W. TRENT WELSTEAD

In 2015, two young men embarked on an ambitious passion project—mysteriously titled, A Glory Revealed—with the help of a few friends. Now separated, they reflect upon the unique experience, assessing their successes and shortcomings, growing even closer along the way.

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The summer of 2018 challenged me to make preparations, to consider how my time would be best utilized the following year, upon the upcoming completion of my degree in December. Largely shot that summer before my final semester commenced, then set aside as planned, in order to focus on my studies, A Story Revealed was established to occupy my time in 2019 as I began to research graduate schools. A foray into Documentary, I knew the editing would require significant time management, especially as a personal project without a concrete deadline. However, I was kept busy for much longer than originally anticipated.  

This production was not planned as a feature, and therefore, it's difficult for me to label it as a debut in that context, despite the run-time of 80 minutes. Upon close examination of the interviews, and the early assembly cuts, we felt it would work better as a simple feature, as opposed to a hectic twilight film of 40-50 minutes—too short for a feature, yet too long for a short. Ultimately, we feel we made the right choice. 

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There are plenty of wonderful people to thank for one reason or another. Film is collaborative by nature. Alas, as descriptions are not novels, and limits must be enforced, Kyle McLaughlin and Skye King deserve particular praise for their unwavering support in nurturing the initial idea, into a reality. Faced with natural reservations upfront regarding whether to pursue the project, Kyle convinced me that I should, and Skye assured me that we could, at least in a manner which would lead to a personally satisfying result. 

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A Story Revealed has been the process of closing many doors, an experience in long overdue closure. Nevertheless, it has also created opportunities and friendships throughout, many more than I could have ever predicted amidst both productions, the original Glory, and now the revised Story. It's a worthwhile, personal conclusion to a certain chapter in my life, one in which I navigated the possibilities of this medium, while enrolled at Virginia Tech. To this end, one might consider A Story Revealed somewhat of a self-initiated, undergraduate thesis project. An unconventional, lengthy and reflexive student endeavor, examining the past, with a sense of optimism towards the future.   

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For now, you may view the trailer above, as we await to hear back from festivals. Please stay tuned for more information, or check out some of my short films in the meantime.