PROJECTS
The Burden of Light
Feature Screenplay, 2022
IN-DEVELOPMENT/FESTIVALS
The Burden of Light is a feature film screenplay written by Helen Alexis Yonov.
When an American woman (Anu) inherits an abandoned apartment in Paris from her Great Aunt (Hélène,) Anu is surprised to find an untouched 1939 time capsule. As she learns about the broken engagement that caused Hélène to leave Paris prior to World War II, Anu herself finds love where it’s least expected.
“Separated by Sacrifice. Bound by Love.”
In the Shadow of the Storm
Feature Documentary, 2022
IN-DEVELOPMENT/FESTIVALS
An intimate portrait of a man by his daughter.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Cold War, In the Shadow of the Storm is a feature length documentary about the cyclical nature of one man’s life, Captain Serge Alexis Yonov. The film follows Captain Yonov from when he and his family fled the Soviet invasion of Latvia in 1944 through his geo-political career in the United States Navy to his ultimately becoming the last U.S. Naval Attaché to Russia. His last diplomatic tour finally afforded him the opportunity to search for his family, who he believed were still in Latvia, as well as bear witness to the fall of Communism while he - along with his wife Gail and daughter Alexis - were in Moscow in August of 1991. During a military and diplomatic career that covered most of the World, Serge’s most important journey was his leaving Latvia for America and his return to his homeland in 1991.
“They will never believe us.”
The Gesture and The Word
Short Film, 2020
COMPLETED/FESTIVALS/DISTRIBUTION
Writer-Director-Producer - Helen Alexis Yonov
A lonely postman (Gilbert) lives vicariously through hand-drawn postcards that a woman (Aurore) receives from her boyfriend (Eric) as he travels around the world. When the postcards suddenly stop, Gilbert begins to secretly recreate them. With the help of his friend Mr. Rostalle, (Paul Dooley) a blind widower and retired literary professor and poet, Gilbert (James Michael Tyler) learns to open himself up to the prospect of love, and in the process of trying to bring someone else happiness, discovers it for himself as he learns to express his feelings for the neighborhood florist (Eloïse.)
Starring James Michael Tyler, Paul Dooley, Nicole LaLiberté, Roxane Mesquida, and Andrew Creer. Cinematography by Matt Rodgers. Produced by Andrea Fellers. Composed by Craig Richey.
We Stand Together #metoo
PSA, 2020
COMPLETED/FESTIVALS
Writer-Director - Helen Alexis Yonov
We Stand Together is an expression of female empowerment in the #METOO era that initially comes across as a fashion advertisement. By challenging the viewer’s initial response to the piece, it highlight’s society’s voyeuristic nature by questioning people’s initial judgment of the film. Whether it is the male gaze or competition amongst women, the film urges both genders to look beyond the superficial.
Cinematography by Matt Rodgers. Produced by Andrea Fellers. Composed by Craig Richey.
The Weight of It
Short Film, 2008
COMPLETED/FESTIVALS
Writer-Director - Helen Alexis Yonov
After years of estrangement, Cela returns home to confront her dying father about their broken past and heal old wounds.
Producers: Andrea Fellers & Tara Tovarek. Executive Producers: Helen Alexis Yonov & Gail Yonov Root Director of Photography: Cira Felina Bolla. Editor: Darrin Navarro. Composer: Pierpaolo Tiano