When director, Lidiya Korotko approached me with Bombs Bursting In Air, I was immediately struck by Sydney Sainté’s beautifully written script. Inspired by Lidiya’s vision and passion, I joined her female led team as a producer and composer.

The story is centered on Della (Sydney Sainté’), who makes the bold decision to leave her alcoholic, abusive husband, Harry (Christopher Mychael Watson), by setting out on a brave and solitary journey from their Coney Island apartment on July 4th, 1949. It is an empowering story of a woman of color, who understands her own worth and is fearless in her pursuit of a better life. When Della happens upon an empty bar, the owner, Mishka (Andrew Ramaglia), a Russian Jewish WWII veteran, gives her shelter for the night. And in those late night hours, these two underdogs form an unexpected and unlikely bond.

Although Lidiya was a first time director, it was clear that her skills, and attention to detail, were way above par. I’m proud to see her win an Outstanding Achievement Award for a first time director from the Indie Short Fest Los Angeles… hopefully a springboard for many more to come.

(L-R ) Hamilton Matthews, Lidiya Korotko, Jonathan Freeman
Outstanding Achievement Award (First Time Director Female): Lidiya Korotko