Judith, a teenage songwriter with late-stage kidney disease, and James, a suicidal young guitarist, meet in a small Colorado town. When their mental health challenges become intertwined and blister to the surface, they’ll find music and connection could save each of them from the emptiness.

SYNOPSIS:

"A Life in Thin Air"

By Daniel Silvas

(206)953-1022 or daniel.silvas.wa@outlook.com

Logline: Judith, a teenage songwriter with late-stage kidney disease, and James, a suicidal young guitarist, meet in a small Colorado town. When their mental health challenges become intertwined and blister to the surface, they’ll find music and connection could save each of them from the emptiness.

A young family faces a life-altering diagnosis for Judith, a gifted teenage songwriter needing a transplant. Her gift is a light hidden behind an angsty façade that rivals many of the best contemporary artists. Her lyrics find poignance and heart at the depth of her struggle as she searches for independence to cope with her illness.

The illness, however, sets off a chain reaction, challenging the family’s previous life. Stefanie, Judith's mother, battles stress and mental health issues. Her frailty is palpable because she can’t connect with Judith as she once had, nor can she find comfort in a relationship with Eric, her ex. In her suffering, she finds acceptance helping others who cross her path.

James, a guitarist battling depression, unexpectedly enters their lives because of Stefanie. His songwriting is an outlet that pierces his depression. These words find Judith as she seeks to find a connection and the support to help her mother. She’s unaware though of James’s deeper struggles. He lost his fiancée to suicide and has come to the small mountain town to join her.

As each of them work to find the truth and become the support each need. James will be the transplant the family needs, offering hope amidst adversity. They will breathe life and hope back into James through their connection.

Judith transforms from a rebellious and withdrawn teenager battling kidney failure to a compassionate, resilient young woman. Her journey involves learning empathy, independence, and strength, reflecting growth, determination, and a drive for survival amidst personal struggles.

James is saved from a despondent and isolated individual to a compassionate figure finding purpose and connection through this encounter. His evolution showcases resilience, courage, and hope.

Stefanie evolves from a troubled, guarded individual to a compassionate, self-aware person, finding solace in kindness and understanding. Through supporting James and navigating her daughter's illness, she discovers resilience, purpose, and connection.

A LIFE IN THIN AIR