder of a brand marketing company, XPM that specialized in crafting compelling stories that connect with audiences through digital platforms. He has led business networking efforts in multiple cities in Nebraska.
Author/Producer/Director
Amal Alexander
Amal Alexander is the author of 9 children's books. Amal’s stories celebrate the achievements of each of these amazing and courageous women. Amal is also the producer and director of a short film called “Muslims in America”, a film about Jews, Muslims and Christians living together as neighbors. Amal loves to celebrate films and film-making and is a board member of the Madison film festival.
